If you are not traveling to a tropical island or taking a long road trip this April school vacation, we have your staycation research completed for you. The North Shore offers a vast array of events this April – explore a spring nature trail, get a panoramic view from a cupola, learn about physics from Mad Science, learn about rainforest reptiles, experience springtime on a farm, and more. Time to grab your calendar and get planning!
Crane Estate, Ipswich | April 18-26
The Crane Estate is always a glorious place to wander, but you can also enroll in an in-depth program to learn more about the history, architecture, wildlife, and ecology of the property. Offerings during vacation week include a tour up to the Cupola for panoramic views of Castle Hill, a four mile hike along the heart of the Castle Neck trail system, and The Cat’s Meow mystery tour. Check out the full slate at thetrustees.org/events.
Wenham Museum, Wenham | April 20
At the Wenham Museum check out Mad Science with Phenomenal Physics—an exciting, hands-on show that brings the wonders of science to life. Through surprising demonstrations and plenty of audience interaction, kids and grown-ups alike will explore the forces that shape our world, including balance, gravity, and Newton’s Laws of motion. There are two shows – 10am and 2pm. Register at wenhammuseum.org/events.
Stone Zoo, Stoneham | April 18-26
Looking for your next spring adventure? Gather your friends and family and head to Stone Zoo for a day full of curiosity, discovery and fun! Say hello to feathered and furry residents that call the Zoo home, from cougars and snow leopards to black bears and more. Then make your way to the Petting Zoo, where you’ll meet Nubian goats, Nigerian dwarf goats and Southdown sheep. Register at zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo.
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport | All Week
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation offers free April vacation programs all week from 8:00am-3:00pm starting at the visitor center area. Events include a Quarrying History Self-Guided Tour, a Symphony of Bird Song!, and a Celebrate Earth Day with Live Animals!!! Live Vernal Pond Animals. Before you leave, make sure to climb the World War II-era lookout tower. Visit mass.gov/info-details/april-school-vacation-week-programs for more information.
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, North Andover | April 19-26
The Hike & Seek: Sprouts of Spring self-guided program at the Stevens-Coolidge House in North Andover runs from April 19th to 26th allows you to follow your own schedule. Participants will be emailed a downloadable activity bundle designed to guide your adventure around the grounds of Stevens-Coolidge. This self-guided experience includes spring-themed activities such as maps, a scavenger hunt, crafts, a curated reading list, and seasonal recipes. Pre-registration is required to receive the bundle. Learn more: thetrustees.org/event/444642
Lynn Museum & Arts Center, Lynn | April 20-24
A week-long celebration with nature and science-inspired crafts, special workshops, and more. Special workshops include Slime, 3 Ways: Thermochromic, Glow-in-the-Dark, & Fluffy with Outside the Box Learning Company, Rainforest Reptiles Show, Paint, Pot & Plant! Project, The Science & Engineering of Giant Bubbles with Outside the Box Learning Company, and Movie Screening: Zootopia 2. Enjoy free admission to the Museum and view the exhibitions. Register: lynnmuseum.org/events/april-school-vacation-2026
North Shore Children’s Museum, Peabody | All Week
The North Shore Children’s Museum will have open play sessions throughout school vacation. Other programs will be added, such as music and movement, art activities, and Lego events. Children’s programs are free with admission to the coinciding play session unless otherwise designated. Learn more at: nschildrensmuseum.org/visit/our-programs
April Vacation Camp at Appleton Farms | April 20-24
During April vacation week, Appleton Farms holds a camp from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. til 3 p.m. Kids will learn all about how farmers plant crops and prepare for another season on the farm, while making new friends and learning about New England’s springtime environment. Each day will include a hike, a craft, a farm learning activity, and more. Also during April vacation week, the Trustees run a “Hide & Seek: Sprouts of Spring” self-guided program at the Stevens-Coolidge House in North Andover to discover the signs of spring.
April School Vacation Week at the Peabody Essex Museum | April 20,23,24
During April vacation week, visit the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem on Monday, Thursday, or Friday for special vacation events. On Monday, April 20, there will be a Live Animal Encounter with Joy Marzolf and a Drop-In Art: Mixed Media Woven Globe event. On April 23 there will be a Cedar Bark Mat Weaving Demonstration and an Explore Map Making with Essex County Greenbelt event. On April 24 there will be another chance for the Drop-In Art: Mixed Media Woven Globe event.