Family Friendly Festivals and Fairs Around Boston

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The longest running free folk festival in the country features music and food from around the world with five performance stages and food vendors representing the many ethnic cuisines of Lowell. In addition, there will be roaming street performers, a train display, family activity area and craft festival to keep the whole family entertained.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Come support the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary with a day of fun in nature. Some of the highlights will include live owl presentations, guided tours of the ponds, gardens and nature trails, face painting and crafts, kid's games and activities and a native reptile and amphibian exhibit. There will also be plenty of food, live music, raffles and a butterfly plant sale. Enjoy a unique family experience and support the important education and conservation programs that the sanctuary provides. This event takes place rain or shine.

10am-4pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Enjoy a taste of Spring at the Boston Flower and Garden Show. Inspiring, educating and motivating gardeners, there will be design workshops, flower arranging, gardening, cooking and floral design demonstration, professional garden displays and a children's activity center with fun activities like painting birdhouses.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The annual Wake Up the Earth Festival is a community-wide festival that celebrates springtime, diversity, music and culture. Held the first Saturday in May, the celebration starts off with a huge parade followed by a full day of live arts and musical performances along with over 50 food, non-profit and craft vendors. Get updates for the event on their Facebook page.

Parade starts at 11am, Festival 12pm-6pm

Amanda Banta said:  Though summer will be winding down, the fun doesn't have to. Boston Mayor Walsh and the Parks and Recreation Department will continue the summer fun with the ParkARTS Boston Children's Summer Festival, featuring live entertainment, activities, face painting, treats and more. There is ample free parking and the area is accessible via the MBTA bus and subway lines.

10am-1pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   Every spring, during the first few rainy nights when temperatures are mild, hundreds of thousands of salamanders and wood frogs come out from their underground winter hibernation and travel to vernal pools for breeding in a phenomenon called "Big Night." Come celebrate this spectacular phenomenon on a guided walk and meet some costumed amphibians who will share interesting stories about themselves, vernal pools and this special time. Also see some live animals and stop at a vernal pool to look for animals and their eggs. Registration required.

6pm-8:30pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Boston Kids Comics Fest is a daylong festival showcasing kid-friendly comics, graphic novels and hybrid books. In addition to a book fair, there will be several free educational workshops focused on the art of creating comics.

10am-5pm

Amanda Banta said:  The City of Boston offers kids an exciting winter adventure with its annual Children's Winter Festival. The festival will feature music, giveaways, various winter attractions, treats, crafts, and much more!

11am-2pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Lakeville Lions Club's Fall Family Festival will feature games, music, vendors and food in a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family. Bring your own lawn chairs.

12pm-5pm

Amanda Banta said:  Smolak Farms opens its farm every weekend for family fun in the fall. There will be hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin picking, carnival games, face painting, cow train rides, and more! Kids also can play on the playground and visit the farm animals.

Weekends & select holidays, 10am-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  Enjoy the best of fall in New England with this Fall Harvest Celebration at Patriot Place. Enjoy family friendly activities that the kids will love. Highlights include cranberry harvest by Ocean Spray, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, caricatures, live music and more!

10am-4pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Come celebrate winter at NARA Park with their Winter Carnival featuring a ton of family-friendly activities! If hunger strikes, food vendors will be available as well.

4pm-7pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Lincoln Winter Carnival features events located throughout Lincoln including crafts, a magic show, sing-alongs, games, nature activities and more winter fun!

Amanda Banta said:  WinterFest Chelmsford has a jam-packed weekend of winter fun with s'mores and campfires, kid-friendly themed escape rooms, a chowder fest and winter carnival among the activities planned. The event is sponsored by local groups and organizations.

Amanda Banta said:  Boston Harbor Now will bid farewell to summer with an explosive show over the water. Fireworks will be lit from barges between Long Wharf and the Seaport. Suggested viewing spots are Christopher Columbus in the North End, Piers Park in East Boston and Fan Pier in the Seaport District.

8:30pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Celebrating the children’s classic, “Make Way for Ducklings,” by Robert McCloskey, enjoy family-friendly entertainment including face painting, circus games, crafts, a magician and climbing and jumping activities. Then join the Duckling Day parade, led by the Harvard Marching Band, with participants encouraged to dress like characters from the book. The parade begins at the Boston Common Bandstand and ends in the Public Garden near the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. Don't forget your camera! The event is rain or shine.

