Get out and beat the summer heat at the best splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in Boston! Photo courtesy of Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Boston
Photo courtesy of Boston Playground
Top 10 Indoor Play Spaces near Boston
Try a mommy and me swim lesson in Boston
GUIDE
Guide to Boston Classes and Activities for Kids
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Take to the streets of Boston for the best of August 2023 and the top things to do with kids! Saint Anthony's Feast photo by Matt Conti
20 Best Things To Do in Boston August 2023 with Kids
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Indoors and out and about, there are so many thing to do in Boston with kids before they grow up! Photo courtesy of the Rose Kennedy Greenway website
100 Things To Do in Boston Before Kids Grow Up
Photo courtesy of Water Wizz Waterpark
GUIDE
Ultimate Boston Kids Summer Vacation Guide
Find the right spot to go strawberry picking in Boston this summer! Photo courtesy of Verrill Farm
Best Strawberry Picking in Boston and Summer Strawberry Festivals
Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families
Goldfish Swim School is a family favorite for kids’ swimming lessons, with 11 locations in the Boston Area.
8 Reasons Parent-Founded Goldfish Swim School is a Family Favorite
Fun things to do in Boston with teens include seeing priceless works of art at Boston's museums. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts
25 Fun Things To Do in Boston with Teens
Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
New England Family Travel Guide
Explore a new area on a weekend trip with the kids from Boston
GUIDE
Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Boston
Teatime meets playtime in Beverly. Photo courtesy of the Children's Piazza
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces for Boston Kids
Ziplining is one of many adventurous activities at Camp Birch Hill. Photo courtesy of the camp
GUIDE
Boston Summer Camp Guide
Try a mommy and me swim lesson in Boston
GUIDE
Guide to Boston Classes and Activities for Kids
Free, fun activities can be as simple as blowing bubbles on a sunny day
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Boston with Kids Guide
10 One-Mile-or-Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler Around Boston
Big league fun awaits at Boston's top attractions for kids. Photo courtesy of Fenway Park
Top Attractions in Boston: Best Things To See and Do with Kids
Family Travel Guide
Remnant Brewery at Bow Market provides a family-friendly space, Photo courtesy of Merritt Chase.
Family-Friendly Boston Breweries and Beer Gardens
Step into family fun in the Merrimack Valley. Photo courtesy of the Salisbury Beach Partnership.
25 Things To Do in the Merrimack Valley with Kids
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Peek inside a rainforest at Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Boston Zoos: There's More Than Just the Franklin Park Zoo!
The Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial. Photo courtesy of the National Parks Service
Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Boston
Hiking is just one of many things to do in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, but it sure delivers great views!
25 Things to Do in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with Kids
Cool tide pools at Halibut Point State Park. Photo by August Muench/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
10 State Parks and Forests in Massachusetts That Are Fun To Visit with Kids
Who you lookin' at?! The Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo. Photo by Don Crasco/Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids
Try a little freeze dancing, robot style! Photo courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels
30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving
All sibs in the pool! Small group sessions are available now at Goldfish. Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Swimming Lessons for Boston Kids, Babies, and Toddlers (Where Parents Don't Need to Get in the Pool!)
Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
GUIDE
Guide to Science Experiments for Kids and Fun STEM Activities
Pizza and bowling are up everyone's alley in Somerville and Salem. Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza Salem/Facebook
15 Boston-Area Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While You Eat (and Relax)
New England sleepaway camps get kids out into nature. Photo courtesy of Farm and Wilderness Camp.
New England Sleepaway Camps Where Kids Completely Unplug
No messy, dripping fingers when you eat watermelon on a stick.
15 Amazing Mom Hacks That Make Everything Easier
25 Reasons Boston Is the Best Place to Raise Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
GUIDE
Crafts & Games: 100s of Activities for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Online and Virtual Family Fun
Charades is a great pick for virtual game night with the friends or family.
Best Games Kids Can Play on Zoom Virtually with Friends
GUIDE
Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families
13 Simple Crafts for Toddlers and Preschoolers to Do at Home
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
21 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids
Spring Break 2023 is coming to Boston, with wild activities and fun things to do! Dinos Among Us photo courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Spring Break 2023: 35 Fun Things To Do in Boston
Visit DC in the spring for warm temps and maybe even cherry blossoms. Photo by m01229 via Flickr
Cheap Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families
Get your groove on at Riverfest and more fun things to do this weekend in Boston! Riverfest Music Festival photo courtesy of Assembly Row
Duck Derby, Riverfest, and More Fun Things To Do in Boston This Weekend

Veterans Day Weekend Things To Do in Boston: National Parks, Craft Markets & A Salute to Veterans

Get outside and explore nature this Veterans Day Weekend in Boston! Photo by Annie Spratt, courtesy of Unsplash
Get outside and explore nature this Veterans Day Weekend in Boston! Photo by Annie Spratt, courtesy of Unsplash
11/9/22 - By N Ferreira

Get outside and enjoy nature this Veterans Day weekend; explore the National Parks for free, or take a walk in the woods in Medfield, before getting into the holiday spirit and crafting unique circle ornaments in Waltham. Young kids can learn to appreciate the orchestra at the BSYO's family-friendly performance of Peter and the Wolf, and the always popular magician, Mike The Bubble Man, is back at the Coolidge Theater. This is also the last weekend to check out Art Ramble in Concord, where young appreciators of art (including Fido) can explore installations by local artists on a walk through the woods.

