Mass Audubon’s Urban Nature Center at the Powder Magazine is now open weekends noon-7pm through June 21. For more information about Mass Audubon programs, click here. DCR is seeking life guards now. Interested? Click here.
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Upcoming Programs:
The History & Preservation of the Powder Magazine, Saturday, May 4, 3-5pm. Meet at the Powder Magazine. Learn why this building–the oldest along the Charles River–was built and how and why it was restored. Also, we’ll be marking off the locations of the powder keeper’s house, the pier (from which powder was delivered by boat), the privy or well, and the location of Magazine Street–that went all the way to the Powder Magazine!
Led by Diana Ruta Limbach Lempel, a history curator and nonfiction writer, who has been working and living along the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge for over ten years. She developed this walk as part of her training with the National Association of Interpreters, to experiment with other ways of engaging with place than traditional informational walking tours. Learn more about Diana and the walk here: https://dianalempel.me/solsticewalk.
Preschool Nature Detectives, Thursday, April 11, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Families – children 2 – 5 years
Discover the hidden natural wonders of Magazine Beach Park. Explore using different senses to observe the wildlife and plants that call the park home!
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92522-preschool-nature-detectives
Nature Play Day, Saturday, April 13, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Families – children 0 & up
Gather your friends and family and join us for nature exploration and outdoor activities. We’ll search the park for interesting plants and animals, learn what makes each unique, and play fun games along the way.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92536-nature-play-day
Riverside Naturalists: History of Magazine Beach Park
Thursday, April 18, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 25, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Adults
Build a comprehensive understanding of your local urban nature through exploring flora, fauna, and fungi, and observe the connections between them and us. This series features two guided walks per month. One focuses on the seasonal changes that happen at Magazine Beach Park and the other focuses on nature journaling, the practice of documenting observations (no art experience required). Participants are welcome to help create a Magazine Beach Park guidebook that will be available at the Nature Center. Rain date for each program is the same time the following day.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92478-riverside-naturalists-history-of-magazine-beach-park
Monthly Bird Walks, Saturday, April 20, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Adults & Families – 14 & up
Magazine Beach Park’s unique greenspace offers an urban oasis along the Charles River for migrating and common birds to stop by and enjoy. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, soaring raptors on the wing, and more.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92302-monthly-bird-walks
Mindfulness in Nature, Sunday, April 21, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Adults
Slow down, engage your senses, and deepen your appreciation of the natural history of this special slice of Cambridge. We’ll enjoy simple warm-up movements, guided breathing and centering awareness, mindful walking with sensory activities, and finding our nature meditation/sit spot. All are welcome, so come as you are and just be yourself. You will be supported as you connect to nature in your own way. As Shinrin Yoku (‘forest bathing’) and similar practices around the world are reminding us, nurturing our inherent relationship with nature is good for us, body and soul.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92315-mindfulness-in-nature
Early Spring Migration Bird Walk, Saturday, April 27, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Adults
Magazine Beach Park’s unique greenspace offers an urban oasis along the Charles River for migrating and common birds to stop by and enjoy. Let’s stroll through the park looking for migrating and resident songbirds, ducks, and raptors. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, soaring raptors on the wing, and more.
Co-led with the Brookline Bird Club.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92161-early-spring-migration-bird-walk
Nature in the City Festival, Saturday, April 27, 12:00pm – 5:00 pm
Spring outdoors during our first Nature in the City Festival of the year! Kick back and enjoy cool music, warm food, friendly people, and the beautiful outdoors during this community event for all ages.
Nature Play Day, Sunday, April 28, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Families – children 0 & up
Gather your friends and family and join us for nature exploration and outdoor activities. We’ll search the park for interesting plants and animals, learn what makes each unique, and play fun games along the way.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92537-nature-play-day
Evening Migratory Bird Walk, Thursday, May 2, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults
As the sun begins to set, explore the park in search of spring migrants and residents including warblers, vireos, sparrows, orioles, flycatchers, swallows, thrushes, raptors, waterfowl, and more. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, soaring raptors on the wing, and more.
