Boston's Best Ways For Kids To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013
RELATED: Boston's Best Ways For Kids To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2014
March is Irish-American Heritage Month, and for Irish-American kids living in and around Boston, there's plenty to do on St. Patrick's Day. Boston is considered the most Irish city in the US so, grab a green hat, put on a Boston Celtics t-shirt and get ready to celebrate. Here are Boston's best ways for kids to celebrate the day.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Starts on West Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127
(781) 436-3377
www.southbostonparade.org
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston is not just an Irish tradition, but a local one: it also commemorates the day, March 17, 1776, when British General William Howe ordered his troops to evacuate Boston after seeing Colonel Henry Knox's 59 cannons aimed at his men from Dorchester Heights. The British soldiers retreated on what is now known as "Evacuation Day" in Suffolk County. The three-mile parade route begins on West Broadway in Southie at 1 p.m. on March 17 and winds its way east, then southwest, ending at Dorchester Ave about two hours later. Spectators can position themselves anywhere along the route for a decent view of the proceedings, which include kids' favorite characters from Star Wars, as well as clowns and other characters. Bands, bagpipers, military, police and fire units round out the marchers. The "T" is the most sensible means of transport to get to the parade route.
Irish Heritage Trail
Boston Irish Tourism Association
20 Buckingham Road
Milton, MA 02186
www.irishheritagetrail.com
Price: $15 adults/$8 kids under 12
The Irish Heritage Trail in Boston is a self-guided tour, but guided tours are also available via the Boston Irish Tourism Association. The trail is a three-mile walk starting at Boston Common, through Downtown Boston, and into Back Bay. Trail maps are available throughout the Commonwealth at visitor centers and information centers. The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is one of the attractions along the route, as well as other cultural highlights. The trail was originally formed in recognition of the Irish Famine which occurred in the 1840s. The trail is now maintained to bring awareness to the historical landmarks included in the route, and their need for continued restoration and preservation.
Reagle Music Theatre
617 Lexington St.
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 891-5600
www.reaglemusictheatre.org
Price: C $35/B $38/A $43/Premium $50/Youth $25/Senior discount $3 off
Hours: Fri, March 15 7:30 p.m.; Sat, March 16 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sun March 17 2 p.m.
March 15 through 17, enjoy "A Little Bit of Ireland" performed by the acclaimed Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston at Robinson Theatre in Waltham. From step dancing to Irish tenors, fiddle playing, traditional Irish attire and even an Irish comedian, this show has it all and can't be beaten for family fun. Now in its 15th edition, this amazing group of talented, local performers is not to be missed.
Related: Family Friendly Guide To St. Patrick's Day In Boston
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 South Market Building
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 523-1300
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Price: Free
Hours: March 17 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Located at the West End Stage at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, this year's Irish step dancing extravaganza on Sunday, March 17, promises to entertain. Participants include the Bay Street Pipers, dancers from the O'Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Step and the O'Dwyer School of Irish Dance, as well as the Wood School of Irish Step Dancing. Irish music will be provided by the Carlynton High School Band.
Battleship Cove
5 Water St.
Fall River, MA 02721
(508) 678-1100
www.battleshipcove.org
Price: $16.50 Adults/$14.50 Seniors and AAA Members/$10 Children 6-12/Free Children under 6/$14.50 Veterans/Free Military in uniform
This full-day excursion aboard the Navy destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. includes a scavenger hunt and free prizes. Visitors are encouraged to locate shamrocks painted in various locations on the ship, named after the eldest brother of arguably the most famous Irish-American family of all — the Kennedys. "St. Patrick's Day Weekend At The Cove" is scheduled for March 16 and 17.
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
499 Mountain Road
Princeton, MA 01541
(978) 464-2300
www.wachusett.com
Price: $17 if wearing GREEN on March 17, 2013
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Wachusett's "Green Day St. Patty's Celebration" requires that visitors wear green outerwear that is visible while skiing in exchange for $17 lift tickets on March 17. Special offers are also given to visitors who car-pool, drive a hybrid car, or use public transport to reach the mountain on St. Patrick's Day. Also included are discounts on energy-saver lightbulbs. There's also energy-saving info provided for free to all visitors as part of Wachusett's green initiative programs. Live music apres-ski in the venue's Coppertop Lounge from 1 to 4 p.m. and again from 4-6 p.m. on St. Patty's Day. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Wachusett prides itself on protecting the environment, educating the public with environmental events year-round, and of course teaching kids how to ski and snowboard. The venue offers several programs to meet any family's needs during the ski season.
Related: 7 Kid-Friendly Environmental Activities for Earth Day and Every Day
Kathleen Mueller moved to Massachusetts as a toddler and has lived in many communities throughout the Bay State. Currently splitting her time between Worcester county and Cape Cod, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her dogs, reading, and taking scenic drives in New England. Kathleen is a frequent contributor to examiner.com check her out at Examiner.com.
