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Merrimack Valley April Vacation Guide: Camps & Activities for Kids

March 18, 2026

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April Vacation Week is a great time for kids to try something new, stay active, and explore local adventures while school is out. Families across the Merrimack Valley can find vacation camps, outdoor activities, creative programs, and family fun throughout Georgetown, Groveland, Boxford, Middleton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover.

Whether your child loves sports, art, science, cooking, or outdoor exploration, there are plenty of ways to make the most of school vacation.

🏕️ April Vacation Camps

Merrimack Valley YMCA Vacation Programs

📍 Andover, North Andover, Lawrence & Methuen
🌐 https://mvymca.org/program/april-school-vacation-week-programs/

The Merrimack Valley YMCA offers a variety of April Vacation programs for kids filled with hands-on activities, sports, and creative fun. Programs typically include:

• STEAM experiments and science activities
• Sports sampler and fitness games
• Creative arts projects
• Swimming and recreation

These programs are designed to keep kids active and engaged during school vacation. 

Camp Evergreen Spring Vacation Camp

📍 166 Jenkins Road, Andover
🌐 https://www.campevergreen.com

Camp Evergreen runs a Spring Vacation Camp where kids can spend the week outdoors enjoying activities such as:

• Hiking and nature exploration
• Sports and games
• Arts and crafts
• Drama and creative play
• Archery and outdoor adventures

This program encourages kids to get outside, make friends, and try new activities. 

🎨 Creative Activities & Learning

Local Libraries (All Towns)

Many libraries across the Merrimack Valley offer free April Vacation programming including:

• LEGO building challenges
• STEM workshops
• craft sessions
• family storytimes

Check the libraries in Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover for their vacation week schedules.

Cooking & Creative Workshops

📍 North Andover area

Local cooking schools and art studios often run special vacation week classes where kids can learn new skills such as:

• baking and cooking
• painting and art projects
• craft workshops

These classes give kids a chance to learn something new in a fun and creative environment.

⚽ Active & Sports Programs

Haverhill YMCA Youth Programs

📍 Haverhill
🌐 https://www.northshoreymca.org

The YMCA offers a variety of sports and recreation programs for children, including camps that mix:

• sports skills
• team challenges
• creative activities
• swimming and outdoor play. 

🌳 Outdoor Adventures

Harold Parker State Forest

📍 Andover / Middleton / North Andover

April vacation is a perfect time to explore the 3,300-acre Harold Parker State Forest, which features:

• more than 35 miles of hiking trails
• picnic areas
• nature exploration
• mountain biking trails

It’s one of the best local spots for families who want to spend a day outdoors. 

Haggetts Pond Trail

📍 Andover

Families can enjoy walking, biking, and fishing along scenic trails surrounding Haggetts Pond. It’s a relaxing place for a family walk or nature outing during vacation week. 

📍 Town-by-Town Ideas

Georgetown

• YMCA Timberbrook youth programs
• Penn Brook playground and park visits
• Georgetown Public Library vacation programs

Groveland

• Bagnall School YMCA programs
• Veasey Memorial Park nature walks

Boxford

• Appleton Farms outdoor trails
• Boxford State Forest hiking

Middleton

• Harold Parker State Forest outdoor activities
• Local recreation department programs

Haverhill

• Haverhill YMCA camps
• Winnekenni Castle Park exploring
• Haverhill Public Library events

Lawrence

• YMCA youth programs
• Lawrence Public Library workshops

Methuen

• Methuen YMCA programs
• Nevins Memorial Library vacation activities

Andover

• Camp Evergreen
• Andover Recreation camps
• Haggetts Pond Trail walks

North Andover

• YMCA vacation programs
• Lake Cochichewick walking trails

☀️ Make the Most of April Vacation

Here are a few tips for planning your week:

✔ Register early for camps — many fill quickly
✔ Mix structured camps with free outdoor adventures
✔ Check town recreation departments for pop-up events
✔ Bring friends along for extra fun

Macaroni Kid Tip: Many organizations continue adding vacation programs throughout March and April, so keep checking community calendars for newly announced camps and events.