MA State Parks Offer Free April School Vacation Outdoor Earth Day Events

MASSACHUSETTS — Parking and other access fees at state parks across Massachusetts will be waived for the April student vacation week as the state Department of Conservation & Recreation looks to encourage participation in its outdoor programming.

Mass DCR is offering 85 free recreational activities for kids and families at 24 state parks and watersheds across the state starting on Saturday.

Mass DCR is offering 85 free recreational activities for kids and families at 24 state parks and watersheds across the state starting on Saturday.

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The events are in conjunction with Earth Week and with programs including those on sustainable gardening, guided hikes, animal encounters and more from April 18 through April 26.

These programs are designed to help families connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and enjoy Massachusetts’ state parks together.

"April school vacation is a great time for families to explore, learn, and spend time together," said new Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike. "These free, interactive experiences help students stay engaged outside the classroom and allow families to experience the unique resources that make Massachusetts special."

DCR will continue to provide regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open for people to enjoy exhibits, including the First Peoples, First Stewards Children’s Libraries located at several DCR properties.

Visit the DCR's website for details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities.

Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for all locations and activities.

Children are required to be accompanied by an adult for all activities. Many events are weather-dependent and subject to change or cancellation.

Registration is required for select events.

Highlights from April break programming include:

An Oasis for Birds - Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, East Boston

Saturday, April 18, 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Discover raptors and other specialty birds on a leisurely 1-mile walk over flat, relatively easy terrain at this bird watching hotspot. Great for adults and children age eight and up. Guests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. Limited numbers of binoculars will be available to borrow. This is a multi-location activity. Guests interested in visiting more than one location will be responsible for their own transportation. Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation main parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston.

Woodlands and Waterways - Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge

Saturday, April 18, 10 – 11 a.m.

Go for a 1-mile walk along the banks of the Blackstone River and learn about the life that it supports. Guests will have the chance to look for signs of local wildlife and learn from staff about everything DCR does to protect this watershed. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

Walking with the Ancients - Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Princeton

Tuesday, April 21, 1 – 2 p.m.

Explore the forests of Wachusett Mountain with DCR staff and learn about some of the rarest and most ancient trees currently growing in Massachusetts. Wachusett Mountain has the only old-growth forest in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. This experience will include a roughly 1-mile guided hike. Great for children ages 8 and up.

The Seal Sensation Station - Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury

Thursday, April 23, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Drop by for a quick look or stay a while to watch for harbor seals resting on the rocks along Salisbury Beach and learn about their behavior from DCR staff. Sightings are dependent on tide conditions and seal behavior. Spotting scopes are provided. Great for children ages 5 and up. Meeting Location: After parking in Lot 1 by the Merrimack River, head right along the path. Look for spotting scopes and educational displays and follow signs near the bathrooms and river.

Live Animal Presentation – Halibut Point State Park, Rockport

Saturday, April 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team for an up-close look at native frogs and salamanders and learn about their behaviors and habitats. This engaging, family-friendly program is co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park and is open to all ages and abilities. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Kids Mansion Tour - Borderland State Park, North Easton

April 18, 19, 20, 24, & 25, 2 – 2:30 p.m.

What would it be like to be a kid living in the Ames Mansion? Learn about the Ames family and the four children who grew up in this 116-year-old home. Explore this historic home on a free, guided tour. Walk-ins are welcome, but guests are encouraged to register online as space is limited.  

Sew What! A Sewing and Mending Workshop - Fall River Heritage State Park, Fall River

Saturday, April 25, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Join DCR and our partners with the Bristol Black Collective for a hands-on workshop experience. Participants can explore the techniques of stitching and visible mending while learning how to replace buttons, repair zippers, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring an item to repair. Meet in the Visitor Center.

Water Supply Properties:

Spring Puddles Stroll & Story - Wachusett Reservoir Watershed, Sterling

Friday, April 24, 10 – 11 a.m.

Join a morning of outdoor adventure on this slow-paced walk to spot signs of wildlife and listen for frog calls. Along the way, participants will stop at a forested play area and read from the book The Noisy Puddle, which describes the magic of vernal pools. This walk is less than a mile in length on a trail accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Creatures of the Forest - Wachusett Reservoir Watershed, Sterling

Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Explore the different habitats and animals of the watershed on a guided sensory adventure for explorers of all abilities. Along this ¾ mile stroll, guests will encounter the telltale signs of forest life. The trail is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.