Kids Out And About, LLC

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
May 28, 2026

2026 Summer Camps

Memorial Day

Birthday Party Locations

Fun On the Farm

Local Spring Hikes

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Wed, Jun 3: Children's Playgroup: June Series - At Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens
Fri, Jun 5: 2026 Glow in the Park - At Rose Kennedy Greenway - With Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Sat, Jun 6: Farm & Field Festival featuring Zach Field Drums & Music - At Cider Hill Farm
Sat, Jun 6: Meet Live Animals! Family Event Supporting RRS Oasis Animal Sanctuary

Sat, Jun 13: 2026 Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm
Sun, Jun 14: 2026 Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

One summer afternoon during a family camping trip in New Jersey when I was about 6 or 7 years old, a horse fly suddenly appeared next to my ear and started following me everywhere I went. I’m sure that, from its own perspective, it was just going about its business doing ordinary horse fly things, but to me it felt enormous, ominous, and purposeful. I can't remember if it actually bit me, but I can still summon the hot panic of not being able to get away from its threatening buzz. To my small self, that fly wasn't a little distraction, it was a crisis with wings.

The memory surfaced recently when my daughter Ella sent me the above photo, taken in Quintana Beach County Park, near Houston. The point was clear: Proceed, and you will be under attack, and not by any adorable Northeastern bugs you might be used to. No, these bugs were born in Texas. Beware.

Sometimes that is exactly how challenges feel, especially to kids: Problems loom much larger to them than they do to adults with decades of experience. A broken toy, a skinned knee, a mistake in front of the class, or a slight misunderstanding with a friend may be a fly in the ointment to us, but a Texas-sized monster to a child. The trick is to validate the feeling without validating helplessness. We stand beside them and say, Yes, I know, this feels huge. The bugs, even if they're not as large as they think, are real. They watch us shoo them away and learn gradually to do it for themselves.

If I had seen the sign above, my first instinct would have been to flee back to the safety of the car. And Ella said it was not exaggerating, at least not by much: The moment she stepped onto the property, giant mosquitoes descended, and they were hungry; even leggings soaked with OFF Deep Woods did not deter them. She assures me that the photo she got of the Bay-breasted Warbler was worth all the bites on the backs of her knees. She knew better than to show me the damage.

Clearly, the script has flipped.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

The Loom: A Competitive Cyberpunk Role-Playing Game for Teens (Ages13-18) at the Central Library in Copely Square

Join us for The Loom: A Competitive Cyberpunk RPG (role-playing game) designed with teens in mind! The Loom is the fabric the world is built on –– older than any neighborhood, woven from threads that breathe, and right now –– it is starting to come apart. The people who tend The Loom are out of options. Something has reached across the threshold looking for help. It chose you. In this 90-minute role-playing game, you'll battle giant moths and monsters, solve puzzles, and work together with your group to help save the people of The Loom. One lead facilitator runs the room as The Weaver, the world's guide to its own crisis. No prior tabletop or gaming experience needed. No reading needed before you arrive. Snacks, a table, and curiosity are the equipment. You are invited to come explore a magical world that is tearing –– and bring with you the possibility of stitching together something new. The strongest agents in each session will emerge not only with bonuses to wisdom, but…

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents the Greatest Show on Earth - At Amica Mutual Pavilion

The Circus is here! You're invited to the most next-level family fun party on the planet. The all-new Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is a non-stop celebration of jaw-dropping acts, laugh-out-loud fun, and memory-making moments you won't want to miss. Because this isn't just about the action on stage-it's about the fun of sharing it with the people who matter most. From wide-eyed kids to "seen-it-all" grown-ups, we've got the WOW that will amaze them all. We've taken the biggest, boldest, most joy-sparking acts in the world and transformed them into a one-of-a-kind shared experience. So grab your crew and bring your biggest energy. The Greatest Show On Earth® is throwing the world's most unforgettable party--and the best seat in the house is the one right next to you.

Story Hour at Fruitlands Museum

Join us for a fun-filled Story Hour related to the many sides of Fruitlands Museum! From the Fairy Forest of Louisa May Alcott’s childhood to the bustling herb gardens of the Shakers and the visionary views of artists and writers, explore the wonders of the natural world through stories, crafts, and other fun adventures!

Warm and Woolly - At Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Cozy up with the sheep on the farmyard and feed them their hay as we get them ready for their day or settled in for the evening. Learn about the many ways wool is used as we card our sheep's wool and make a woolly craft to take home.

Charm Your Next Chapter

Celebrate your achievements and new beginnings by creating a one-of-a-kind charm bar piece! Whether you graduated from school, are heading to college, or started a new job, this workshop is the perfect way to commemorate your next chapter.

Unicorn Spa Day - At The Good Witch of Salem

Let’s have a Spa Day! Join us for a little pampering and relaxation at Unicorn Spa Day! Children will mix up their very own unicorn potion, create crystal wishes, get glittery nails and a touch of magic! This workshop is limited to 8 children, pre-registration is required. All ages are welcome! Children age three (3) and up may be dropped off with a signed Consent Form. Any child under the age of three must have an adult alongside participating. We thank you for encouraging your child to take part in magical play!

Fruitlands Fairy Forest - At Fruitlands Museum

Calling All Woodland Fairies and Gnomes! The Fruitlands Fairy Forest is back! While living at Fruitlands, 10-year-old Louisa May Alcott wrote in her diary that she “had a lovely time in the woods with Anna and Lizzie. We were fairies, and made gowns and paper wings. I ‘flied’ the highest of all.” Don your wings, grab your crowns, and come play in the Fruitlands woods as Louisa and her sisters once played. We encourage all visitors to our grounds and trails to build fairy and gnome houses around the Willard Archeological site along the yellow trail at Fruitlands Museum. Collect natural materials and build a house for the Fruitlands fairies and gnomes then leave your house for the sprites to enjoy and other guests to see as the fairy forest grows.

