Looking for the best things to do in Boston this weekend? Here are some events and activities for the whole family to add to your list for this weekend.
© Provided by Maman Poppins
Do not let the beautiful but fleeting days of autumn pass without a hike suitable for children around Boston or a bucolic hay ride. The forecast looks good for a trip to Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience (closed on Monday, October 11) or an adventure in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Don’t miss our picks for the best lists of farms and U-pick locations and our guide to favorites fall activities in Boston.
More things to do in Boston this week with the kids:
© Provided by Maman Poppins
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this Sunday with music by Mariana Iranzi at the Boston Children’s Museum. Photo by Jimena Balmaceda
Things to do in Boston with kids this weekend
Festival of Illuminations: World of Lights
Every day until Wednesday November 24 – Mendon
Southwick Zoo will be illuminated by hundreds of meticulously handcrafted bespoke lanterns and exhibits from silk, steel and eco-friendly LED lights. Take a tour that will visit the African Savannah, Amazon Rainforest, and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, plus many other fascinating regions in between. Read more
Costume ball for children
Saturday October 9 – Salem
Come dressed to “trick” or “spoil” into your scariest, glamorous, silly, or homemade costume creation. The hotel ballroom will be decorated in Halloween decor with surprises around every corner. Participants will immerse themselves in photo ops, crafts and ghoulish games. All guests will be invited to lunch, followed by a Halloween dance and spooky entertainment. Read more
Annual New Bedford Soup Festival
Saturday October 9 – New Bedford
The 16th annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival will have local restaurants and caterers competing for your vote. Enjoy delicious chowders and soups and vote for your favorite. Read more
Water Lantern Festival
Saturday October 9 – Weymouth
Watch your unique lantern drift through the water as it joins thousands of other lanterns that bring hope, love, happiness, healing, peace and connection. Arrive before the ceremony to enjoy the food, games, activities, vendors, and music. Read more
Indigenous Peoples Day
Saturday October 9 – Boston
FREE
Explore Native American art in the Art of the Americas wing, collect free art kits for weaving corn husks, and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with free general admission to the MFA. Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and honors the heritage of all Indigenous peoples and the history of their nations and communities. Read more
Momiji & Autumn Collage
Saturday October 9 – Boston
FREE
Kyoto, the hometown of the Japanese house, is known for its beautiful autumn leaves, especially the vibrant red color of Momiji, the Japanese maple leaves. Create an autumn collage and take a moment to appreciate the seasonal changes in the nature around us. Read more
Free ferry day
Saturday October 9 – Boston
FREE
Make the most of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park closing weekend with a free trip to Spectacle Island. Explore the sandy beaches and winding Spectacle trails and enjoy live music on the porch one last time this season. Read more
Fall family festival
Saturday October 9 – Brockton
FREE
Celebrate fall with over 40 artisans and vendors, kids’ activities and crafts, music, raffles, face painting and video games. Read more
October weekend in Appleton
Saturday October 9 – Sunday October 10 – Ipswich
Head to Appleton Farm for a special menu inspired by the October festival. Both days will also include additional breweries for even more local craft beer. Saturday will feature German Oompah style music and Sunday the festivities will feature two bands, Pyschedelic Relics and Orvile Giddings Band, bringing some toberfest rock to the Farmhouse lawn. Read more
Hispanic Heritage Month: Music with Mariana Iranzi
Sunday October 10 – Boston
FREE
On Hispanic Heritage Month, dance and join Mariana Iranzi as she sings and performs her songs in Spanish. Hispanic Heritage Month Story Time kicks off the celebration at 1:45 p.m. Read more
Mad love music festival
Sunday October 10 – Hingham
This open-air festival features local musicians, food, drink and activities for the whole family. Read more
Black Heritage Trail Tour
Sunday October 10 – Boston
FREE
Make the most of the fall weather by hiking the Black Heritage Trail®, which features residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on and near the North Slope of Beacon Hill before, during and after the Civil War. Learn from the performers how this community fought and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Members of the community have championed the movement to end slavery and even hosted freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad. Read more
Fruitlands Kite Festival
Sunday October 10 – Harvard
Take in the stunning views from the top of Fruitlands hill and celebrate the scenery as kites fill the sky. Make your own simple kite at the craft table or bring your own kite to fly. Read more
Fall Festival at Speedway
Sunday October 10 – Boston
FREE
Celebrate fall at the Speedway with a day filled with fun events, including children’s music from the Boston Music Project, yoga, pumpkin painting (registration required), balloon animals, crafts, and a delicious food. Read more
Tasty Thai course
Sunday October 10 – Beverly
Who needs take out? Create authentic Thai dishes with a TBK twist that will delight your palate and impress your family and friends. Learn how to put Thai in a nut-free Pad Thai, roll fresh summer buns like a pro, and create a dip that will make you want more. Take your family and experience a tasty Thai food adventure together. Read more
Children painting on green
Sunday October 10 – Burlington
Unleash your creativity during this live painting lesson for kids, at social distance. Bring your blankets, spread out in the square and participate in the fun of painting a unicorn. Read more
Mad love music festival
Sunday October 10 – Hingham
This open-air festival features local musicians, food, drink and activities for the whole family. Read more
© Provided by Maman Poppins
The 1.4-mile Black Heritage Trail takes families through some of Boston’s oldest streets and neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Nps.gov
More things to do in Boston right now
Top 2021 Halloween Events for Kids Near Boston
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Jack-O’-Lantern Pumpkin Festivals & Demonstrations in New England in 2021
The big pumpkin festivals in New England make great Halloween destinations for the whole family. Read more
11 Hayrides near Boston: from bucolic to spooky
Our list of hayrides near Boston includes both easy and super scary options. Read more
30 fall festivals near Boston for kids and families
We’ve narrowed down the list of the best fall festivals near Boston for kids and families. Read more
Farms and Choose Your Own Guide for Boston Families
Our Farms and PYOs guide for families in Boston features seasonal activities, day trips and more. Read more
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