Family events in Methuen, MA

The Lawrence Public Library courtyard turns into a lively hangout with live music, board games, free arts and crafts, karaoke, and food trucks. Friends, families, and dogs are welcome to relax, play, and enjoy the atmosphere. Admission is free and open to everyone.

Explore Newburyport’s Oak Hill Cemetery, established in 1842, on a guided walk with author and historian Ghlee Woodworth, a 12th-generation native of the city. The tour highlights artists, painters, and ancient trees, while sharing the stories of civic leaders, reformers, preservationists, public servants, and everyday residents whose efforts protected lives, strengthened local institutions, and safeguarded the city’s historic character. Learn how the community was shaped not only by prominent merchants but by generations of people dedicated to serving their neighbors and sustaining Newburyport. Admission includes a voucher for a future guided tour of the Museum of Old Newbury and admission to the Perkins Art & Research Center.

Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games brings together fans of the trading card game and video games for casual play, learning, and community. Bring a deck for friendly TCG matchups with other Trainers, or connect a Switch to test teams in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Trading is part of the fun, from swapping cards to exchanging Pokémon to grow a collection. New players are welcome and can pick up the basics in a relaxed setting. Participation can earn Play! Pokémon points and exclusive promos. The focus is on enjoyment over competition, making it suitable for all experience levels.

An all-new Sesame Street Live production brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage with lively singing and dancing. Families can enjoy favorite tunes such as Sunny Days, Elmo’s Got the Moves, and Letter of the Day while laughing, learning, and playing together. The experience creates memories that last well beyond the final song.

DockDogs brings its high-flying canine competitions to Topsfield Fair as part of the National Sportsmen's Series. Across the weekend, teams can take part in multiple Big Air waves, the Extreme Vertical competition, Speed Retrieve with all-in-one finals, and Big Air finals for Pro, Semi Pro, Contender, and Amateur divisions. On-site registration and practice are available each day, and additional practice is offered between waves as time allows with no set schedule. No prior experience is required. Dogs of any breed or size that are at least six months old are eligible, and new handlers are welcome. Pre-registration entry fees are $39 per team for adults for Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, and Iron Dog. Youth pre-registration is $19 per team for Big Air and $38 per team for Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, and Iron Dog. On-site entry fees are $42 per team for adults for each discipline, and $22 per team for youth for Big Air and $40 per team for Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, and Iron Dog.

Week 4 of the 2026 varsity football season features a head-to-head matchup with the Greater Lawrence Reggies.

Kids pair up with their sidekick, whether that is a parent, guardian, or other adult partner, for a lively partner fitness challenge centered on teamwork, movement, and shared fun. The emphasis is on showing up together and creating a positive experience rather than on being the fastest or strongest. Teams consist of one adult and one child, with youth divisions for ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 10. Workouts are adjustable so both kids and adults can participate comfortably, and the atmosphere encourages plenty of encouragement, collaboration, and memorable moments. This event also supports Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, helping families experiencing homelessness work toward stability and independence. It takes place at Primal Health & Fitness Nashua.

Sadie Lady’s Lights, Sirens & Smiles brings a community craft fair and family day to Community Covenant Church in Peabody. The event has been changed due to bad weather. Families can enjoy touch a truck experiences, kids activities, food trucks, music, appearances by characters, and raffles, along with additional activities. Part of the proceeds supports the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

BostonFIG 2026 is a festival taking place at the Cyclorama in Boston.

Spend a creative morning making clay pieces with the kids. Bring any project idea you like, or pick from the many suggestions and planned activities the staff can provide. After shaping your pieces, finish them with glaze and choose from a variety of colors to personalize your work. Parents and guardians may stay with their child upon request, and children younger than 7 should have help from an older sibling or an adult. Dependent Care Reimbursement is not available. Cancellations are nonrefundable. Rescheduling to a date within the next two months is offered when the studio is contacted at info@potterymill.com more than 72 hours in advance and a new date is selected by Thursday morning so the original spots can be reopened. Rescheduling is not available for requests made within 72 hours, for guests who do not choose a new date in time, or for no shows. You may send a friend or family member in your place if it becomes too late to reschedule. If the studio must cancel or follow state regulations that affect the class, additional sessions may be arranged when appropriate, and guests who do not confirm or email the studio within the stated window will follow the same rescheduling policy.

Ready to Rock is a free introductory music program at Wasserman Park for children ages 4 to 7. Kids can try guitar, piano, and drums in a friendly band setting while making new friends. No prior musical experience is required.

Celebrate the community’s rich cultures with food, art, dance, and more at a family-friendly festival that supports a welcoming environment for everyone. The City’s Cultural Connection Committee highlights connection and inclusion throughout the event. Meet neighbors, share your own traditions, and choose to take part in person or virtually.

Antarctica takes the New Meadows Stage at the Topsfield Fair for a three-hour performance celebrating pop favorites from the 1960s and 1970s. The set features well-known classics that audiences can recognize and enjoy from start to finish.

