Family-friendly offerings in the Boston area:
TOP PICKS IN BOSTON
Look to the Heavens at the Coit Observatory
Ideal For Ages 5 and up
Telescopes, binoculars, and even astronomers are on hand to inspire young scientists to cast their gaze skyward at Boston University’s free weekly Public Open Night. Both bedtimes (in the spring and summer, the hourlong sessions begin at 8:30) and telescope-using abilities make this better for older kids, who will be dazzled by the complex wonders of the moon, planets, and countless stars. Call ahead to make sure weather conditions haven’t forced a cancellation. 617-353-2630; bu.edu/astronomy
Soak Up Sun and History on Castle Island
Ideal For All ages
Castle Island offers the chance to explore Boston’s inner harbor from multiple points of view. The island is connected by causeways to South Boston, allowing for easy walking or biking access to Carson Beach, M Street Beach, and other spots along Dorchester Bay. Fort Independence, a pentagonal defense structure, marks the area as a military guard post dating back to 1634. Free tours are available from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. 617-268-8870; mass.gov/dcr
Explore Nature at the Arnold Arboretum
Ideal For All ages
The arboretum’s 281 acres in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale are a wonderland of plant life, from the springtime lilacs to the deep colors of autumn trees. In addition to simple nature walks, family-friendly activities abound. Kids ages 3 and up can borrow free Discovery Packs containing materials to explore the park as a Living Museum or Science Lab. Families can also play Wildlife Bingo on print-at-home cards or do a season-specific “photo hunt,” searching for and photographing plants described in free downloadable lists. 617-524-1718; arboretum.harvard.edu
Imagine a Sailor’s Life Aboard the USS Constitution
Ideal For History and military buffs ages 8 and up
Go below decks on the world’s oldest commissioned warship that’s still afloat today. A US Navy sailor will lead your free 30-minute tour of the 44-gun frigate, which first set sail in 1797. Learn about life at sea during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, and discover the heroic reason this wooden ship was given its famous nickname, “Old Ironsides.” Visitors 18 and older must present a government-issued photo ID to board the ship, docked in Charlestown. 617-242-5601; www.history.navy.mil
Don’t Forget the Tourist Favorites
Ideal For All ages
The grassy Boston Common, the country’s first public park, and the more formal neighboring Public Garden come alive in springtime. In the Garden, admire the blossoms and play on and snap a photo at the iconic Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. On the Common, relax at the large playground next to the Frog Pond, which opens as a free splash pool in late June. Younger kids will ooh and aah when they see the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House next door, while older kids might like to step inside for a free tour (high schoolers can even train to become volunteer guides). Frog Pond: 617-635-2120; bostonfrogpond.com / State House: 617-727-3676; www.sec.state.ma.us
Take in the View at the Bunker Hill Monument
Ideal For All ages, notably 8- to 12-year-olds studying the American Revolution
The site of the first major battle of the American Revolution will appeal to both history buffs and those up for a physical challenge: Visitors can climb the 294 steps of Charlestown’s obelisk-shaped monument to take in a sweeping view of the famous battle site and the neighborhood that now surrounds it. The Battle of Bunker Hill Museum, also free, features a large diorama, complete with sounds, lights, and narration. 617-242-5641; nps.gov/bost
MARK YOUR SUMMER CALENDARS
Revere Beach National Sand Sculpting Festival July 18-20
Remarkable sand creations emerge each year on America’s historic first public beach. A free Interactive Kid Zone is packed with hands-on activities, including sand-sculpting lessons. 781-902-9742; reverebeachpartnership.com
Lowell Folk Festival July 25-27
Folk, bluegrass, and ethnic music spills into the streets at this lively gathering, and free family activities like beanbag toss and “box hockey” games up the fun quotient. 978-970-5000; lowellfolkfestival.org
Downtown Plymouth Waterfront Festival August 23
Listen to live music on two stages, with children’s entertainers featured on the main one, watch the exhilarating Ducky Dash race in Brewster Gardens (purchase a $2 rubber duck to enter), or admire the classic cars on display at the Motor Heads Cruisin’ Car Show during this daylong event. 508-830-1620; plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com
FROM MODERN ART TO STUFFED MONKEYS
Visit these museums without paying a penny.
The Discovery Museums Acton
Free admission first Friday of the month, October-June, 4:30-8:30 p.m. 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org
Fuller Craft Museum Brockton
Free admission Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. 508-588-6000; fullercraft.org
Harvard Museum of Natural History Harvard Square
Free admission to Massachusetts residents Sundays (year-round), 9 a.m.-noon, and Wednesdays (September-May), 3-5 p.m. 617-495-3045; hmnh.harvard.edu
Institute of Contemporary Art Seaport District
Free admission Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. 617-478-3100; icaboston.org
STORY TIME, CRAFT PROJECTS, AND MORE
Many retailers offer free activities for children. A sampling:
Kids Workshops at Home Depot Multiple Locations
First Saturday of the month, materials included; first come, first served. 800-466-3337; workshops.homedepot.com
Build and Grow Classes at Lowe’s Multiple Locations
Select Saturdays, materials included, registration required. 800-445-6937; lowesbuildandgrow.com
Smaland at IKEA Stoughton
Supervision provided at drop-off play space for potty-trained kids from 37 to 50 inches tall.
888-888-4532; ikea.com
Jeremy Lyons Singalong at Stellabella Toys Cambridge
Saturdays, 11 a.m. 617-491-6290; stellabellatoys.com
Music at Henry Bear’s Park Multiple Locations
Thursdays, 11 a.m., singalong with Jeff Jam, Arlington, 781-646-9400; one Friday per month, 5-6 p.m., music, Cambridge, 617-547-8424, and Brookline, 617-264-2422.henrybear.com.
Family Activities at Barefoot Books Concord
Times and dates vary; music, story times, infant play groups, and some crafts. 978-369-1770; barefootbooks.com
Storyteller Susan Lenoe at Andover Bookstore Andover
Fridays, 10 a.m. 978-475-0143; hugobookstores.com
Story Time at Newtonville Books Newton Centre
Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. 617-244-6619; newtonvillebooks.com
Story Hour at Porter Square Books Cambridge
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. 617-491-2220; portersquarebooks.com
Story Time at Brookline Booksmith Brookline
Third Saturday and last Sunday of each month, 10:30 a.m. 617-566-6660; brooklinebooksmith-shop.com
Holly Lebowitz Rossi lives in Arlington with her husband and toddler son. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.