Friday Storytime At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe - 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, United States, 05/29/2026, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium - Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, 05/29/2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Music Production with Hamstank: Beats, Recording, Mixing, & Mastering (Ages13-18) at the Central Library in Copely Square - Boston Public Library - Central Library - Boylston Street, Boston, MA, USA, 05/29/2026, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
2026 Copley Square Farmers Market - 240 Beaver St, Waltham, MA 02452, United States, 05/29/2026, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Story Hour at Fruitlands Museum - Fruitlands Museum - 102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, United States, 05/29/2026, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Carnivorous Plants with New England Carnivorous Plant Society, Ages 6-12 - At Boston Public Library - Central Library in Copley Square - Boston Public Library - Central Library - Boylston Street, Boston, MA, USA, 05/30/2026, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo - Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio, 05/31/2026, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Birthday Party Locations in and around Boston

Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Boston area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams. KidsOutAndAbout has dozens (and dozens) of ideas!

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

View our local Boston area 2026 summer camp guide for kids! Pick the dates you want to explore on our calendar and see what summer camps are available. Hundreds of local summer camps: day camps, overnight camps, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more!

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Boston area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist,…

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 5/21/2026: Big Splashes

2026-05-21T06:00:31-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
May 21, 2026

2026 Summer Camps

Memorial Day

Birthday Party Locations

Fun On the Farm

Local Spring Hikes

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Sat, May 30: Unicorn Spa Day - At The Good Witch of Salem
Sat, May 30: Fruitlands Fairy Forest - At Fruitlands Museum
Wed, Jun 3: Children's Playgroup: June Series - At Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens
Fri, Jun 5: 2026 Glow in the Park - At Rose Kennedy Greenway - With Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Sat, Jun 6: Farm & Field Festival featuring Zach Field Drums & Music - At Cider Hill Farm
Sat, Jun 6: Meet Live Animals! Family Event Supporting RRS Oasis Animal Sanctuary

Sat, Jun 13: 2026 Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm
Sun, Jun 14: 2026 Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

A tumble is not a verdict; it's information. And kids are natural data analysts.

That's what a mom half a generation older than me told me when I was getting ready to have kids, and I took it to heart. So I was secretly a little thrilled the summer my daughter Madison was almost 4, when she took her first big splash off a slippery log into a creek. Here's why: To succeed in life, everyone needs to learn to stretch to the edge of their abilities... to gather courage from their toes, to calculate, to balance, to wobble, to slide... and eventually to succeed. Kids can learn this early if the grownups in their orbit help them see the mud and bruises that come from a tumble as badges to be worn proudly: a fail-until-we-succeed philosophy in action. That's how personal fulfillment happens, and it's how human progress happens, too.

Summer is childhood's best laboratory, where sensory experiences stick as lifelong learning. School has grades and rubrics and consequences; summer has grass stains and do-overs. An amusement park ride can teach the difference between fear and danger. A hands-on museum can teach that when your tower collapses, you simply vow to rebuild it taller. A farm can teach that maybe you don’t like strawberries from the grocery store, but you do like the ones you picked yourself, still warm from the sun. A climbing gym can teach your muscles that “I can’t” really means “I can’t yet.” And summer camps are entire worlds built around trying something new with no transcript following you home.

Last week, the KidsOutAndAbout.com team launched our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey. It's a way to thank the people who make your community a great place to raise kids. Equally important, it’s a giant menu of local opportunities for your kids to stretch their legs, their minds, and their bravery this summer. Use it to create your summer bucket list!

Then step back and set your family’s summer dial to “safe to fail.” Watch your kids climb, build, stumble, and try again. Let them splash.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Boston By Little Feet Walking Tour

Travel through 300 years of history on this fun and interactive tour of Boston's Freedom Trail. Designed for families with children 6-12 years old, this tour encourages discovery and exploration.

Shellabrate World Turtle Day - At Southwick's Zoo

Shell-e-brate World Turtle Day at Southwick’s Zoo! Join us at Southwick’s Zoo for a special day dedicated to celebrating some of the most fascinating reptiles in the animal kingdom. Spend the day learning about our various species of turtles and tortoises, discover what makes each unique, and gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals. From slow and steady land dwellers to aquatic species adapted for life in the water, Turtle Day is the perfect opportunity for reptile enthusiasts and curious visitors alike to explore and learn

Family Paddle at Dusk - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Have you ever seen a muskrat swimming or a beaver slapping its tail in alarm? We'll look for these elusive mammals while canoeing along the Ipswich River at dusk. Discover some of the clues—such as chewed trees, lodges, or burrows on the riverbank--that they leave behind as we paddle. Before launching the boats in the water, our certified instructors will provide basic canoeing instruction.

Fruitlands Fairy Forest - At Fruitlands Museum

A Bug's World at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Get ready for big adventure as a tiny explorer in A Bug’s World, a new exhibit open from April 11 – August 9. This immersive, hands-on exhibit brings the busy world of backyard bugs to life while showing how these tiny creatures play a big role in our environment and how we can help protect them.

Boston Red Sox: Survivor 50th Season Day at Fenway Park - Home Game VS Twins

Want to know what you're playing for? Join us at Fenway Park for Survivor 50th Season Day on Saturday, May 23, as Fenway transforms into an island of competition — inspired by one of the most iconic and influential reality competition shows of all time. Fans who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive an exclusive Survivor x Red Sox neck gator, just don't drop it! In addition, a limited number of VIP Reward Challenge packages are available for fans looking to elevate their Survivor 50th Season Day experience. Those who secure this exclusive upgrade will unlock early entrance to the event, receive the Survivor x Red Sox neck gator, and the limited-edition Survivor x Red Sox hat.

