Free and Fun Things to Do with Kids in Boston - St Anthony's Feast, Wenham Family Festival, Founders Day and More 8/25-8/26

8/22/12 - By Audrey Trieschman

While school, for many, may be just around the corner, there’s still plenty for families to do as they savor the last glorious days of August, from Saint Anthony’s Feast in Little Italy to Take It Outside Play Date at the ICA to the last weekend of the Marshfield Fair. Here's our list of best bets for the weekend. And check our calendar for more activities.

We also have 5 great places for ‘tweens to enjoy an outdoor adventure, thanks to our friends at the Appalachian Mountain Club for their help in putting this information together. And continuing our Back to School theme, we’ve rounded up some of the best consignment shops for kids - high fashion at affordable prices!

Enjoy!

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Summer Fairy Tale Music Theater: The Three Pigs - North Shore Music Theater, Beverly
Friday         

Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre presents an original take on The Three Pigs - plenty of music and fun for everyone. $10-$12


Free Fun Friday - Georges Island or Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
Friday

Take the ferry to Georges or Spectacle Island for free, plus free programming all day at Long Wharf.

Have a picnic on Georges Island or relax aside a sandy beach on Spectacle Island, take a yoga class at the beach, listen to jazz, take a Zumba class, become a Let's Move Outside Junior Ranger, hike the trails of Spectacle, or explore Fort Warren - the boat ride to get there today is free, too! FREE


Free Friday Flicks: The Lorax - Hatch Shell, Boston
Friday

The last scheduled Free Friday Flicks takes place tonight, with a screening of The Lorax. Arrive early for free food samples, games and giveaways. FREE


Saint Anthony's Feast - North End, Boston
Friday - Sunday

The largest Italian street festival in New England, St. Anthony’s Feast has been celebrated annually since 1919. Entertainment takes place throughout the weekend - parades, strolling singers, live entertainment, contests, and religious services are held daily. One of the festival's highlights is the Grand Procession, a ten-hour parade beginning at noon on Sunday. Check the schedule for a complete listing of events. FREE


Play Date: Take It Outside - ICA, Boston
Saturday

Celebrate the Boston Waterfront with a festive day by the sea. Bring snacks and sketchbooks to enjoy while relaxing on the ICA grandstand or participate in family games by the grandstand before noon. Stroll along the Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld Harborway just outside our doors, take in the views, or step inside and tour the galleries. Meet visiting artists and participate in a unique, all-ages collaboration in the art lab. Free for families: up to two adults per family accompanied by children ages 6–12


40th Annual Wenham Family Festival and Craft Fair - Wenham
Saturday

One of the North Shore’s finest craft fairs featuring over 50 of the region’s best artisans--some old and many returning--offering unique hand crafted items, family activities, and the museum galleries. Bring your best-loved doll to the doll clinic to schedule repair appointments. FREE Museum admission


Antique and Classic Boat Festival - Salem

Saturday - Sunday

More than 40 vintage are on display this weekend. A crafts fair, artists, old-time band music, children's activities, the Blessing of the Fleet and boat parade round out this annual event. FREE


Founders Day Celebration - Longfellow House, Cambridge
Saturday

National Parks around the United States join together to celebrate the 96th birthday of the National Park Service. This year's events will focus on bringing children and families into the parks and enjoying the outdoors.

As part of the celebration, the Longfellow House hosts a scavenger hunt around the grounds of the 18th century mansion to explore the history of the house through the eyes of the Longfellow family. The quest begins in the Visitor center located at the back of the house. FREE


Marshfield Fair - Marshfield
Through Sunday

The Marshfield Fair - a traditional, American country fair that first took place in 1867 and features Tamusement rides, a midway, fair food and animal, farm and agricultural exhibits, plus a demolition derby and tractor pulls runs through Sunday. Adults & Children (& & older) $10; Children (6 & under) free