wkndMon Oct 12 2026, 10:30 to 11:35amPuppet Showplace TheaterWorld-premiere table-top marionette show about gliding possums on sweet adventures, with a possum headband craft and dress-up station after the show. Best for ages 4 to 8.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all dayNew England Botanic Garden at Tower HillThe Ramble glows with fairy lights, illuminated fairy houses, and enchanting activities on select fall evenings at the New England Botanic Garden.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$30SalemOne-hour nighttime trolley tours of Salem pass graveyards, haunted houses, and underground passageways with tales of ghosts, murders, and curses.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all dayFreePingree SchoolMore than 50 new large-scale sculptures plus a permanent collection spread across Pingree School's 100-acre campus, free and open daily dawn to dusk.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$39Canobie Lake ParkCanobie Lake Park's Screemfest brings spooky characters and six terrifying haunts to the park; haunts are 13 and up, rides are all ages.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 5:30pm$15Long HillA woodland trail at Long Hill glows with thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, an eerie graveyard, a haunted pirate ship, and scarecrows; advance tickets required.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 4:30pm$15Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village comes alive after dark with a Colonial-times Halloween haunted outdoor experience featuring bats, bonfires, ghosts, hidden candy, and a headless horseman.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 5pm$15Naumkeag House & GardensThousands of jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkins, gourds, and mums transform Naumkeag's gardens into an autumnal nighttime wonderland, with early-hour and select daytime slots.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 5:30pmStone ZooStone Zoo transforms after dark into a glowing autumn wonderland with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, towering pumpkin sculptures, and family-friendly Halloween fun.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$15Topsfield FairgroundsThe quintessential country fair with agricultural exhibits, rides, games, shopping, food, live music, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, and demolition derby shows.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$41NashuaNew England's top-rated haunt packs five terrifying attractions plus the Monster Midway with nonstop scares; ages 14 and up.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$23ProvidenceRoger Williams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular lines a walking path with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins; timed arrival windows, tickets non-refundable.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all dayFreeJacksonA free self-guided tour of more than 60 whimsical Pumpkin People displays across Jackson, New Hampshire, from deep-sea divers to yard flyers.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$46CarverNew England's largest Renaissance festival offers jousting knights, eight stages of music and stunt shows, artisan wares, and turkey legs on 80 wooded acres.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all dayFreeBoston Public Library Central LibraryTo mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, BPL's Community History Department partnered with Revolutionary Spaces on a free and public program series called Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Fri Oct 9 2026, all day$15SeekonkAn expansive outdoor festival in Seekonk with games, food, and spooky attractions designed for both the young and the young at heart.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 5 to 10:30pm$31.95Franklin Park ZooA glowing nighttime walk through Franklin Park Zoo filled with giant lantern displays of animals and plants, interactive activities, and nightly Chinese dance performances.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 4:30 to 8pmDiscovery MuseumMembers enjoy a special evening at the Museum when it is closed to the general public.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 9am to 5pmHarvard Museum of Natural HistoryA four-museum scavenger adventure across Harvard's museums uncovering surprising ways life at Harvard in 1776 was similar to and different from today.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 9am to 5pmHarvard Museum of Natural HistoryExplore treasures from Harvard's 26-million-specimen collections, spanning billions of years of stone, bone, plant, animal, feather, and fossil.
Fri Oct 9 2026, 10am to 12pmDiscovery MuseumCombine science and art by creating a colorful fall leaf, then practicing pipetting skills to watch capillary action change the design.
Thu Oct 8 2026, all dayFreeOlympia Fencing CenterOlympia Fencing Center invites kids to one free trial epee class with experienced coaches; gear provided, online booking only.
Thu Oct 8 2026, 2 to 4pmDiscovery MuseumVisit the da Vinci Workshop to experience common woodworking tools, from hammers and nails to hand drills, at the woodworking workbench.
Thu Oct 8 2026, 10am to 12pmDiscovery MuseumPlay with different kinds of reflections and experiment with mirrors to create symmetry, refract light, and expand your field of vision.
Thu Oct 8 2026, 11 to 11:45amBlue Hills Trailside MuseumIntroduce your little one to one of fall's yummiest treats, apples, including how they grow, why they come in so many colors, and what animals rely on them in the wild, through a picture book, crafts or games, and museum or trail time.
Wed Oct 7 2026, all dayFreeBostonBerklee College of Music's Summer in the City series presents free live concerts across Greater Boston from June into early October; see the Berklee site for locations and times.
Wed Oct 7 2026, 10am$12Drumlin Farm Wildlife SanctuaryLittle ones explore Drumlin Farm's Learning Garden through water play, sensory bins, and seek-and-find activities at their own pace.
Wed Oct 7 2026, all dayFreeHarvard Museum of Natural HistoryFree admission to the Harvard Museum of Natural History and three partner museums for Massachusetts residents Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.
Wed Oct 7 2026, 5:30 to 7:30pmThe Newbury BostonSpecial meeting of Lisa's Book Club with Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney celebrating his new book Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2; ticket included admission for two plus a copy of the book.