2026 Copley Square Farmers Market - 240 Beaver St, Waltham, MA 02452, United States - Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA - Friday, May 22, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Friday Storytime At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, United States - Friday, May 22, 2026, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Music Production with Hamstank: Beats, Recording, Mixing, & Mastering (Ages13-18) at the Central Library in Copely Square - Boston Public Library - Central Library, Boylston Street, Boston, MA, USA - Friday, May 22, 2026, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Visit the Annual Memorial Day Flag Garden - Soldiers and Sailors Monument, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02109, USA - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 through Monday, May 25, 2026, 24/7
National Memorial Day Concert Live Stream - ONLINE ONLY - Sunday, May 24, 2026, 8pm EDT / 7pm CDT / 6pm MDT / 5pm PDT / 4pm AKDT

Birthday Party Locations in and around Boston

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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Boston Birthday Party Newsletter May 2026

2026-05-15T09:00:41-04:00

Birthday Parties in the Boston Area

Boston KidsOutAndAbout Birthday Party Newsletter

May 15, 2026

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Welcome to our Birthday Party E-Newsletter for 2026. From the traditional to the unique and extravagant, there is a birthday party venue or resource for everyone in the Boston area. Browse below! And then click right on through to our Master Guide to Birthday Parties in the Boston Area for even more ideas.

We send this special-edition newsletter to subscribers of our regular Thursday-morning e-newsletter. Enjoy! Save it! Forward it to a friend who is wondering where to host a birthday! And of course, this weekend's activities will arrive in your Thursday in-box as usual.

—Debra Ross, publisher

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

Boston Play Ground

All kids love to exercise and learn through play. That’s why our indoor playspace is packed with creative, physical and screen-free fun! Ever wanted to have your own private playground? That’s what Birthdays at the playground are like! Enjoy 2 hours of private playtime and access to the party room. We have party packages for groups of all sizes, and you only pay for the package you use on the day!

Celebrate in Style with Crafted Together

Host your next event with Crafted Together! Our charm bar parties are a fun, unique way to celebrate any occasion—whether at our shop, in your home, or at a venue of your choice. Each party is fully customizable to match your style or theme, creating a truly special experience. And with our mobile option, we bring everything to you, making hosting simple, seamless, and stress-free.

Forrest's Family Fun Center

Forrest's Family Fun Center is a fun, safe, healthy environment for children of all ages. New to New England, Forrest is happy to bring his years of fun center and roller skating experience to Taunton, MA. Stop by and see all the new renovations! Looking for a fun and memorable way to celebrate a birthday or other event? Our roller skating rink has the perfect party packages for everyone — kids, adults, and anyone who loves to skate! Whether it’s a child’s birthday, an adult celebration, or just an excuse to get friends and family together, our roller skating rink is the ideal venue. Book your party today and get ready to roll into a day of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Check down below for descriptions and accommodation to each party package you could be interested in.

Jammin With You

Make your child's birthday truly unforgettable with a Jammin' With You birthday party — where music, dancing, and pure joy take center stage! For little ones ages 1–6, our Studio Birthday Bash includes 45 minutes of interactive, energetic musical entertainment, plus 45 minutes of cake and celebration in our dedicated party room at our Wellesley, MA Performance Center — starting at just $500. Prefer to keep the party at home? Our in-home bash brings the fun right to your door, 45 minutes of music entertainment starting at $325, available throughout Wellesley, Newton, Needham, Natick, and surrounding areas. Got an older crew? Our Karaoke Birthday Parties are designed for ages 9+ and feature a high-energy MC, favorite hit songs, and pop-star moments for every guest — $650 for up to 15 kids and 2 hours.

KidsOutAndAbout.com
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170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 5/14/2026: Thanks in 3 Minutes

2026-05-14T06:00:42-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
May 14, 2026

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Sat, May 23: Family Paddle at Dusk - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Sat, May 23: Powisset Pals: Guided StoryWalk with Mia Wenjen and Kiddos in the Kitchen! (Ages 7-11) - The Trustees of Reservations
Sat, May 23: Fruitlands Fairy Forest

Sat, Jun 13: 2026 Strawberry Festival at Cider Hill Farm
Sun, Jun 14: 2026 Boston Dragon Boat Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids.

But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing: The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it.

That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids. The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you.

The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences happen.

So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see who won last year.

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

The Story Pirates

Get ready for Story Pirates Live in Medford, MA on May 17th! Featuring fan-favorite songs from the multi-award winning The Story Pirates Podcast and improvised sketch comedy based on ideas from kids in the audience. The Story Pirates believe that all kids are creative geniuses, and they’re ready to prove it with their fast-paced, hilarious and inspiring show for the whole family. Featuring Eric from The Story Pirates Podcast, plus a cast of the funniest Story Pirate actors, singers, and comedians around. The Story Pirates, best known for their flagship podcast with more than 100 million downloads, are a family media company that amplifies the words and ideas of kids. The award-winning The Story Pirates Podcast takes stories submitted by kids and turns them into sketch comedy and songs with help from celebrity guests like Kristen Bell, John Oliver, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Seth Meyers, and more. Story Pirates have also produced the Looney Tunes podcast and co-created…

Police, Fire & EMT Week - At Southwick's Zoo

Southwick’s Zoo is proud to honor the everyday heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities during Police, Fire & EMT Week. As a heartfelt thank-you, eligible first responders and law enforcement professionals receive complimentary general admission all week long. This is our way of showing appreciation for the courage, commitment, and service that make a difference every single day.

Backyard and Beyond: Outdoor Yoga

Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and play. The fully accessible campus provides indoor STEM-based exhibits and a nature playscape and giant treehouse for open-ended learning explorations.