Co-led with the Brookline Bird Club.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92160-evening-migratory-bird-walk
Mindfulness in Nature, Sunday, May 5, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Adults
Slow down, engage your senses, and deepen your appreciation of the natural history of this special slice of Cambridge. We’ll enjoy simple warm-up movements, guided breathing and centering awareness, mindful walking with sensory activities, and finding our nature meditation/sit spot. All are welcome, so come as you are and just be yourself. You will be supported as you connect to nature in your own way. As Shinrin Yoku (‘forest bathing’) and similar practices around the world are reminding us, nurturing our inherent relationship with nature is good for us, body and soul.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92316-mindfulness-in-nature
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, May 9, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92140-yoga-in-the-park
Bird-a-thon Along the Charles River, Saturday, May 11, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Mass Audubon’s largest statewide event of the year, Bird-a-thon, provides the perfect opportunity to observe migrant bird species that are passing through the neighborhood. We will travel approximately 1-1.5 miles on gravel paths and grassy fields along the Charles River stopping frequently to observe the birds we find in the water, hiding on the riverbank, and soaring above.
Co-led with the Brookline Bird Club.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92159-bird-a-thon-along-the-charles-river
Nature Play Day, Saturday, May 11, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Families – children 0 & up
Gather your friends and family and join us for nature exploration and outdoor activities. We’ll search the park for interesting plants and animals, learn what makes each unique, and play fun games along the way.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92538-nature-play-day
Pollinator Garden Planning Workshop, Sunday, May 12, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Adults & Families – 10 & up
Want more pollinators and birds in your yard? Want to help restore biodiversity and reduce the impacts of climate change? Then plant native plants! This workshop, led by native plantscaper and educator, Jean Devine, will bring together native plant newbies and enthusiasts for a fun, interactive session. We will learn how to select plants and design a pollinator garden. Whether for a sunny garden, sidewalk strip, a yard with sun and shade or a rain garden. Ask questions, find answers, and get inspired to revitalize your green space with native species!
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92312-pollinator-garden-planning-workshop
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, May 16, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92144-yoga-in-the-park
Preschool Nature Detectives, Thursday, May 16, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Families – children 2 – 5 years
Discover the hidden natural wonders of Magazine Beach Park. Explore using different senses to observe the wildlife and plants that call the park home!
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92523-preschool-nature-detectives
Riverside Naturalists: Bird Migration
Thursday, May 16, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday, May 23, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Adults
Build a comprehensive understanding of your local urban nature through exploring flora, fauna, and fungi, and observe the connections between them and us. This series features two guided walks per month. One focuses on the seasonal changes that happen at Magazine Beach Park and the other focuses on nature journaling, the practice of documenting observations (no art experience required). Participants are welcome to help create a Magazine Beach Park guidebook that will be available at the Nature Center. Rain date for each program is the same time the following day.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92480-riverside-naturalists-bird-migration
Animal & Ice Cream Social, Friday, May 17, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Adults & Families – 0 & up
Meet one of our live animal ambassadors and learn all about their amazing adaptations that help them survive. Then, grab some ice cream and enjoy an evening stroll in the park to discover local wildlife.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92528-animal-ice-cream-social
Monthly Bird Walks, Saturday, May 18, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Adults & Families – 14 & up
Magazine Beach Park’s unique greenspace offers an urban oasis along the Charles River for migrating and common birds to stop by and enjoy. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, soaring raptors on the wing, and more.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92303-monthly-bird-walks
Plant Foraging Walk, Sunday, May 19, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Adults
Humans have used plants as medicine for over 60,000 years and as food for animals for hundreds of million years. Many of the plants that we name ‘weeds’ have amazing properties and deserve a lot more credit than we give them. Join David Craft PhD, author of Urban Foraging, for a plant foraging walk to learn more about the many different uses of plants growing in Cambridge.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92313-plant-foraging-walk
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, May 23, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92141-yoga-in-the-park
Nature Play Day, Sunday, May 26, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Families – children 0 & up
Gather your friends and family and join us for nature exploration and outdoor activities. We’ll search the park for interesting plants and animals, learn what makes each unique, and play fun games along the way.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92539-nature-play-day
Bachata by the River, Sunday, May 26, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults
Join Liz and Lumyr, two of Cambridge’s prominent Bachata instructors, for a fun sunset dance class. Bachata is an easy to learn partner dance, that can be applied to many music genres. Whether you are an expert or have never danced before, connect with the local bachata community surrounded by nature! An hour-long introductory lesson starts at 5:00pm.
