Things To Do with Kids in Boston This Weekend: An Eagle Festival, Gospel Choir, LEGO Train and More, Feb 11-12

2/8/12 - By Audrey Trieschman

This weekend, the Merrimack River Eagle Festival takes place at several locations around Newburyport, and the LEGO train arrives at the Wenham Museum. Performance options include the Tanglewood Marionettes’ Dragon King and the Soweto Gospel Choir. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve rounded up some kid-friendly ideas for sweet treats, craft activities, and story time events taking place this weekend.

Read on for the details, and be sure to consult our calendar for more things to do. Enjoy!

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Merrimack River Eagle Festival - Newburyport
Saturday

A full day of activities hosted throughout Newburyport celebrates the return of the bald eagles. Event highlights include:

  • At the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters: Make an eagle button or dissect an owl pellet! Special feature: owls from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm (11am-3pm)
  • At the Joppa Flats Education Center: Make an eagle nest and play nature games! Special feature: hawks from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm from (11am-3pm)
  • At Newburyport City Hall: Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility presents two educational programs featuring raptors great and small. First come, first served. Recommended for age 6 and over (10am & 1:30pm)

All events free


Boston Globe Travel Show - Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
Friday-Sunday

The annual travel show has over 200 exhibitors, special vacation deals, cultural performances and entertainment, live animals from SeaWorld and Zoo New England, and a children's area with moon bounce and kids' crafts. Adults $10; Children 18 & under free


Magical Saxophone Sounds with the ChagallPAC Saxophone Quartet - Regent Theatre, Arlington
Saturday

ChagallPAC Saxophone Quartet presents an interactive show that showcases a variety of classical and jazz favorites, and teaches kids about the instruments they’re playing. Stay for a saxophone petting zoo and meet-the-artists after the show. Adults $10; Children $8        


The Tanglewood Marionettes present: The Dragon King - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Sunday

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, Tanglewood Marionettes’ latest production tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. Adults $9.75; Children $7.75


Soweto Gospel Choir - Symphony Hall, Boston
Sunday

Known for its mixture of rich harmonies, a cappella singing, energetic dancing, and vibrant, colorful costumes, the Soweto Gospel Choir shares its joy of faith through music at Symphony Hall, Boston. Purchase through the website via the link provided and receive 20% off the ticket price. $37.50 & up


Wenham Museum’s LEGO Train - Wenham Museum, Wenham
Saturday-Sunday

A super-spectacular room-size model train layout features all things Lego, from city sky scrapers to country cottages. The New England Lego Users Group designed this model train treat featuring trains, tracks, tunnels, and towns all made out of Lego bricks and accessories. Free with admission


TeenLife LIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo - Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill
Sunday

Teens can meet with representatives from over 50 non-profits in Greater Boston that welcome the involvement of middle and/or high school students. Advance registration is not required, but all pre-registered students receive a gift bag when they check in at the registration table. Hear musical performances from area middle and high schools, visit with other sponsors and exhibitors. Free


New and Noteworthy

Ticket Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Erin, from Jamaica Plain. She and her family were the winners of our Ticket Giveaway to the Boston Children’s Theatre’s Calvin’s Monster and loved it. Her children were “very much enchanted by the show and really liked the music.”

Boston Children’s Theatre has added a performance of Calvin’s Monster to the schedule on Sunday, 2/12, at 12n. Tickets are still available for all three remaining performances, but Sunday at 2pm is nearly sold out.

For 1 and 2 Year Olds
While this brand-new class for children ages 1 and 2 began last week, there is still space available and the cost will be pro-rated:

Sea Squirts Preview - New England Aquarium, Boston
Mondays, Feb 6 to Mar 5 except Feb 20.
Parents and children ages 1 to 2 meet to socialize with other young children (and caregivers), explore new materials as well as the Aquarium. These activities involve free play, movement activities, songs, art projects, storytime and exploring exhibits.

Cost for series: $50/members, $95/nonmembers + $2 booking fee. To reserve your spot, call Central Reservations at 617-973-5206 or Erin Graichen at 617-226-2123.

For Teens
Boston Youth Fund Summer Job Registration
Now Open!
The Boston Youth Fund is now accepting applications for summer jobs from Boston teens ages 15-17. The application period is open now through March 2. Visit the website for guidelines and how to apply.

Arnold Arboretum Needs Your Help
Starting this spring, free discovery backpacks containing fun activities will be available for families to borrow and use in the Arboretum. The Arboretum is asking parents with children aged 3 to 11 to help develop the backpacks by taking a short (5 minute) survey. Each family that participates is entered into a raffle to win a JP Licks gift certificate.