Aerial Arts

Aerobics

Aikido

Archery

Art & Crafts

Baseball

Basketball

Biking

Bilingual

Board Games

Boating/canoeing

Bowling

Boxing

Capoeira

Ceramics

Cheerleading

Chess

Coding/Programming

Cooking

Cricket

Dance

Drawing/Sketching

Drones

Embroidery

Entrepreneurship

Experiment

Exploration

Farming

Fencing

Field Hockey

Field Trips

Filmmaking

Fishing

Flag Football

Football

Futsal

Gaga Ball

Gardening

Glass work

Go-Karting

Gymnastics

Hapkido

Hiking

Hockey

Horse back

Ice Skating

Jewelry Making

Jiu jitsu

Judo

Karate

Kayaking

Kickboxing

Knitting

Kobudo

Krav Maga

Kung Fu

Lacrosse

Lazer Tag

Marathon

Math

Mini golf

Modeling

Muay Thai

Music

Music Therapy

Nature

Ninja

Occupational Therapy

Painting

Photography

Physical Therapy

Ping-Pong

Playing Instrument

Podcasting

Pottery

Printmaking

Reading

Religious service

Riflery

Robotics

Rock Climbing

Rope Course

Sailing

Scuba Diving

Sensory Play

Sewing

Skating

Sky Diving

Snorkelling

Soccer

Softball

Song Writing

Speech Therapy

Sportsfield activities

STEM/STEAM

Story Telling

Surfing

Swimming

Table Tennis

The great state of Massachusetts, or as our hero, the whimsical Whiskered Walrus (who, by the way, had once mistakenly referred to it as Massa-two-sheds), is home to an abundance of little adventurers, known as the Mighty Mass Hikers. These pint-sized explorers are as brave as they are curious, lacing up their hiking boots to discover the enchanted forests, shimmering lakes, and towering mountains that make up their magical playground.

Massachusetts, with its four distinct seasons, offers an ever-changing backdrop for their adventures. During the autumn months, the trees explode into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows, making the forests look like they've been kissed by a rainbow. In winter, the landscapes transform into a snowy wonderland, perfect for making snow angels or having epic snowball fights. Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers, and summer means it's time to dip toes into the cool lakes.

Now, these Mighty Mass Hikers aren't like regular kids. No, sir! They can detect the faintest twinkle of a fairy wing behind a leaf or hear the softest whisper of a gnome hiding in a tree trunk. With compasses in hand and backpacks filled with snacks (you can't explore on an empty stomach, after all), they march into the wilderness, ready to uncover its secrets. 

But don't be fooled by their size! These little adventurers have hearts as vast and spirited as the Atlantic Ocean, which brushes the shores of their beloved state. Be it rescuing a clumsy squirrel or helping a lost sprite get back home, the Mighty Mass Hikers are always ready for a heroic deed. Together with the Whiskered Walrus, they continue to fill the storybook of Massachusetts with their exciting escapades.

Inexpensive

Affordable

Moderate

Luxury

The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace.

From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries.

At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

The Happy Hive

At the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon (MABA), families can connect with nature through art. MABA is home to Mass Audubon’s extensive art collection, and runs educational programs for people of all ages at the MABA Education Center in Canton. Even though the gallery is currently closed, MABA is developing a new vision to share and feature world-class bird art. Previous exhibitions featured art by renowned artists, whose works were inspired by nature.

Explore the beauty of nature with your family at the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon (MABA)! MABA has an impressive art collection and offers educational programs for all ages at the MABA Education Center in Canton. Although the gallery is closed, MABA is working on a new way to feature and share world-class bird art. Past exhibitions featured art from internationally-recognized artists whose creations were inspired by nature.

Discover the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon (MABA)! MABA strives to connect people to nature through art, and provides educational programs for people of all ages at the MABA Education Center in Canton. With the gallery closed, MABA is creating a new vision for displaying and showcasing bird art from around the world. Previous exhibitions showcased art from renowned artists who gained inspiration from nature.

Visual Arts

Mass Audubon's Museum of American Bird Art

The Boston Nature Center is a unique urban sanctuary located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital. With its trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands, the BNC provides an amazing opportunity for families to explore the natural world. Home to a diverse range of species, including over 150 birds, 40 butterflies, and 350 plants, the BNC has something for everyone. Plus, the center offers year-round programs designed to foster an appreciation for nature and the environment. 