10am Playtime on the Common, 12pm Parade

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Each year large crowds gather in historic Lexington and Concord to celebrate Patriots' Day which commemorates the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. Several events take place over the weekend with the highlights being the Lexington Battle reenactment and the North Bridge Fight reenactment and parade in Concord. See website for a list of events and parking restrictions and recommendations.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  First started in 2012 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the friendship gift of cherry blossom trees from Kyoto (the sister city of Boston) to Washington D.C, this completely volunteer-run festival continues to expand in an effort to introduce authentic Japanese culture in a fun, entertaining and educational manner. Enjoy origami and calligraphy workshops, cosplay contest, live performances and music, arts and crafts, silent auctions, authentic Japanese food booths, a special kids section and so much more.

11am-5pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   Come celebrate spring with Powisett Farm! There will be live music, yummy local food, a pie-eating contest and kids crafts. In addition, you can take a farm tour, enjoy some yoga, visit the farm animals and do some spring produce shopping at the farmstand.

10am-3pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This unique festival, the first of its kind in the country, strives to make science accessible, interactive and fun for everyone through hands-on activities, demonstrations, workshops, tours and more. Many events are geared for families and will take place indoors and outside throughout Cambridge, greater Boston and the surrounding areas.

Times Vary

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   MayFair is a community tradition featuring a day of fun for all ages. Enjoy the live music, dance, and street performers, sidewalk sales, family activities and arts and crafts booths. There will also be food to taste from around the world and the incredible "Chalk on the Walk" chalk painting street display.

12pm-6pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   The Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival began with a gift of cherry trees to Brookline High School from Mr. Hikihara, the Consul General of Japan. A collaboration between The Genki Spark and the Brookline High School Japanese Program, the festival highlights Japanese culture with taiko drum performances from artists all over New England, Japanese dance, kimono, music and calligraphy demonstrations. In addition, crafts, games, and activities for all ages will be available as well as Japanese food for sale.

12pm-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  Join the South Shore Medical Center for a community event to promote healthy lifestyles. Activities include sports challenges, giant yard games, touch a fire truck, arts & crafts, obstacle course and a "Pie in the Eye" station. Proceeds will go toward South Shore Health System’s Youth Health Connection. The festival is open to the public.

10am-1pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Out of the Park and Fenway Challenge Series will bring the experience of Fenway Park to local parks in a fun baseball-themed family event. Kids twill have the opportunity to test their pitching accuracy, take swings in a batting cage, and attempt to steal a base. There will be favorite ballpark foods, live entertainment, games, face painting and more. All the way from Fenway, Wally and Tessie will be visiting with families during the event.

10:30am-12:30pm

July 16: Town Field, Dorchester
July 30: Christopher Lee Playground, South Boston
August 6: Carter Playground, South End

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  An annual event at the Brattle, the Bugs Bunny Film Festival features showings of Bugs Bunny and other favorite Looney Tunes characters including Daffy, Taz, Tweety, and more all on 35mm film for a nostalgic school vacation week treat. Relive your childhood and introduce your kids to these classic films the whole family can enjoy.

Showtime varies by date

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   The largest sand sculpting festival on the East Coast, more than 500,000 spectators flock to Revere Beach to marvel at the masterpieces created with nothing but sand and water by highly skilled artists. In addition to the sculptures, families can enjoy amusement rides, fireworks and food truck vendors.

Amanda Banta said:  Watch hundreds of rubber ducks race down the Porter River in the Kiwanis Club of Danvers' Rubber Duck Race. If you want to get into the competition, you can donate to the Kiwanis Club and buy a duck in the race. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers. Proceeds from the race will go toward college scholarships for local students.

Event starts at 12pm

Race starts at 12:30pm

Embark on an enchanting adventure when Belmont World Film presents its 21st Family Festival, a four-day celebration of international culture for children age 3-12 and their families. The festival features films from around the world in English and multiple languages, including Chinese, Czech, French, Dutch, Norwegian—even sign language. Subtitles for films in languages other than English will be read aloud through headphones, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Most films cannot be seen anywhere else in New England and there's even a workshop on film camera techniques for children age 10+!

