Free Summer Story Times for Boston Kids (and their worn-out parents)

7/8/14 - By Tara D

When you and your little ones need some downtime from summer sun and fun, story time may be just the thing. There are indoor and outdoor story times all over the Boston area, almost every day of the week throughout the summer. So, drop in to one of these free story hours we’ve rounded up for you – then sit back, relax, and enjoy listening to someone else read to your child for a change. 

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TADpole Playground Summer Story Time - Boston Common
Thursdays at 10am
, followed by children’s activities until 1pm, through the end of August. Kids go home with a free book. The ReadBoston Storymobile hosts summer storytelling events at various times and places throughout the city. See the 2014 schedule for story times at a park or library near you.

Ages: 3-8
Address: 84 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 (MBTA: Red or Green Line to Park Street Station)
Contact: 617-918-5286


Barnes & Noble - Prudential Center
Tuesdays at 11am
 and some Saturdays (check schedule)

Ages: 3-6
Address: 800 Boylston Street Suite 179, Boston, MA 02199
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm
Contact: 617-247-6959


The Curious George Store - Harvard Square
Fridays at 10:30am
, themed stories and a craft.

Ages: 3-6
Address: 1 JFK St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (MBTA: Red Line to Harvard Station)
Store Hours: Monday - Sunday 10am to 8pm
Contact: 617-547-4500


Newtonville Books - Newton Centre
Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11am

Ages: All
Address: 10 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459 (MBTA: Green Line, D Train to Newton Centre)
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm
Contact: 617-244-6619


Children’s Book Shop - Brookline Village
Fridays at 11am

Address: 237 Washington Street, Brookline, MA 02445 (MBTA: Green Line, D Train to Brookline Village Station)
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am to 6pm, closed Sundays in July and August)
Contact: 617-734-7323


Pottery Barn Kids Book Club - Burlington Mall
Tuesdays at 11am

Ages: 3-7
Address: 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm
Contact: 781-221-5833


Blue Bunny Preschool Storytimes - Dedham
Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30am, stories and a simple craft.

Ages: 2-5
Address: 577 High Street, Dedham Square, Dedham, MA 02026 
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am to 6pm
Contact: 781-493-6568


Photo: TADpole Playground Summer Reading Series
Post originally published July 2012, updated July 2013 & July 2014

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