Boston Book Festival - Copley Square, Boston
Sat 10/27

Boston Book Festival hosts author presentations, panels, and hands-on demonstrations at venues throughout the Copley Square area, from Trinity Church to the Boston Public Library. A street fair in the square features exhibitors and live music throughout the day. FREE

Activities for kids and teens include a keynote presentation by the elusive and mysterious Lemony Snicket, author of the wildly popular Series of Unfortunate Events. Consult the website for a complete schedule.

Ongoing family activities include:

• StoryPlace (11am-4pm, Boston Public Library Popular Reading Room 700 Boylston Street): Kids can create arts and crafts, listen to storytellers Jef Czekaj and Anna Dewdney, and meet storytime favorites Curious George, Max the Bunny, and more.
• Passport to Imagination: Families can pick up a kids' passport at the Boston Book Festival tent and take part in fun kids' activities throughout Copley Square, picking up stamps at participating exhibitors and at StoryPlace. Completed passport win prizes!

Bari Koral Family Rock Band - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Sat 10/27

Bari’s catchy, pop friendly tunes, interactive live shows & heavy rotation radio play have gained the band literally thousands of young (and not so young!) fans. Kids can pop like popcorn, surf the waves, run like the gingerbread man and may even learn to “jam with the band.” Adults $10; Children $8

Play Date: Modern-Day Mythical Mashup - ICA, Boston
Sat 10/27

Take a look at works on view in Os Gemeos then share fantastic stories from your own experiences. Join artist Nika Feldman as she leads a 3-D myth-making activity then discuss thoughts about stories and works of art. FREE for families: up to two adults per family accompanied by children ages 6–12

The Great Pumpkin Pageant - Edaville Railroad, Carver
Sat 10/27 - Sun 10/28

Edaville's pumpkins - dressed up for Halloween - are displayed around the park. Guests who are dressed in costume themselves receive a special gift at the front gate – and a rare opportunity to trick or treat at Edaville. Ride the train, enjoy unlimited use of all amusement rides, and celebrate Halloween in a fun yet safe environment. Adults & Children (2+) $18; Seniors (over 60) $16 ; Children (under 2) free

Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra - Regent Theater, Arlington
Sat 10/27

Classic rock, unplugged for young ears! Kids can rock their socks off as they listen to classic rock songs for kids (and parents!)! Acoustic versions of Beatles, Who, Zeppelin, Queen, Bowie Classics - performed by the URO. Adults $10; Children $8

Annual Classical Cartoon Festival - Symphony Hall, Boston
Sat 10/27

Kids of all ages can enjoy classical music, their favorite Warner Brothers cartoons on a giant screen, live musical performances, storytelling, an instrument petting zoo, classical music hosts, PBS-costumed characters, and face painting during the annual Cartoon Fest. $15; purchase in advance

Halloween Family Day - Spellman Museum, Weston
Sat 10/27

Kids can come in costume and win a stamp prize, decorate pumpkins and treat or treat bags with stamps; take part in stamp scavenger hunts (with prizes!) and other arts and crafts activities using stamps. Kids can get tips about how to start a stamp collection and also receive a free packet of stamps to get their collections going. Free with admission

Zoo Howl - Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
Sat 10/27 - Sun 10/28

Children are invited to trick-or-treat among the animals along the thrilling, chilling Trick-or-Treat Trail. Other haunted happenings offered throughout the day include: creepy crafts, ghoulish games, howling and costume contests and a haunted maze. $17 for adults; $14 for seniors (62+); $11 for children (2-12); Children under 2 are free

Poultry ‘n' Pumpkin Day - Gore Place, Waltham
Sun 10/28

Celebrate the harvest season and our feathered friends! Take a wagon ride to the farm, meet the chickens and enjoy fun activities on a fall afternoon. Live music. Refreshments for sale. No reservations necessary. $5

Halloween Carnival - Harvard Coop, Cambridge
Sun 10/28

Children ages 8 and under can enjoy pumpkin decorating, a pumpkin bean bag toss, face painting, a goody bag craft, and a pumpkin hunt. Everyone in costume receives a special treat. Event takes place on Palmer Street, weather permitting. Rain location: Lower Level Book Building. FREE

Sunday Family Jams - Brookline Music School, Brookline
Sun 10/28

For kids and grown-ups: Bring your acoustic instruments and play and sing familiar and not-so-familiar, but simple, songs together. Led by Lorraine & Bennett Hammond. This is a drop-in program; suggested donation accepted at the door. FREE