Are you looking for a fun and educational way to explore the outdoors? Then the Boston Nature Center (BNC) is the perfect spot for you and your family. Located just outside of downtown Boston, on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the BNC is a community-based urban sanctuary. With trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands, the center is teeming with over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and more than 350 species of plants. Year-round programs help to foster an appreciation for nature and the environment, and create an interactive and educational experience for people of all ages.

Bring your family to the Boston Nature Center and explore the great outdoors! Located just outside of downtown Boston on the former grounds of the Boston State Hospital, the BNC is a community-based urban sanctuary, complete with trails, boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands. Families can observe over 150 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, and 350 species of plants in their natural habitats. Plus, the center provides year-round programs to further the appreciation for nature and the environment. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a beginner, the BNC has something for everyone.

Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center

The Middlesex Fells has had a long and rich history. For centuries, it provided hunting and fishing grounds for Massachusett and Pawtucket (or Pennacook) Native Americans, who grew grain, corn, squash, and beans. In 1632, Governor John Winthrop named the largest body of water “Spot Pond” due to the many islands and rocks protruding through the ice. The Fells then went on to be used for farming and timber, followed by industrial activity in the mid-1800s. Finally, in the late 1800s, it was a key property in the Boston metropolitan park movement, driven by several conservationists. Today, the remaining Massachusett Tribe can be found at Ponkapoag. Parents can learn more about the Massachusett Tribe and the Middlesex Fells’ fascinating history with their children.

Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation

Ipswich River is a nature lover’s paradise! The river winds its way through 12 miles of trails, taking you through forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlins, and eskers. Take a stroll or a paddle down the river and you’ll be amazed at the variety of wildlife you’ll see, especially different kinds of birds. The river is part of the Eastern Essex County Interior Forest Important Bird Area, making it an especially important spot for birdwatching.

If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure, Ipswich River should be your go-to spot. Whether you’re walking or paddling, you’ll get to explore 12 miles of trails, offering stunning views of forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlins, and eskers. You’ll also have the chance to observe the abundance of wildlife, particularly avian species. The area is part of the Eastern Essex County Interior Forest Important Bird Area, making it the perfect place for birdwatchers.

Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

The Blue Hills Trailside Museum is a unique partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and a natural history museum. The museum is the perfect place to learn more about the native wildlife of the Blue Hills Reservation. Visitors have the chance to see up close a variety of animals, such as a River Otter and Red Foxes, that have been rescued and are unable to be released back into the wild. 

At the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, parents and children can explore the outdoor exhibits and learn more about the local wildlife. The animals on display provide a rare opportunity to view native species in their natural habitats. The animals are not able to be released back into the wild, so the museum is the perfect way to get close to nature without compromising the animals' safety. 

The Blue Hills Trailside Museum is a great place for families to explore the outdoors and learn about the local wildlife. The museum is a great way for parents to educate their children about the natural world, while also having the chance to observe animals such as River Otters and Red Foxes that are not able to return to their wild habitats.

Mass Audubon Blue Hills Trailside Museum

At Oak Knoll, families can enjoy a natural respite and a chance to take in the beautiful views of Lake Talaquega. Just a short drive from downtown Attleboro, this tranquil spot was once a booming entertainment destination with a casino and hotel. Now, nature lovers can explore wooded trails and a boardwalk winding through a red maple swamp, an upland forest, and a freshwater marsh. With breathtaking views of the lake, Oak Knoll is the perfect spot for a day out with the family.

Take a break and spend the day at Oak Knoll, only minutes away from downtown Attleboro. This incredible spot used to be a bustling entertainment destination with a casino and hotel. Now, families can take in the peaceful views of Lake Talaquega and explore the wooded trails and boardwalk where they’ll find a red maple swamp, an upland forest, and a freshwater marsh. Enjoy the natural respite of Oak Knoll and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Mass Audubon's Oak Knoll & Attleboro Springs Wildlife Sanctuaries

Milton's Cunningham Park is an incredible asset to the community! Thanks to the generous bequest of former Milton resident Mary A. Cunningham in 1904, Milton residents have exclusive access to the park and all its amenities. This park is a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary community that Milton is. 