Panda Fest Boston 2026

Panda fest is an outdoor Asian food festival with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs. Panda fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia. We will decorate the festival with a lot of Panda decorations. And we will have Panda inflatables, Panda Dough Figurine, Panda Painting DIY, Panda Face Painting, Panda themed food. Tickets required for ages 6 and up.

2026 Copley Square Farmers Market

The Copley Square Farmers Market is Boston's biggest and busiest farmers market. Located in the heart of the commercial and cultural hub of Back Bay, the long-running Copley Square Farmers Market features over three dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering a vibrant selection of delicious produce, proteins, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, alongside a host of other locally made products. Taking place right in Copley Square, this beloved twice-weekly event takes place in one the city’s most dynamic public spaces, and is a bustling attraction to locavores from across the state!

Spring Fling Artisans Market & Farm Fun! - At Wojcik's Farm

Welcome spring with us here at the farm! Shop with local vendors! Enjoy eats & treats from the food trucks & beer barn! Plus yard games, bounce house & face painting! More details to be announced! Rain date Sunday May 17

Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival 2026 - At Coggeshall Farm Museum

Learn about and see demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool processing, dyeing, weaving, and spinning. Shop with vendors and artisans from RI and New England. Visit with the farm’s sheep and see the visiting animals that provide us with the fiber for our craft. Pre-registration is HIGHLY recommended, and tickets may sell out. Rain or Shine!

Free Self-Guided Spring Orchard Walk - At Cider Hill Farm

Step out amongst 10,000 blossoming fruit trees. Enjoy the fresh air, pops of spring color and views of historic Amesbury as you walk through the orchards. Along your walk, you'll see apple, peach, pear, plum and cherry blossoms along with the farm's hives with honeybees hard at work.

Stay At Home Dads Meet Up - At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, Friday, May 15, 2026, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Friday Storytime At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, Friday, May 15, 2026, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
2026 Copley Square Farmers Market - 240 Beaver St, Waltham, MA 02452, Friday, May 15, 2026, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, Friday, May 15, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, May 15, 2026, See link for times
Spring Fling Artisans Market & Farm Fun! - At Wojcik's Farm - Milk Street, Blackstone, MA, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Broadway, New York, NY, Saturday, May 16, 2026, See link for times
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday, May 17, 2026, See link for times

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options

KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 5/7/2026: Last Leg

2026-05-07T06:00:39-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
May 7, 2026

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Fri, May 15: 2026 Copley Square Farmers Market at Copley Square Farmers Market
Sat, May 16: Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival

Sun, May 17: Story Pirates Live! - Chevalier Theatre
Sat, May 23: Family Paddle at Dusk - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Sat, May 23: Powisset Pals: Guided StoryWalk with Mia Wenjen and Kiddos in the Kitchen! (Ages 7-11) - The Trustees of Reservations
Sat, May 23: Fruitlands Fairy Forest

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

There’s a sign on the New York State Thruway heading west that marks 70 miles to where I live. For Rochesterians driving back to Western New York from the east or southeast, that marker elicits both a sigh of relief and a groan: You’re close, especially relative to where you started. But in that final stretch, each mile is somehow psychologically longer.

Over the years, this became a useful metaphor in my family: You're pushing through to the end of a project, you'd love to see the finish line, but the murky distance between you and that goal is in your way. "Ugh, it's those last 70 miles," one of us will say to the person suffering, and we'll all nod sympathetically.

At this time of year, families with kids in school are experiencing those last 70 miles: The end of the school year is in sight, yet not quite here. The energy reserves are low, and the end point seems stuck in the distance. We feel like we’re sprinting but not getting closer fast enough. As in any journey, that’s precisely when it’s worth keeping in mind that these last miles may feel long, but they’re also the most meaningful: They become the lens through which we look back at the whole experience, so these final steps really count. Remembering this can provide the last surge of energy to press forward.

So whatever final 70 miles you and your kids are facing, remind yourself and the people traveling with you that if you put your best self into it now, the rewards will feel sweeter, and the memories of success will help fuel you next time.

You’re on the last leg. You're almost there. And you have lots of company.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

The Story Pirates

Once Upon a Picture Book

Discover picture book magic through making, playing, and imagining together in this magical program for all ages!

Spring Hat Decorating -The Good Witch of Salem's

Looking for family-friendly things to do in Salem? Visit The Good Witch of Salem on Essex Street near the historic Witch House for magical experiences designed for children and families. Stop in for a Spell and decorate a witch hat at the Good Witch of Salem’s Spell Studio.

Wicked Tulips - New England's Largest U-Pick Tulip Experience

Now through May 10: Wicked Tulips hosts the largest u-pick tulip events in New England at two locations: North Kingston, RI and Preston, CT! You can tiptoe through acres of tulips and experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Bring home a fresh-picked bouquet of amazing tulips.

Parent's Night Out

Parent’s Night Out – Drop the Kids, Enjoy Your Night! While you take the evening off, we’ll keep the kids entertained! Join us for a fun-filled Parent’s Night Out where kids can enjoy a mix of Minecraft (including Minecraft Education), Robotics, board games, and other interactive activities! You enjoy your night—we’ve got theirs covered.

Mother's Day Weekend - At Southwick's Zoo

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with a meaningful family outing at Southwick’s Zoo. Treat the moms, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers in your life to a spring day filled with fresh air, scenic paths, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. As a special thank you, moms will enjoy $15 general admission all weekend long, making it the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together while exploring everything the zoo has to offer.

Beavers at Dusk - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Wetlands are home to many fascinating creatures, including beavers. These elusive animals are mainly active at dawn and dusk. As the sun sets, we will visit wetlands in search of beavers, explore an active beaver lodge, and listen for the slap of a tail on the pond. While walking through the wetlands we can also listen for frogs, search for turtles and maybe even spot a Great Blue Heron on the hunt.

