Family events in Boston, MA

Discover a lively outdoor market in the heart of Assembly Row featuring more than 30 women-owned small businesses. Browse handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, candles, art, baked treats, natural skincare, and more. Whether shopping for yourself or looking for a gift, expect to leave with something you love and the story behind it. Admission is free and all are welcome. Make a full day of it by exploring nearby dining options such as Salt + Stone, Zo Greek, and Yakitori Totto. Getting there is simple by public transit via the Orange Line to Assembly Station, and parking is available in nearby garages and lots.

Yart Sale is a citywide showcase of creativity, community spirit, and secondhand discoveries in Somerville, blending the feel of a neighborhood yard sale with an arts focus. Wander through neighborhoods to find original art, handmade pieces, vintage gems, art supplies, records, plants, clothing, tools, home decor, and other one of a kind treasures from local artists, makers, and neighbors. Dozens of pop up sales take place at once across the city, creating a choose your own route adventure. Sellers set up on porches, in yards and driveways, inside studios or at businesses, and other approved spots, turning streets into an open air marketplace. An interactive map highlights participating artists and locations to help plan a path through the festivities. Comfortable walking shoes and a tote bag come in handy... you never know what you might find.

Presented on 35mm at Coolidge Corner Theatre, Heavyweights follows a group of underdog campers whose beloved summer spot is taken over by a fitness fanatic determined to make their lives difficult. Pushed to huff and puff through tough workouts, the boys band together with a plan to reclaim their wooded retreat and take on a rival camp in over-the-top summer games. They may not be the quickest or the highest jumpers, but they get the last laugh.

Italian automotive passion takes center stage at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum with a showcase of remarkable cars and motorcycles from Italy. Attendees can enjoy food from Putterham Grille, listen to music, and browse Italian products offered by a range of vendors. Sponsors include Garage 42 as Silver Season Sponsor, along with Lamborghini Boston and Ferrari of New England. Car owners can register online with tiered pricing. Driver only is $50, or $40 for Museum Members. Driver plus one passenger is $60, or $50 for members. Driver plus two passengers is $70, or $60 for members. Driver plus three passengers is $80, or $70 for members. Day-of registration is available at $60 for driver only, $70 for driver plus one passenger, and $80 for two or three passengers. Car registration includes admission to the Lawn Event and the Museum, and Museum Members still pay car registration fees. Starting in 2026, Museum Members receive exclusive early access to vehicle registration for Lawn Events 48 hours before it opens to the public and a discount on online vehicle registration. Members must be logged into their account to redeem these benefits, which are not valid for Club events or for day-of registration. Spectator tickets are available only on the day of the event at the front gate and do not sell out. Payment is accepted by cash, credit or debit cards, and Apple Pay. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 12, $10 for students, and $10 for seniors. Children under 6 are admitted free, and Museum Members receive free spectator admission.

Explore Boston history on a tour of the Freedom Trail featuring stories of James Otis, Samuel Adams, and Phillis Wheatley, among others. Tickets are available at a 20 percent discount.

Settle in for a story hour with Joy Nelkin Wieder, highlighting Rosh Hashanah Square-Circle-Star. Admission is free, and advance sign up is requested.

From Oscilloscope Laboratories, CatVideoFest 2026 is a handpicked showcase of standout feline footage collected from countless hours of submissions. The program blends new clips with animated shorts, music video selections, and well known viral classics. Each year, theaters team up with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare groups, and shelters, and a portion of every ticket supports cats in need in the local community.

Savor a walking exploration of Harvard Square devoted to crispy potatoes, featuring tastings of standout french fries paired with non-alcoholic beverages. Along the route, hear engaging stories about the French Fry Wars of the 20th century and colorful tales from the neighborhood’s past. This experience welcomes participants of all ages. Please note that it is not gluten-free. Tickets can be purchased on the organizer’s website, and the tour is run by a small, local business.

This weeklong program centers on martial arts with plenty of fun, games, and a spirit of community for kids. No prior experience is required. Children will stay active, connect with friends, grow their confidence, and learn foundational martial arts techniques. Expect many games and team-focused activities in an encouraging setting.

Matt Heaton leads a singalong at the West Branch, playing guitar and encouraging children to laugh, move, and add their voices. Expect an interactive music session where kids are invited to dance and sing along.

Now in its 15th year, this Back-to-School Celebration at TD Garden welcomes families to pick up essential resources before students head back to the classroom. Attendees can receive backpacks, school supplies, winter coats and more. Last year, 3,500 Boston-area families prepared for the new school year with support from TD Garden, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, and The City of Boston, and the event aims to continue that impact. Over the past decade, TD Garden in the Community has contributed more than 56,000 backpacks to the Greater Boston community. Registration is required and spots fill quickly. Information about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities is available.

Children can get creative with Lego bricks in the Children's Room on the second Thursday of each month. Everything needed is supplied on site. Recommended for ages 3 and older. For questions, contact Annie at aschapira@somervillema.gov.

Patty Chen's Dumpling School hosts a lively, hands-on dumpling party in Cambridge for ages 8 and up. Over two and a half hours, up to 16 participants learn how to roll and fold wrappers, fill them with a variety of ingredients, shape several styles, and cook their creations. The atmosphere emphasizes fun and a relaxed pace, welcoming beginners and experienced home cooks alike, and it works well for friends, families, and loved ones. Ingredients are provided. For children’s groups, one adult is required for every five children to stay for the full session and will need a ticket. The meeting point is The Historic Windsor Inn.

Milk Row Cemetery will be available for drop-in chats during public access hours. This session is part of History on the Line, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville. The site is open on certain dates, providing time for conversation in this historic place.