Submitted by Lucie T on
When out-of-towners visit Boston, they have many boxes to check off their must-see list. But kids are notoriously reluctant tourists, and may not have the stamina to do every stop on the Freedom Trail or spend hours inside a museum. Here's our carefully curated list of specific, unique-to-Boston activities that even local kids love to do again and again.
Submitted by Lucie T on
What better way to celebrate the heart of summer than enjoying food and fun in the outdoors with family? This weekend, families can do just that in a variety of locations, from this North Shore garden to a community picnic to a food truck safari. If fried oreos are more of a draw, enjoy fair treats (and some old-fashioned rides) at this carnival in the Metrowest 'burbs. History buffs are invited to a historical reenactment and a day of living history. Celebrate the 4th a little early, cheer on the Sox (on the Lawn!), and become a wildlife detective. This final week of June is jam packed!
Submitted by Lucie T on
It really feels like summer has begun here in Boston, so why not celebrate this weekend? There some special seasonal festivals: Kids can marvel at some magnificent kites (or fly their own), race their own cardboard boats, or nosh on some Portuguese food while enjoy music and face-painting.
After testing your speed and smarts at this family-friendly obstacle course race, you can plan a dip at one of these favorite local swimming pools for families, or check out this beloved YMCA's outdoor aquatic center—for free! Enjoy ice cream with Elsa or introduce kids to some tasty vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Families can also celebrate the animals, from the tiny firefly to the largest mammal of them all.
Submitted by Lucie T on
This weekend is for the dragons (boats, that is) as the Boston Dragon Boat Festival returns for two days to festoon the Charles with spectacular colors and designs. Arts for All lends eye candy to Watertown, and thousands of people will be turning out for the family-friendly community dance event in Cambridge. Make some flowers, get the buzz on bees, and learn how to build a birdhouse. Sunday is also World Oceans Day so head to the Aquarium for a free fun educational outdoor event featuring hands-on learning about awesome undersea animals.
Our June GoList and summer festival guide will provide even more inspiration to get out about with the kiddos this weekend. School's almost out—why not plan some celebrations?!
Submitted by Lucie T on
It's finally June and it seems like everyone in Boston—well, kids especially—is ready to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer. Parades abound, including ones celebrating Dorchester Day, Pride, and even mermaids. Looking for fun fests? There's one happening all weekend with as much gelato as you can eat, plus this South Shore favorite, a river fest, and a teddy bear picnic. Who loves puppets? This puppet theatre is celebrating 45 years and Margaret Moody is performing vinettes (with a chance to try on the puppets in between shows!).
Submitted by Lucie T on
Though many families leave the city for Memorial Day Weekend, staycationers should rejoice: Those of us sticking around have plenty of family-friendly options to choose from, all within a day-trip's distance (or less!). Appreciate all that embodies Memorial Day at the Garden of Flags on the Common, and ring eight bells at the Constitution. There are also several musical ways to celebrate the start of summer, from Boston Calling to a special campfire, and don't forget the always active lawn games scene. Families can celebrate Ramadan too. For something totally unique, kids (and parents!) can travel back in time with some aerialists.
Need more family fun ideas to fill out the long weekend? Check out our full events calendar.
Submitted by Lucie T on
It really must be spring with all of the flower and kite (or kite and bike)-themed festivals this weekend. Not so into flowers? How about grilled cheese? In the spirit of outdoor living, families can also design their own treehouse and have an (indoor) garden party. This quintessential Boston spring event lets Bostonians get out on the water of the Charles, followed by a BBQ by the river. Our spring fun guide and May GoList serve up even more ideas for enjoying the nicer weather, so be sure to check those out when mapping out the weekend.
Submitted by Lucie T on
Arts and culture events abound as May kicks off in Boston. Star Wars fans can join together for their favorite day of the year (May the 4th—get it?), and anyone who appreciates Mexican culture (or just a good fiesta) can celebrate Cinco de Mayo the next day. There's a festival celebrating all things Polish and another dedicated to waking up the Earth. What about a chocolate block party or a fairy fest? If the weather cooperates, there is also (free!) sailing on the harbor.
For more fun this weekend and beyond, take a peek at our May GoList and our Spring Fun Guide. And if your summer plans are still up in the (spring) air, check out our Summer Camp Guide for last-minute ideas for keeping the kids busy after school lets out. Shorts' weather will be here before you know it!
