Fun and Free Things to Do with Kids in Boston: World Ocean Day, Dragon Boat Festival and More, June 8-9

6/5/13 - By Audrey Trieschman

Boston-area families can find plenty of fun and free things to do this weekend. From World Oceans Day in Boston to Fresh Pond Day in Cambridge, from the Dragon Boat Festival in Cambridge to the Arts Festival in Salem, the weekend is filled with festivals and celebrations. And local farms are gearing up for strawberry season; read about pick-your-own farms and upcoming festivals to celebrate. We also have recommendations for pizza and ice cream near Drumlin Farm (has Kristin’s post inspired you to go?), the Boston Public Library, Blue Hills Reservation and more.

Still figuring out what to do this summer? How about getting free stuff and getting the kids to keep reading all summer - Tara shares this winning combination. Plus, guest blogger Nantucket Bucket shares its Summer Nantucket Bucket List - 15 kid-tested, parent-approved activities that are some of the Island’s top must-do experiences and sure to be the highlight of any Nantucket vacation.

Read on for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.

Enjoy!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

FEE, FI, FO, FUM (a.k.a. Jack and the Beanstalk) - Concord Youth Theatre, Concord
Fri 6/7-Sun 6/9
Tickets $13

Concord Youth Theatre presents a musical adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk in which Jack encounters a giant and a troll. By the end, the cow is returned, the chicken learns to lay golden eggs and the good life returns to the kingdom.

Fri 7:30pm; Sat-Sun 2:30p & 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm


Salem Arts Festival - Salem
Fri 6/7-Sun 6/9
FREE

For three days each summer, this free festival transforms downtown Salem into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase their talents. The festival celebrates all the arts: painting, photography, sculpture, dance, music, writing, film, new media, performance, theater, poetry, culinary, etc. in a free city-wide arts festival.

The Salem Arts Festival is held in several locations in downtown Salem, Massachusetts, including:

  • Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
  • East India Fountain stage – 1 East India Square
  • Essex Street street fair- Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
  • Gulu Gulu Cafe – 247 Essex Street

Art Connections Family Afternoon - New Art Center, Newton
Sat 6/8
FREE

The New Art Center hosts an afternoon of fun, interactive activities. Families can explore the gallery together through scavenger hunts, discussion starters and crafts projects. Drop-in any time, for all ages.


The Cambridge Food Truck Festival - Kendall Square, Cambridge
Sat 6/8
$5-$7

The 2013 Food Truck Festival Tour launches this weekend with the Cambridge Food Truck Festival in Kendall Square, complete with 22 food trucks, lots of music (live and a deejay!), and discounted canoe and kayak rentals.


Coolidge Corner Arts & Food Festival - Brookline
Sat 6/8
FREE; tastings $2/ticket

The festival is a showcase for the arts, featuring nationally recognized artists as well as accomplished and emerging artists from New England working in an array of media, from jewelry, fiber, glass, ceramics to photography, watercolor and mixed media.

Plus, the 6th Annual Brookline Food Festival serves up bites by local Brookline restaurants such as Zaftigs. Tasting tickets will be sold at a central location for $2 each. Net proceeds will be donated to the Brookline Food Pantry.


Fresh Pond Day - Kingsley Park, Cambridge
Sat 6/8
FREE

Activities include nature walks and native garden tours, musical performances, kid's crafts, storytelling, nature activities, and more. Rain or shine; bring your own picnic.


TouchTomorrow - WPI, Worcester
Sat 6/8
FREE

The WPI campus is transformed into a family-friendly festival of science and technology, a day filled with interactive exhibits, learning, games, and fun. NASA astronauts, demonstrations and hands-on activities headline the festival.


Spot Pond Fishing Festival - Stoneham
Sat 6/8
FREE

On the shores of Spot Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Stoneham Police Department.


Boston Dragon Boat Festival - Cambridge
Sun 6/9
FREE to watch races; FREE admission to festival

The Races: Over 50 teams are expected to race in this year's Dragon Boat Festival - the 35th anniversary of the first appearance of dragon boats on the Charles River.

The Festival: Featuring live musical and dance performances, arts and crafts demonstrations, and tasty Asian foods.


Celebrate World Oceans Day - New England Aquarium, Boston
Sun 6/9
FREE

Join in on free, outdoor activities as the Aquarium celebrates World Oceans Day on Central Wharf. The days includes hands-on activities for kids, cooking demonstrations and lots to learn about ocean animals.

Please Note: Admission to the Aquarium is not included.