April Vacation on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
April 16, 2026
Next week is April Vacation in Essex County! With family-friendly events taking place all across the heritage area, here are a few to consider on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway!
April Vacation Programs at Maritime Gloucester
Date: April 20, 21, 23 & 24, 2026
Time: Morning & Afternoon Sessions
Host: Maritime Gloucester
Description:
Looking for a fun way to explore the ocean during April break? Join Maritime Gloucester for a week of hands-on marine science adventures! Each day features a different ocean theme where young explorers can discover amazing marine life, learn about ocean ecosystems, and dive into exciting activities right here on Gloucester Harbor.
Appleton Farms April Vacation Week Camp
Date: April 20 – 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Host: Appleton Farms, The Trustees
Description:
There is no better place to spend spring farm days than exploring in the fields & forests and learning to love the outdoors in all seasons! This program is for kids who are looking to make friends, explore the farm, and learn about life in New England in spring. Every day will include an outdoor adventure of hiking, a theme-based craft, a farm learning activity, and other farm explorations.
April School Vacation Week with Lynn Museum & Arts Center
Date: April 20 – 24, 2026
Time: Varies
Host: Lynn Museum & Arts Center
Description:
Exclusively for April school vacation, join the Lynn Museum & Arts Center for a week-long celebration with nature, animals, and science-inspired crafts. Enjoy daily art-making activities, special workshops, and free admission to the museum!
April Vacation Adventure Days
Date: April 21 – 24, 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Host: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon
Description:
Spring is an exciting time for outdoor discovery at the sanctuary. Mass Audubon has put together four full days of hands-on, engaging, and educational hikes and activities to explore the natural world this time of year.
A Sailor’s Life: Food & Medicine
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Host: Essex Heritage & Salem Maritime National Historical Park
Description:
Step into the world of 18th-century sailors and discover how crews survived long voyages at sea.
Become part of a “crew,” choose supplies for your ship, try salting green beans, and even help mix a remedy for scurvy. Led by educator Dan Marshall, this interactive program brings history to life through fun activities and demonstrations.
Cedar Bark Mat Weaving Demonstration
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Host: Peabody Essex Museum
Description:
Join artist Elizabeth James-Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag) for a demonstration of the Native American art practice of weaving a mat from the inner bark of a cedar tree.
The PEM is offering multiple April school vacation programs. Visit their full calendar to see more!
Revolutionary War Kids Program: Experience a Day in the Life!
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time:11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Host:Buttonwoods Museum
Description:
Kids and families will get a chance to see what daily life was like in Haverhill during the Revolutionary War and experience a hearth cooking demonstration in our historic John Ward House. Try some Revolutionary-era snacks and take part in hands-on chores and games from the 1700s!
Elephants & Sweet Treats
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Host: Essex Heritage & Salem Public Library
Description:
Did you know that Salem had the first elephant to ever set foot in America? It’s true! Join us and the Salem Public Library at the Salem Armory Visitor Center for a story time of Salem firsts – we’ll be reading books, playing games, making a craft, and enjoying a sweet treat at the end. This event is free and geared towards kids ages 3+.
Pirates! The Battle for Derby Street
Date: April 24 & 25, 2026
Time: Varies
Host: Real Pirates of Salem & The House of the Seven Gables
Description:
Watch the waterfront history of Salem comes alive as Black Sam Bellamy’s crew of pirates go toe-to-toe against Captain John Turner’s pirate hunters. As participants learn, shop, and play up and down Derby Street, they will be able to tip the battle toward their chosen side before the dramatic conclusion at the end of the day.
If you are also looking for some more fun to do this spring, check out our blogs “Indoor Fun & Games on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway”!