Tweens & Teens

The 2013 Free Fun Fridays schedule is out, and it’s time to start planning your family’s summer adventures! Every summer, the Highland Street Foundation gives us the opportunity to visit cultural attractions in Massachusetts for free each Friday, from the end of June through August.

The Free Fun Fridays are truly a gift and offer the chance to visit varied attractions, from art museums to historical villages. This year, the fifth anniversary of the program, there are six options each Friday – some venues are right here in Boston, while others are as far away as Western Mass. With so many wonderful choices, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit.

I have chosen five to highlight, taking into consideration whether other significant discounts (such as library museum passes) are available at another time, how much money is saved, proximity to Boston, and whether the place is good for children.

You want to start teaching your kids about about community service at a young age, but most volunteer programs are not able to accommodate kids, and it’s difficult to find the ones that can. My family is always on the lookout for ways to get involved in the community and do something good in the world, especially in these difficult times. As a result, I have lots of great resources to share. They're all here, whether you prefer fundraising, participating in hands-on programs coordinated by organizations like Catching Joy, or more of a DIY affair.