We’re feeling festive this month! For our May edition of the GoList, we’re highlighting fabulous and free spring festivals, annual Mother's Day traditions, and performances you won't want to miss. As you check out our top picks for things to do with kids in Boston and the 'burbs this month, click through to the event listings so you can add them to your calendar. Also, be sure to bookmark our Spring Fun Guide for even more family fun opportunities in and around town. Plus, we'll still send our free e-newsletters with our family-friendly event picks every week. Happy planning!

A trip to the museum doesn’t need to be a “boring” excursion for your kiddos, or strictly refer to your family popping into an indoor space for some play time. Whether it's artwork featuring everyone's favorite honey loving bear or interactive challenges like dodging hanging pendulums, at least one of these half-dozen exhibits on display across greater Boston is sure to delight your kids this fall. They might even learn something (but you don't have to tell them that).

It's official: Charlestown has gone to the dogs! This summer, the Charlestown Navy Yard is being invaded by huge, colorfully decorated sculptures in the shape of man's best friend. Canine-loving kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy the whimsy of these massive steel pups, designed by local artist Dale Rogers, that temporarily dot the landscape of Boston's most historic waterfront area. Situated on the lovely National Park Service grounds (where real dogs, on leashes, are welcome, too!) and next to the USS Constitution Museum (one of our fave free museums), the Big Dog Show will be accessible daily throughout Summer 2018. Consider it a perfect excuse to pack a picnic and head to Charlestown for a day or evening of public art, history, and awesome harbor views.

Even though I grew up in Boston, I knew very little about the South Shore before I moved there. Much to my delight, in addition to being a beautiful part of New England, there is also a lot of fun things to do, especially in the summer. Here are some top picks that are worth the drive (and possible Cape traffic!) to this special area.

There are just so many things I love about ice skating: gliding across the slick ice rink, feeling like I am flying through a sea of other skaters, spinning and twirling until I'm dizzy and ready for a hot chocolate break. Then there are the things that I don't enjoy so much, like the freezing cold temps that necessitate a rink, the hard ice that is so painful to land on, the pinch of skates laced too tight...you get the idea. Luckily, the Boston Children's Museum has found a way to highlight the joys of skating (without all of the downsides) at their Snowmazing exhibit, now open to the public. 

How do you possibly make Halloween even more fun for children? By adding some real live animals in the mix! Zoos in New England are getting into the Halloween spirit and inviting guests to visit in costume to trick or treat with the critters who live there. Halloween events at all zoos are even included with the price of admission...and costumes are highly encouraged, of course.

Recently, we went on a hunt for special playgrounds that have unique elements that make them worthy of getting in the car and driving to. But in the dog days of summer, we have one more criteria that's essential for a perfect day at the park: shade. Here are six tree-lined parks and playgrounds with an hour of Boston that have natural elements to keep you cool while you're having fun.