Sharing is caring!

Located on 30 acres with a pond, meadows, woodlands and trails, the South Shore Natural  Science Center  in Norwell  is home to the EcoZone interactive museum, Children’s Garden, and Nature Center Preschool.

Come meet native animals, hike or snowshoe our trails, enjoy our exhibits and events today!

PLAN A WEEKEND VISIT TO OUR TRAILS
Nature Center located on 30 acres
Six interpretive nature trails
Access to 200 acres of conservation land
Outdoor amphitheater and picnic area
Children’s Garden
Rescued animal exhibits

NATURE CENTER PRESCHOOL
Nature Center Preschool at the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center supports young children’s investigations and ignites their passion for learning. By highlighting the interconnectedness of humans with the natural world, we provide a foundation of stewardship, inquiry, and innovative thinking.

 

NATURE ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP
Our Nature Adventures Camp is an outdoor recreational summer day camp that offers exciting opportunities for children to learn about the natural world while they explore our 30 acres of woodlands and fields, with rambling nature trails, numerous vernal pools and quick access to Jacobs Pond.

upcoming special events

South Shore YMCA Corn Festival 2026 in Hanover, MA

Looking for a fun way to kick off the fall season with the kids? The South Shore YMCA Corn Festival returns to Hanover, Massachusetts, for a full day of family-friendly fall fun on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The 48th Annual Corn Festival will be held at the Emilson YMCA & Family Farm, bringing together families from across the South Shore for a day filled with corn-themed activities, farm fun, live entertainment, food, and plenty of outdoor activities.

This popular South Shore fall event has been a community tradition for nearly 50 years. The Corn Festival originally began at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center in Norwell as a way to highlight environmental education and the importance of nature in the community. As the event grew, it moved to the Emilson YMCA and Family Farm in Hanover, giving families even more room to enjoy the festivities.

South Shore YMCA Corn Festival 2026

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Emilson YMCA & Family Farm
75 Mill Street, Hanover, MA 02339

The festival also includes access to the South Shore YMCA Family Farm at 1075 Washington Street in Hanover. Families can walk between the two locations using the StoryWalk trail, which takes approximately 20 minutes, or drive between the locations.

Family Activities at the Corn Festival

There will be plenty to keep kids and families busy throughout the day. Festival activities include:

🌽 Corn Pit
🌾 Hay Maze
🌾 Hay Pyramid
🚜 Hayrides
🐴 Pony Rides
🐐 Petting Zoo
🎨 Arts & Crafts
🎃 Pumpkin Decorating
🎶 Live Music
🧪 Professor Jim’s Corn Lab
🌳 South Shore YMCA Nature Center Exhibits
🎭 Big Ryan’s Tall Tales
🎨 Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos
🫧 Giant Bubbles
🏆 Corn Hole
🪵 South Shore Woodturners Demonstrations
🧑‍🌾 4-H Demonstrations
🐝 Beekeepers
🚶 Trail Walks to the Family Farm
🛍️ South Shore Children’s Business Fair
🏪 Farm Stand Play Store

Pony rides are scheduled for 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, while Big Ryan’s Tall Tales will have storytelling performances at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM.

Food at the South Shore Corn Festival

Of course, no Corn Festival would be complete without food!

Food vendors scheduled for the 2026 event include:

☕ Shine Mobile Coffee
🍦 Baystate Creamery
🍴 Mom on the Go
🍖 Hott Smoke BBQ
🌮 South Shore Taco Guy
🍕 Bardo’s Pizza Truck

Free popcorn will also be available while supplies last.

Corn Festival Admission

Advance registration is available through the South Shore YMCA.

Pre-registration:

• YMCA Members: $15 per individual
• Non-members: $20 per individual
• Family admission for up to 5 people: $50 for members / $60 for non-members
• Children under 2 are free

Day-of admission:

• $20 per individual
• Family admission for up to 5 people: $60
• Children under 2 are free

Prices and availability are subject to change, so check with the South Shore YMCA before heading out.

A Fall Tradition on the South Shore

The South Shore YMCA Corn Festival is a great September event for families looking to enjoy some classic New England fall activities. With hayrides, farm animals, a corn pit, pumpkin decorating, live music, outdoor activities and plenty of hands-on experiences for kids, it’s an easy event to add to yourSouth Shore Boston Kids Fall Festivals & Events 2026 South Shore fall bucket list.

The event also has a special connection to the South Shore YMCA Nature Center in Norwell, which has been part of the festival’s history since its beginnings. Today, the Corn Festival continues to support the South Shore YMCA Nature Center and its environmental education programs.

South Shore Natural Science Center
48 Jacobs Ln, Norwell, MA 02061-1149,