Bradley Palmer State Park is located at 40 Asbury St. in Topsfield. All programs are free and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Adults must accompany children. For outdoor events wear closed toe shoes, consider insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring water. Inclement weather cancels outdoor events. For more information call (978) 887-5931, ext.4, send an email to keith.sereda@mass.gov or visit the website https://www.mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-state-park. Parking fees apply at 40 Asbury Street between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
From Country Estate to State Park: Bradley Palmer’s Gift
Sundays July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Experience wealthy attorney Bradley Webster Palmer’s extravagant early 1900s world as you take an outdoor tour of the mansion, stable, a once celebrated formal garden, and other surviving buildings. Learn how Mr. Palmer donated his 721-acre estate, now Bradley Palmer State Park, to the Commonwealth. The walk is moderately paced for 3/4 mile, there is a gentle uphill slope which may pose difficulty for those with limited mobility. Best for ages 8 and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Growing Wild For Pollinators
Mondays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19, 26
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Discover the wild world of pollinators and what they do for the natural world around us. Learn how important is it to protect our pollinators for the health of humans, plants, and the environment. Best for ages 6 and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield
Kidleidoscope
Thursdays, July 4, 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 16, 22, 29
10 – 11 a.m.
Young explorers will interact and learn about nature through a story, a craft and an activity. The topic varies every week, from owls to beetles, so come for all! Investigate the natural world and creatures around you! Best for ages 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Nature Center north of the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Explore the Pond
Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
What kinds of fascinating creatures live in or visit the ponds? Come and explore with the Park Interpreter to see if any creatures are stirring, and if any plants are flowering. For all ages. This is a great family activity! Meet at the ponds next to the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Off the Beaten Path Hike
Saturdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
1- 2 p.m.
Come for a stroll with the Park Interpreter along various trails throughout the park, with special interest points noted. Hike is of moderate difficulty, about 2 miles. This is best for ages 8 and up. Meet at the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Willowdale Mansion Tour
Mondays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19, 26
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Here’s your chance to go inside Bradley Webster Palmer’s “Willow Dale” mansion for a unique interpreter guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue (willowdaleestate.com), this over 100-year-old Arts and Crafts style building has been beautifully restored. Learn about its fascinating restoration and history! The second floor is not accessible to those with limited mobility. Best for ages 8 and up. Meet in front of the Mansion, 24 Asbury St., Topsfield.
Nature Center Open House
All Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays of the Season
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Come join the park interpreter for an exploration of the nature and history of the park. Explore our nature center equipped with animal pelts, replica skulls, organic models, etc. For all ages, bring the whole family for this activity! Meet at the Nature Center north of the Main Parking Lot, 40 Asbury St., Topsfield.
