Things to Do

There’s plenty of fun and free things to do in and around Boston this weekend. From EarthFest at the Hatch Shell, the Franklin Park Kite Festival, and the Hot Dog Safari on Saturday to the Japan Festival Boston and the Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, the weekend is filled with festivals and celebrations. Read on for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.

Looking for more things to do? Rachel, our newest contributor, recently took her two year old to the Arnold Arboretum and has five simple ways to occupy a toddler (or two) and connect with nature in one of the city’s most beautiful and peaceful green spaces. Kristin describes her “love affair” with Baby Wiggle Little Groove - great classes, fun birthday parties and more. Plus, the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fridays schedule is out - Tara has 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 young children.

Finally, a big thank you to all the families, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make last week’s One Family Music Festival such a success - thanks to everyone’s generosity, we were able to raise over $23,000 for the One Fund Boston. We also brought the families of Boston together to sing, dance, create art, and celebrate the strength and beauty of our great city. It was a day that allowed many families to begin healing from the pain caused by the tragic events surrounding this year’s Boston Marathon, and to reclaim the city for our children.

Enjoy the weekend!