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Things are lighting up with these must-do Christmas events around Boston! Festival of Illumination at the Southwick Zoo. Photo by Heart Lover 1717/ Flickr 2.0
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Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival
Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival
4/30/19 - By Lucie T

Spring may technically arrive in late March, but for those of us in New England, it doesn't really start to feel like spring until May. Getting outside and enjoying all the family-friendly spring activities Boston has to offer can definitely add up, cost-wise, so here are our picks for family fun that is also free. For even more free family activities, visit out our Boston Spring Fun Guide and check our calendar often.

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Wake Up the Earth Parade & Festival. Photo by MarcoClicks.com
Wake Up the Earth Parade & Festival. Photo by MarcoClicks.com

Free in Boston

Harvard ArtsFirst Festival

Cambridge
Each ARTS FIRST festival is unique but every year combines the exuberance of Harvard students, faculty and affiliates who are passionate about the many art forms presented in four rousing days of performances, exhibitions and art-making opportunities. READ MORE

Wake Up the Earth Parade and Festival

Jamaica Plain
The Wake Up the Earth Festival brings together Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and other areas of Boston in an annual festival that celebrates diversity, the arrival of spring, music and culture, popular theater, the visual arts, and more. READ MORE

Swing into Spring

Boston
This annual event features a live animal show, arts & crafts, author readings, a magic show, plus live musical performances by Steel Rhythm Band, Soul Estate Band, and more. READ MORE

Somerville's PorchFest

Somerville
Musicians and bands in styles including funk, blues, gospel, bluegrass and so many more serenade passersby from porches throughout Somerville. READ MORE

2022 Watch City Steampunk Festival

Waltham
The Watch City Steampunk Festival returns this year to the beautiful Waltham Common. Attendees can listen to musical entertainment at the Gazebo and stroll a network of footpaths through the Festival's open-air vendors’ market (with over 60 vendors). Also on offer will be exhibitions, kids’ activities, dining at various food trucks, and live acts at multiple performance spaces. READ MORE

Tenacre Fair

Wellesley
An annual tradition, the Tenacre Fair includes carnival rides, games, face painting, pony rides, baby animal encounters, and other family-friendly activities. It also includes grilled and baked goods for lunch or snacks. Everyone is welcome! READ MORE

Lilac Sunday

Jamaica Plain
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. This day is the only one all year when picnicking is permitted at the Arboretum. READ MORE

Revere Beach Kite Festival

Revere
The Revere Beach Kite Festival is a local tradition. Every May, families can come fly kites on Revere Beach. READ MORE

Boston Bubble Festival

Boston
Building on the popularity of “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter’s presentations at previous Parks Department children’s events, the Boston Bubble Festival offers free outdoor activities like giant floating bubble demonstrations from bubble performers, a DJ, live entertainment, giveaways, and more. READ MORE

Harvard Square MayFair

Cambridge
The annual MayFair in Harvard Square features music, dancing, food, crafts, street art, beer gardens and entertainment for all ages.  READ MORE

Somerville Open Studios

Somerville
Somerville Open Studios is a free open house featuring art around the city.  Meet other families at the Kids’ Art Show at the Arts at the Armory (and have your child submit a piece in advance to see their own work on display). READ MORE

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival

Boston
Go fly a kite at this 50-year Franklin Park tradition and celebrate the arrival of spring. READ MORE

Opening Weekend at the Greenway Open Market

Boston
On Saturday and Sunday the Greenway Open Market returns, featuring over 80 of the best local independent designers, makers and artists. READ MORE

Taza Chocolate Annual Spring Block Party

Somerville
Taza Chocolate Factory is ringing in spring by rocking their little Somerville block with food, beer, live music, and fun for all ages. READ MORE

Piers Park Sailing Opening Day 2019

East Boston
Come to Piers Park for free kayaking, sailing, food, and live music to celebrate 21 years on the water. READ MORE

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