Fun and Free Things to Do with Kids in Boston - Zoorassic Park Opening, Play Date, Beauty and the Beast and More

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It’s a long holiday weekend, and there are plenty of fun and free things to do with kids in and around Boston, from Discovery Day in Lexington and the Zoorasic Park Grand Opening at the Franklin Park Zoo to the Run to Remember Expo and Play Date at the ICA. And please be sure to see our special Memorial Day activities post for special events happening on Monday, including an Open House at the MFA, the Garden of Flags tribute on the Boston Common, and the Faneuil Hall Street Performer Festival. Read on for for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to visit our Events Calendar for more ideas.

And if the holiday weekend has you thinking ahead to summer activities, check out Tara’s Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Fridays picks plus 25 things to do in Mount Washington Valley, NH.

Enjoy!

Seal Park, Chelsea Waterside Playground and Other Great Chelsea Parks for NYC Kids

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As part of our month-long focus on Chelsea, my daughter and I had the pleasure of exploring the major parks and playgrounds in the area. Although Chelsea's best known green space is undoubtedly The High Line, there are much more kid-friendly parks and playgrounds, each with its own flavor and all within walking distance of one another.

In addition to the standard climbing structures and swings, the outdoor play spots we visited had some awesome special attractions, including a charming carousel, a popular skatepark and some of the coolest water features we've ever seen. Here's where to let your kids run wild in Chelsea.

Summer for NYC Kids: Our Guide Has the Best Free and Fun Things to Do All Season Long

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Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. The beaches open, the sprinklers turn on (assuming it's over 85 degrees), Governors Island begins welcoming visitors and kids start having trouble focusing in school. (Funny, we have the same problem with work.)

In anticipation of a wonderful season full of fun and free activities and cool destinations, we've updated our Summer Fun Guide. Highlights include:

The Point: Free Kids' Art Classes, Programs and Special Events in the South Bronx

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The Bronx has a rich and vibrant arts scene that, sadly, doesn't always get the attention it deserves. As a proud Bronx resident, I'm all about inspiring New Yorkers from other parts of the city to visit my home borough. So today I'm going to tell you about one of my family's favorite Bronx art spaces: The Point Community Development Corporation.

Located in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx, The Point is a multifaceted center that's been instrumental in revitalizing the neighborhood through youth empowerment and arts education. In fact, a lot of the reason that Hunts Point is now considered a cultural and artistic hub is because of the organization's amazing work. While the center offers classes, camps and workshops that require a long-term commitment, The Point also sponsors many wonderful drop-in family programs, events and performances that are open to the public, many of which are FREE.

25 Things to Do in the Mount Washington Valley, NH with Kids – A Summer Family Getaway

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Mount Washington Valley is the perfect place to take the kids for an adventure, complete with locomotives, zip lines, mile-long slides, natural wonders, and theme park rides that give little ones just the right amount of thrill. A four-hour drive from Boston, you could escape for the weekend or make a week of it – there’s plenty to do, see, and savor. Read on for some of our favorite ways to spend family fun time in the Valley.

South Fork Natural History Museum

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Tiger salamanders, fish and frogs, skulls galore, and a huge shark with a butterfly on his nose—the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center has all this and more. A trip to the museum is like a hike through all of the varied ecosystems of the South Fork.

The South Fork Natural History Museum is great for all ages, although it probably is the most fun for school-age children and adults.  But even smaller children will enjoy the hidden panels and peek-a-boo windows, not to mention all the living creatures. The museum provides step stools so that smaller children can reach every window. The Children's Museum of the East End just across the road is best for younger children and so a combination visit would be a perfect day out for a family with a wide range of ages.

5 Free Manhattan Public Art Displays Kids Will Love

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Recently we've posted about a lot of cool new exhibits, but one of the great things about New York City is that you don't need to visit a museum to expose your kids to great art. Stroll around and you'll come across public art displays in parks, plazas and even on street medians. The best thing about public art? You can experience it for FREE.

Since we've noticed a bunch of eye-catching installations around town (how can you miss that upside-down elephant or those headless bodies?), we're highlighting five public exhibits so you can take your family on a DIY art tour this spring.

"Crybaby Matinees": Baby-Friendly Movie Theaters in NJ

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There are many things we sacrifice as new parents: a good night’s sleep, adult conversation, sometimes even showering. But thanks to “Crybaby Matinees,” catching the latest movie doesn’t have to be added to the list. At these midday screenings, you can bring your baby along with you! Hang with other parents, let your little one sleep (or cry) and enjoy the show. Read on for details on two special programs now offered at New Jersey theaters.

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