Activities for Kids

Throughout the year, the Friends run activities and programs especially for children as well as programs suitable for entire families. Please see below and our events page for our full listing of activities and programs.

The Refuge staff also has programs and information available for children. You can find this information at:

• FWS Kids Page
• FWS "Lets Go Outside" programs

From the Friends' current event schedule, the following activities are of special interest to children.

Tuesday, April 16 - Friday, April 19, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration Drop-Off Vacation Program

Participants will learn how plants grow, search for rainbows and signs of animals and their food sources. We will cover a different topic each day through hands-on exploration, active movement and play, crafts, stories and songs. A snack is provided each day; please bring a nut-free lunch. Program includes a take-home craft and handout for further at-home learning.

Minimum of 4/maximum of 20 children each day. Sign up for 1, 2, 3 or all 4 days! $60/day per child. Friends members receive a 10% discount.

Register through Puddlestompers, www.puddlestompers.com or call (617)527-2000.

Thursday, April 18, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bird Movie & Game for Kids

Refuge Staff will show Paulie a movie about life from a parrot’s point of view (running time: 91 mins). After the movie we’ll play a game that will teach you about bird migration.

Sunday, April 21, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Family Nature Club

Bring your kids and come jump into nature with us as a family! We are starting a family nature club for kids in 1st and 2nd grades (siblings are welcome). Every 3rd Sunday of every month we will get together and explore the outdoors for an hour of fun discovery (this month will be a bit longer)! This month we will put on our rain boots and explore the amphibian activity in and around a vernal pool. Appropriate clothes and footwear required – ie things you are okay with getting dirty!

Registration is required; please contact Kizette at kizette_ortizvanger@fws.gov or 978-562-3527 x 117 to RSVP by Monday, April 15.

Friday, April 26, 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Refuge Fledgling Hour — Nature-themed Program Series for Kids

Join Refuge staff for Refuge Fledgling Hour, a nature-themed program series that includes crafts, stories, and games or songs that relate to a different topic each month. This month’s program will be about vernal pools!

Programs are held the 4th Friday of every month from 10:30am – 11:30 AM. For 2 to 5 year olds; siblings welcome. Held at the Visitor Center.

Open House - Thursday June 6th, 4:30 PMM - 6:30 PM
Mini Camps - June 25th through August 20th

Mass Audubon Summer Mini-Camps at Assabet River NWR

Sign your kids up for a 3-day Summer Mini-Camp run by Mass Audobon. There are nine mini-camps sheduled over the summer for Pre-K through Grade 7 covering themes including endangered species spineless wonders, a LEGO lab, anaimal orchestra and the ever popular tracks and scat.

An Open House where you can see the refuge and meet the staff will be held June 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Visitor Center.

For details and information on how to sign up see Drumlin Farm.