Boston

40+ Family Friendly Events Over April School Vacation Week

The kiddos are out of school for April vacation and we know you’re going to want to keep everyone busy. So we pulled together this great list of fun things to do in and around Boston with a week’s worth of family-friendly events!

Before we break down events by the day, check out these events happening all week long; plus don’t miss all the Patriots’ Day events happening this weekend, too! 

Patriots’ Day 2019: The 244th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord

Patriots’ Day 2019 celebrates the 244th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The entire weekend will be celebrated with parades, reenactments and commemorative ceremonies. From the Battle Road: “Parker’s Revenge” Battle Demonstration to Junior Ranger Day at Minute Man National Historical Park, you don’t want to miss any of these great events, all happening this weekend.

Boston’s Swan Boats Return

Celebrate spring with the return of the Swan Boats opening Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. Head on down to the Boston Common for this annual tradition. The Swan Boats are open daily weather permitting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2.50 for children 2 to 15 (free for children under 2) and $3.50 for seniors. 

The Big Apple Circus

The Circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody.

Cambridge Science Festival

The Cambridge Science Festival returns for another year April 12-21 showcasing the leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Making science accessible, interactive and fun, there are dozens of events happening all week long throughout the area.

Get Creative with Blue Man Group

If you’ve thought about taking the family to Blue Man Group, School Vacation Week is a great time to do it. With more than 18 shows between April 15 and April 21, families can also take advantage of a special 25% off a family four pack of tickets. Additionally, children and parents can get creative before the show with free, art-inspired activities like glow-in-the-dark face painting and mask painting.

Monday, April 15

Patriot’s Day Events in Lexington and Concord

It’s Patriot’s Day, grab the family and take part in some history with the 243rd Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and other events. The Lexington Battle Reenactment take place on the Lexington Green at 5:30 a.m. where British and Colonial reenactors stage a reenactment of the early-morning battle. Not an early morning person, That’s OK, catch the “Shot heard round the world” with a battle demonstration at 8:45 a.m., followed by Concord’s Patriot’s Day Parade at 9:30 a.m.

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today Bake Cupcakes with Chef Cleo for ages 4-7. $5. 10-11 a.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

April School Vacation Week Fun at the Franklin Park Zoo

Enjoy a day exploring the Franklin Park Zoo and celebrate spring by learning about the importance of pollinators and how they help springtime flowers bloom. Throughout the week there will also be zookeeper chats, animal encounters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston.

Celebrate Right Whale Day

Celebrate Right Whale Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum with hands-on marine-themed crafts and activities geared toward fostering a greater appreciation for the status and plight of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. 10-2 p.m., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford.

Family Art Walk

Daily throughout school vacation week, take part in the Family Art Walk at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Join MFA guides and explore symbols and stories in art on these 30 minute tours that are fun for all ages. Free with the price of admission. 10:15 a.m. to Noon (tours run every 15 minutes). Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

Ride the Greenway Carousel

The Greenway Carousel is open for the season. Grab the kiddos and head to the Greenway for a ride on this one-of-a-kind carousel outfitted with animals native to Boston. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.

The Big Apple Circus

The Circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Tickets start at $35. Performances at Noon and 4 p.m. North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody. 

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today Bake Cupcakes with Chef Cleo for ages 7-12. $5. Noon to 1 p.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. 4:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Tuesday, April 16

Ride the Greenway Carousel

The Greenway Carousel is open for the season. Grab the kiddos and head to the Greenway for a ride on this one-of-a-kind carousel outfitted with animals native to Boston. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.

Stories Come Alive at the Boston Children’s Museum

Stories come alive at the Boston Children’s Museum during April Vacation Week. Explore different types of stories and the many ways they are told through words, pictures, dance, music, puppetry, along with special performances and programs. Today also catch a performance from ImprovBoston at 11 a.m. and Noon. plus Movement Storytimes with Urbanity Dance at 2 p.m and 3 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

April School Vacation Week Fun at the Franklin Park Zoo

Enjoy a day exploring the Franklin Park Zoo and celebrate spring by learning about the importance of pollinators and how they help springtime flowers bloom. Throughout the week there will also be zookeeper chats, animal encounters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 

The Big Apple Circus

The Circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Tickets start at $35. Performances at Noon and 4 p.m. North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody.

James and the Giant Peach

Catch this new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 1 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, 200 The Riverway, Boston. 

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Wednesday, April 17

Celebrate Earth Day at the Franklin Park Zoo

Celebrate Earth Day at the Franklin Park zoo with lots of fun and engaging activities to raise awareness for the planet and the role we play. Meet exhibitors, zookeepers, take part in animal enrichment programs, hands-on activities and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston.

Ride the Greenway Carousel

The Greenway Carousel is open for the season. Grab the kiddos and head to the Greenway for a ride on this one-of-a-kind carousel outfitted with animals native to Boston. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.

Stories Come Alive (and Pirate Tales) at the Boston Children’s Museum

Stories come alive at the Boston Children’s Museum during April Vacation Week. Explore different types of stories and the many ways they are told through words, pictures, dance, music, puppetry, along with special performances and programs. Today also catch Pirate Tales at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

James and the Giant Peach

Catch this new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 1 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, 200 The Riverway, Boston. 