Check out our picks for the best November events for kids and free November activities for families, as well as our events calendar and Facebook page. We hope you, your family, and all of our wonderful U.S. veterans enjoy this long weekend!

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The Polar Express rolls out of the station this Veterans Day 2022. Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express
The Polar Express rolls out of the station this Veterans Day 2022. Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express

Veterans Day Weekend in Boston: Things To Do All Weekend

The Polar Express Train Ride - Blackstone Valley

Woonsocket, RI
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

Art Ramble: In the Balance

Concord
The Seventh Annual Exhibition in Hapgood Wright Town Forest features 15 diverse works set up throughout the woods. This year's theme “In the Balance” suggests art in balance with its surroundings, bridging the gap between life's persistence and the loss of habitat. The Art Ramble is both child and dog friendly, so bring the entire family.  READ MORE

Festival of Illumination and Winter Wonderland

Mendon
​The Festival of Illumination is a must-see experience for guests of all ages as New England's largest and one-of-a-kind premier lantern showcase!  This year’s theme “Once Upon a Time”, is an epic journey of forgotten stories, featuring myths, legends and fairytales from around the globe. READ MORE
Veterans Day Weekend in Boston coincides with Free Entrance Days in the National Parks ! Photo courtesy of Walden Pond
Veterans Day Weekend in Boston coincides with Free Entrance Days in the National Parks ! Photo courtesy of Walden Pond

Veterans Day Weekend in Boston: Things To Do Friday, November 11, 2022

Look Out! Science is Coming!

Newton
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

Nationwide National Parks
Free
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

Salute to Veterans

Charlestown
Free
This Veterans Day, the USS Constitution Museum is honoring the service of veterans with engaging, educator-led gallery activities, Thank a Veteran letter writing stations, a special veterans-only tour of the Ship, and free museum admission for veterans and their families. READ MORE

Veterans Day at the Museum

North Easton
Celebrate Veterans Day at the Children’s Museum in Easton with special activities and celebrate our nation’s heroes. Salute veterans by writing a thanyk you note for their service, then craft a patriotic windsock or kindness rock. READ MORE

Veterans Day Character Visit at Jam Time

Norwood, Natick, Natick Mall, and Maynard locations
Kids can spend Veterans Day playing at Jam Time meeting Cookie Monster and Elmo. Kids can also enjoy fun crafts in the party room. Character visits take place at the Norwood, Natick, Natick Mall, and Maynard locations. READ MORE

Veterans Day Hike at Rocky Woods

Medfield
A guided Habitat Hike on Veterans Day around Rocky Woods in Medfield, MA honors veterans. Participants learn about the historic spots and animal habitats of Rocky Woods. READ MORE
Start the holiday season with a free ornament workshop in Waltham! Photo courtesy of the Charles River Museum
Start the holiday season with a free ornament workshop in Waltham! Photo courtesy of the Charles River Museum

Veterans Day Weekend in Boston: Things To Do Saturday, November 12, 2022

Circle Ornament Workshop

Waltham
Free
Kids will have the opportunity to learn from Dora Hsiung a local weaver and fiber artist. Young artists will practice the technique of wrapping yarn around circular objects, such as cardboard and CDs, to create stars and other unique patterns on the circles. READ MORE

Mike the Bubble Man at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

Brookline
Mike the Bubble Man brings magic and science to the stage with this interactive show about BUBBLES! READ MORE

Braintree Craft Market

Braintree
Free
Local crafters and vendors will be selling one-of-a-kind items, perfect for your holiday shopping needs.  READ MORE

Chess Play for Kids

Dedham
Free
Lovers of chess will enjoy an afternoon making new friends and meeting new opponents. Open to kids ages 4-8, bring your own board (or borrow from a new friend) and practice your skills. READ MORE

New England Harvest Feast

Plymouth
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

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra "Peter and the Wolf"

Boston
Join the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra for a presentation of "Peter and the Wolf" READ MORE

Wee the People Workshop for Families: We Are the Water Protectors

Waltham
Free
Visit the Waltham Public Library for "Wee the People," an interactive storytime and art-making event where children will learn about indigenous cultures and water access across the country.  READ MORE

Neurodiverse Storytime

Framingham
Visit the McAuliffe Branch Library in Framingham for a storytime designed for neurodiverse children; including those on the autism spectrum, who have sensory processing challenges, ADHD or who find it otherwise difficult to sit through other storytimes.  READ MORE

Veterans Day Weekend in Boston: Things To Do Sunday, November 13, 2022

Sensory-Friendly Sundays

Charlestown
Head over to the USS Constitution Museum for sensory-friendly Sunday mornings! Learn about the incredible history of America’s Ship of State in a quieter setting, without loud sounds or flashing lights, before the museum opens to the public at 10:00 AM. Design a ship, furl a sail, and scrub the decks in hands-on exhibits that are designed for sailors of all abilities and backgrounds. READ MORE

Photo Lab for Kids

Lynnfield
Kids will learn how to take family portraits using an iPad. Young photogs will find interesting backgrounds, learn how to use various light sources and direct subjets for the perfect shot. Kids will use Live Photos to capture action shots and add art and text to any photo. READ MORE

Falling for Fall

Waltham
Come explore the brilliance of fall with Gore Place's Family Educator. Learn about why leaves change colors in the fall. Apply this new knowledge on a walk and identify the different types of leaves and trees on the farm. Kids will then collect a variety of colorful leaves to craft a take-home fall decoration! READ MORE

Places featured in this article: