Free and Fun Things to Do with Kids in Boston - Movie Night, Street Festivals, Open Houses and More, 9/14 - 9/15
As summer draws to a close, fall events are in full swing in Boston. There’s a Friday night film at the Frog Pond, South Boston Street Festival on Saturday, and Artful Explorations in Lincoln and Family Farm Day in Ipswich on Sunday. Our best bets for the weekend are below, and be sure to check our Event Calendar for other options.
Also this week, Tara rounds up a few places just a short drive from Boston where your child can celebrate their birthday with friends and family, and I volunteer at the Museum of Science for a day. Our newest contributor, Celeste, shares her experiences at a Family Nurturing Center’s (FNC) free parent-child playgroups. She joins Kristin Quinn, who this week took her daughter to the new carousel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and Rachel, who shares some quick weeknight dinners and how to get your child to help out. (By the way, we’re always looking for good writers, so if you are interested in contributing to Mommy Poppins Boston, please contact us!)
The clock is ticking on our Swagapalooza Giveaway, but you still have a chance to snag some awesome back-to-school swag. Act fast for your shot at a Target gift card, KRE-O CityVille Invasion building sets, or a boy's or girl's Schwinn bike.
Enjoy!
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Frog Pond Movie Night - Boston Common Frog Pond
Fri 9/13
FREE
Families can enjoy a movie under the stars. All you need to bring is a blanket or lawn chair. Popcorn and refreshments available to purchase. Tonight’s movie: The Lorax. [More]
South Boston Street Festival
Sat 9/14
FREE
The festival features live entertainment on two stages; booths representing over 100 local merchants, artists and organizations; great food, dance performances, and children's activities. And it's dog-friendly! [More]
Battle Road Open House Day - Lexington, Lincoln and Concord
Sat 9/14
FREE
The event offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of restored colonial homes in the park, including the recently restored and acquired Col. James Barrett House. The Lincoln Minute Men are at the Captain William Smith House conducting drill and musket firing programs at 10am, 12n and 1pm. HM's 63rd Reg't of Foot is at the Barrett Farm. Whittemore House, behind Minute Man Visitor Center is also open. Pick up informational materials at Minute Man and North Bridge Visitor Centers to guide your visit. [More]
Swan Boats - Final Weekend - Public Garden, Boston
Sat 9/14 & Sun 9/15
Adults $2.75; Seniors $2; Children (2-15) $1.50
There are only two days left to enjoy the gentle, 15-minute ride around the waters of the Boston Public Garden before the birds are brought in for the winter. (Please note that the boats do not operate on rainy, windy or extremely hot days.)
Open House and Instrument Petting Zoo - Brookline Music School
Sun 9/15
FREE
Families can sample different instruments and engage in class demonstrations.Faculty presents demonstrations for its birth to age 7 class offerings, including early childhood, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Suzuki instruction, beginning piano and percussion from 10am-1pm; demonstrations for all programs take place from 1pm-3pm. Also from 1pm-3pm, the Instrument Petting Zoo allows children and adults the opportunity to test various instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, guitar, piano, drums and music technology. [More]
Family Farm Day - Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Sun 9/15
Members $20/car; Non-members $25/car
Enjoy a day on the farm listening to music (Ben Rudnick plays two sets!), meeting animals and farm equipment, playing games, and more. Don't miss the 4H calf show and dog agility demonstration. The farm food court features Appleton Farm burgers and cheese, as well as ice cream, cider donuts, apple cider, and chowder from local vendors. [More]
Ding-Dong: Quién Es? – Playing & Learning Latin Rhythms - Winthrop Park, Cambridge
Sun 9/15
FREE
Families with music loving children of all ages are invited to join Cambridge-based singer Mendoza and guitarist Jeremy Quick for a bilingual interactive show. Kids can experience keeping the beat with rhythms like "chacareras", "corridos", Latin swing, bossa nova, and more. [More]
ARTfull Explorations: Dot Day - deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln
Sun 9/15
Free with admission
Families explore the Sculpture Park installations and museum galleries, and take part in projects that are inspired by the themes and artists of the day. Today, celebrate Dot Day and Peter H. Reynolds' book The Dot, a story about creativity, courage, and collaboration. Explore the Sculpture Park to discover dots, circles, and spheres as a family and then work together to create a dot inspired artwork. [More]
Image: South Boston Street Festival