Pipi Longstocking - Wheelock Family Theatre, Boston
Opens Friday, various dates through 5/12
Tickets $20-$30        

The rollicking adventures of Astrid Lindgren's red haired rascal bounds onto the stage. Pippi Longstocking is a delightful character who first appeared in a series of Swedish children's books written in 1945 and whose enduring appeal to young people lies in her strength and resilience in overcoming what could be seen as overwhelming obstacles.

Frog Pond Carousel Opening - Boston Common, Boston
Opening Friday
$3/ride        

Kids can take a ride on the Frog Pond Carousel. The carousel features an oak floor, beveled glass mirrors, and a standard pie top with a lighted crown all give the Carousel a classic style. The Carousel features a variety of Bradley and Kaye horses, wildlife figures, and a chariot.

Early Spring: Henry Thoreau and Climate Change - Concord Museum, Concord
Opens Fri 4/12
Free with admission

New museum exhibit opens this weekend. Visitors explore seasonal changes in Concord’s natural environment in the Concord Museum’s special exhibition, Early Spring: Henry Thoreau and Climate Change, together with a new outdoor interpretive garden and interactive Concord’s Thoreau Trail. Through September 15, 2013.

The Boston International Children’s Film Festival - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), Boston
Sat 4/13 through Sun 4/21
Tickets $10        

The Boston International Children’s Film Festival features animated and live-action shorts and films from around the world with enough passion and intelligence for parents to enjoy as well.

In the series (see website for times and complete schedule):

• 4/13: Ernest & Celestine
• 4/14:The Zigzag Kid
• 4/16: Starry Starry Night; Wolf Children; Kirikou and the Men and the Women
• 4/17: Meet the Small Potatoes; Wolf Children; The Painting
• 4/18: A Monster in Paris; Short Films for Ages 5-10;
• 4/19: Short Films for Ages 8-14; Kirikou and the Men and the Women
• 4/20: Shorts for Tots
• 4/21: Zarafa; Welcome to the Space Show; A Letter to Momo

Please note that food, drink, and strollers are not allowed in the auditorium. Strollers can be checked at coat check near the Fenway entrance for no additional cost.

Street Theater Spring Showcase - Faneuil Hall, Boston
4/13 & 4/14
FREE

Spend the weekend watching some of the world's most talented street performers, as Faneuil Hall Marketplace transforms into a showcase of never-seen-before performances, jaw-dropping stunts and hilarious routines.

Plus, children can enjoy an interactive reading of Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan (Sat, 10am, Quincy Market Building below the Center Rotunda).

Science Carnival - Cambridge Public LIbrary, Cambridge
Sat 4/13
FREE

The Science Carnival is the first big event of the Cambridge Science Festival, which runs through April 21.

During today’s event, kids and their parents explore all things science with activities, shows and demonstrations. New this year is the Robot Zoo, where children can check out amazing robotics technology and activities from many different organizations.

Family Fun Free Day - Rescue Me! - Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester
Sat 4/13
FREE

The museum hosts a day of events that teach families about Gloucester's contribution to the American Field Service and the role of heroes like Abram Piatt Andrew during WWI.

Author Visit: Ann Dwan, Wishing Away - Sweet Downtown, Boston
Sat 4/13
FREE

Sweet Downtown welcomes Boston author Ann Dwan, who will be signing copies of her new book, Wishing Away, a story about a little girl who’s always Wishing Away. Meet the author, bring home a signed copy of her book, and enjoy a Sweet cupcake from the spring menu.

Swan Boats Opening Day - Boston Garden, Boston
Sat 4/13
Adults $3; Seniors $2; Children (2-15) $1.50        

A welcome sign of spring, the Swan Boats grace the waters of the Boston Public Garden today. Swan Boats drivers paddle passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a peaceful, 15-minute cruise.

Kids' Shows: Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock - Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline
Sun 4/14
$8 children, $10 adults        

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock is a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling. Since his creation by Morgan Taylor in 2005, Gustafer Yellowgold has become an international phenomenon, described by The New York Times as "a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss."

The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle - Center for the Arts, Natick
Sun 4/14
Adults $11; Children $9        

ArtsPower’s dynamic, song-filled adventure portrays Watty Piper’s timeless tale about hard work and friendship.