This program is sponsored by Magazine Beach Partners.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92495-bachata-by-the-river
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, May 30, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92145-yoga-in-the-park
Black Birders Week: Explore with Nature Man Mike, Saturday, June 1, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Adults & Families – 14 & up
Celebrate Black Birders Week with us! Early June brings an opportunity to see both late migrant bird species and the start of nesting season. You never know what surprises will turn up in this urban park! Walk with Nature Man Mike, popular local birder and photographer, to learn about the birds found in the city.
This walk is co-led with the Brookline Bird Club.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92158-black-birders-week-explore-with-nature-man-mike
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, June 6, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92142-yoga-in-the-park
Paddle for Pride, Friday, June 7, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults & Families – 12 & up
This Pride Month program is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA2S . Members of the LGBTQIA2S community are welcome to bring friends and family members who are allies.
Connect with the nature of your city from the cockpit of a kayak! Kayaks, paddles, and safety gear are all provided. Program will begin with a beginner paddler instruction. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to join.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92428-paddle-for-pride
Sound Bowl Vibe Session, Sunday, June 9, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Adults
Bring a comfy blanket or yoga mat to settle in under the setting sun for a melodic Sound Bath Vibe Session.
Cambridge native and 500RYT Truama Informed Yoga / Mindfulness practionor, Meditation & Sound facilitator, Malaika has a background in Vinyasa Flow and Restorative yoga. Teaching beginner friendly adult classes as well as senior and chair yoga throughout Cambridge, Somerville and Arlington.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92151-sound-bowl-vibe-session
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, June 13, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92146-yoga-in-the-park
Preschool Nature Detectives, Thursday, June 13, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Families – children 2 – 5 years
Discover the hidden natural wonders of Magazine Beach Park. Explore using different senses to observe the wildlife and plants that call the park home!
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92524-preschool-nature-detectives
Monthly Bird Walks, Saturday, June 15, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Adults & Families – 14 & up
Magazine Beach Park’s unique greenspace offers an urban oasis along the Charles River for migrating and common birds to stop by and enjoy. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) to observe waterfowl and waders on the river, songbirds in the trees and brush, soaring raptors on the wing, and more.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92304-monthly-bird-walks
Community Open Mic and Picnic, Sunday, June 16, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Showcase your talent for music, poetry, or storytelling, or sit back and enjoy the show with family, friends, and the shade of a tree. Some refreshments will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92533-community-open-mic-and-picnic
Charles River Eco Run, Wednesday, June 19, 7:00 am – 8:30 am
Adults
Get moving in the morning and enjoy a jog by the Charles River (Quinobequin). We’ll go at an easy pace and make frequent stops along the way to observe the beauty of the river, learn about its history, and do stretches and exercises that awaken the body.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92525-charles-river-eco-run
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, June 20, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92143-yoga-in-the-park
Riverside Naturalists: Foraging
Thursday, June 20, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 27, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Build a comprehensive understanding of your local urban nature through exploring flora, fauna, and fungi, and observe the connections between them and us. This series features two guided walks per month. One focuses on the seasonal changes that happen at Magazine Beach Park and the other focuses on nature journaling, the practice of documenting observations (no art experience required). Participants are welcome to help create a Magazine Beach Park guidebook that will be available at the Nature Center. Rain date for each program is the same time the following day.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92514-riverside-naturalists-foraging
Pan in the Park Jamboree, Saturday, June 22, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults & Families – 0 & up
Celebrate Caribbean American culture through multiple senses in the first of three events throughout Cambridge. Listen and dance to the sounds of steel pan bands Tempo and the Cambridge Youth Steel Orchestra. Taste delicious Caribbean food and make crafts too!
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92362-pan-in-the-park-jamboree
Nature Play Day, Sunday, June 23, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Families – children 0 & up
Gather your friends and family and join us for nature exploration and outdoor activities. We’ll search the park for interesting plants and animals, learn what makes each unique, and play fun games along the way.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92540-nature-play-day
Yoga in the Park, Thursday, June 27, 7:00 am – 8:00 am
Adults & Families – 5 & up
Enjoy the park on a quiet summer morning as you emphasize the breath and body in synchronous movement. Leave the class feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92147-yoga-in-the-park
Paddle for Pride, Friday, June 28, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults & Families – 12 & up
This Pride Month program is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA2S . Members of the LGBTQIA2S community are welcome to bring friends and family members who are allies.