Mother's Day Coffee with the Cows at Appleton - At Appleton Farms

Celebrate Motherhood and all that it contains with this special hike to visit the Appleton cow and calf herd. Meet these Mamas and their babies as they spend their morning grazing in our beautiful pastures. Coffee and pastries will be provided by our team so you can “graze” alongside the cattle and enjoy the physiological benefits of being outside in the open air in the presence of these loveable creatures. This event will begin at the white farmhouse, where you will meet our Livestock Manager and fellow Mom, Zoe MacKay. Zoe will lead you on a hike to the Great Pasture, where you will learn about the Appleton cattle that call these fields their home and the farming practices of the Trustees. The group will be allowed to enter the pasture alongside the herd to be surrounded by their presence. While these animals are not bred for human interaction, they are well socialized through the daily handling of our livestock team. They may or may not allow themselves to be touched- they…

Spring Market: Seedling Sale and Art Fair - At Wright-Locke Farm

Celebrate the season at our Annual Spring Market! This year’s event features our beloved seedling sale alongside a vibrant art fair showcasing handmade crafts and original artwork from local makers. Bring Mom for a relaxed day out, or pick up beautiful flowers and seedlings for the perfect gift. Enjoy fresh, locally brewed coffee and tasty snacks as you browse. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day—shop, snack, and soak in the season!

Alpacas Visit Mother's Day Weekend - At Cider Hill Farm

Free! We've ALL really come to look forward to the days when Matt and Amy come to Cider Hill Farm to share their love, hard work and beautiful pack of alpacas. These New England ranchers care for animals, land and people. They're back this season with 2 alpacas from their herd along with their mobile pop-up shop selling socks, sweaters and more made from natural fibers. Rain date: Sunday 5/10.

Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, See link for times
Friday Storytime At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, Friday, May 8, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, May 8, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Littles & Lattes With Arlington Family Connection - At Mill Cafe - Arlington Family Connection - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, Saturday, May 9, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
World Migratory Bird Days at the Museum of Natural History - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 10, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Mayor Michelle Wu's Boston Family Days- At Old State House (Boston) - 310 Washington Street, Boston, MA, USA, Sunday, May 10, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lilac Sunday - At the Arboretum - Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University - 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, Sunday, May 10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
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Pittsford NY 14534
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KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 4/30/2026: Twenty-five

2026-04-30T06:00:41-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
April 30, 2026

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Tue, May 5: Preschool Story Hour-Pollinators (Ages 3-5) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Sun, May 10: Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Sun, May 10: Muffins for Mom: Mother's Day 5K & Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Good Pickin' Farm

Fri, May 15: 2026 Copley Square Farmers Market at Copley Square Farmers Market
Sat, May 16: Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

When they were handing out high school yearbook awards, some of my classmates unofficially, though cheerfully, voted me Least Likely to Become a Professional Cheerleader. I couldn’t really disagree: After all, I was a nerd before being a nerd came into fashion, much more comfortable in a library than at a pep rally.

So much for teenage predictions!

Yesterday, my daughter Ella turned 25, which means KidsOutAndAbout turns 25, too. When Ella was imminent, and her sister Madison was one-and-a-half, I was realizing just how many incredible experiences for kids and families were all around us in Rochester, NY. Back then, before web calendars were a thing, finding out about stuff happening meant you had to know where to look.

So during maternity leave from my old technology consulting firm, I decided to build a place to make invisible opportunities visible, to celebrate the people who create them, and to build audiences for these great things. We’ve grown to a dedicated team of 20 people doing work that matters, serving 52 regions with 15 million readers per year and 750,000 weekly newsletter subscribers.

So yes, I’m a professional cheerleader, and I love it. I love this. I love that my job is to help build an audience for the remarkable experiences people are bringing to life. I love that our mission is to shine a light on the concerts, camps, classes, festivals, trails, museums, libraries, theaters, and local treasures large and small that become family stories and memories.

Far from slowing down, we’re heading into hyper-drive for our Silver Anniversary, so stay tuned! Thank you for being part of the journey, and for giving us so much to cheer about.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

The Story Pirates

Nature Time: Blooming Flowers (Ages 2-6) - Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Discover the wonders of the natural world through storytelling and seasonal exploration! Dive into captivating books about different seasonal themes. Each session bursts with interactive fun as you craft nature-inspired projects and play games that connect you to wildlife and the changing seasons. Come ready to laugh, learn, and create lasting memories while discovering fascinating facts about the natural world!

Swan Boat Rides In the Public Garden

Glide into a cherished Boston tradition with a ride on the iconic Swan Boats in the Public Garden—a beloved experience since 1877! These graceful paddle boats offer a peaceful float through the city's lush oasis, where blooming flowers, calm waters, and immaculately kept paths create a postcard-perfect scene. The Swan Boats are a magical way to soak in the city's charm and history. Just be sure to check the day’s forecast—rides only run when the weather’s as welcoming as the garden itself! Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are pleased to announce that the popular Boston Swan Boats will open for the 2026 season at the Boston Public Garden lagoon on Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m.

Wright-Locke Farm’s 5th Annual Holi Celebration Dinner

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a vibrant new take on our annual Holi celebration at Wright-Locke Farm! This year, we’re transforming the evening into a lively Holi Cocktail Party—an opportunity to mix, mingle, and soak in the beauty of the season with great food, drinks, and community. Join us from 6:30–8:30 PM in our stunning All Seasons Barn and patio (weather permitting) for an evening filled with color, flavor, and festivity. Enjoy an open bar featuring signature cocktails, beer from Rupee Beer, and wine, alongside a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres and a flavorful station.

May Potion of the Month: Growth Potion - The Good Witch of Salem

Step into a magical potion making experience in Salem, MA where kids and families create their own enchanting potions. Located on Essex Street near the historic Witch House, this hands-on activity is one of the most unique things to do in Salem with kids.

