- By Christine Koh

(Photo: Junk Puppets) credit: Junk Puppets

Junk Puppets! A Hands-On Recycled Materials Puppet Building Extravaganza

Saturday, August 6 10:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.

Puppet Showplace Theatre
32 Station Street
Brookline, MA
Tickets: Adults ($15), Children ($10)
Website

My older daughter is an avid crafter who burns through materials at a crazy pace, so I’ve long been a fan of rooting around in the recycling bin for items that can be turned into awesome projects. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to turn trash to treasure, check out Junk Puppets! at the Puppet Showplace Theatre in Brookline.

(Photo: Jewels) credit: MFA.org

Museum of Fine Arts: Jewels, Gems, and Treasures

Now through November 25, 2012

Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA
Tickets: Prices vary; see website for details
Website

The Jewels, Gems, and Treasures exhibit recently opened at the Museum of Fine Arts and is sure to delight treasure lovers of all sorts. The exhibit traces the history of coveted items, ranging from feathers to claws to crystals to diamonds.

(credit: greenwayopenmarket.com)

Greenway Open Market

Every Saturday now through September 17
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Surface Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and High Street
Boston, MA
Free Admission
Website

In addition to many areas replete with traditional retail, one of the great things about Boston is the rise of open markets. The Greenway Open Market just opened last month and is a great spot to browse handcrafted goods amidst the beauty of Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway. Added bonus? You’re in close striking distance of plenty of family friendly waterfront activities.

(Photo: Vintage) credit: http://www.sowavintagemarket.com/

SoWa Vintage Market

Every Sunday now through December 18
460C Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA
Free Admission
Website

If you didn’t get your fill of open market browsing on Saturday, or if you’re looking for finds off the beaten path, consider the SoWa Vintage Market. This marketplace runs every Sunday and is sure to delight those who love hunting for vintage and antique home and wardrobe treasures.

(Photo: Boston Children's Museum)

Boston Children’s Museum

Open every day 10am – 5pm (with holiday exceptions), Fridays 10am – 9pm

308 Congress Street
Boston, MA
Admission: Adults ($12.00), Children 1-15 years old ($12), Babies 0-12 months (free) – see website for admission discounts.
Current Exhibit List

If you need a break from the heat, the Boston Children’s Museum is always a good bet. A variety of standing exhibits engage kids with artistic, scientific, and other inclinations. The current special exhibit (which runs until September 10, 2011) focuses on size, proportion, and scale.