Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Four people kayaking with Boston's skyline in the background

Summer Nights with DCR

Special Event: July 9-August 22, 2024

Teens, preteens, and their families are invited to join us outdoors for a series of exciting summer evenings, where we will kayak, canoe, bike, make art, explore the outdoors, meet live animals, and more. 

All programs are offered for free in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration is not required (except for programs at Magazine Beach); drop in for part or all of the programs. 

Four people kayaking with Boston's skyline in the background

Emma's Place on Wilder Pond

1464 Parker Street, Springfield
Friday, August 2 • 2:00-6:00 pm

Join Mass Audubon educators and local environmental organizations for an afternoon of nature activities, a live animal presentation, and prizes for kids! 

Register

First Fridays at Five

North St, Pittsfield
Friday, August 8 • 5:00-8:00 pm

Stop by Mass Audubon’s station and learn about the wildlife of the Berkshires and the natural places they depended on through various hands-on activities and crafts.

Ricketson Nature Center in Brooklawn Park 

1997 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford 
Tuesdays, July 9-August 13 • 5:00-7:00 pm 

Through art activities, nature exploration, and guided walks learn about the wildlife of New Bedford from owls to bats to fireflies and more. These weekly programs are run in partnership with the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department.

Magazine Beach Park Nature Center 

668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Tuesdays, July 9-August 20 • 5:00-8:00 pm 

Gain a new perspective of the Charles River–from the seat of a kayak! Explore the river’s ecosystem through a guided kayak tour on the water and by foot along its banks. Preregistration is required.

Register

Carson Beach 

185 William J. Day Boulevard, Dorchester 
Tuesdays, July 9-August 13 • 6:00-8:00 pm 

Discover how people, culture, and the ecosystem come together to create unique communities as you observe the plants and animals at Carson Beach and create nature inspired art as you enjoy the ocean breeze.

Stoughton Recreation Center 

15 Pleasant St, Stoughton 
Wednesdays, July 10-August 14 • 5:00-7:00 pm 

Get creative while sharpening your scientific skills and exploring nature. Make nature journals, learn monotype printing techniques, observe and draw live animals, and spend time with peers outdoors.

Ryan Playground

350 River St, Mattapan
Wednesdays, July 10-August 14 • 6:00-8:00 pm 

Discover nature in your neighborhood and learn about the animals and plants that call green spaces in Boston home. Take part in a variety of unique nature-based activities from dissecting owl pellets to tie-dyeing with natural materials. 

Mass Audubon Blue Hills Trailside Museum

1904 Canton Ave, Milton 
Thursdays, July 11-August 22 • 4:00-7:00 pm

Experience an after-hours night at the museum. Trailside Museum will come to life with opportunities to meet resident wildlife (including foxes, turtles, hawks, owls, deer, and river otter) and channel your creativity with hands-on nature and art activities.

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center

3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester
Thursday, July 11 • 5:00-7:00 pm

Explore the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center during an after-hours visit with picnicking, miles of open trails, and nature themed activities including searching for fireflies.

Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook

414 Massasoit Road, Worcester 
Thursday, August 15 • 5:00-7:00 pm

Take in the beauty of Broad Meadow Brook after hours with picnicking, miles of open trails, and nature themed activities including searching for fireflies.