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston. 

Thursday, April 18

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today make Veggie Pot Pies with Chef Cleo for ages 4-7. $5. 10-11 a.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

April School Vacation Week Fun at the Franklin Park Zoo

Enjoy a day exploring the Franklin Park Zoo and celebrate spring by learning about the importance of pollinators and how they help springtime flowers bloom. Throughout the week there will also be zookeeper chats, animal encounters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 

Ride the Greenway Carousel

The Greenway Carousel is open for the season. Grab the kiddos and head to the Greenway for a ride on this one-of-a-kind carousel outfitted with animals native to Boston. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today make Veggie Pot Pies with Chef Cleo for ages 7-12. $5. Noon to 1 p.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

The Big Apple Circus

The Circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Tickets start at $35. Performances at Noon and 4 p.m. North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody.

NASA Space Day for Kids

The New Bedford Whaling Museum plays host to this exciting event today where children can travel to the far reaches of the solar system and beyond with students from the NASA Solar System Explorers at the Ford Middle School in Acushnet. Handle real moon rocks, look through a solar spotting scope, create space crafts and more. Free and open to the public. 1-3 p.m., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. 

James and the Giant Peach

Catch this new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 1 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, 200 The Riverway, Boston.

Stories Come Alive at the Boston Children’s Museum

Stories come alive at the Boston Children’s Museum during April Vacation Week. Explore different types of stories and the many ways they are told through words, pictures, dance, music, puppetry, along with special performances and programs. Today also catch Kathak Dance at 1:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston. 

Earth Day Celebration at Patriot Place

Patriot’s Place is celebrating Earth Week with activities including exploring Waste Management’s Touch-a-Truck, creating your own planter and playing recycling games, along with learning fun ways to help save the Earth. Additionally, there will be pony rides and a petting zoo and more. The Children’s Museum in Easton will also be hosting participants to experiment with an Earth Day themed STEM program. Noon to 2 p.m. outdoors at Bass Pro Shops, on their lower level behind store. Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxboro.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Friday, April 19

April School Vacation Week Fun at the Franklin Park Zoo

Enjoy a day exploring the Franklin Park Zoo and celebrate spring by learning about the importance of pollinators and how they help springtime flowers bloom. Throughout the week there will also be zookeeper chats, animal encounters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today enjoy a Healthy Cooking Class with Project Bread for ages 4-7. $5. 10-11 a.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

Ride the Greenway Carousel

The Greenway Carousel is open for the season. Grab the kiddos and head to the Greenway for a ride on this one-of-a-kind carousel outfitted with animals native to Boston. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston.

Stories Come Alive at the Boston Children’s Museum

Stories come alive at the Boston Children’s Museum during April Vacation Week. Explore different types of stories and the many ways they are told through words, pictures, dance, music, puppetry, along with special performances and programs. Today also catch Everywhere and Nowhere at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., as well as a performance by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras at 6:30 p.m. and Movement Storytime with Urbanity Dance at 7:45 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

The Big Apple Circus

The Circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Tickets start at $35. Performances at Noon and 4 p.m. North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody.

Kids in the KITCHEN: Hands-on Cooking Classes for Kids

Bring the kiddos to the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for hands-on activities to celebrate local, seasonal food and local farmers. Classes are held in collaboration with vendors in the Boston Public Market and taught by KITCHEN chefs who tell first-hand stories about where the ingredients are sourced and how they are grown/made. Today enjoy a Healthy Cooking Class with Project Bread for ages 7-12. $5. Noon to 1 p.m., KITCHEN at Boston Public Market

James and the Giant Peach

Catch this new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 1 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, 200 The Riverway, Boston.

Blue Man Group at the Charles Playhouse

Combining music, technology and comedy, Blue Man Group creates a form of entertainment that can’t be defined, but appeals to people of all ages. Described as “innovative,” “energetic” and “wildly entertaining,” the best way to truly understand what Blue Man Group is, is to see the show yourself. Tickets start at $49. Performances today at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Charles Playhouse, 74 Warrenton St., Boston.

Sesame Street Live

Join Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Big Bird Grover and all their friends as they discover magical moments in everyday life in Sesame Street Live on stage. Tickets start at $25. Performances today at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

Saturday, April 20 

Bunny Bonanzoo

Have some Easter fun today at the Stone Zoo with crafts, games, music and more. Plus a visit with the Easter Bunny himself. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

Stories Come Alive at the Boston Children’s Museum

Stories come alive at the Boston Children’s Museum during April Vacation Week. Explore different types of stories and the many ways they are told through words, pictures, dance, music, puppetry, along with special performances and programs. Today also catch Haitian Dance with Jean Appolon at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston.

Sesame Street Live

Join Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, Big Bird Grover and all their friends as they discover magical moments in everyday life in Sesame Street Live on stage. Tickets start at $25. Performances today at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 

The Big Apple Circus

The circus is in town all through School Vacation Week. Catch the Big Apple Circus with performances all week long at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Tickets start at $35. Performances at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. North Shore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody.

James and the Giant Peach

Catch this new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 2 p.m., Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, 200 The Riverway, Boston.

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