Boston Weekend Family Fun Guide: May 20-22

After what feels like weeks and weeks of rains and clouds, it looks like the dreary weather will finally start to break at some point this weekend. If your kids have cabin fever like mine do, it's time to get outside and get some of that energy out. Here are a few special events going on this weekend where your kids can tire themselves out!

OUTDOORS

Chainsaw Carving Exhibition at Davis' Farmland

Saturday, May 21st & Sunday, May 22nd
9:30am – 5pm
145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA
Spring Rate: $15.95 for ages 2-59, free under 2, $12.95 for guests 60 and up.
https://www.davisfarmland.com/

A warning to parents planning on heading to Davis' Farmland this weekend…make sure you tell your kids to look but not touch! This weekend, watch the chainsaw carving exhibitions on both Saturday and Sunday – something that is perfect for all those wild boys like my little one. While the spray park at Davis' Farmland isn't yet open, you're still able to enjoy Imagine Acres, Moo Moo's bounce house, and take a pony ride. But if look but don't touch doesn't work with your little guy, check out this next event instead.

Free Sailing On Boston Harbor

Saturday, May 21
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Riverboat at Lewis Whart
54 Lewis Wharf, Boston
http://www.bostonsailingcenter.com/

The Boston Sailing Center is offering free sails on Boston Harbor on Saturday, as part of their summer Open House. Experienced sailors will captain each boat. You can sit back and enjoy the ride, or take your turn at the helm. All experience levels welcome.

Touch the Trucks 2011

May 21, 2011
10:00am – noon
Dedham Ave & South St, Needham, MA
Free
http://www.needhamma.gov

Touch away.! If your little ones love trucks like my son does, this event is for your family! Visit anytime between 10am and noon, and big and little kids alike will enjoy climbing behind the wheel of some of the town of Needham's largest and most exciting trucks – a dream come true for many boys, both old and young! By the time you leave this event the little ones will be asking when they can get their first monster truck to drive.

Saturday Afternoon Nature Walk at the Boston Nature Center

May 21, 2011
1pm-2:30pm
500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan, MA
Family rate: $10.00 members, $14.00 nonmembers
http://www.massaudubon.org

Perfect for kids aged 7-11, this nature walk through the urban sanctuary of the Boston Nature Center will help kids discover what creatures live in the woods, and will get them outside. The family rate makes it a great deal, but if you are considering multiple visits to the Mass Audubon properties (MANY across Massachusetts), the membership option is usually a good value (and who doesn't love a good value?).

Spring Spectacular at the Natick Community Organic Farm

May 21, 2011
10:00am – 3:00pm
117 Eliot Street, Natick, MA,
Members: Adults - $6, Children over 3 - $5, Free for children under 3
Non–Members: Adults - $10, Children over 3 - $5, Children under 3 - $3
Game and craft tickets $2 each or 6/$10
http://www.natickfarm.org/

Want to teach your kids about farming and food? We all know organic is the in-thing right now and all the rage so you may want to visit the Natick Community Organic Farm's Spring Spectacular, and you'll enjoy live music by performers from the plugged-in Teen band program, face painting, nature crafts, a petting pasture, and ongoing agricultural demonstrations. Save $1 off admission by walking, biking, or taking public transportation to this event! It's a great way to spend some quality time and educate your kids in a fun way.

INDOORS

Kit's Imagination Station at the American Girl Store

Natick Collection
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
Call For Reservations: 877-247-5223
1245 Worcester St., Natick, MA
http://www.americangirl.com

My daughter loves everything American Girl, and she's always looking for a girls' day. Once she's old enough, I know she'd go crazy for an afternoon at the American Girl Store.

For those old enough to get the full experience, this fun event at the American Girl Store, appropriate for girls 8 and up, includes lunch as well as a game and activity. Girls will take home an American Girl book, a keepsake booklet, and journaling pages. Call in advance for reservations 877-247-5223.

Diane Kordas Romper Rhythm Puppets

Amazing Things Art Center
Saturday May 21st
10:30am – 11:30am
160 Hollis Street, Framingham, MA
http://www.amazingthings.org/

Of course, there's always the chance of rain, so here's a backup plan. Both my son and daughter love pirates, so this show is right up their alley. Join Pirate Long John Silver and his parrot in finding their story treasure chest. This show will feature hand and shadow puppets. Tickets are $10 each ($8 for members), and should be purchased in advance online.

WEEKEND WITHOUT THE KIDS

Nantucket Wine Festival

Friday, May 20th- Sunday, May 22nd
Festival Guide

Need a weekend away from the kids? Who among us can't use a nice glass of wine to unwind with after another hectic week. Here's the perfect event for frazzled parents looking to reconnect - the 15th annual Nantucket Wine Festival. Featuring wine and food festivals, a grand tasting, a harbor gala, and more, this festival is one of the biggest national wine events of the year. It takes place right in downtown Nantucket.

Jodi Grundig is a travel writer and mom blogger for the review blog "Mom's Favorite Stuff. She is also co-founder of "Boston Parent Bloggers."