Wed Oct 7 2026, 2 to 3pmDiscovery MuseumJoin a cooking session in the PlayLab classroom to mash potatoes and mix in herbs from the Museum garden to taste.
Tue Oct 6 2026, 1:30 to 4:30pmFreeActonPlay and explore the accessible, universally designed Museum and Discovery Woods during a special free afternoon with a sensory-friendly atmosphere and limited capacity, with no group visits scheduled to avoid crowding; pre-registration required.
Tue Oct 6 2026, 10:30 to 11:15amFreeJamaica PlainEvery Tuesday, Librarian Chris leads three stories, songs, finger plays, props, and parachute time for ages 0-5 at the Jamaica Plain branch.
Tue Oct 6 2026, 10:30 to 11amFreeRoslindaleToddlers 12-36 months join Miss Celeste for lap bounces, stories, rhymes, baby signs, and songs at the Roslindale branch.
Mon Oct 5 2026, 10amFreeArlingtonTour the Lesley Ellis School campus in Arlington, meet faculty, and learn about its preschool-through-grade-8 program at this free open house.
Sun Oct 4 2026, all dayFreeCambridgeThe Cambridge Science Festival Carnival packs 100+ activity booths, demos, live music, and a Robot Petting Zoo into a one-day STEAM extravaganza; free.
Sun Oct 4 2026, 5pmCambridgeSummer Shack Cambridge's Sunday Funday offers families seafood, a make-your-own sundae bar for kids, and a balloon sculptor.
Sun Oct 4 2026, all day$17.50SpringfieldNew England's autumn tradition, the ninth-largest fair in North America, with the Super Circus, Avenue of States, thrill shows, rides, animals, and global foods.
Sun Oct 4 2026, 11am to 5pm$10PrincetonWachusett's 8th annual Oktoberfest brings oompah music, German beer, food trucks, stein-hoisting and keg-toss competitions, crafters, and Skyride foliage views.
Sun Oct 4 2026, 9am to 4pmFreeBostonOn the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026, Franklin Park Zoo offers free daytime admission for every student living in Boston enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K plus two family members; registration with the City of Boston is required and online ticket reservations are encouraged.
Sun Oct 4 2026, 10:30am to 12pmMattapanFamilies sketch and write about the wild world around them on a guided nature journaling walk at the Boston Nature Center.
Sun Oct 4 2026, 10 to 10:30amFreeBostonJeff Jam performs acoustic sing-along songs for children ages 0-10 at the Nook in Boston Public Market; free.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 10amFreeBostonExplore historic artifacts and interactive exhibits on the apparatus bay floor of a historic firehouse, home of the nation's first professional fire department; free.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 1pm$10HinghamA sensory-friendly Boo in the Barnyard with a scavenger hunt, seasonal craft, sweet treat, sensory kits, and noise-reducing headphones at Weir River Farm.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 9am$20DoverMeet Powisset Farm's barnyard animals with livestock staff each Saturday morning and learn how the animals are cared for; pre-registration required.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 10am to 3pmFreeLexingtonThe 188th Annual East Village Fair in Lexington offers children's games, baked goods, pulled pork, a flea market, decorate-a-pumpkin, cider donuts, and music; free.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 12 to 2pmFreeMedfordMeet author Kelly Riera and get a free signing of What Trucks Love to Do: Help and Serve Crew at Medford's Octoberfest; books available for purchase.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 11 to 11:45amMiltonIntroduce your little one to one of nature's busiest fall foragers, gathering nuts and hiding them away for the winter ahead, through a picture book, nature-inspired crafts or games, and time exploring the museum or trails.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 10:30 to 11:30amBostonAuthor and illustrator Kari Percival reads from her new picture book Fall Day, All Day at the Roslindale Branch of the Boston Public Library.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 10 to 11amMattapanA guided family bird walk through the Boston Nature Center's meadows and wetlands, spotting city birds alongside Mass Audubon naturalists.
Sat Oct 3 2026, 10 to 11amFreeBostonA free weekly Saturday morning series of rotating children's programming for ages 0-8 at The Rocks at Harbor Way, with music, live animals, magic, and more.
Fri Oct 2 2026, 4:30 to 8pmFreeActonExplore the Museum with free admission on the first Friday night of each month during the school year, October through June; non-perishable food donations for local pantries are gladly accepted.
Fri Oct 2 2026, 2 to 4pmActonPick up a simple nature journal and explore, investigate, and record observations in Discovery Woods and the Great Hill conservation land (note: conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible).
Thu Oct 1 2026, 6:30 to 8pmFreeSalemSalem's Haunted Happenings kickoff parade with color, pageantry, music, and thousands of students, running from Shetland Park to Salem Common.
Thu Oct 1 2026, 10am to 12pmActonDiscover chemistry by mixing common household ingredients, observing chemical reactions, and making creative concoctions.
Wed Sep 30 2026, all dayFreeBostonFun story time for families with young children at the BPL Central Library in Copley Square.
