On the waterfront

SUMMER ON THE WATERFRONT KICK-OFF The Boston waterfront area is front and center all summer, and Saturday’s kick-off event gets the party started. Activities along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway feature a scavenger hunt, live music, snacks, and an introduction to the SCVNGR trek. This interactive waterfront game helps you learn about the area through a series of challenges (for example: snap a photo of your group hugging the Hood Milk Bottle at the Boston Children’s Museum). June 2 kick-off from 2-4 p.m., rain or shine (through Sept. 3). Kick-off event is free. Rose Kennedy Greenway near the Ring Fountains across from the Aquarium, Boston. www.summeronthewaterfront.org JUNE WULFF

KIDS

“THE LAZY FOX” AND “A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING” Spring Valley Puppet Theater has its hands full with two stories. The first features a fox and armadillo and is based on an Argentinian folk tale. The second, adapted from the Aesop fable, has a surprise ending. May 31-June 2 at 10:30 a.m. (and
June 2 at 1 p.m.; recommended for ages 5 and up). $10. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 617-731-6400. www.puppetshowplace.org

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“TUNES, TALES AND TRICKSTERS” The Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston gives kids a chance to get up close and personal with instruments at a Petting Zoo following the concert. The program of chamber music is inspired by stories, poems, and conversations and includes Hans Spencer’s “Arabelle and Her Magic Music Wand.” June 2 at 2 p.m. Free. Boston Public Library Hyde Park Branch, 35 Harvard Ave., Hyde Park. 617-427-8200.
www.chameleonarts.org

FAMILY FISHING DAY The angle on this event is Somerville bass fisherman Gene “The Fishing Machine” Ellison who will show off his boat and give a demonstration of fishing techniques. June 2 from 10 a.m. -noon. Free (fishing licenses required for ages 15-17 and adults; free tackle and bait available). Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain. 617-635-4505. www.cityofboston.gov/parks

“THE TIPTOE GUIDE TO TRACKING MERMAIDS” A day after catching fish in Jamaica Plain, kids can “hunt” for mermaids. Local author Ammi-Joan Paquette will read from her new picture book “The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids,” talk about writing, and sign copies of her book. June 3 at 2 p.m. Free. Wellesley Books, 82 Central St., Wellesley. 781-431-1160. www.wellesleybooks.com

EVENTS

SALEM ARTS FESTIVAL Music, dance, poetry, art activities, an art show, human chess board, and the unveiling of the Ladies of Salem figureheads fill downtown Salem for three days. Did we mention belly dancing and a recitation of a chapter from “The Odyssey”? June 1 opening reception at 5 p.m. at Old Town Hall (through June 3, rain or shine). Free. Downtown Salem. www.salemartsfestival.com

COOLIDGE CORNER ARTS FESTIVAL Artists from all over the country including our own backyard bring jewelry, fiber, glass, photography, and more to the festival. Brookline restaurants serve tasting portions and donate the proceeds to the Brookline Food Pantry. June 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Brookline Food Festival from noon-
3 p.m.). Free ($2 tasting tickets). Devotion School grounds, 345 Harvard St., Brookline. www.coolidgecornerarts
festival.com

HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND OPEN HOUSE You probably won’t have time to visit all 32 sites, but take in as many as you can courtesy of Historic New England. Massachusetts places include the 1907 Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House in Gloucester; 1796 Otis Hous in Boston; and the 1938 Gropius House in Lincoln. June 2. Free. Participating New England properties. 617-227-3956. www.historic
newengland.org JUNE WULFF