Residents of Milton can enjoy Cunningham Park and its amenities as a direct result of Mary A. Cunningham's bequest. This incredible gift allows Milton residents to share in the beauty and relaxation of the park while further reinforcing Milton's reputation as an extraordinary community. It is a unique place that everyone should experience. 

Cunningham Park offers an amazing opportunity for Milton residents to appreciate the beauty of their community. Mary A. Cunningham's bequest in 1904 has allowed this park to remain accessible exclusively to Milton residents, providing a place for them to relax and explore. Through their access to this special park, Milton residents are reminded of their community's extraordinary qualities.

Cunningham Park - Milton

Our world-class curriculum is designed to teach lifelong lessons and develop leadership skills. With outdoor programs, experiences, and purposeful volunteerism, we are helping our community to become better prepared for the outdoors and to find meaningful pathways to leadership. Through our efforts, we are making AMC more accessible and inclusive for all who are interested in joining us on our outdoor journey. 

We recognize that the outdoors is for everyone and we strive to create an environment of mutual trust and appreciation. We work to build a culture of collective safety and respect for the natural world, as well as a spirit of kindness and inclusion. We are passionate about giving our members and friends the opportunity to explore and learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

Appalachian Mountain Club

Our Easthampton campers have the opportunity to have fun, make friends, and gain an understanding of the natural world around them. We provide hands-on activities that teach them about their own place in nature and why it’s important to protect it.

We are committed to fostering a safe and creative environment, encouraging structured free play. Our campers get to interact with each other and learn important social skills while exploring nature. We are dedicated to making sure each camper gets the attention and guidance they need to have the best possible camp experience.

At Arcadia Nature Day Camp we value the importance of teaching children about their environment. We strive to create an atmosphere that’s both fun and educational, so campers can gain an appreciation for nature and the people they share it with. With decades of experience, we guarantee a day camp experience that’s safe, organized, and filled with lasting memories.

Arcadia Nature Day Camp

Stony Brook Nature Camp in Norfolk offers the perfect opportunity for children ages 4.5-15 to learn about the wonders of nature. With weekly sessions campers can explore the sanctuary’s forest, fields, and wetlands. Through hands-on activities, craft projects, and games, campers can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. The small group sizes provide a safe and supportive environment for each camper.

For a truly immersive experience, Stony Brook Nature Camp in Norfolk is the ideal choice. Trail explorations and hands-on activities create an environment conducive to learning about the environment. Crafts, games, and more provide an unforgettable experience for children ages 4.5-15. The camp’s small group sizes ensure that everyone feels supported and welcomed.

For the ultimate nature experience, Stony Brook Nature Camp in Norfolk is the perfect choice. Campers can explore the sanctuary’s forest, fields, and wetlands during weekly sessions. Crafts and games give each camper the opportunity to fully engage in the natural world, while small group sizes foster a warm and supportive atmosphere. With hands-on activities, campers can learn about the environment in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Vocal/singing

Stony Brook Day Camp

shirley

West Chester Academy is a vibrant center for the performing arts in West Chester, Ohio, offering kids a wide range of enriching programs in music, dance, gymnastics (including aerial silks), acting, and musical theatre. With a mission to help every child “shine—on stage and in life,” the academy creates a fun, safe, and supportive environment where students can build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills. Families can also enjoy exciting summer camps, engaging classes, and memorable birthday party experiences, all led by dedicated and highly qualified instructors. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to grow their talents, West Chester Academy provides opportunities for every age and skill level to thrive.

Theater/Drama

West Chester Academy

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At Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center, families can enjoy a variety of activities in a safe and secure environment. Our full-size gymnasium features a climbing wall and plenty of space for basketball, volleyball and other physical activities. For outdoor fun, there is a 1.5 mile waterfront on Lost Lake, wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking, a low-ropes course, archery range, campfire areas, and a sports field equipped with a baseball diamond and soccer goals. 

For special events, Grotonwood also has a beautiful chapel that is an ideal setting for weddings and church group retreats. We also offer a variety of housing options and wireless internet in specified buildings. Our dining room serves over 175 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it the perfect spot for you and your family. With so much to offer, Grotonwood is the ideal spot for your retreat or traditional Christian summer camp experience.

best hiking programs in Shirley, MA

West Chester Academy

Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center