Connect with the nature of your city from the cockpit of a kayak! Kayaks, paddles, and safety gear are all provided. Program will begin with a beginner paddler instruction. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to join.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92429-paddle-for-pride
Meet the Beekeeper, Saturday, June 29, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Adults & Families – 0 & up
Get a closer look at some of our most iconic pollinators! Meet beekeeper Mel Gadd and learn why honeybees and other pollinators are important to our ecosystems, see live bees in an active hive, and learn some of the basics about keeping honeybees.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92368-meet-the-beekeeper
Introduction to Bird Photography, Sunday, June 30, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Adults
In this workshop, we will cover settings, composition, equipment, light conditions, and more to help you improve your bird photography skills. We will explore the grounds of Magazine Beach Park looking for birds to photograph, so you can put the information to use. You will receive guidance and tips during the walk to help you get optimal results. This workshop is for people with a DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera. A lens with a reach of at least 400mm is recommended. The workshop is open to all skill levels.
Michael Bryant, aka Nature Man Mike, is a Boston based professional photographer, instructor, host of local bird walks, international bird photography tours, and workshops. Seventeen years experience as a nature photographer and fourteen years as a professional portrait photographer.
Rregistration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92370-introduction-to-bird-photography
Bachata by the River, Sunday, June 30, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults
Join Liz and Lumyr, two of Cambridge’s prominent Bachata instructors, for a fun sunset dance class. Bachata is an easy to learn partner dance, that can be applied to many music genres. Whether you are an expert or have never danced before, connect with the local bachata community surrounded by nature! An hour-long introductory lesson starts at 5:00pm.
This program is sponsored by Magazine Beach Partners.
Registration required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/92496-bachata-by-the-river
Past Programs:
Nature Play Day, Saturday, March 2, 10:00-11:30 am
Gather your friends and family and join us for a morning of nature exploration and games. We’ll observe the plants and animals getting ready for spring and imitate them with our own fun movement activities.
Registration Required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/89740-nature-play-day
Preschool Nature Detectives, Thursday, March 14, 10:00-11:00 am
Even in the colder weather, nature is ever active, and preschoolers can be too! We will explore different areas of the park to discover hidden mysteries around us.
Registration Required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/89746-preschool-nature-detectives
Signs of Spring Bird Walk, Saturday, March 16, 8:00-10:00 am
Even in the colder weather, nature is ever active, and preschoolers can be too! We will explore different areas of the park to discover hidden mysteries around us.
Registration Required: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/magazine-beach/89741-signs-of-spring-bird-walk
Magazine Beach 
I am planning on attending the Zumba classes on Magazine beach however, I’m concerned about receiving information for weather cancellations. For example, today is supposed to have rain and thunder storms. I’m ok with dancing in the rain, however I’m not making assumptions for everyone. Please let me know and thank you for your time in advance.
Sosa,
Sorry for the late reply. We were noting rain cancellations at magazinebeach.org, under events. Can you think of a better way to communicate this? Lots of rain on Tuesday nights this past summer!
The Zumba and Yoga classes now being held at the park are not organized by us and I don’t think that they’re officially permitted by DCR. I’d like to know more about them!
We’re hoping to offer some FREE yoga classes this fall with Cport’s own Carol Faulkner. Stay tuned! I’ll be posting at magazinebeach.org/events once DCR approves them.
Is charcoal grilling allowed?
If yes, is there a specific area of the park to do so?
Thank you
Grilling at the park is against DCR regulations, however, folks grill there all the time. Please dump coals next to trash bins and NOT at the foot of trees. We want those old trees to be there for the decades to come….
As a young person, I spent most of my time here as a person who in played little league baseball and enjoying my lifep I am m surprised to see wh ass t is going on there, in my in home town, viele glucklische, Joe Johnson
Hi folks! I am coordinating outdoor classes through Down Under School of Yoga and would love to learn more about how to go about using your space. Also very excited to talk about collaborations within the community if that’s something we can arrange. Thank you!
Angie,
We’ll be offering outdoor yoga at the park this summer. Magazine Beach Partners is paying for this and Mass Audubon is coordinating it. Since Magazine Beach is a DCR, state, park, all programs there need to be free. To coordinate, contact Paul Kelley at pkelley@massaudubon.org.
Cathie
Thank you Cathy! I’ll reach out. Really excited about your programs and grateful for all that you do!