Crabapples in Bloom: Music Inspired by Nature - At the Arboretum

Gather at Peters Hill Summit for a one-of-a-kind concert celebrating the beautiful crabapple collection in peak bloom. Chloe DeSteno and Ariana Mascari, graduate students at the New England Conservatory, have assembled a collection of musical pieces about the crabapples and Peters Hill, as well as plants and the Arboretum more broadly–including one original piece composed specifically for this part of the Arboretum. The concert will feature a chamber ensemble playing genres from Renaissance to jazz, all rooted in classical music. Seating will be on the grass. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chair to sit on if desired, as chairs will not be provided.

Boston Red Sox: Star Wars Day at Fenway Park - Home Game VS Astros

This is the way. Join the Red Sox for Star Wars Day at Fenway Park on Sunday, May 3. In celebration of the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu, Fenway Park will become the ultimate destination for fans of the galaxy far, far away. Fans who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive an exclusive Red Sox x STAR WARS™ Grogu Bobblehead - the perfect companion for any bounty hunter (or baseball fan). Before first pitch, encounter the 501st New England Garrison, who will be stationed throughout the ballpark for photo opportunities.

Boston By Little Feet Walking Tour

Travel through 300 years of history on this fun and interactive tour of Boston's Freedom Trail. Designed for families with children 6-12 years old, this tour encourages discovery and exploration.

Fearless, The Taylor Swift Experience

This award winning tribute to Taylor Swift is the most highly regarded tribute act for Taylor Swift in the US and some may say, the world. Created with the highest level of attention to detail, with an incredible live band, this show promises to deliver the energy and authenticity of a live Taylor Swift concert.

Drop-In Gaming Time (All Ages) - At Boston Public Library - Chinatown Branch - Boston Public Library, 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, Friday, May 1, 2026, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Discovery Tykes at the Museum of Natural History - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:00AM-10:30AM
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Discovery Tykes at Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, May 1, 2026, 10:00 am -10:30 am
Friday Storytime At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, United States, Friday, May 1, 2026, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Family Dinner - At Mill Cafe - The Mill Cafe, 14 Mill St, Arlington, MA 02476, United States, Friday, May 1, 2026, 4:30 - 7:00
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Saturday, May 2, 2026 - Sunday, May 3, 2026, See link for times
Crabapples in Bloom: Music Inspired by Nature - At the Arboretum - Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, United States, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mayor Michelle Wu's Boston Family Days- At Old State House (Boston) - Mayor Michelle Wu, 310 Washington Street, Boston, MA, USA, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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🐱 See Story Pirates Live at Chevalier Theatre in Medford, MA!

2026-04-28T11:00:42-04:00

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Get ready for Story Pirates Live in Medford, MA on May 17th, featuring fan-favorite songs from the multi-award winning The Story Pirates Podcast and improvised sketch comedy based on ideas from kids in the audience. The Story Pirates believe that all kids are creative geniuses, and they’re ready to prove it with their fast-paced, hilarious and inspiring show for the whole family. Featuring Eric from The Story Pirates Podcast, plus a cast of the funniest Story Pirate actors, singers, and comedians around.

Story Pirates Live

Chevaler Theatre

Medford, MA

Saturday, May 17 at 1 pm

Get tickets now!

The Story Pirates, best known for their flagship podcast with more than 100 million downloads, are a family media company that amplifies the words and ideas of kids. The award-winning The Story Pirates Podcast takes stories submitted by kids and turns them into sketch comedy and songs with help from celebrity guests like Kristen Bell, John Oliver, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Seth Meyers, and more.

Story Pirates have also produced the Looney Tunes podcast and co-created Game On, a sports podcast for families, with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media and Historical Records, a podcast that fuses history with original hip-hop songs, with Questlove and iHeart. In addition to podcasts, the Story Pirates have released three critically acclaimed middle grade books and five award-winning albums. In partnership with Story Pirates Changemakers, their non-profit arm that brings life-changing arts and literacy tools to under-resourced schools and communities, Story Pirates produce the PBS show The Story Pirates Present: SPTV.

Learn more and score tickets here.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. This is one of those! Thanks for being part of our community!

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KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 4/23/2026: Chasers of Rainbows

2026-04-23T06:00:39-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
April 23, 2026

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Sat, May 2: Crabapples in Bloom: Music Inspired by Nature - At the Arboretum
Sun, May 3: Boston Red Sox: Star Wars Day at Fenway Park
Sun, May 3: Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Southwick's Zoo
Sun, May 3: Ever After Princess Ball
Tue, May 5: Preschool Story Hour-Pollinators (Ages 3-5) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Sun, May 10: Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Sun, May 10: Muffins for Mom: Mother's Day 5K & Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Good Pickin' Farm

Fri, May 15: 2026 Copley Square Farmers Market at Copley Square Farmers Market
Sat, May 16: Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

One day last week, I was driving home around 7 pm when I glanced out the passenger's window and saw a stunning rainbow stretched fully across the sky, glowing in front of dark gray storm clouds that were rushing away to the east. I was approaching a stop light. Left was the way home, where various chores awaited... but right was the way to the rainbow. My husband was driving behind me, and I knew that if I turned right, he was going to think I had lost my mind.

For a split second, practicality made its case: Don’t be silly; go home, you have stuff to do. But then another question darted into my mind: Am I a person who chases rainbows, or am I not? Once I framed it that way, the answer was easy.

For kids and grownups alike, this can actually be a helpful way to make all kinds of decisions. When the moment comes to act, it helps to ask not just What do I feel like doing? but Who am I? Am I a person who tells the truth? Am I a person who helps? Am I a person who persists when times are hard? Am I a person who stops to notice the beautiful things around me? We build identity one choice at a time for our entire lives. The clearer we are about who we want to be, the easier it becomes to know what to do in the moment, to give ourselves evidence that we are, in fact, that sort of person.

