Artbeat 2012 - Davis Square, Somerville

Friday 7/20 to Saturday, 7/21

Artists and festival goers converge on Davis Square, transforming it into one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals. The festival includes two stages of music with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food and migration-themed activities. Special events include a parade (Sat, 12:30pm); a puppet show with Deb Constine (Sat, 2pm); and a performance by children’s book authors Jarrett J. Krosoczka and Jef Czekaj (Sat, 2:15pm). See the schedule for a complete list. FREE

Festival Betances 2012 - Plaza Betances, Boston

Friday, 7/20 to Sunday, 722

The festival is three days of exciting music and dance performances, artisans, delicious traditional food and activities for the whole family that highlight the diversity of Latino culture. FREE

Play Ball - Boston Children’s Museum, Boston

Friday, 7/20

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” Fenway Park at the Boston Children’s Museum. Red Sox mascot, Wally the Green Monster, greets visitors and signs his latest book. Visitors can take photos with the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies. Children and families can dress up in baseball gear and imagine playing in Fenway; enjoy active play as they learn about healthy exercise; hear baseball stories; and explore baseball equipment from the past and present. Free with admission

Art Moves at the Zoo - Franklin Park Zoo, Dorchester

Friday, 7/20

Enjoy music, dance and performances by Boston-based youth companies such as The Boston Tap Company, Phunk Phenomenon, Cambridge Youth Dance Project, Tony Williams’ Ballet Rox and many more. Visitors can participate in introductory dance workshops and join the mascot dance party, featuring Chloe the costumed giraffe mascot!

While walking around the Zoo, be on the look out for artists painting on easels, and kids can make their very own puppet with Puppet Showcase Theatre. Free with admission

Animal Enrichment Day - Stone Zoo, Stoneham

Saturday, 7/21

Have your kids ever wondered why some of the animals have balls, spinner toys and other items in their exhibits? This is called enrichment, and it is an important part of caring for the animals at the Zoo. Today, the animals celebrate the Zoo’s anniversary with birthday-themed enrichment items including presents filled with treats, ice treats and other fun surprises. Free with admission

Summer Fun Saturdays: Fun with Weaving - Gore Place, Waltham

Saturday, 7/21

Local weaving instructor Beth Guertin shows kids how to get started weaving. This is a fun, hands-on activity for all ages. $5

Author Visit: Artie Bennett - New England Mobile Book Fair, Newton

Saturday, 7/21

Bottoms up! Artie Bennett reads from his books, including The Butt Book, with dozens of funny rhymes and pages of laugh-out-loud pictures pay homage to a body part that keeps kids and grown-ups giggling with glee. FREE

Family Hour in the Open - Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

Saturday, 7/21

Bring the kids, the dog and a picnic blanket for a morning of storytelling, song, dance, theater, and other special activities. FREE

Regattabar Kids’ Series: Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys - Charles Hotel, Cambridge

Sunday 7/22

Kids and parents alike can enjoy the summertime series with performances by top artists. Today’s performance features Boston-based singer-songwriter and children’s performer, Vanessa Trien, who has become a local rock star among the young and young at heart. In advance $12; At the door $15