Programs & Events
What's on, and how to sign up
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide variety of programs for all ages: toddler nature classes, family evenings, guided birding, moon hikes, paddling programs and talks, plus a big Halloween event, the Hoot & Howl. The full, current list is on Mass Audubon's program calendar for Ipswich River, with registration and prices on each listing. Below is what's typical, with examples from the fall 2026 calendar.
Programs at a Glance
Kids and Families
- Terrific Toddlers: themed morning sessions for families with children 2 to 4. The fall 2026 calendar listed a five-class late-fall series starting October 23, with single sessions such as "Under a Log", "Be a Leaf Detective" and "Busy Beavers".
- Family evenings: in October 2026, "Beyond Spooky: Discover Why Bats Are Cool and Important" for ages 5 to 17.
- School vacation week: four spring days of hikes and hands-on activities.
- Summer: Ipswich River Nature Camp for ages 5 to 14.
Adults
- Birding: Wednesday Morning Birding (for example, November 4, 2026 at Ipswich River), plus more birding programs at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats center in Newburyport.
- Night walks: "An Almost Full Moon Hike" for adults on October 27, 2026.
- Talks: the 2026 75th-anniversary series on the sanctuary's history and Indigenous history of the North Shore.
- Paddling: Mass Audubon says Ipswich River regularly hosts canoeing programs in season, in addition to rentals.
Halloween Hoot & Howl
The Hoot & Howl is the sanctuary's Halloween event. On October 17, 2026, Mass Audubon limited parking after 2:00 pm to registered participants, so if you're planning an ordinary visit on the day of a big event, come earlier. See parking.
The 75th Anniversary Series (2026)
To mark 75 years, Mass Audubon scheduled talks and walks from September through November 2026, including the Perkins Picnic community party on October 3, Indigenous storytelling with Anne Jennison (October 11), a cultural presentation by Larry Spotted Crow Mann (October 25), an archive talk by Sanctuary Director Carole McCauley (November 5) and a stewardship walk (November 7). More in the sanctuary's history.
Sensory-Friendly Hours
Quarterly Saturday mornings, 8:00 to 10:00 am, the sanctuary opens with fewer visitors, no noisy work and an indoor sensory-friendly space. Tentative dates are November 14, 2026, February 13, 2027 and May 8, 2027. See accessibility.
Schools, Groups and Private Events
Teachers can book hands-on nature programs on site or at school, built to fit a curriculum. Garden clubs, senior centers, historical groups and other organizations can book a group program. For birthdays and casual gatherings, Mass Audubon rents the Innermost Pavilion and the Nature Center. Call 978-887-9264. Family details are on kids and families.
How to Find What's On
- Open Mass Audubon's Ipswich River page and choose "Programs & Activities" or "See More" under upcoming programs.
- Each listing shows the date, time, ages and price, with member and nonmember rates.
- Register through the listing.
- Sign up for the sanctuary's email list (at the bottom of its pages) to hear about new programs.
Programs FAQ
What events are at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Toddler nature classes, family evenings, birding walks, moon hikes, paddling programs, talks, and the Halloween Hoot & Howl. Mass Audubon's program calendar has current dates.
Do I need to register for programs at Ipswich River?
Programs are listed, with registration, on Mass Audubon's online calendar; listings show member and nonmember rates.
What is the Hoot & Howl at Ipswich River?
The sanctuary's Halloween event. In 2026 it was on October 17, and parking after 2:00 pm was limited to registered participants.
Are there programs for toddlers at Ipswich River?
Yes. Terrific Toddlers sessions are for families with children 2 to 4, with a new nature theme each time.
Can schools visit Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes. Mass Audubon offers hands-on school programs on site or off site, and group programs for clubs and organizations.