Things to Do in Danvers

Hunter’s Haven Farm sprawls across multiple acres of verdant farmland in Groveland, fostering a bucolic atmosphere dedicated to teaching equestrian riding techniques in lessons for riders 8 and older. The center’s two horse whisperers call upon three decades of training and riding experience to coach students in the center’s dual riding modalities, hunt seat and dressage. Hunt seat displays the horse’s prowess while running flat or jumping over small hurdles, and dressage showcases the horse’s natural impulses, whether running freely with a rider or stopping to vote “neigh” on a potential future of donkey riding. The farm’s facilities encompass an indoor arena, cross-country fences, and a galloping track. Students can also guide their steeds around a lit outdoor ring or practice circuits around the onsite dressage ring during private or group sessions. Children can experience guided pony rides and natural interactions with ponies, goats, pigs, and a philosophical saddle at Hunter’s Haven Farm’s petting zoo.

At Action Games Paintball, players streak across 80 acres comprising six woodsball fields speckled with forts, towers, bridges, and bunkers. After playing one of 10 themed games such as capture the flag or attack and defend, they post up against a towering tree or at a picnic table and dig into a complimentary, all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch.

At the head of Stage Hill Polo, owner and instructor Peter Poor—who has been featured in The Boston Globe—draws on more than 50 years of polo experience to teach the game to students of all skill levels. After guiding students to their provided horses and mallets, Poor teaches his students all about polo strategies and the game's terms and phrases, such as "chukkers," "bumps," and "that's a football." He holds lessons in a small paddock so that riders can learn the sport in a low-intensity atmosphere. Poor welcomes all skill levels and oversees friendly scrimmages during which students can put their newly acquired skills to the test.

Jacqui Newman helms Salamander Sisters Occult Goods & Services, where she harnesses her doctorate in metaphysics and her clairvoyant nature to help clients find answers. Newman, a high priestess and an ordained reverend, blends her eclectic background to lead introductory classes on witchcraft and grant visitors spiritual advice through consultations.

In addition to the medley of metaphysical services she and her staff provide, Newman also fills the store space with an abundance of mystical items such as magical potions, jewelry, and candles that bring good luck or ward off nightmares.

The Sanskrit translation of rasamaya is "fluid," which describes the studio's Rasamaya Method of intelligent movement. Rasamaya's instructors lead their own brand of yoga, Pilates, and ballet-barre classes featured in Pilates Style Magazine that are designed to balance and strengthen the mind and body in tandem. Founder Carrie Tyler specializes in women's physical structure, health, and sexuality and built the practice from her playful teaching style and deep understanding of yogic philosophy, anatomy, and alignment. Each yoga class incorporates breath work and chanting to attune the mind while the body sweats, and aerial classes teach sling work and basic inversions so students can continue their practice even when the floor is deemed lava.

The working cornfield at Marini Farm embraces the festive spirit of autumn by wearing a different mask each Halloween season. The corn maze has featured farm-themed shapes, a giant bald eagle, and a pirate design that was featured in the Wicked Local Ipswich in 2010. This year the 10-acre field is sliced into an outline of planet Earth, an astronaut, and a spaceship thought to occupy Buzz Aldrin's secret collection of pet Martians. The maize maze is designed to be both educational and interactive, with about 20 clue stations strategically placed throughout the labyrinth to help adventurers conquer the nearly 10 miles of paths. The maze is open during the day and remains open Friday and Saturday night for flashlight-lead escapades.

The smaller, less complex Finger Fortune maze delights younger adventurers, as do the apple cannon, jumping pillow, pumpkin patch, hayride wagon, and separate play area. For parents or guests staging a corn coup, the third-generation farm serves up a cornucopia of fresh veggies, bakery treats, and plants for purchase or for hurling at scarecrows creepily staring at them in the distance.