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19 Best Things To Do in Boston May 2023 with Kids

Make way for ducklings and all the best things to do in Boston with kids this May!
Make way for ducklings and all the best things to do in Boston with kids this May!
4/30/23 - By N Ferreira

Just like your garden, May is blooming with events in Boston—and we did all the digging to round up the best things to do in Boston for you! You may want to prepare to bring the whole family down to Boston Common to salute Beantown's favorite feathered family, the Mallards, on Duckling Day. Or perhaps you're making plans to celebrate mom at a pop-up party with local food and craft vendors. Maybe you and yours are just ready for summer to start and you're going to head north for opening day of one of New England's favorite places to play: Canobie Lake Park. This month is also packed full of outdoor activities including Lilac Tours in Boston, a Tulip Festival in Amesbury and the Spring BloomFest in North Andover.

Here at Mommy Poppins, we really want to make sure you remember to celebrate mom, so although we've already mentioned some of the brunches and special events to honor her, we also thought it might be helpful to direct you to this list of gift ideas that moms actually, really, truly want.  

Finally, while spring is in the air, don't forget summer is just around the corner. So, have you booked your summer camps yet? There are lots of categories and options broken down in our guide, but slots are going fast for the 2023 season! 

 

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May marks the opening day for some of the best (and brightest) family attractions in Greater Boston. Photo courtesy of Canobie Lake Park
May marks the opening day for some of the best (and brightest) family attractions in Greater Boston. Photo courtesy of Canobie Lake Park

Best Things To Do in Boston in May 2023

Free Comic Book Day 2023

Everywhere—May 6, 2023
Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns to its usual "first Saturday in May" date. READ MORE

Lilac Tours

Boston—May 6 - 13, 2023
Free
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. This year, however, the Arboretum is spending a week celebrating this beautiful flower.  READ MORE

Folded-Face Puppets: Workshop for Families

Brookline—May 6 & 13, 2023
This hands-on workshop is inspired by paper arts innovations of the ‘70s. Participants will learn to engineer paper to create their own moving mouth puppets, inspired by an “Ocean of Possibilities” theme. READ MORE

Tulip Fest

Amesbury—May 6 - 14, 2023
Free
A gorgeous variety of 100k tulips are scheduled to bloom in early May. Welcome in spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness n' family activities and pick-your-tulips. READ MORE

Music MAYnia Festival

Winchester—May 7, 2023
Free
Music MAYnia is a free community festival that features continuous live performances, arts & crafts, games, food, and more. READ MORE

Raffi

Boston—May 7, 2023
Raffi has been called the most popular children's singer in the English-speaking world. The singer-songwriter brings his repertoire to Boston's Orpheum Theatre for 2 shows where families can sing and clap along to their favorites. READ MORE

2023 Watch City Steampunk Festival

Waltham—May 13, 2023
Free
2023’s Watch City Steampunk Festival will feature costumed performers, musicians, kids' activities, and a large collection of unique vendors peddling all things Steampunk! Plus, this year will feature a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery of Queen Mercy’s missing crown. READ MORE

Somerville's PorchFest

Somerville—May 13, 2023
Free
Musicians and bands in styles including funk, blues, gospel, bluegrass and so many more serenade passersby from porches throughout Somerville. READ MORE

New England Loom Mother's Day Pop-up Party

Wenham—May 13, 2023
Free
New England Loom will be celebrating Mother’s Day with a pop-up party that will include local food and craft vendors. New England Loom will be offering tons of great gifts for moms like tiny rugs, shoes, pillows, bags, and more.  READ MORE

Mother's Day Weekend at Southwick's Zoo

Mendon—May 13 - 14, 2023
This Mother's Day weekend, treat Mom to a day at Southwick's Zoo! READ MORE

Duckling Day

Boston Common—May 14, 2023
Free
Join the Friends of the Public Garden in Boston’s most beautiful parks for Duckling Day! A beloved Mother’s Day tradition for over 30 years, the event celebrates the children’s classic book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. READ MORE

Madagascar the Musical

Worcester—May 19, 2023
Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and the hilarious penguins take the stage in a musical adaptation of the hit film. The performance features wild characters, moving music, and an adventure-filled story. READ MORE

Brookline Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Day

Brookline—May 20, 2023
Free
Check out the inaugural Brookline Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Day Celebration. Activities will include AAPI author talks for readers of all ages, book signings, performances, arts and crafts, games and prizes, a food truck, free snacks, and much more! READ MORE

Canobie Lake Park: Opening Day 2023

Salem, NH—May 20, 2023
Celebrating 121 years of family fun, the folks at Canobie Lake Park, a premier New England fun spot, are putting together what promises to be an amazing experience for opening day this year.  Parties, prizes, giveaways, and more! READ MORE

Canton Heritage Festival

Canton—May 20, 2023
Free
The Canton Heritage Festival promises to bring together folks of all ages for fun, food, shopping, and history as it celebrates the region’s past and living present. READ MORE

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival

Dorchester—May 20, 2023
Free
Go fly a kite at this 50-year Franklin Park tradition and celebrate the arrival of spring. READ MORE

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour

Lowell—May 31, 2023
Blippi is coming to Lowell for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! READ MORE

Dinosaurs Among Us

Providence, RI—Throughout May
Adventure awaits at the Zoo’s newest special attraction, Dinosaurs Among Us. Come face-to-face with nearly 60 life-size animatronic and interactive dinosaurs, during this one-of-a-kind experience. READ MORE

Spring BloomFest

North Andover—Various Dates in May
Celebrate all things flowers, sunshine, and Spring at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. Stroll through seven manicured gardens, meadows, and orchards planted with 165,000 tulip, daffodil, and other bulbs. READ MORE

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