Fun Drop-in Activities Included with Your Admission

Looking to enhance your next visit to a wildlife sanctuary? These drop-in activities bring nature to life with the chance to meet wildlife up close, create art, ask questions, and more. 

Included with the price of admission, you can easily add more unforgettable special experiences to your next visit with some strategic scheduling. 

Nature Play Activities at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield

Nature Play – Most Saturdays from 1:00-3:00 pm

Ipswich River hosts Nature Play on most Saturday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 pm, stop by the sanctuary for nature play. Trained volunteers will be on hand to lead seasonal activities, games, crafts inspired by sanctuary wildlife and habitats that are ideal for families with children ages 3-8. Free with admission. Get Details

Touch Tanks & Beach Creatures at Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport 

Select Dates & Times 

Joppa Flats hosts regular family-friendly drop-in programs geared to families with children ages 3-12. Meet hermit crabs, moon snails, sea urchins, and more. Observe them under the microscope, visit the science station, and take home a craft for a fun beach themed day together. Get Details

Story Time & Feeder Fun at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, South Wellfleet 

Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Select Sundays 

Families can pop in to Wellfleet Bay to explore and play, read a story together, and learn about animals on the cape. Feed fish and watch birds on the feeders while our expert naturalists answer all your curious child’s most pressing questions. Plan Your Visit

Make Art at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Northampton 

April-October 

From April-October, the Art House at Arcadia is open as a creative resource for you to capture your inspiration form the natural world. Step inside to find readily available art supplies, plus instructions and ideas for drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, printmaking, and collage projects. Get Inspired

Meet Live Animals at Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton 

Saturdays & Sundays 

Stop by the auditorium at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum to meet one of our animal ambassadors—including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more—up close. Our knowledgeable educators will share each animal's fascinating story and answer all of your questions. Find Out More

Lambing & Kidding at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Lincoln

February-April, Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 am-4:00 pm

In early spring, the Drumlin Farm is full of life as new lambs and kids are born. Visit the sheep and goat barns to interact with our teacher naturalists, who are there to answer all your burning questions. Naturalists also have rotating displays, from wool carding tools you can try your hand at to samples of products like yarn and goat milk soaps.