Museum

JFK Library: Presidents Day Week

Things to do in Boston for Children and Families

Download $2 Off Museum Admission Coupon


In celebration of Presidents’ Day Week, the JFK Presidential Library invites the public to download a $2 off coupon, valid February 18-26, 2012, by clicking here. Children age 12 and under are always admitted free. Family-friendly Highlights Tours will be offered throughout the week with paid Museum admission.



“You Be the President” Interactive Museum Activity - February 18-26


Visitors to the Museum are invited to step up to a podium set before the actual scene of JFK’s January 20, 1961 inauguration and deliver some of the most stirring passages of his inaugural address guided by computerized visual prompts. “You Be the President” will be open from February 18 - February 26.

When: 
February 18-26, 2012

Special Sundays at Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum hosts a day of fun family events and activities on Sundays!

Join the Ipswich Museum on Sundays for a day of family oriented activities and events. Each Special Sunday includes a guest photographer, guest senior, storytelling, treasure hunt and more.  First floor rooms open for viewing.  First Sunday of month free to Ipswich residents.  FREE to members and children!

When: 
Sundays through March 25, 2012 2-4 pm
Location: 

Family Festival: Paleo Planet: A Look at Life in the Past

Kronosaurus is the biggest fossil at HMNH, but there are many others!

Travel back in time at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and explore the amazing world of dinosaurs, Ice Age mammals, trilobites, and other fossils. Consider how the planet itself has changed over time. Investigate human ancestors through fossils. Meet Harvard scientists and hear about their research. Examine rare specimens, search for clues about the past in common fossils, and make your own models.

When: 
Saturday, March 3, 2011 9am-5pm

Digging for Mastodons

Digging for Mastodons: Discovering an Ice Age World in the Colorado Rockies

The Harvard Museum of Natural History presents a weekend afternoon program for middle-school children and their families. Renowned authors, Harvard faculty, and other scientists offer educational and entertaining presentations on their latest work. In this session we'll hear from Paleontologist Dr. Kirk Johnson of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

When: 
Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 2pm

Opening Day - Shapeshifting: Transformations in Native American Art

Explore the concept of shape shifting through Native American art at PEM!

Come to the opening day celebration of this wonderfully unique exhibit of Native American Art!  Shapeshifting is a common theme in today's fiction and science fiction, but did you know this theme has been present in Native American art, dance, music and story telling for millennia? Peabody Essex Museum invites you to explore this concept of transformation through paintings, ceramics, textiles, photographs, videos and monumental installations drawn from collections in the United States, Canada and Europe! 

When: 
January 14, 2012 10am - 5pm

Daughter of Winter Celebration

The Daughter of Winter is based in Essex Massachusets during the mid 1800s

Pat Lowery Collins’ novel [amazon 978-0763645007 inline] is based in mid-19th century Essex. This story of a twelve year old girl’s experience living on Hog Island during the winter brings together tales of the Essex landscape, the California gold rush and the Eastern Woodland Native Americans. This family program is fun for all ages and is free to the public.

When: 
Saturday, January 28, 2012 11am-4:30pm
Location: 

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A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

It's Summer by Linda Glaser storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Its Summer by Linda Glaser is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

We Walk the Woods!

Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bubbles & Books at the Castle

Kids will enjoy a story time and lots of bubble fun at the for Hammond Castle in Gloucester Massachsuetts
Come to Hammond Castle in Gloucester Massachusetts every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books on our seaside lawn. Fairytales do come true at castles by the sea! Doors open at 10 am. Stories start at 10:15 am.
10:00 am

Newburyport Exchange Club Kids Day in the Park

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Kids' Day in the Park hosted by the NBPT Exhcange Club
Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Kid's Day in the Park in hosted by the Newburyport Exchange Club. This free event starts with a parade for decorated bikes and doll carriages, with prizes for the best ones! After that, kids can get their faces painted, experience Theater in the Open, relax with a...
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
Essex Hertiage invites you to learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour. The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows....
11:45 am to 3:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Topsfield HomeGrown Market

Come to Topsfield Massachusetts Common for a homegrown market on the Wednesdays through July
The mission of the HomeGrown Market is to provide the Topsfield community with a series of family-friendly events that emphasize supporting local and offer the opportunity for Topsfield and surrounding North Shore farmers, gardeners, artisans, creators, performers, musicians, nonprofits, young...
4:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm

FREE Family Flicks at the Beach!

Enjoy a movie with freinds and families under the stars at DCR's Salisbury Beach Reservation!
Pack up a blanket, lawn chair and picnic for FREE movies under the stars at DCR’s Salisbury Beach on Saturdays. All movies begin at dusk. All events subject to weather conditions. Please call park number above for update.
8:15 pm

Monday, August 5

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Growing Wild for Pollinators

Come to Bradley Palmer State Park in Hamilton Massachusetts to learn all about pollinators
Discover the wild world of pollinators and what they do for the natural world around us. Learn how important is it to protect our pollinators for the health of humans, plants, and the environment. Best for ages 6 years and up.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Creature of the Week at Maritime Gloucester

Come to Maritime Gloucester for a Creature of the Week Session on Cape Ann Massachusetts! Photo ©Bill O'Connor
Every week, we will highlight a different ocean animal that lives in our aquarium and can be found in and around Gloucester. Learn some interesting fun facts about the creature as you get up and close and personal through a meet and greet and a take-home craft. For kids aged 4-8.
10:30 am to 3:00 pm

Willowdale Mansion Tour

Tanke a tour of the Willowdale Mansion at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield MA
The historic tour of Willowdale Estate covers historic background, context and conversation about the Arts & Crafts style mansion. Here is your chance to go inside the Willowdale  Mansion (willowdaleestate.com) for a unique guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue, this over 100 years-old...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Family Concert at Masconomo Park

Ants on a Log will perform a family concert in Masconomo Park in Manchester Masaachusetts
Join Manchester Public Library & Rockport Public Library at Masconomo Park in Manchester Massachusetts for a great family outdoor summer show!
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
Essex Hertiage invites you to learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour. The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows....
11:45 am to 3:00 pm

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts
Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Beverly Farmers' Market

Get fresh local produce at the Beverly Farmers Market in downtown Beverly Massac
The Beverly Farmers’ Market supports local agriculture while making healthy food available to all members of the Beverly community at affordable prices; the market promotes sustainable living practices and fosters community connections through our vendors, free activities and events. The market...
Where: Odell Park
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Cookout with a Cop

Public Safety Cookout at Palmer Cove Park in Salem Massachusetts as part of Heritage Days
Come enjoy a hamburger, a hot dog and some ice cream with members of our Police Departments. This is being put on by the Community Impact Unit. It is welcome to all. Come say hello!
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Tuesday, August 6

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

It's Summer by Linda Glaser storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Its Summer by Linda Glaser is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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