Live roller derby takes over Shriners Auditorium for the final doubleheader of the 2026 season. Both games are still to be announced. Seating options include general admission in the bleachers and VIP spots trackside. Guests 17 and under seated in VIP must be with an adult holding a VIP ticket. Children under six are admitted free to all games and may sit in VIP when accompanied by an adult with a VIP ticket. Fans of every age are welcome.

Now in its second year, the Green and White Cheer Showcase features competition routines at Billerica Memorial High School. BPW Cheer teams perform alongside squads from Shawsheen Tech and Billerica Memorial High School to help raise travel funds for nationals. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Weekly Pokémon League at the Relentless Dragon provides a free, welcoming environment for kids and adults to enjoy the Pokémon Trading Card Game together. Play casual matches, trade cards, meet fellow players, or learn the rules with help available during regular sessions. Participants receive promotional prize packs for taking part. From time to time, League gatherings coincide with special events such as Prerelease events, League Cups, and League Challenges.

A friendly Pokémon League and trading meetup welcomes players of every age. Whether you are learning the Pokémon Trading Card Game, looking to trade cards, or ready for casual matches, it offers an easy way to connect with the community. Pokémon GO players are welcome as well, and participants receive promo packs and other rewards. From time to time there are special offerings such as Prereleases, League Cups, and League Challenges for those who want to push their skills further.

APW: Clipper City Rumble will be held at Newburyport Elks. Tickets start at $20, and kids under 10 are free.

Explore a wide world of miniature history and nostalgia at the North East Toy Soldier Society’s Toy Soldier Show and Sale at the Hilton Garden Inn. Collectors and curious newcomers will find antique and contemporary toy soldiers alongside a broad range of related items, including civilian, farm, zoo, hunt, and railroad figures, plus cowboys, Indians, knights, Christmas figures, marching bands, military miniatures, plastic figures and playsets. The show also features miniature gardens, military books, action figures, plastic model kits, war movies, badges, artillery, vehicles, dioramas, and other general and antique toys. Makers highlighted include W.Britain, Elastolin, Mignot, Marx, GI Joe, Osprey, King & Country, Dragon Models, Tamiya, and John Jenkins Designs, among others. Admission is $8, or two for $15, and children under 15 are free. Dealer tables are available. For details, contact show chairman Matthew Murphy of Hobby Bunker at (781) 321-8855 or matt@hobbybunker.com.

Explore Melrose Destination Imagination at an information session hosted at the MMTV Studios. Designed for students in grades K through 12 and their parents, this program blends creativity with hands-on experiences in crafting, science, drama, and robotics to keep participants engaged throughout the school year. The session covers how Destination Imagination works, how teams come together, and the steps to get involved. Try sample Instant Challenges and take one home, enjoy acting and improv games, and preview this season’s challenges. There will be opportunities to meet other interested families and speak with experienced DI Team Managers to get questions answered. For inquiries, email di@melrosedi.com.

Celebrate the bond between people and their pups at Bark in the Park, a family-friendly gathering for dog lovers and owners. Enjoy a full day of activities that highlight four-legged friends, including dog races, a costume contest, and a canine talent show. Explore booths from local pet-focused vendors and grab refreshments from food trucks throughout the day. Whether entering a competition or simply taking in the festivities, there is plenty to enjoy. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Volunteers will pack 25,000 meals with Rise Against Hunger to help feed people. This fun, family-friendly event welcomes all ages, with roles available so everyone can take part. Friends and families are encouraged to participate together, and those who cannot attend can still support the effort by donating.

Meet dogs who are ready for loving homes and find out how to get involved with Ruff Tales Rescue through adoption, fostering, or volunteering. Learn what each option entails and explore ways to make a positive difference for these pets.

North Shore Junction returns to Topsfield Fair with a lively set at the Trianon Stage near the main entrance. The performance spans rock, blues, R&B, and country, along with original songs. Attendees can dance, sing along, or relax and enjoy the music.

Explore Boston’s North End with a local photographer and capture portraits amid historic architecture and old world character. This mini portrait experience includes 15 minutes of photography and one favorite image to download. After the session, choose your favorite during a Zoom video call, and it will be edited and delivered for download. Additional digital images and printed products, including boxed prints, wall art, albums, and cards, are available for purchase. Longer sessions and options that include more time or extra locations are also offered.

Capture portraits in Boston’s Beacon Hill with a local photographer during a guided mini session that moves through cobblestone lanes, brick alleys, and historic rowhouses. Photo stops showcase the character of this National Historic Landmark, including a street celebrated as the most photographed in America. The experience includes 15 minutes of photography and one favorite image to download. After the shoot, select your top pick on a Zoom video call, and that photo will be edited for delivery. Additional digital images and printed products such as boxed prints, wall art, albums, and cards are available for purchase. Longer portrait experiences and options that include extra time or additional locations are also offered.

A welcoming circle for mothers focuses on parenting with a conversation centered on self care and personal growth. It offers a calm setting to connect with other moms, share experiences, and find encouragement. Childcare and food are provided to support attendance. Hosted by Nashua Family Network, this gathering meets every other week.

Settle in by the fire to enjoy s'mores and other campfire treats. Meet the pack and learn more about Scouting.