I hope the kids in your world grow up thinking of themselves as people who seek what is bright and good and full of wonder. It’s our job to show them that delight is often worth the detour.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

The Story Pirates

April Vacation Week: Community Science

April Vacation Week: Community Science April 20 – 24, 2026 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Want to meet an important scientist who can protect our planet? Look in the mirror, because science needs you! Harness your powers of observation to help solve real-world problems in your community and across the globe. Hunt for stars, peek at plants, and track animal trends, then share your discoveries. Bring your sense of curiosity—we’re counting on it.

Full EnVision Farm Tour & Visit

Immerse yourself in our serene farm setting as you embark on a memorable journey at Farm tour & visit. Explore our grounds find some fun activities and get up close with our majestic horses, animated alpacas, goofy goats, silly bunnies and clucking chickens. Whether you're visiting as an individual or part of a group, our farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, witness the beauty of our resident turkeys, and relax by our tranquil pond. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation, education, and entertainment at our enchanting farm. After your tour which last from 30-40 minutes, feel free to hang out at some of our tables. Food and beverages available for purchase!

April Vacation Swim Clinics at Goldfish Swim School Needham

Take your skills to the next level this spring break. Our exclusive 4-day clinic delivers the impact of a full month of lessons in one focused, confidence-building experience. Space is limited at our Needham location. Secure your spot today.

Earth Week at Discovery Museum!

April Vacation Craft Series

Join us for our April Vacation Craft Series from 4/21 - 4/24! Kiddos of all ages will explore four different types of art forms where they can exercise their creativity and use their imaginations.

Unicorn Spa Day - At The Good Witch of Salem

Southwick’s Spring Fest

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Spring Fest, a lively seasonal event at Southwick’s Zoo filled with entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly fun!! As the zoo comes alive with the sights and sounds of spring, guests can enjoy a festive day exploring the park while taking in live entertainment, artisan vendors, and interactive activities throughout the grounds.

Kids Free April

This spring, Coggeshall Farm Museum invites families to enjoy a limited-time offer: Kids receive free admission during the month of April. Up to two kids receive free general daytime admission with the purchase of an adult ticket.

World Flamingo Day Celebration - At Stone Zoo

Celebrate our lively, vibrant and noisy flamingos at Stone Zoo on Sunday, April 26! Join our educators for special chats highlighting our flamingos and the vibrant animals that can be found along the Caribbean Coast, including sloths, bush dogs and cougars. Plus!

Spring Fling: School of Rock Watertown

Spring Fling is a chance for you to see the magic of School of Rock in action, and to get a feel for what makes our community so incredibly special. There will be performances by our talented students, fun games and activities, local vendors, and more - and the best part is the event is absolutely free!

Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, April 25, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026, See link for times
Drop-In Gaming Time (All Ages) - At Boston Public Library - Chinatown Branch - Boston Public Library, 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, Friday, April 24, 2026, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Isabelle Demers Pipe Organ Concert - Trinity Church, Clarendon Street, Boston, MA, USA, Friday, April 24, 2026, 7:00 PM
Fairy Garden Days 2026 - At the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park - Museum of Natural History, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, April 24, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm
April Vacation Earth Celebration at the Museum of Natural History - Museum of Natural History, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:00am-4:00pm
Cherry Blossoms in Bloom: Music Inspired by Nature - At the Arboretum - Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, Saturday, April 25, 2026, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Spring Fling: School of Rock Watertown - School of Rock Watertown, Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00PM - 5:00PM

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Preschool, Day Care, and Toddler Programs In and Around Boston

Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Boston area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the schools.

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Birthday Party Locations in and around Boston

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Boston Newsletter 4/16/2026: Motion and Music

2026-04-16T06:00:34-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

KidsOutAndAbout Boston
April 16, 2026

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Mon, Apr 20: April Vacation Week: Community Science at EcoTarium

Sat, Apr 25: Party for the planet at Buttonwood Park Zoo
Sat, Apr 25: Southwick’s Spring Fest at Southwick's Zoo
Sat, May 2: Crabapples in Bloom: Music Inspired by Nature - At the Arboretum
Sun, May 3: Boston Red Sox: Star Wars Day at Fenway Park
Sun, May 3: Teacher Appreciation Weekend at Southwick's Zoo
Sun, May 3: Ever After Princess Ball
Tue, May 5: Preschool Story Hour-Pollinators (Ages 3-5) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Sun, May 10: Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Sun, May 10: Muffins for Mom: Mother's Day 5K & Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Good Pickin' Farm

Fri, May 15: 2026 Copley Square Farmers Market at Copley Square Farmers Market
Sat, May 16: Coggeshall Farm Sheep & Wool Festival

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

When my kids were little, one of our favorite nature activities was also one of the simplest: We’d head out onto a trail, stop among the trees, and play the Listening Game. The rules were easy: Close your eyes. The first time you hear a sound, any sound at all, put up one finger. Then add another for each new sound you notice. After a minute or two, someone says, “Open your eyes,” and everyone compares fingers and talks about what they heard.

It’s a small exercise in attention, but it changes how kids experience the world. The invisible becomes visible... not to the eyes, exactly, but to the mind. Things that were just out of range suddenly move onto our radar. Nature is full of motion and music, and this game helps us tune ourselves to it.

The free Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology takes that magic one step further: Tap Sound ID, and suddenly the songs around you appear on your screen as a voiceprint and a bird name and an image that shows you what to look for. And what a moment ago was only background atmosphere becomes a Carolina Wren, or an Eastern Whip-poor-will, or the Common Yellowthroat pictured above, singing his heart out for a girl with a camera.