Wed Sep 30 2026, 2 to 4pmActonPlay with data by collecting and displaying fun facts about Museum visitors, like how tall they are and what kinds of pets they have.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4:30 to 7:30pmBostonThe Chinatown Branch stays open late on Mondays, so join an evening of LEGOs and foam blocks to explore creativity while building STEM skills; recommended for ages 3-12.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmBostonDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmBostonDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmRoxburyDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmWest RoxburyDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmJamaica PlainDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 6pmDorchesterDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4:30 to 5:15pmDorchesterJoin Miss Sarah in designing and making your own stickers with all materials provided; registration is required and 4 spots remained at listing time.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 3 to 5pmMattapanNeed something to do after school? Stop by and play board games at this drop-in session.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 3 to 5pmDorchesterDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 3 to 5pmSouth BostonDrop-in homework assistance from a Boston Public Schools teacher, made possible through the library's partnership with the Boston Teachers Union; no registration required.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 4:45pmBostonJoin the team for hands-on STEAM activities for ages 6-12, with the Harvard Women in Chemistry joining once a month for special demonstrations.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 4 to 4:45pmBostonEach week kids ages 6-12 tackle a different STEAM principle with hands-on activities in this weekly team session.
Mon Sep 28 2026, 3:30 to 4:30pmDorchesterEach Monday afternoon kids are invited to make a craft, create a piece of art, or do a fun STEM-focused activity in this one-hour drop-in program; all materials provided.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 2pmBostonCirque Us: Stories is a circus adventure celebrating community, identity, and beloved tales through aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, and clowns.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 11am to 5pm$11PrincetonWachusett Mountain's KidsFest weekend brings magic and circus performances, live animal shows, Dino Day Saturday, Princess and Pirate Day Sunday, and Skyride views.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 9am to 4:30pmActonWalk under cardboard trees, skip along a cardboard river, and scramble over a cardboard hill in this temporary forest installation built by hand by Museum staff and local students, with materials available for visitors to add their own creative cardboard elements.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 11am to 4pm$10StoweStowe's 17th annual pumpkin-catapulting festival with live music, food trucks, children's activities, and a chili cook-off.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 1 to 4pmFreeCambridgeCelebrate Puerto Rico's culture at the Harvard Museums with bomba and plena music, saint carving demos, coqui calls, crafts, and food for purchase; free with registration.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 1 to 2:30pmBoston90-minute drop-off play session led by a professional teacher with fall crafts, games, and cookies from Caleb's Cookies to take home.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 10am to 2pmFreeConcordKids climb into and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, planes, helicopters, and DPW vehicles, plus food trucks and a portable planetarium; free.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 10:30am to 12pmActonLearn what plants need to grow and help take care of the Discovery Woods Garden by watering plants, checking for weeds, and watching for insects that help plants grow.
Sun Sep 27 2026, 11 to 11:30amFreeChestnut HillAuthor Kelly Riera reads What Trucks Love to Do 2: Help and Serve Crew under the Great Oak Tree at Hummingbird Books, with a free book signing.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 10am to 5pmMendonSouthwick's Zoo celebrates autumn with live entertainment, artisan vendors, games, and a beer garden, included with zoo admission.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 12:30 to 4:45pmHyde ParkCharles Cleary, known to Hyde Park generations as Charlie, is ready to play a game of checkers or chess with you, whether you are young or old, a beginner or an experienced player.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 3:30 to 4:15pmBostonExplore science with the MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering through hands-on learning and demonstrations, tackling a new science question each month.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 11am to 4pmFreeBostonThe 9th annual Robot Block Party showcases universities, startups, and student teams with robot demos, hands-on interactions, a robot parade, and games; free.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 12 to 3pmFreeMattapanA free family celebration with live birds of prey, puppet shows, face painting, nature crafts, and community partner tables at the Boston Nature Center.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 11am to 3pm$20NewtonTwo rival Viking encampments take over the lawn with combat demos, crafts, games, stone lifting, a kids' rune-making corner, and Nordic food.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 10 to 11:30amRoslindaleLearn to play chess with Kai, an experienced player who has competed in many tournaments and will teach moves, provide guidance, and share strategies for fun and perhaps checkmates.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 10 to 10:45amFreeBostonParents and kids learn stranger awareness, safe family planning, and basic self-defense and escape techniques together in this fun 45-minute seminar.
Sat Sep 26 2026, 9 to 10amBostonSpecial early open hours at the Old State House for visitors of all ages who benefit from a quieter, more supportive museum experience, with adjusted lighting and sound, limited attendance, and hands-on activities.
Fri Sep 25 2026, 3 to 4:30pmDorchesterKids of all ages are invited for an afternoon of play with classic board games like chess and Chutes and Ladders, video games like Mario Kart, and a sporty game of ping-pong.
Fri Sep 25 2026, 3:30 to 4:15pmBostonBuild, play, and stretch your creativity with LEGO and DUPLO blocks at this drop-in club for ages 3-12.
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