25 Family-Friendly Things to Do This Weekend in and Around Boston

The weekend is finally here and there are dozens of great things happening in and around the city. From first Friday events at the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, to the Boston Pizza Festival, outdoor family movies and more, we’ve gathered more than two dozen family-friendly things to choose from to plan your weekend of fun!

Friday, July 6

Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series

Join the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as they kick off the summer of 30 free outdoor fitness classes each week in and around the city. These free classes take place throughout Boston’s 18 neighborhoods and two dozen parks all summer long. Today try Bootcamp at 6:30 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End or a walking group at 10 a.m. at Moakley Park in South Boston.

Harpoon Brewery Tours

Guided tours take place daily at Harpoon Brewery, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the brewing process. As part of the tour, visitors 21 and over will enjoy a range of freshly-brewed Harpoon and UFO beers. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets are $5 and only available the day of the tour and can only be purchased in person. Noon to 6 p.m., Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston.

SoWa First Fridays

Meet artists, view exhibits and shop as more than 200 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms open their doors to the public tonight for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. 5-9 p.m., 450-460 Harrison Ave., Boston.

ICA First Friday: Set Sail

Set sail tonight at the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston’s First Friday event. Enjoy waterfront drinks, DJ Knife, cocktails, dancing, contemporary art and harbor views. Free for members, $15 for non-members, 5-10 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston.

Museum of Fine Arts First Fridays

Join the folks at the Museum of Fine Arts tonight and kick off the weekend with fine art, music, signature cocktails, tapas and more. Tickets are $25, seniors and students are $23 and free for members. 6-9:30 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

Luke Bryan at Fenway Park

Country music star Luke Bryan brings his music to Fenway Park Friday, July 6 at 5 p.m. with special guest Sam Hunt, along with Jon Pardi and openers Morgan Wallen and DJ Rock. Tickets start at $65.

The Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion

The Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton are bringing their U.S. summer tour to Boston’s Blue Hills Bank Pavilion Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $70.

Citizens Bank Weekly Cornhole Tournament

The weekly cornhold tournament, sponsored by Citizens Bank returns for summer.The first eight teams of two will compete for “Lawn Bucks.” All the fun starts at 6:45 p.m.. Sign up for free at the Citizens Bank kiosk starting at 6:30 p.m. The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Entertainment Series: Movie Fridays

Friday is movie night during the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City concert series. Tonight enjoy “Field of Dreams” on the big screen for your waterfront entertainment. The movie starts at dusk, Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston.

Saturday, July 7

Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series

Join the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as they kick off the summer of 30 free outdoor fitness classes each week in and around the city. These free classes take place throughout Boston’s 18 neighborhoods and two dozen parks all summer long. This morning enjoy a walking group at 8 am. At Franklin Park in Dorchester, yoga at 9:15 a.m. at Franklin Park, Dorchester, yoga at 10 a.m. at Healy Playground, Roslindale or bootcamp at 11 a.m. at Almont Park in Mattapan.

Greenway Open Market

Celebrating its eighth season, this open-air artisan market features talented area artists, crafters and independent designers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston.

Boston Pizza Festival

Pizza lovers rejoice! The Boston Pizza Festival returns to City Hall Plaza July 7 and 8. Enjoy all you can eat pizza, live music and performances. Acrobat shows, cooking demos, cars serving beer and wine, and more. General admission tickets are $35 ($45 the day of the event) and $20 for children under 10. Noon to 8 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston.

Summer Block Party on the Lawn on D

Enjoy the return of one of last year’s most popular events on The Lawn on D. Head to the Summer Block Party today for live live performances all day. Plus, from 1-9 p.m. enjoy summer ice skating with Disco DJ (free skates are available to borrow). Enjoy music all day into the night, along with activities from Noon to 5 p.m. including bubble soccer, a rock climbing wall, Boston battle boats, 8-player foosball, air hockey, roll-a-ball horse racing, face painting, a slush give-away and more. Noon to 9 p.m., The Lawn on D., 420 D St., Boston.

North End Pizza Tour

Are you a pizza fan? Then head on out to the North End Pizza tour where you can experience five Freedom Trail sites on a historic walk through Little Italy while enjoying three different slices from some of Boston’s best pizzerias. Tickets are $39. Two tours today at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The two-and-a-half hour tour starts in Boston's North End. Meet at the corner of Hanover Street and Cross Street, near the Tony DeMarco boxers statue

The Market Bar at Boston Public Market

Saturday afternoons enjoy a beverage while you shop or dine throughout the Boston Public Market. Stop by the special Market Bar in the HUB for local beer and wine selections. 1-5 p.m., Boston Public Market

Family Film Festival

Enjoy a family-friendly movie tonight on the Prudential Center’s South Garden at the MAGIC 106.7 Family Film Festival. Tonight it’s “The Lion King.” Entertainment, children’s activities and giveaways start at 6 p.m. All movies are free and start at sundown. Don’t forget those picnic blankets or lawn chairs, too. Prudential Center, Boston.

Tango in the Park

Tango in the Park returns for its third year bringing the tango and its music to the open air. This year’s summer season opens with the Boston Tango Orchestra, Hernan and Anita performance and lessons for beginners. This is a rain or shine event. All the fun starts at 7 p.m. Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, Boston.

World War Women: The Unsung Heroines of WWII (History Camp)

History at Play presents World War Women, a reliving of the triumphs of some of our greatest heroines. Tickets are $15. 6 p.m., Suffolk University Law School 120 Tremont St., Boston. 

Sunday, July 8

Open Newbury Street

Explore new restaurants, local boutiques and international brands, or rediscover what you love most about Newbury Street as it’s transformed and free of vehicles. Enjoy local musicians, outdoors games and more as you celebrate Newbury Street. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Newbury Street (Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue), Boston.

SoWa Open Market

The SoWa Open Market is back for its 15th season. Enjoy this weekly celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers, musicians and more. While you’re there enjoy a selection of local brews, stay for a lawn game and enjoy live music. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 530 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Greenway Play Session with National Park Service

Enjoy the Summer Sunday Greenway Play Program with the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the National Park Service Rangers. Head down to the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion near the Greenway Carousel to play with their unique Imagination Playground. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion, 191 W Atlantic Ave., Boston.

Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series

Join the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Parks and Recreation Dept. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts as they kick off the summer of 30 free outdoor fitness classes each week in and around the city. These free classes take place throughout Boston’s 18 neighborhoods and two dozen parks all summer long. Today enjoy Kids Yoga at 11 a.m. at Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain, Yoga at 12:30 p.m. at Winthrop Square in Charlestown or Yoga at 2 p.m. at Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain.

Greenway Open Market

Celebrating its eighth season, this open-air artisan market features talented area artists, crafters and independent designers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston.

Boston Pizza Festival

Pizza lovers rejoice! The Boston Pizza Festival returns to City Hall Plaza July 7 and 8. Enjoy all you can eat pizza, live music and performances. Acrobat shows, cooking demos, cars serving beer and wine, and more. General admission tickets are $35 ($45 the day of the event) and $20 for children under 10. Noon to 8 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston.

Free Summer Concert at Longfellow House

Enjoy a free summer concert this afternoon at Longfellow House featuring Orlando Latorre, as part of Berklee’s Summer in the City Concert Series happening all summer long. 3 p.m., Longfellow House, 105 Brattle St., Cambridge. 

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