Boston

MFA Boston Celebrates "Make Way for Ducklings" Author and Illustrator Robert McCloskey

MFA Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of his landmark publication Make Way for Ducklings (1941), a retrospective at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), tracks the career of Robert McCloskey (1914–2003), award-winning author and illustrator behind some of 20th-century America’s most beloved picture books for children.

When: 
Now through–June 18, 2017

April Vacation Week, Celebration of Children’s Literacy

Things for families to do in Massachusetts

April Vacation Week, Celebration of Children’s Literacy

Everyone tells stories. Stories express ideas and emotions. There are lots of ways to tell a story, books, oral storytelling, puppets, music, dance, pictures, and poetry. Everyday enjoy: Read alouds, Kamishibai Japanese picture stories, book nooks throughout the Museum, live plays, arts and science activities such as making flip books, bookmarks, and zoetropes, and literacy resources shared by community organizations including Boston Public Library, READ Boston and Raising a Reader.

When: 
Monday April 17 – Saturday April 22

MOS: May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens

Boston Museum of Science

May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens

Join us for this ArtWeek screening of Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens on a very special date and be one of the first to experience our new nightlife series, Summer Thursdays. This screening is a preview of what's to come in the summer when the first Thursday of each month will feature one of your favorite science fiction films in the immersive setting of the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

When: 
Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm

MOS: Chocolate - The Exhibition

Boston Museum of Science Chocolate The Exhibition

The Museum of Science, Boston unveils its newest exhibition, Chocolate, exploring every aspect of “the world’s perfect food," so described by nutrition researcher Michael Levin. The 5,000-square-foot exhibit examines chocolate’s unique place in history, ecology and popular culture. It reveals where chocolate is grown and how it’s made, from the most luxurious confections to the mass-produced treats doled out on Halloween.

When: 
Exhibiting now through May 7, 2017 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

New England Boat Show

The New England Boat Show in Boston Massachusetts

The 2017 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show invites the winter weary to get a taste of summer as the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is transformed into a boater’s paradise, February 11-19, 2017. Attracting tens of thousands of boating and sailing enthusiasts, Northeast’s largest boating event docks for nine-days, featuring hundreds of the newest boats and on-the-water accessories.

Museum of Science Presents Da Vinci —The Genius

Museum of Science brings to Boston Da Vinci –The Genius—a vibrant, interactive exhibition that explores every aspect of Leonard da Vinci’s world-changing innovations in the arts, science, medicine, engineering and design.
 
Through life-size interpretations of the great thinker’s inventions and unparalleled studies of his iconic art, the exhibit, will immerse visitors in the richness of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable work as a maker, painter, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and architect. The exhibit features more than 200 exhibit pieces including full-scale recreations of inventions, entertaining animations of da Vinci’s most notable Renaissance works and an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of his most famous painting, “Mona Lisa.” Museum-goers will be able to interact with many of these displays to gain an up-close, hands-on understanding of the scientific principles behind them.

When: 
On Exhibit Through February 26, 2017

Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less

Meet the Authors of Minimalist Parenting Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest!

Minimalist Parenting, written by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest is an invaluable guide to making family life simple and fun. The new book offers a fresh approach to tune into your family's unique values and priorities and confidently identify the activities, information, and people that truly merit space in your life. Isis Maternity & Parenting invites you to celebrate the Minimalist Parenting Book Launch at their Boston location inside the Prudential Center, Boston. All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.

When: 
Thursday, March 28, 2013 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Make Way for Ducklings - The Art of Robert McCloskey

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the beloved children’s book set in Boston, Make Way for Ducklings (1941), this exhibition tracks the career of the book’s author and illustrator Robert McCloskey (1914–2003). The recipient of two Caldecott Medals and three Caldecott Honors, McCloskey was a major force in 20th-century picture book art, and “Make Way for Ducklings: The Art of Robert McCloskey” provides an opportunity for visitors of all ages to enter the author’s delightful world.

