Watch City Festival - Waltham
Saturday, 5/12 & Sunday 5/13

The a city-wide event celebrates the imagination, history and ingenuity behind Steampunk (a literary and artistic movement that melds elements of Victorian-era history with modern technology and fantastical fiction). The festival, benefiting the non-profit Charles River Museum, encompasses the entire downtown Waltham.

Younger steampunk may visit Children’s Steampunk Station to make crafts; enjoy puppet shows and magicians, and more. Teens can play Steampunk Trivia Time at the Uppercrust Pizza and have the opportunity to meet one of the nations hottest teen writers M.T. Anderson. Side show acts include storytellers, belly dancers, scholarly lectures, workshop, theatrical experiences and panels, blacksmith demonstrations, magicians, film screenings, trains and more. Adults (age 13 and older): $20/weekend, $15/day; Children (4 to 12): $10/weekend or $7/day

Belkin Family Lookout Farm Season Opening Weekend - South Natick
Saturday 5/12 & Sunday 5/13

Visit the farm this weekend for train rides through the orchards, farm-themed Children’s Play Area, caterpillar rides, a hay pyramid, farm animals, moon bounce, and a burlap maze.

Mike the Music Man plays under the big tent (Sat & Sun, 12n, 1pm, 2pm); and kids can have their face painted; and the Busy Bee Learning Center is open. $8; Moms free with at least one pd admission

Spring Open House - Blue Hill Observatory, Milton
Saturday, 5/12

Take a tour of the facility, enjoy the view from the summit of Great Blue Hill and participate in many fun activities including presentations on weather and climate, kite making and flying, tagged balloon releases, self guided tours with interpreters throughout the facility, and tables for the WINS program, MWO, NWS, and Friends of the Blue Hills.

Note: the summit access road is not open to public vehicles; the walk up the hill to the Observatory along the summit road is approximately one mile. Trail maps and information are available at the Trailside Museum. FREE

Karen K and the Jitterbugs - Barefoot Books, Concord
Saturday, 5/12        

Karen K & her Jitterbugs are rising stars in the “kin die” music scene (the blend of kids music and indie rock) thanks to their eclectic sound and Karen K’s memorable, original songs that have kids - parents, too! - singing and dancing in the aisles. $8/person; $15 family max

Creepy Crawly Days - Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton
Saturday, 5/12

Snakes, bugs and worms, oh my! Kids learn about some of nature’s most misunderstood animals. Live animal exhibits, fun bug hunts, and crafts are just a few of the activities planned for the weekend. You may arrive saying, “eeww, yuck!,” but you’ll leave saying “oh, cool!” $2-$4

Young People’s Concert - Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley
Saturday, 5/12

The Ariel Quintet presents a concert for children and families. Selections includes the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, followed by an introduction and demonstration of the wind instruments; Peter and the Wolf; and Stars and Stripes Forever. Children also have the chance to try each of the instruments. FREE

Flowered Gifts for Mom - Artbeat, Arlington
Saturday, 5/12        

Moms, Grandmas and favorite Aunties all love flowers. Artbeat offers four creative ways kids can express their love with gifts that blooms. $10/gift. Plus, bring Mom in for a special gift you can make together: a felt flower pin to wear on a jacket, bag, or hat ($6 each, or one free with Mom).

The Art of Craft - Fayerweather Street School, Cambridge
Saturday, 5/12

Fayerweather’s spring fundraiser is a day of live music, food, and paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, quilts, fine arts, and jewelry from local artists and artisans.

Children are invited to participate in many activities from dancing or listening to live music by local musicians, having their face painted or grabbing a snack at one of the Fayerweather “Food Truck” booths. $5/person; $20 family maximum

Mother’s Day Stories and Crafts - Harvard Coop, Cambridge
Saturday, 5/12

Children listen to stories about Mother’s Day and take part in a Mother’s Day craft. FREE

Duckling Day Parade - Boston Public Garden, Boston
Sunday, 5/13

Children and their families retrace the steps of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their family of eight ducklings, led by the Harvard University Marching Band and dressed as one of their favorite characters from the book. $35 donation/family

Lilac Sunday - Arnold Arboretum, Boston
Sunday, 5/13

Tours of the lilacs and other special collections, music, picnicking (allowed on this special day only), and family activities make for a memorable day. Street parking along the Arboretum perimeter is limited and visitors are advised to take public transportation. FREE

Free Admission for Mom - Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
Sunday, 5/13

The zoo celebrates moms with free admission for all mothers throughout the day. See the animal moms at the Zoo including the white-cheeked gibbon Iggy and her eight-month-old offspring, Paddy at the Stone Zoo and western lowland gorilla Kiki and her daughters Kira, Kimani and Kambiri, red kangaroo Skippy and her 7-month-old joey named Ramiro, and ring-tailed lemur Nebbie and her new baby at the Franklin Park Zoo. FREE Admission for Moms

Photo: Angela Sciaraffa