Welcome to the FamilyFinds Boston List! Here you'll find a weekly list of things to do with your family around Boston. Some big events, some small ones, some free and some for a fee. Enjoy! Christine Koh is the founder and editor of Boston Mamas, the designer behind Posh Peacock, and writes a personal blog at Pop Discourse. She tweets about it all at @bostonmamas.
(Now through mid-September, 10am -- 5/6pm) -- It's hard to believe summer is half over; there's no better time to check out seasonal exhibits that won't last long into fall. To that effect, Butterfly Landing at the Franklin Park Zoo offers a tranquil way to ease into the week with your kids; the exhibit features garden beds, a pond, soothing music, and -- of course -- hundreds of butterflies aflutter. >>One Franklin Park Road, Boston Read More...
(August 2, 8:30pm) -- For those west of the city, check out Tanglewood on Parade. The celebratory evening concert will be preceded by family friendly activities (starting at 2pm) including a magic show, astronomy, an instrument playground, and free tours of the grounds. And for the concert, be sure to check out the children's lawn ticket program, which offers free lawn seating to the 17 and under crowd. >>297 West Street, Lenox Read More...
(August 3, 6:30pm) -- If you're looking to get the kiddie pop music du jour out of your head, head out to hear Ziki Misik, who will perform as part of the free Summer Concert Series at Titus Sparrow Park in the South End. This all women musical group evokes the sounds of Africa across a variety of genres. >>Titus Sparrow Park, Boston Read More...
(August 5, 10-11am) -- You've read a million stories to your kids; now is your chance to kick back (bring a blanket!) with your little ones and be read to via the free story hour with ReadBoston on the Greenway. Kids will receive a free book, and after story hour, you'll be perfectly situated to enjoy some time at Christopher Columbus Park, the Greenway carousel, or any number of waterfront attractions. >>North End Park, Boston Read More...
(August 5, sundown) -- The Free Friday Flicks series is a long standing tradition at the Hatch Shell, offering a fun opportunity to camp out and enjoy a movie and picnic with your family. The series caught my eye this week because they are showing one of our family's favorites: Tangled. >>Hatch Shell, Boston Read More...
(August 6, 2pm) -- Few writers wax romantic like Shakespeare, and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will showcase the bard's most iconic scenes and sonnets amidst the beauty of Boston Common. Pack swim gear in case you and the kids opt to take a dip in Frog Pond before or after the show. >>Boston Common Read More...
(August 6, 7am -- 3pm) -- Whether you want to enter the competition or simply be a spectator, the sand sculpture competition at Crane Beach will be entertaining for all ages. Other family friendly activities on tap include live music, surfcasting lessons, tidal digging, beach games, and more. >>Crane Beach, Ipswich Read More...