Fun and Free Things to Do this Weekend with Kids in Boston - Hot Dogs, Kites, and More 5/19 - 5/20

5/16/12 - By Audrey Trieschman

There’s plenty of fun and free things to do in and around Boston this weekend. From EarthFest at the Hatch Shell, the Franklin Park Kite Festival, and the Hot Dog Safari on Saturday to the Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, the weekend is filled with festivals and celebrations. Read on for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.

Looking for more things to do? We have plenty of ways to keep your kids busy outside: cycling trails, routes and tours; some of our favorite farmers markets in town, and al fresco dining options that are also kid-friendly. And we’d love your feedback for an upcoming post on stroller-friendly places to take little ones for a walk - email, post on Facebook, or comment below.

Enjoy!

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Charlotte’s Web - Arsenal Center for the Arts, Watertown
Fri 5/18, Sat 5/19, Sun 5/20

An ensemble cast of 2nd-4th graders brings the classic tale to life. The story paints a picture of childhood on the farm, in which the power of true friendship can conquer anything. $10


Family Program: Transforming Trash to Treasure - Peabody Museum, Cambridge
Sat 5/19

Join Archaeology of Harvard Yard Instructors and Students as they process their finds from this year’s dig in Harvard Yard. Learn what “trash” can tell us about the past. This is a chance to get your hands dirty - who knows what you’ll find! Free with admission: Adults $9; Seniors & Students with ID $7; Children (3-18) $6


Family Hour in the Open - Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
Sat 5/19

Bring the kids, the dog and a picnic blanket for a morning of storytelling, song, dance, theater, and other special activities. FREE


EarthFest - Hatch Shell, Boston
Sat, 5/19

The free festival is a family-friendly celebration for the Earth, showcasing national and local music acts, environmentally-friendly products and local non-profit environmental organizations produced in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. FREE


Hot Dog Safari - Lansdowne Street, Boston
Sat 5/19

The Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari takes place along Lansdowne Street and features special parties inside the restaurants and food samplings along the street. Hot dogs, sausages, snacks and sides. Look for special kids activities like bounce houses, arcade games and more.

Proceeds to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Joey Fund. Adults $15-$20; Children 10 & under free


Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival - Franklin Park, Boston
Sat 5/19

Come fly a kite for this longstanding Franklin Park tradition. The first 50 people receive a free kite, and there are plenty of others for purchase. Boston Bikes has free bike “rentals” and helmets for all size riders so you can explore the park on wheels or join a guided tour. On the Franklin Park Playstead between White Stadium and the back of the Zoo. FREE


Fresh Pond Day - Kingsley Park & other locations, Cambridge
Sat 5/19

Activities include nature walks and native garden tours, musical performances, kid’s crafts, storytelling, nature activities, Davey the Clown, Water Treatment Plant tours, gardening demonstrations and displays, Fire Department demonstrations and equipment, Black’s Nook Open House, Storywalk Interactive children’s activity and more. FREE

Note: Parking will be very limited at the event locations. Alternate parking will be available at the Tobin School, 197 Vassal Lane, Cambridge. We are encouraging Cambridge residents to walk, ride a bicycle, or take public transportation to Alewife Station or the # 72 Bus to Huron Ave (From Harvard Station.)


Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle - DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, Somerville
Sun 5/20

Join the Mystic River Watershed Association for a fun day along the Mystic River. The day’s events include a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), a bicycle tour, educational booths, children’s activities, and a play presented by youth from the Wild Tales program in Somerville: When Fish Run: The Tale of a Small Fry. Free to watch.


Boston Children’s Theatre Show Choir - Boston Children’s Theatre Studios, Boston
Sun, 5/20

The Boston Children’s Theatre Show Choir performs favorite a range of songs, from show tunes to Top 40, from the classics to the contemporary. FREE