Fun and Free Things to Do with Kids in Boston This Weekend: The Hobbit, Play Date and More - Oct 26-27

10/23/13 - By Audrey Trieschman

It's the final weekend before Halloween, and Boston families can enjoy a variety of weekend activities that run the gamut from the scary to the not-so-spooky. Check out our roundup of Halloween fun, including more than 20 mostly free events for kids and families. And read on for some great non-Halloween events happening this weekend, including the opening weekend of Wheelock Family Theatre’s The Hobbit, Play Date at the ICA, and more.

Also this week on Mommy Poppins Boston:

  • If you have a family photo shoot coming up, professional photographer Korri Leigh Crowley has five tips for getting the most out of the experience, panic-free;
  • Find Five Picks for Kid-Friendly Biking Trails in the latest post in our guest blog series with the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Kids Outdoors Boston free online community;
  • Celeste shares six steps to organizing a Babysitting Co-op in your neighborhood; and
  • Don't miss a chance to enter our Great Giveaway to win $150 of Target Boys and Girls clothes and a $100 Target gift card - now through Sunday.

Enjoy!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

 


The Hobbit - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Opens Fri 10/25
Tickets $20-$30        

Wheelock Family Theatre presents The Hobbit, which follows the quest of homebody Bilbo Baggins to win a share of golden treasure guarded by a terrifying dragon. By embracing the adventurous side of his nature and applying his wits and common sense, Bilbo gains a new level of maturity and wisdom.

Ticketholders can take advantage of Wheelock's free “Extra! Extra!” program, which offers a family-friendly workshop or event either before or after every performance:

  • Friday Workshops: Wheelock Family Theatre staff lead a fun and challenging free workshop before every Friday evening performance. Workshops are designed to be age-appropriate, and might include music, choreography, costume crafts, and more.
  • Tour from the Seats: After every Saturday matinee, directors, designers, and actors give audience members a behind-the-scenes peek into how shows are put together.
  • Wheelock Red Carpet: Audience members can meet the cast up close and chat informally in the lobby after every Sunday matinee.

Admission to these programs is free for ticket-holders, but reservations are recommended as space is limited. [Details]


Zoo Howl - Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Sat 10/26
Included with admission

Children are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals along the thrilling, chilling Trick-or-Treat Trail. Other haunted happenings offered throughout the day include: creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling and costume contests and a haunted maze. [Details]


Pumpkin Float - Pope John Paul II Park, Boston
Sat 10/26
FREE

Bring your carved jack-o-lanterns and watch them float in Davenport Creek. Halloween costumes encouraged! Pumpkins can be no larger than 8 inches, or they won’t float. [Details]


Family Day at MassArt's Bakalar & Paine Galleries - Boston
Sat 10/26
FREE

MassArt welcomes families and friends of all ages to join the festivities at Family Day in the Bakalar & Paine Galleries. Admission is free and materials are provided, so attendees are encouraged to drop in at any time to enjoy art-making projects, guided conversations, interactive activities, and refreshments.

The activity stations, which are designed and facilitated by MassArt students, are structured around two exhibitions that offer unique opportunities for conversation and learning. Featured exhibitions are Reality Check, including seven photographers whose surprising real-life photographs strike the viewer as digitally altered, and Selections, featuring the artworks of 14 MassArt faculty members who are newly hired or returning from sabbatical. [Details]


Play Date: Imagineering with Color - ICA, Boston
Sat 10/26
FREE for families; up to 2 adults per family accompanied by children 12 and under

Families can take a closer look at paintings by Amy Sillman and talk about your discoveries with artists in the galleries! Use layers of color to create original artworks in the Bank of America Art Lab, and sketch dancers posing in the State Street Corporation Lobby. Families are encouraged to bring along large reusable bags to carry home art projects. The Youth Performance Series features Urbanity Dance in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater at 11:30 am and 3 pm. [Details]


Gore Farm Autumn Fest Wagon Rides - Gore Place, Waltham
Sun 10/27
$5 per person        

Enjoy a wagon ride, games, live music, stories, live scarecrows and refreshments at Gore Place's first annual Autumn Fest. Costumes welcome. [Details]


Diwali - Boston Children's Museum, Boston
Sun 10/27
Included with admission        

Diwali is the Indian Festival of Lights. It comes from the word Deepavali meaning “row of lamps.” This festive holiday is traditionally celebrated for five days, each day honoring a different belief or legend. Indian families and friends around the world celebrate with bright diyas, colorful rangoli, and tasty sweets. Join in the festivities as we explore the sights, sounds and spirit of this special holiday. [Details]