Boston Family Fun Weekend Guide, June 3-5
OUTDOORS
Teddy Bear Check-up Day at the Stone Zoo
Saturday, June 4
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA
website
Zoo Admission: $9.00 for non-members
Teddy bears just waking up from their winter hibernation? They could probably use a check-up, and what better place than the Stone Zoo? Bring your favorite bear (or other stuffed animal) with you to the Stone Zoo for their annual check-up, a Teddy Bear Parade and a chance for them to wave hello to the Stone Zoo's real bears. Bonus? It's the first Saturday of the month and all visitors pay children's admission price. Teddy bears get in free, as do members and children under the age of 2.
32nd Annual Cambridge River Festival
Saturday, June 4
Noon – 6 p.m.
Charles River (Cambridge Side) along Memorial Drive between JFK Street and Western Avenue
website
Free
This annual free event is nirvana for anyone who enjoys any kind of performance art, from music to dance to theatre. Boasting 5 stages, Cambridge River Festival celebrates folk, jazz, gospel, world music and more. Parents of young children may choose to settle in by the Family & Children stage, while adults and older kids may want to partake in the Combat Workshop and salsa lessons. Although the event is free, you won't want to forget your wallet; there will be a wide range of food options, plus vendors selling their crafts. Cambridge River Festival takes place rain or shine.
Dairy Day at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturday, June 4
10 a.m.- 5p.m.
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA
website
Mass Audubon Members: Free
Non-Members – Adults: $6, Children (2-12) & Seniors: $4
If the Cambridge River Festival seems a bit overwhelming, you can return to more traditional roots with Dairy Day at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn how they milk the cows and goats and try your hand at making cheese and butter. After all that work, you're bound to be hungry. Good thing there will be ice cream for sale! Drumlin Farm has plenty of other things to see and do, so bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
Annual Family Music Festival at the New School of Music
Sunday, June 5
Noon – 3 p.m.
Lowell School Park, 25 Lowell Street, Cambridge, MA
website
Free for most activities, Concert tickets are $5 for kids, $10 for adults
Imagine a family carnival with face painting and games, and then add in some Latin spice and an African beat. That's the Family Music Festival at the New School of Music. Kids will have the chance to play with a variety of musical instruments in the "petting zoo" and enjoy an African drumming and dance performance. There will be a 1pm concert with two of the talented members of Sol y Canto (tickets required) that is bound to get your kids dancing along. The event wraps up with a family sing-along at 2:15pm.
Audubon Nature Festival at Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunday, June 5
10am – 4pm
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
website
Entrance Fee: $12 per car for members and non-members
Whoooo doesn't love a cute owl? Eyes on Owls, an educational program, will be on hand with some of their rescued owl parliament (that's the official name for a group of owls, of course). Kids can take a closer look and ask all the questions you don't know how to answer. But if owls aren't your thing, don't worry. The Audubon Nature Festival will have exhibits on sustainability, nature walks, games, crafts, face painting, henna, and more insects, reptiles, and amphibians than you'll have time to meet. This festival also takes place rain or shine.
World Oceans Day at the New England Aquarium
Sunday, June 5
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA
website
Free
There is no better way to teach a child about the importance of our oceans than by a trip to the aquarium. On World Oceans Day, the New England Aquarium takes it one step further with plenty of free activities for kids and adults. Revisit Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish with some real ocean residents, play Sea Turtle Jeopardy, and learn how to operate a Sea Perch remotely operated vehicle. There will be cooking demos, sea food tastings, and a scavenger hunt with a really cool prize (did you know that the penguins can paint?).
INDOORS
Playing With Light: Shadow Puppetry Family Workshop with Puppet Showplace Theatre
Saturday, June 4
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
32 Station Street, Brookline, MA
website
Adults: $15, Children: $10
There is something mysterious and magical about shadow puppets. IF your family wants to peek "behind the curtain," this workshop is just for you. You'll learn all about the history and artistry of shadow puppets and then have a chance to make your own. A skilled puppeteer will be on hand to teach you how to bring your puppet to life.
Boston Circus Guild Presents Reign of Revelry at the Armory
Saturdays, June 4 and June 11
2 p.m.
191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA
website
Tickets: Adults: $15 advance, $20 at door (plus a $1 facility fee)
Children: $10 advance, $15 at door (plus a $1 facility fee)
Do you have a child who wants to run away with the circus? The Boston Circus Guild might just clinch the deal with their Reign of Revelry. This family-friendly matinee will include all manner of acts including, aerials, hula hooping, acrobatics, contortion, and juggling. Adults wanting some time on their own can attend the evening performances, which are strictly 18+.
Children's Book Festival at the Carle Museum with Tomie dePaola
Saturday, June 4
10 a.m. - 5p.m.
125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA
website
Museum Admission: Adult: $9, Youth/Student/Teacher/Senior: $6
Family admission (2 adults, 2 youth): $22.50
The Carle Museum in Springfield is a bit of a hike for city-dwellers, but this event will be well worth the drive. Award-winning illustrator and author Tomie dePaola will be on hand with nine other members of the Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild to talk about their work, sign books, and answer questions. The day will also include face painting, book making and a concert. Book lovers rejoice!
Christy Matte is a local freelance writer and blogger, as well as co-founder of Boston Parent Bloggers. She blogs about parenting, travel, tech, and philanthropy at QuirkyFusion.com.