Sat, Jan 13 (Apple Cinemas): 10:30am-5pm

Sun, Jan 14 (West Newton Cinema): 10:30am-5pm

Mon, Jan 15 (The Brattle Theatre): 10:30am-5pm

Sun, Jan 21 (Belmont Media Center): 10am-12pm (Intro to Film Camera Techniques Workshop)

Sun, Jan 21 (Regent Theatre): 1pm-6pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Strawberry Festival is a small town tradition that is as popular as it is delicious. Strawberry lovers come from near and far to taste the amazing strawberry shortcakes that are the event's beloved main attraction. The shortcakes are so popular that the church takes online orders in advance of the event and even delivers to locals! Hot dogs, hamburgers and water also will be for sale. The festival is held in conjunction with the South Shore Arts Center Arts Festival, which has kid-friendly activities and live music in addition to the art.

June 14: 4pm-7pm
June 15: 11am-7pm
June 16: 1pm-3pm

Amanda Banta said:  

The Bridgewater Arts & Music Festival celebrates the Fourth of July with an art show, live entertainment, and kids festival featuring train rides, sand art, games and more! Local crafters, artists, writers and vendors will showcase and sell their works.

10am-3pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Appleseed Country Fair will have tons of fall fun for your family! There will be family photo opportunities, competitions, plenty of food and beverage vendors, crafters, and live music throughout the fair. The kid's area will have a rock climbing wall, crafts, animal visits and other activities.

10am-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  The annual Lunar New Year Festival in Quincy has a jam-packed afternoon of family fun planned. In addition to cultural performances, there will be Asian food sampling, crafts, games, contests, photo booths and more!

12pm-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  Join the Braintree Recreation Department for a day of fun in the sun with its Kids Day event. There will be inflatable and water slides, games, face painting, a DJ playing tunes and more. Kids and families can feast on summer staples of hot dogs and ice cream as well.

10am-2pm

Amanda Banta said:  Kids and their families can learn what they can do to stay healthy all year long at the Healthy Kids Day fair. The event will combine educational components like health screenings and nutrition demos with active kid favorites like bounce houses, obstacle courses, inflatable football toss ( I mean, we are at Patriot Place after all), and tons of other activities. The fair will be held on the NRG Plaza at Patriot Place.

10am-1pm

Amanda Banta said:  A favorite tradition on the South Shore, the Hull Harbor Illumination put on by Hull Lifesaving Museum remembers and celebrates the MA Humane Society volunteers, U.S. Lifesaving Servicemen and the Coast Guard, with a memorial service kicking off the event. After the Parade of Boats in Hull Bay, the lighting of 1,000 flares will illuminate the town, creating a brilliant display not to be missed.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This unique farm festival has become a family-favorite tradition in the area and offers entertaining demonstrations of sheep-shearing, sheepherding border collies, yarn spinning and weaving and gardening on the historic Gore Estate. In addition, there will be a crafting area with 75 artisan booths, live music, and historic reenactments. Tours of the mansion and wagon rides will also be available for an additional fee. This event will take place rain or shine.

10am-5pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Trustees will celebrate the summer solstice with a family-friendly picnic on Planter's Hill on World's End. Pack up your dinner, snacks, blankets and chairs and settle in a spot for a breathtaking view and sunset. There will be guided walks and talks about the solstice and the property along with live music by the Aldous Collins Band. Preregistration is suggested.

5pm-9pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This family-friendly festival celebrates Asian culture and the art of dragon boat racing. Enjoy exciting dragon boat races, cultural dancing and music performances, arts and crafts demonstrations and Asian food vendors.

Saturday: Races (Time Trials) 7am-2pm,

Sunday: Races (Finals) 7am-5pm, Cultural Festival 12pm-5pm

Amanda Banta said:  This fun event will have something for everyone in the family. including a beautiful setting right on Wollaston Beach. There will be performers from the Boston Circus Guild, storytellers, pirates, a community art project, Larry the Lobster touch tank, inflatables, games, dancing and more. The festival will be held at the intersection of Quincy Shore Drive and West Elm Ave.