When: 
November 25, 2016 – June 18, 2017

Pages

Brookwood School Summer Program for kids Pre-K through 9 in Manchester Massachusetts

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 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

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

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

Marblehead Festival of the Arts

There's plenty to see and do for kids and families at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts in Massachusetts!
Marblehead, Massachusetts has a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual summer arts festival during the week of July 4th. This highly esteemed festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions that include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, photography, crafts,...
9:00 am to 9:00 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 4:00 pm

Model Boat Building and Regatta

Kids can build a model boat and race it in a regatta on Redd's Pond in Marblehead
BRING THE KIDS - BRING YOUR FOLKS - BUILD & SAIL YOUR VERY OWN BOAT! This popular event begins with a workshop where participants construct model boats from provided kits at the Lee Mansion Gardens and ends with a competitive regatta at Redd's Pond. These small treasures are more than just toys...
10:00 am to 4:00 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

Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead

Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days. As always, we thank the Town of Marblehead for the opportunity to present our program in the beautiful natural concert venue that is Crocker Park and to you, for your generous...
12:00 pm to 10:30 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

Salem Farmers' Market

The Salem Farmer's Market bring the goodness of local farm to downtown Salem!
The Salem Farmers' Market brings fresh local produce and other foods from North Shore farms and other local resources to downtown Salem every Thursday at  Bentley Academy Charter School!
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Salisbury Farmers' Market

Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking...
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Gloucester Waterfront Concert & Fireworks 2025

The FREE Annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza Concert on Gloucester Harbor Fourth of July
Gloucester is gearing up for an exciting Independence Day celebration. Experience the beauty of Gloucester’s skyline with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Watch the night sky light up with vibrant colors over popular locations around Gloucester.  
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Gloucester Horribles Parade and Fireworks

Gloucester Massachusetts hosts an annual Horribles Parade to celebrate Independence Day every year on July 3rd.
Gloucester hosts their annual Horribles Parade followed by a concert and fireworks over Gloucester Harbor! The parade will follow its traditional route out Centennial Avenue, left on Western Avenue to Washington Street at Tally’s Corner, right down Washington and left onto Rogers Street, left on...
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

4th of July Celebration at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Get ready for four fantastic days of family fun at Salisbury Beach! From patriotic pet parades and live music to Independence Day fireworks, here’s what’s in store:
6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

July 4th Fireworks in Lynn Massachusetts

Independence Day Fireworks and concert in Lynn, Massachusetts, July 3
Lynn's Fireworks Display Begins at 9 PM from Red Rock Park. Prior to the Fireworks, there will be a live music perform starting at 7pm. Lynn Shore Drive and Surrounding Streets Will begin at 6PM and remain closed until after the show. Parking restrictions go into effect at 3PM. The best viewing  is...
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Sunday, July 6

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Art on the Avenue

Marblehead Festival of the Arts Art on the Avenue July 4th weekend in Marblehead MA
Young in Age or Young at Heart - All ages welcomed to Art on The Avenue located on Atlantic Avenue part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts. ​ Paint your own pottery with Hestia Creations, make jewelry with EOS studio, learn about plants from Marblehead Garden Center or connecting with mini horses...
1:00 pm to 4:00 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

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Sundays in Patton Park

North Shore Free Concerts for North Shore Families at Patton Park in Hamilton Massachusetts
Come enjoy community and music each Sunday in Patton Park! Dust off your lawn chairs and bring your picnic down to the park on Sunday evenings. We have a fantastic line up of bands this summer ---presented by Institution for Savings Bank and sponsored by The Community House, Town of Hamilton, HW...
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

4th of July Celebration at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Get ready for four fantastic days of family fun at Salisbury Beach! From patriotic pet parades and live music to Independence Day fireworks, here’s what’s in store:
6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park

Compaq Big Band is just one of the perfromers in the Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester Massachusetts!
Come enjoy a Summer evening sea-side concert at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester Massachusetts! The Cape Ann Community Band under the direction of David Benjamin, plays their annual summer concerts Sundays at the at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand, Stage Fort Park, Hough Avenue, Gloucester MA.
6:30 pm

Monday, July 7

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
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
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