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15 Free and Fun Things to Do in April with Boston Kids

Cambridge Science Festival at the MIT Museum. Photo by George Imirzian
Cambridge Science Festival at the MIT Museum. Photo by George Imirzian
3/29/19 - By Clementina Verge

April is the month when spring really gets buzzing, and motivation to get out and about is even higher when activities don't break the bank. Of course, you can embrace free fun from the month's start with these priceless pranks to play on your kids. Then, as you enjoy the increasingly sunny days, try some of our top suggestions for (free!) family activities and adventures. From spring festivals to a science extravaganza to patriotic parades, April in Boston proves that quality family time needn't cost a thing.

 

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U. S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum at Lexington Green. Photo by SFC Richard Ruddle/Flickr
U. S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum at Lexington Green. Photo by SFC Richard Ruddle/Flickr

Free and Fun Things in April

Festival of Museums 2019

April 6 - Cape Cod
Join this one-day celebration of Cape Cod’s museums and galleries with events throughout the day. Museums and galleries from all around the Cape are offering a fun-packed day of surprising and exciting events and activities aimed at igniting your imagination. READ MORE

Wellesley STEM Expo

April 6 - Wellesley
The Wellesley STEM Expo is a hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exposition including a speaker series, hands-on exhibits, workshops, and a student work showcase.  READ MORE

McMullen Museum Spring Celebration

April 7 - Boston
In celebration of spring, the McMullen Museum invites everyone to participate in a day filled with children’s programming, music, artmaking, storytelling, and guided tours of the exhibitions. The Museum will also offer Japanese-inspired activities to coincide with Eaglemania, including Yo Yo fishing, kamishibai, origami, and more. READ MORE

Volunteer Expo

April 11 - Boston
Families have the opportunity to mix, mingle, and meet with community groups from the Boston and Greater Boston areas who are all looking for volunteers. READ MORE

Cambridge Science Festival

April 12-21 - Cambridge
A family-friendly science extravaganza, Carnival is a beloved yearly highlight of the Cambridge STEAM calendar! Over 100 activity booths, demonstrations, live music, and installations, including the ever-popular Robot Petting Zoo, come together for one day. READ MORE

Kids Jam with Sarah Gardner

April 13 - Bedford
Sing, dance, and play along with musical instruments as Sarah leads an interactive family-jam. READ MORE

Junior Ranger Day

April 13 - Lexington
As part of the festivities of Patriots Day weekend, kids can have fun exploring Minute Man National Historical Park with a Junior Ranger Day Booklet to guide them. READ MORE

KERPLUNK! A Musical Improv for Kids

April 13 - Somerville
KERPLUNK! is a create-your-own-adventure show where kids in the audience call all the shots, from the name of the show, to the decisions the characters make. READ MORE

Boston Marathon

April 15 - Boston
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and is one of the world's most prestigious road races. Spectators can cheer the runners on throughout the course. READ MORE

Jungle Jim’s Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy

April 16 - Jamaica Plain
The Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy Training is a fully-interactive program that prepares participants to become wizards themselves. Professor Jungle-Flick teaches children how to perform their own magic, play some Quidditch, and even learn Defense Against the Dark Arts. READ MORE

Earth Week at the Mapparium®

April 16-19 - Boston
Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens, — all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect.                 ... READ MORE

Boston Kids Comics Fest

April 27 - Chestnut Hill
Explore “kid friendly-comics,” graphic novels, and hybrid books during this second annual event that features a book fair and exhibitors. READ MORE

Family Day: Día de la familia

April 27 - Wellesley
The Davis welcomes visitors of all ages to participate in programming and activities inspired by Latin American art and culture. Explore hands-on art making activities, join a treasure hunt in the galleries, and enjoy story time, a tour of special exhibition Art_Latin_America: Against the Survey, and performances that will entertain the whole family. READ MORE

Melrose Arts Festival

April 27-28 - Melrose
The 14th annual Melrose Arts Festival is an exhibition and sale that displays original fine arts and fine crafts by over 40 juried artist exhibitors from Melrose and surrounding areas.  READ MORE

Japan Festival at Boston Common

April 27-28 - Boston
Back for 2025, the Japan Festival Boston features booths offering delicious foods and goods, games, and activities typical to traditional Japanese festivals, as well as music and performances by local artists on multiple stages. There is also a kid's corner on both days. READ MORE

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