That’s one of the great tasks of childhood, and of the adults who love children: to help hidden things come into view. Before we know something, it is almost as if it isn’t there. But once it is named, we have a new way to see. There are suddenly new dimensions to our universe, helping us transform even more mysteries into things that are ours. And we never really experience the woods—or the field, or the river, or the ocean, or the city, or our backyard—the same way again.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Have a Bricktastic School Break at LEGO Discovery Center Boston

BUILD THE BEST SCHOOL BREAK EVER! Get ready for a BRICKTASTIC adventure during School Break at LEGO® Discovery Center Boston. Jump into a world of creativity, imagination, and play at the ultimate indoor LEGO playground. Explore MINIWORLD, built from over a million LEGO bricks, join a hands-on Creative Workshop, and help save the princess on the Kingdom Quest ride. Enjoy immersive 4D movies, discover eye-catching build zones, and let your imagination run wild in interactive play areas designed for LEGO fans of all ages. Make your School Break unforgettable—get your tickets online now: https://www.legodiscoverycenter.com/boston/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/spring-break/

Cherry Blossom Celebration - At the Arboretum

Come celebrate Japanese culture amongst the Arboretum’s beautiful cherry blossoms with taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, Japanese games and calligraphy, family activities, and the inside scoop on the Arboretum’s own cherry collection.

Galliford's Gives Back Dog Adoption event & Vendor Market - At Southwick's Zoo

Located at the Tented Events Pavilion at Southwick’s Zoo and Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern. Join us on Saturday, April 18 (Rain Date: Sunday, April 19) for the 4th Annual Dog Adoption Event and Vendor Market, a heartwarming community celebration and part of Galliford’s Gives Back. This special event brings together local rescues, pet-friendly vendors, live entertainment, and animal lovers for an afternoon filled with fun, and maybe even a brand-new best friend. Whether you're actively looking to adopt or simply want to spend the day surrounded by wagging tails and great company, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Wild Kratts Live 2.0 - Activate Creature Power! - At Boch Center - Wang Theatre

It's going to be WILD! Young fans and their families nationwide are in store for even more adventure on the creature trail when the world-famous Kratt Brothers hit the road with an all-new stage adventure! Wild Kratts® LIVE 2.0 - Activate Creature Power®!, the theatrical production starring Martin and Chris Kratt, based on the Emmy-nominated hit PBS KIDS series, will bring audiences along on a "wild" ride with a dynamic mix of live-action and animation. In Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0, Chris and Martin take to the stage to activate new Creature Powers and go "off to the creature rescue!" With some help from the rest of the Wild Kratts team, who will be animated and on screen at the Tortuga HQ, the brothers confront a comic villain and once again save the day, sharing fascinating tidbits about some of the world's most amazing creatures along the way.

Fairy Garden Days 2026 - At the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park

Join us this year for Fairy Garden Days 2026 Celestial Spring! April 11-26* Explore our four greenhouses transformed for a celestial magic land. Get lost in the details of hundreds of fairy houses hidden in our gardens. Marvel at what local community members and artists have created for our exhibit this year. And enjoy fun activities for kids every day.

Night in the Museum at Old Sturbridge Village

Night in the Museum is an overnight experience designed for scouts, schools and other youth groups of up to 80 participants. With only a map and a tattered journal at their side, young historians will travel back in time and take part in a mysterious, candlelit adventure through the 1830s. The quest will exercise their detective skills as they hunt for clues, conduct experiments, and investigate the past. Back at our hands-on learning laboratory, we will experiment with historic crafts to learn more about 19th-century life.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition - At CambridgeSide

Step inside a breathtaking re-creation of the Sistine Chapel — where Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling paintings are brought down to eye level. Rated 4.8/5.0 by over 3 million guests. No trip to Rome needed. No crowds. Just an unforgettable experience of art, light, and scale — in a peaceful, immersive setting for all ages.

Boston Red Sox: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Day at Fenway Park - Home Game VS Tigers

Zoo-Wee Mama! Get ready to step out of the pages and onto the field for Diary of a Wimpy Kid Day at Fenway Park! We're celebrating the iconic best-selling series on Saturday, April 18, and just like Greg always said would happen... he's finally famous. So famous, in fact, he now has his very own Red Sox bobblehead. (Sorry, Rodrick - dreams do come true.) Fans who purchase tickets through this special offer will receive the exclusive Diary of a Wimpy Kid x Red Sox bobblehead, another reason to get out of bed on the weekends! Arrive early to rock out to a Löded Diper cover band on Jersey Street and enjoy many other Diary of a Wimpy Kid themed activations. And don't worry... anyone who has The Cheese Touch will be kept at a safe distance. Bring your best friend, your little brother (even if he's a bit of a Manny), and the whole Heffley-sized crew. It's a family affair and it's going to be legendary. It will definitely be one to write about in your journal afterward!

Earth Week at Discovery Museum!

Salamander Meander - Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary's vernal pools, ponds, and woodlands to search for amphibians active during this season. If we're fortunate, we might discover Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander eggs, and we may even catch a few adults to observe closely before releasing them.

Kids Free April

Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Boston - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, April 17, 2026 to Sunday, April 18, 2026, See link for times
Drop-In Gaming Time (All Ages) - At Boston Public Library - Chinatown Branch - Boston Public Library - Chinatown Branch, 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, Friday, April 17, 2026, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Fairy Garden Days 2026 - At the Museum of Natural History in Roger Williams Park - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free Open Houses at the Betsey Williams Cottage - Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA, Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00pm

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in the Boston, MA area

Preschool, Day Care, and Toddler Programs In and Around Boston

Escape Rooms in the Boston area

Birthday Party Locations in and around Boston

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
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Boston KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter - April 2026

2026-04-13T10:00:44-04:00

Summer Camps in the Boston Area