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Best of November: Top Things To Do in Boston with Kids

Among the best things to do in Boston with kids—enjoy Free Entrance Days in the National Parks this November! Photo courtesy of Mass Audubon
Among the best things to do in Boston with kids—enjoy Free Entrance Days in the National Parks this November! Photo courtesy of Mass Audubon
10/30/22 - By N Ferreira

The best of November is here, and the top things to do in Boston with kids span two seasons! This month, fall beauty transitions into the excitement for approaching holidays and winter days. Thankfully, there are tons of terrific things to do in Boston with kids. Families can line up for the 2022 Boston Veterans Parade to honor those who have served. Kids can experience America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth or chow down at the New England Harvest Feast. 

The cool, crisp weather is an ideal time to enjoy free admission to National Parks or get outside for a Green Friday hike the day after Thanksgiving. Visits with Santa are also starting this month, with The Polar Express in Woonsocket, RI and The Train to Christmas Town on Cape Cod. Another event high on our list is the long-awaited 'Twas the Night Before Christmas performance from Cirque du Soleil.

Find more top things to do with our list of best fall activities and our Day Trip and Weekend Getaways Guide, and get a jump on tickets for some amazing Polar Express and Christmas Trains.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so make sure to check it frequently. 

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Pilgrims progress their way through Plymouth this November 2022! Photo courtesy by Denise Maccaferri, courtesy of America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration
Pilgrims progress their way through Plymouth this November 2022! Photo courtesy by Denise Maccaferri, courtesy of America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration

Best of November: Top Things To Do in Boston with Kids

2022 Boston Veterans Parade

Boston—Saturday, November 5, 2022
Free
Honor the service and sacrifices of all who have served and those who continue to serve. Assemble at the corner of Charles Street and Boylston Street (Boston Common) and march to Government Center. This is a new and exciting parade designed to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families, as well as a thank you to all who continue to serve. READ MORE

Book Bugs: Farm Fun for Little Ones

Southborough—Tuesdays in November 2022
Little ones are welcome at the farm for an interactive children’s story time! Activities include a fun farm story or two, craft making, and farm exploration. Each day will have a different theme such as “Goats and Sheep,” “What is a Seed,” or “How Veggies Grow.” The theme will be centered on the seasons and what’s happening on the farm. READ MORE

Look Out! Science is Coming!

Newton—Friday, November 11, 2022
Experience the magic of performing arts for families and children with JCC Greater Boston's Magic Ark.  READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

National Public Lands—Friday, November 11, 2022
Free
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

The Polar Express Train Ride - Blackstone Valley

Woonsocket, RI—Friday, November 11 - December 23, 2022
The Magic Returns this holiday season for a three-hour experience at the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. Hop on a 90-minute train ride to view the North Pole that’s filled with singing, games, a reading of the classic children’s story “The Polar Express”, and a visit from Santa. The Conductor will be there to punch your special golden ticket, and you’ll all enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie during your trip. Plus, every child will receive a silver bell – the first gift of Christmas. READ MORE

New England Harvest Feast

Plymouth—Saturdays in November, 2022
Take a savory journey into the past. An evening of entertainment and hospitality awaits guests to sit down to a 17th-century meal filled with the finest food that the season of plenty has to offer. During dinner, expect historical entertainment including centuries-old psalms and songs.  READ MORE

Snowbound Festival 2022

Boston—Friday, November 18-20, 2022
Free
  Built upon the legacy of the Denver and Boston Ski and Snowboard Expos, the Snowbound Festival is a premium, multi-sensory, immersive experiences that serves as the official kick off for winter and a cultural moment that brings the entire industry and community together to celebrate collective excitement about the coming season. An ultimate destination for the latest products, legendary athletes, top resorts, film premiers, shopping, music, art, food, and the biggest brands, it is also an inclusive, community focused experience where memories are made, families... READ MORE

America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration

Plymouth—Saturday, November 19, 2022
Free
For over 25 years, hundreds of thousands of people have traveled to the historic Plymouth Harbor and Waterfront to experience a celebration of Thanksgiving history with pilgrims, Native Americans, soldiers, and pioneers climbing out of the history books and onto the streets of Plymouth. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Model Train Show

Roslindale—Saturday, November 19-20, 2022
The Bay State Model Railroad Museum is hosting a holiday model train show. See operating model trains and trolleys in scales O, HO and N. READ MORE

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil

Boston—Friday, November 25-27, 2022
'Twas the Night Before... is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale and marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas production in New England.  READ MORE

Green Friday Hike at Rocky Woods

Medfield—Friday, November 25, 2022
Stretch those legs after a day of Thanksgiving feasting! Head over to Rocky Woods the day after Thanksgiving (also known as Green Friday, a more eco-conscious take on Black Friday) for a guided hike at Rocky Woods. READ MORE

The Train to Christmas Town on Cape Cod Central Railroad

Buzzards Bay—Friday, November 25 - December 23, 2022
Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by our merry-making cast.  Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a 1 to 1 ½ hour trip to meet Santa. READ MORE

Polar Express Train Ride on Cape Cod Central Railroad

Hyannis—Friday, November 26 - Wednesday, December 22, 2022
Adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a merry-making cast. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a 1 to 1 ½ hour trip to meet Santa. READ MORE

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