Boston Weekend Family Fun Guide: May 27-30
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS
The warmer spring weather has finally arrived – beyond family BBQ plans, have you made family plans for the long weekend? Here are some fun (and cheap) events for the long weekend – perfect if you have some free time in your family's schedule! - By Jodi Grundig
OUTDOORS
Davis' Farmland Construction Expo
Davis' Farmland, Sterling, MA
May 28, 29, 30, 2011
9:30am-6pm
145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA
$15.95
www.davisfarmland.com
Do you, like me, have a little one who loves construction toys and trucks? My little guy is absolutely obsessed. Davis' Farmland, one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the Great Boston area, has their construction expo going on this weekend, and it's the perfect place for your kids to get some hands-on play with construction!
Family Drop-in Activity
The Arnold Arboretum
May 28, 2011
11am-1pm
125 Arborway, Boston, MA
Free
arboretum.harvard.edu/
The Arnold Arboretum hosts this family drop-in activity once a month, and it can include scavenger hunts, crafts, investigations, guided walks and more. It's a great way to get the kids' energy out, especially if the weather is nice!
Toy Jam Puppet Band
The Buttonwood Park Zoo
May 30, 2011
10:30 and 12:30
425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, MA
Zoo admission plus $5 per family
bpzoo.org
Most appropriate for little ones, these two concerts will have your kids dancing and singing. Combine it with a visit to one of my kids' favorite zoos, and you'll have a full family day!
Asparagus Festival
Verrill Farm
May 28, 2011
11am
11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA
$25
www.verrillfarm.com
Want to learn more about farming? While this event may not be the most appropriate for preschoolers, it is great for anyone wanting to know more about the food we eat. It starts with a trip to the asparagus fields, ends with a lunch, and also includes asparagus prep and cooking tips.
Nature Tales - Family Nature Adventures with Literature: Baltimore Orioles
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
May 28, 2011
10:00 am - 11:30 am
87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA
Adults $7.00m/ $9.00nm, Children $6.00m/ $7.00nm
www.massaudubon.org
Does your preschooler love birds and other animals? This event, which is for kids aged 3-6, starts with a story - Baltimore Orioles by Barbara Brenner. Then, you'll all head out on a hike to search for them. It's a great way to spend the morning!
INDOORS
Play Date: What's Inside? What's Outside?
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
May 28, 2011
10am-4pm
100 Northern Avenue,Boston, MA
Free for families
www.icaboston.org
Both of my kids love art, but I've been really apprehensive to take them to an art museum, because I'm not sure they are mature enough yet to enjoy it. That's why I think the ICA playdates, are the perfect low-risk solution for families with art-loving kids. Each month, the ICA offers a free-for-families playdate for kids, with music (outdoors – weather permitting), art projects (tickets free, but required), and a theater presentation. Did I mention that it's free for the whole family?
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
May 30, 2011
10am-4:45pm
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
Free all day
www.mfa.org
I've been really looking forward to visiting the new Chihuly exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, and seeing it for free sounds perfect. On Memorial Day only, the MFA Boston is offering free admission to the museum, as well as to its special exhibits. The parking garage does fill up, so consider taking the T if possible.
Jodi Grundig is editor and publisher of Family-Friendly Boston and Mom's Favorite Stuff.