1pm-4pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  It's time to get outside and celebrate spring weather with this annual family event. There will be a variety of fun activities during the day including arts & crafts, storytelling, a magician, face painting, hands-on animal encounter, steel drum band, and athletic games to keep kids moving. Lawn games, live music and delicious food top off a great day to get outside and have a blast.

12pm-10pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  One of the area's largest art festivals, Artbeat offers fun for all ages. Bring a picnic or purchase food from one of the many food vendors as Davis Square is shut down for interactive performances, live music on two stages, craft vendors, kid's activities and plenty of art to enjoy! This year's theme is Consumed; artists and the community are invited to explore how our consuming habits affect the planet.

11am-10pm

EKaye said:  Bring the whole family to Families FirstFEST - a day of play, exploration, learning...FREE community family fun! Check out live music and performances, an arts & crafts corner, balloon/magic show, face painting, indoor obstacle course, appearance by Wally the Green Monster, vendor fair, parenting resource tables and so much more! Hosted by Families First. Right across the street from the Roxbury Crossings T station.

1-4pm

Erynn said:  Kick off the Fall season with the Fall Festival at Christopher Columbus Park! Enjoy a fun-filled, family day with a children's parade, pumpkin and face painting, mask making, petting zoo, magic show, puppet show, and lots of bubbles!

12pm-4pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Celebrate the sweetness of local strawberry season at the annual Strawberry Festival at Verrill Farm. Activities include pick-your-own strawberries, live music, hayrides and pony rides. There will also be burgers, hot dogs and homemade strawberry shortcake available from the farm stand kitchen. Strawberry season doesn't last long, don't miss it!

11am-3pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Harborfest celebrates our nation's independence with a patriotic festival taking place at various locations throughout the city of Boston. Highlights of this family-friendly festival include opening ceremonies at Fanueil Hall, Chowderfest, harbor cruises, live music and fireworks.

Amanda Banta said:  The Danvers Family Festival will honor the life, birthday and memory of Griffin Lamar, who passed away at the age of 2 in 2016. The event will have a plethora of family fun, including a foam party, bubble runs, games, face painting, dunk tank, inflatables and more. The Lamar family will be handing out homemade birthday cupcakes to every child who attends Griffin’s party!

4pm-8pm

Amanda Banta said:  A sure sign that summer has arrived in Boston is the sight of kids running and splashing happily in the Frog Pond on Boston Common. The season will kick off with a special celebration that will include games, face painting, giveaways, kid-friendly experiments, refreshments, and, of course, the spray fountain turning on for the first time this summer. The carousel and the cafe will be open as well. After the celebration, the splash pond will remain open until 6pm.

11am-1pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Enjoy up to six hours of music from bands literally playing on people’s porches and other outdoor locations as the music starts in one end of Somerville and moves through the city during the afternoon. Bring the family, park the car and let your ears and the music guide you through the city. A map of performance locations will be available as well.

12pm-6pm

Enjoy summer nights with Abington Summer Concerts. Music varies weekly and features a lineup of artists performing classic and current hits.

6pm

Erin P. said:  Bring the whole family out to the annual Patriot Place Irish Festival! There will be live performances by Irish dancers and musicians, and free Irish-themed activities that kids of all ages can enjoy, including Gaelic games, a petting zoo, balloons, face painting and caricature artists. This event will take place rain or shine.

11am-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Harvard Lions Club Winterfest will celebrate the best of winter in New England with guided nature walks, live music, games, human sled dog races and other great winter activities. There will be refreshments, including kid favorites like smores and hot chocolate and beer and wine for the parents. The event will kick off with a 5k race. Most activities are outside, therefore visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.

11am-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  Families will enjoy tons of winter fun at Lowell Winterfest. The Family Fun Zone will offer kids' favorite activities, including music, games, crafts and more family friendly fun. Take a ride on the classic carousel and lace up your skates for a spin around the ice skating rink. You can rent skates if you don't have your own.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:   The Cambridge Arts River Festival features staged and roving performances, hands-on art-making, a Climate Action Extravaganza, a Mermaid Promenade, and more than a hundred artists and food vendors. It's a vibrant celebration of the arts with one of the highlights being the People's Sculpture Races. This fun event involves short races of pushed, pulled, and occasionally pedaled large sculptures followed by interactive exhibitions with the artists.

