Family events in Haverhill, MA

Participants contribute to a nationwide science project that connects people to place and monitors mercury in the Merrimack River Watershed. The hands-on program at Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest is suited to those curious about insects, air pollution, and aquatic life. Some activities take place in a pond, so footwear that can get wet, such as rain boots or old sneakers, is recommended. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call 978-970-5000.

Enjoy an evening of music, food, and community at Riverside Park. The Latin Jazz Band sets the tone with lively Latin jazz, while a variety of food trucks serves tasty local options. Kids can dive into a dedicated area filled with games and outdoor activities, creating fun for the whole family. Pack lawn chairs and blankets, and bring your appetite for a relaxed night in the park. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Enjoy a family friendly beach party at the oceanfront stage, highlighted by Ralphie B’s Rock & Roll Oldies Show with a different guest singer each week.

A casual weekly chess meetup at Nevins Memorial Library for kids and teens. Participants can play friendly matches, explore new tactics, and connect with peers who share an interest in the game. Beginners are welcome, and mentors are available with guidance and helpful tips. It offers a relaxed setting to build skills and make friends.

Hands-On History brings interactive learning to the Tsongas Industrial History Center on the third floor of the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Presented by Lowell National Historical Park and the Tsongas Industrial History Center as part of the City of Lowell’s Bicentennial and the center’s 35th anniversary, this free, drop-in program welcomes all ages to try weaving on a hand loom and take on an engineering challenge inspired by innovations of the Industrial Revolution. Explore the workshop spaces, discover how technology reshaped daily life then and now, and find something hands-on for every curiosity. This series continues on the second Saturday of each month through October.

A free concert by the ocean on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage features Lisa Love Experience. Bring chairs and blankets for a relaxed outing. Benches and picnic tables are available, and there is plenty of room to dance. Enjoy takeout from local restaurants, from beach pizza to ice cream, as you listen to the band perform live. Created by Lisa Love and Billy Garzone more than 16 years ago, this long-running group is known for high-energy performances, strong musicality, and an easy rapport with the crowd. They have played more than a thousand shows across New England and have traveled as far as Hawaii, with features in Boston wedding blogs and magazines including Style Me Pretty, Bliss, and I Do, along with appearances on Boston Chronicle and New Hampshire Chronicle.

Settle in for an outdoor movie at an open air shelter on Goulden Island. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own. A fire will be available for adults who would like to linger and socialize.

A beachfront fireworks show takes place on select Saturdays during the summer, with each display dependent on the weather. The series brings bursts of light to the shoreline on multiple weekends throughout the season.

This Puerto Rican festival in Lowell, Massachusetts recognizes both Puerto Rico and the United States. It offers a celebration centered on Puerto Rico in the city of Lowell.

Future champions can dive into a high-energy summer with Sport Zone 101 in Methuen, Massachusetts. The program channels a Tournament of Champions spirit with a big blend of activities that includes soccer, dodgeball, football, kickball, pickleball, hockey, basketball, and more. Along the way, participants build sportsmanship, practice smart strategy, and explore sports stats, all while making new friends. Every day brings a fun bonus, since each participant receives a pack of sports cards. The season rolls out through themed weeks such as NE Patriots Week, Cartoon Week, Kids vs. Coaches Week, a Mystery Week, and a Grand Finale Week. Flexible scheduling is available with full day or half day options. Pricing is $150 for residents and $160 for non-residents for the full day, $115 for residents and $125 for non-residents for the half day, and $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents for a drop-in day.

A teen-focused woodworking camp from Tinkerhaus, scheduled in the afternoons so participants can balance jobs, extra rest, sports practices, and other summer commitments. Designed for ages 13 and up.

Summer Nights is a free summer program providing evening activities for youth and teens, including futsal at DCR Riverfront Park and the SLE/Breen School courts, soccer at Pavilion Park, and cooking classes and game nights in Beyond Soccer’s enrichment space. The evening schedule is designed to help families balance work commitments. With support from a DCR Summer Nights grant, the initiative aims to involve over 300 youth and teens.

BCI hosts a summer celebration at its Lowell Learning Center, which provides ABA therapy for children with autism and Down syndrome. Families and friends can enjoy sensory-friendly, carnival-style activities that support a comfortable experience for participants, along with additional fun. There is no cost to attend, and the public is invited.

The Danvers Historical Society hosts Theatre In The Open’s production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented outdoors in Mary’s Garden at Glen Magna Farms on the Society’s grounds. Attendees may bring blankets and chairs, and arriving early allows time to explore the mature arboretum and the award winning historic garden rooms. The play travels from the structured world of Athens to a magical forest where transformation reigns, following devoted lovers, dedicated artisans preparing a play within the play, and playful fairies who complicate everything. Built through an ensemble process that highlights movement, play, and shared storytelling, the staging gives each community a distinct physical life, shifting from courtly order to the wild energy of the fairy realm to illuminate the humor, tenderness, and wonder at the heart of this classic comedy. Tickets can be reserved in advance.

Enjoy a relaxed summer hangout in the courtyard at Lawrence Public Library with live performances, tabletop games, complimentary arts and crafts, karaoke, and a variety of food trucks. Friends, families, and even dogs are welcome. Admission is free and open to everyone.

The Salisbury Beach Christian Concert Series brings an uplifting night of music to the Oceanfront Stage at the Salisbury Beach Entertainment Center, featuring performances by Dave Spaulding, Hailey Chalifour, and Groovy Grace. The series showcases around 20 bands each week, with a mix of New England recording artists, local worship teams, and national recording artists. Plan for limited seating by bringing a beach or lounge chair. Arriving early makes it easy to enjoy the family-friendly boardwalk atmosphere, with nearby food stands, restaurants, arcades, gift shops, and a classic carousel. Parking is available at Broadway Parking for $5. This event is supported by Christian Media Productions, The Bible Speaks, and Danvers Church of the Nazarene.

Part of the Thursday Nights Live free summer concert series at Bradford Common, this show features The Monkey Fingers first, followed by The Foo Family. Admission is free. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers. The event is non smoking, and well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Parking is available on local streets, with additional parking at Driscoll Funeral Home.