Endicott Park

Danvers, MA • 57 Forest Street

With 165 acres of pastoral meadows, historic farm buildings, orchards, woodlands, and marshes, Endicott Park is a true crown jewel of the North Shore. Nearly 160,000 visitors make their way here each year. The park has a working farm with animals and antique equipment that kids absolutely love, plus a network of trails perfect for leisurely walks, fishing, and picnicking. In winter, the same grounds become a sledding and cross-country skiing destination.

165 acres  •  Working farm animals  •  Hiking & fishing  •  Playground  •  Year-round fun

Stage Fort Park & Beach

Gloucester, MA • 24 Hough Ave

This 60-acre seaside park is where Gloucester’s first settlers landed in 1623 — and it’s still one of the most beloved outdoor spaces on the Cape Ann coast. There are two distinct beaches: Half Moon Beach, a sheltered sandy lagoon perfect for young swimmers, and Cressy’s Beach, rocky and dramatic. The park includes sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, a basketball court, playgrounds, a dog park, and a seasonal restaurant. Summer concerts make it a true community hub.

Two beaches  •  Summer concerts  •  Sand volleyball  •  Dog-friendly  •  Historic fort

Salem Common & Salem Willows Park

Salem, MA

Salem Common is a beautifully maintained green space ringed by old maple trees that blaze with color in fall. Walking paths, a playground, and a basketball court make it a neighborhood anchor. Just a bit farther, Salem Willows Park offers a vintage carousel, modern arcade games, waterfront dining, and wide open grassy spaces — all with sweeping views over Salem Harbor. It has the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned summer resort, right in your backyard.

Vintage carousel  •  Harbor views  •  Walking paths  •  Great fall foliage

Bradley Palmer State Park — Ipswich River

Topsfield, MA • 40 Asbury St

A beloved local secret, Bradley Palmer State Park offers free admission (just $5 parking for MA residents) and access to the Ipswich River for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. There’s also fishing, hiking, and horseback riding on the grounds. Families rave about the relaxed atmosphere and the sheer beauty of the river setting — it’s a perfect all-day outing.

Swimming in river  •  Kayak & canoe  •  Free admission  •  Fishing & hiking

Crane Beach & Wingaersheek Beach

Ipswich & Gloucester, MA

If you’re going to spend a summer day in the water north of Boston, Crane Beach and Wingaersheek are the gold standard. Crane Beach in Ipswich features miles of white sand dunes, gentle surf, and hiking trails through coastal nature. Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester has calm, shallow tidal pools and endless sandbar exploring, making it ideal for families with younger children.

Miles of white sand  •  Tidal pools  •  Dune hiking  •  Family-friendly

Splash Pads & Wading Pools — North Shore Towns

Beverly, Danvers, Salem & surrounding towns

Many North Shore towns maintain free or low-cost summer splash pads and wading pools — an absolute lifesaver on hot July and August days. Beverly’s Collins Cove Playground features a waterfront promenade, playground, and sports fields right alongside the splash area. Danvers and Salem both maintain seasonal spray decks beloved by toddlers and elementary-age kids. Check your town’s Parks & Recreation website in late May for opening dates.

Often free  •  Toddler-friendly  •  Summer season  •  Community-run

Ravenswood Park

Gloucester, MA

A true hidden gem. Ravenswood Park is a lush, rocky woodland reserve where you’ll find glacial erratics, quiet fernwood glades, and a network of color-blazed trails. The Ledge Hill Trail (orange), Fernwood Lake Trail (blue), and Magnolia Swamp Trail (yellow) can be combined into a beautiful outer loop. Pair a hike here with a stop at nearby Stage Fort Park or the dramatic sea cliffs of Rafe’s Chasm for a full Cape Ann outdoor day.

Blazed trail system  •  Glacial erratics  •  Quiet & uncrowded  •  Dog-friendly

Winter Island Park

Salem, MA

A genuine hidden gem in Salem, Winter Island sits at the edge of Salem Harbor with a beach, boat launch, campgrounds, picnic areas with charcoal grills, and the picturesque Fort Pickering lighthouse — a Revolutionary War-era fortification right at the water’s edge. It offers a completely different side of Salem: wild, coastal, and beautifully quiet.

Lighthouse views  •  Camping available  •  Boat launch  •  Picnic & grills

The Newburyport Waterfront & Plum Island

Newburyport, MA

Few experiences compare to an evening stroll along Newburyport’s waterfront, with sailboats bobbing in the harbor and downtown’s brick storefronts glowing golden. A short drive away, Plum Island and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in New England. The Great Marsh here is the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in all of New England, running from Cape Ann up to New Hampshire.

Harbor waterfront  •  Plum Island beaches  •  Wildlife refuge  •  Great Marsh kayaking

Go early on weekends

Crane Beach and Wingaersheek fill up fast on sunny summer weekends. Aim to arrive before 9 a.m. to snag a good spot — and parking.

Know the dog rules

Many North Shore beaches are dog-friendly off-season but restrict dogs May–September. Stage Fort Park allows dogs in the park, not on beaches during summer.

Get an America the Beautiful pass

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge charges an entry fee. The $80/year federal pass covers it and dozens of other nearby sites — a worthy investment.

Location matters for lifestyle

Proximity to parks, beaches, and trails varies significantly neighborhood to neighborhood. I can help you find the home that puts your favorite outdoor spaces closest.