• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Ropes Course
• Snowshoeing
• Custom Group Trips
• WildWorks Projects

Hiking

What could be more beautiful than hiking through the mountains and forests of New England? Hike the unforgettable trails of Massachusetts for an hour, half a day, or for the whole day while learning about the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. Share experiences and laughter with new and old friends and family members. Between snack breaks we'll play games and teach you about the natural environment and relevant history of the area.

Requirements:

Either assisted or independent mobility. We have some specialized wheel chairs that can also be used for sandy or rocky terrain. Please make a note on your registration form if you think they might be helpful for you.


Kayaking

Join us for a fun-filled day on the water. Come kayaking along New England's coastline or regional lakes in the company of new and old friends. You'll paddle in a stable two-person kayak that we can adapt to meet your specific needs. Experienced staff will introduce participants to basic kayak safety, paddle strokes, and the excitement of traveling on the water.

We offer several types of kayaking trips:

Entry Level
Indoor Kayaking
Have a splashing good time: What better way to learn new skills or hone your kayaking techniques than in a controlled indoor pool environment? Experienced staff will introduce basic kayak equipment and safety, paddle strokes, and rescue techniques. You will get a chance to practice paddling and entering and exiting a kayak adapted to meet your specific needs. The pool session will give you the confidence and skill you need to paddle in the open water.

Beginning Outdoor Kayaking
Join us for a fun-filled day on the water as we paddle New England's regional lakes or rivers. Learn new skills or improve your technique and make new friends as you paddle a stable tandem kayak adapted to meet your specific needs. Experienced staff will introduce the basics of kayaks, kayak safety, paddle strokes, and the excitement of traveling on the water.

Intermediate Kayaking
Expand your kayaking skills and spend more time on the water. During this longer distance paddle we will introduce skills such as bracing to prevent capsizing and leans, which make turning more efficient. Learn how to reenter an overturned kayak and assist a capsized partner. Explore sections of local lakes and river abundant with beautiful wild and plant life.

Requirements: Prior participation on an OE Introduction to Kayaking trip or equivalent experience.


Rock Climbing

Outdoor Rock Climbing
Come enjoy a day of climbing on some of the local mountains. Climbers of all abilities are welcome. Experienced instructors will be on hand to teach skills and assist in planning particular climbing routes.

Climb and Dine - Indoor Rock Climbing
Have you ever imagined conquering a huge rock wall? Take on the rocks to the extent you feel comfortable as trained staff help you improve your climbing skills in a fun and safe indoor environment. After learning the basics of climbing with new and old friends, we'll enjoy a healthy meal.

Ropes Course

Ropes courses are designed to provide experiences that highlight problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. The course consists of low and high elements. Success on the low course depends on a willingness to try something new and an ability to work cooperatively to solve problems. On the high course, the excitement of tackling a series of elements suspended 20 to 40 feet in the air while wearing a helmet and harness attached to a rope can be life transforming. No matter what your age or ability you will experience an adventure.

Snowshoeing

Get a new perspective on winter recreation: snow-dusted pine trees, the quiet serene beauty of the woods of New England, and you, smiling with friends while walking through the snow and feeling on top of the world. Explore the fields and forests of Massachusetts or New Hampshire while learning to snowshoe with an amazing group of people. After an invigorating hike, we'll warm up with some snacks and hot chocolate.

Family Camps

Treat your family to a relaxing weekend getaway. Take a guided hike, play games, go for a swim, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and sleep under the stars. Create a new family tradition while meeting other families and making new friends. These trips can be custom group or grant sponsored. Please contact OE for more information.


Custom Groups

Custom programs are for groups of five or more individuals and are tailored to meet your group’s particular needs. For more information or to book a custom program, please call Outdoor Explorations at 781-395-4999 or 781-395-4184 (TTY).

WildWorks Projects

Make a difference in your community. During our WildWorks Projects, OE partners with a corporate sponsor and community volunteers to beautify and make outdoor areas more accessible. In the past we have worked with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Bear Brook State Park, and Hale Reservation. In addition to the community service work that takes place, the Accessibility Training. If your company is interested in sponsoring a WildWorks Project, please contact us so that we can share our current project offerings with you. We look forward to working together to make a more inclusive environment.

Accessibility Training

Break Down Barriers
“The problem is that accessibility is more than just removing physical barriers. What’s missing are the tools and know-how to extend beyond physical accessibility to full inclusion of people with disabilities, including training for staff, marketing, and programming areas.”
—Michael Muehe, Executive Director of the Cambridge Commission for People with Disabilities and Outdoor Explorations Board Member.

Outdoor Explorations has been a leader in the disability community for twenty years and has provided interactive Accessibility Trainings for organizations throughout New England. We can help make your organization’s existing programs more inclusive and welcoming to people with developmental, social/emotional, physical, and/or sensory disabilities. Our training can also be applied to a variety of outdoor programs found at schools, universities, outfitters, non-profit organizations, community programs, and camps. Sessions emphasize the importance of focusing on people’s capabilities and not their limitations. Professionals will come away from the training with increased confidence and flexibility, knowing how to break down barriers to recreation.