The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced its April school vacation programming schedule, offering 85 free recreational and educational activities for kids and families at 24 state parks and watersheds across Massachusetts. Taking place during Earth Week, the lineup includes community celebrations, environmental education programs, and activities such as sustainable gardening, guided hikes, animal encounters, and more, running from Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, April 26. These programs are designed to help families connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and enjoy Massachusetts’ state parks together.
“After such a cold winter, we’re excited to invite Massachusetts back outside to enjoy our outdoor spaces and reconnect with nature,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “With Earth Week around the corner, it’s a great time to check out a DCR park in your area with friends and family.”
“Spring in Massachusetts is one of the best times to get outdoors to play and learn” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re excited to welcome kids and families with fun, hands-on ways to explore our parks together. No matter what part of the state you live in, there are free opportunities to help kids learn about and feel at home in our shared outdoor spaces and public lands.”
“April school vacation is a great time for families to explore, learn, and spend time together,” said 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.”
To make it easier for families to participate, DCR is waiving parking fees at parks offering programming. In addition to vacation week programs, 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. For details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website. Additionally, DCR is offering adaptive programming during April vacation week through the Universal Access Program (UAP).
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. For a full list of all programming offered during school vacation week, as well as participation details and contact info for each activity, visit DCR’s website.
Highlights from April break programming include:
Boston Region:
Growing Roxbury: Earth Day Community Celebration – Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center and Roxbury Heritage State Park, Roxbury
Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day in Roxbury with a daylong series of events, including sustainable gardening, a healthy cooking workshop, yoga in nature and other youth-oriented activities. Stop by for a single event or stay for the whole day. Activities are great for all ages, free and scheduled through the day. Please register online prior to arriving.
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.