Once on This Island - Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown
Thursday, June 21 - Saturday, June 23

This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. The show tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. In advance $16; At the door $20

Family Music Night: Vanessa Trien - Henry Bear’s Park, Brookline
Friday, June 22

Boston-based singer-songwriter and children’s performer Vanessa Trien is a local rock star among the young and young at heart. FREE

EurekaFest: Heavy Metal V - Museum of Science, Boston
Saturday, June 23

Cheer on over 200 high school students in an all-day design challenge that explores the invention process. The Museum of Science offers hands-on learning activities for inventors of all ages. Families are encouraged to join the fun. Free with museum admission

Strawberry Festival - Verrill Farm, Concord
Saturday, June 23

Enjoy pick-your-own strawberries in fields near the farm stand (weather & crop conditions permitting); Strawberry Shortcake prepared in the farm stand kitchen; food available a la carte; pony rides by Giddy Up Ponies & Hayrides; and entertainment by Ben Rudnick & Friends and the Tanglewood Marionettes (12n). Free admission

RiverFest - Towns along the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury Rivers
Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24

Riverfest features over 30 events in towns up and down the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury Rivers. From wildlife viewing at Spencer Brook in Carlisle and a fishing derby in Billerica to a pontoon boat tour in Concord and a fishing event with games, crafts, and face painting in Sudbury, families can find plenty of activities to choose from. Download the 2012 guide so you can plan your weekend. FREE

Magic Show with David Hall - Barefoot Books, Concord
Saturday, June 23

Boston-based Magic Dave presents a comedy magic show full of fantastic sleight-of-hand tricks, opportunities for audience participation, mind reading and even Hocus the Bunny! Pre-registration recommended. $7/person; $20 family maximum

Circle the City - Franklin Park, Boston
Sunday, June 24

Circle The City kicks off in Franklin Park with free outdoor activities and a live performance of the Boston Pops Brass ensemble. FREE

Native Seasonal Celebration - Boston Children’s Museum, Boston
Sunday, June 24

Kids welcome summer and learn about Native New England traditions. They can make their own corn husk doll, find out what is included in a real Wampanoag clam bake; and watch and listen as Annawon Weedon, Native educator and member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, shares native culture (1pm & 2pm). Free with admission

Coming up next week:

Frog Pond Spray Pool Opening Celebration: Celebrate the opening of the spray pool with a variety of family-friendly activities including music, art, entertainment, and a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 27, 11am. The Spray Pool is open all summer 11am for children ages 12 and under. Lifeguards on duty during open hours.

New Crafting “Destination” Opens: Make Meaning, a DIY crafting destination that has become immensely popular in New York City, opens a Boston-area location at Legacy Place in Dedham on Monday, June 25. Families and kids can select from 50 different Creative Experiences such as decorating cakes, making colorful candles and soaps, painting ceramics and crafting jewelry. Stay tuned for more…