11am-6pm

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Kick off your holiday season with a visit to the SoWa Winter Festival. This winter shopping village features over 100 of the region's top artisans, specialty food vendors and food trucks enhanced by magical holiday decorations, carolers and winter cocktails!

Amanda Banta said:  Zoo Moon is a fun night for families to visit the zoo in the evening, get something yummy to eat for dinner and dessert, shop with local vendors and enjoy the moon rising up in the nighttime sky. The splash pad will be open during the event as well, giving kids a chance to dash through the water sprays and cool down from the summer heat. Check the website for the full list of food trucks and vendors for this year's event.

4pm-9pm

Amanda Banta said:  Kids can interact with a bunch of clowns, get their faces painted and get balloons twisted into awesome animal shapes at Clown Day, part of Salem Heritage Days. There also will be a parade and a special performance put on by the clowns.

11am-3:30pm

Amanda Banta said:  The annual Bridge Cape Ann's Strawberry Festival will have activities for everyone in the family. Kids can jump around the bounce houses, get their face painted, visit with zoo animals and ride the ponies and meet favorite characters like Moana and Maui in the Kid Zone area. Grown-ups can enjoy a beer tasting (or two ;) while browsing the various options for lunch. There will be live music, a farmers' market, vendors and more as well.

11am-3pm

Amanda Banta said:  Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo. The Imperial Lion Dance Team will perform the lion dance, a part of traditional Chinese folklore and culture, and is said to ward away evil spirits and summon luck and fortune, in front of the Tropical Forest. Then, explore the decorated Tropical Forest, make paper lanterns and join zookeepers for animal encounters.

10:30am-2pm

Amanda Banta said:  Join the Franklin Park Coalition for the Kite and Bike Festival, a beloved tradition that was first held in 1969. Bring your bikes and kites for a day of riding and flying on Franklin Park. Food trucks and vendors will be on site as well.

11am-4pm

Amanda Banta said:  The Taste Of Hingham event will transform the downtown area into a street fair that showcases the best eats from local restaurants & shops. After sampling, cast your votes for the best in categories like sweet treats, chowder & more. In addition to samples, families can take a horse-drawn hayride, do crafts, listen to live music & more. Proceeds from the event will benefit local non-profit organizations.

12pm-3pm

Amanda Banta said:  Celebrate the end of summer with Assembly Row, the City of Somerville, Somerville Local First, and DCR. There will be kid favorites like a chalk walk, bounce houses and face painting along with live music all day. Visit the beer garden for a cold brew for you and a freshly dipped caramel apple for the kids. As the sun goes down the fireworks will go up over the Mystic River to put a finishing touch on a fun day and summer.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Children's Summer Festival is a chance for kids in the area to have fun. Some of the exhibitors and events include: “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter, ParkARTS arts and crafts, The New England Aquarium, Outdoor Rx, Mass Hort, face painting, interactive building blocks with LEGOLAND, and more. There will also be a touch-a-truck with the exploration of a Boston Fire Department, a family Zumba class, Rosalita’s Puppets, the City of Boston’s Archaeology Department, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission water truck to stay hydrated, and free treats and giveaways.

10 am - 1 pm

Amanda Banta said:  Artists and vendors from around the area and across the state will descend on Cohasset Common for the Arts Festival hosted by the South Shore Arts Festival. You can view works by local artists, shop and take in a performance by a local band at the beloved event. There will be crafts and other kid-friendly activities as well. The Second Congregational Church's Strawberry Festival will coincide with the arts event and fresh, delicious strawberry shortcakes will be available for purchase. These are a local tradition and you don't want to miss out!

Saturday: 10am-7pm

Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Amanda Banta said:  Whether you're a simple vanilla person or an adventurous taster of all flavors, there is no denying that the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl is fun for the entire family. The Scooper Bowl is a huge all-you-can-eat ice cream festival that also raises money to help the Jimmy Fund fight cancer, making ice cream for dinner on a beautiful June evening in Boston a great idea.

12pm-8pm