If you are looking for Boston events to keep your family entertained this July, we’ve got you covered! Our monthly events guides are on hand to be sure you don’t miss a thing happening around the Boston area. We know you are looking for ideas for family fun all the time. There are so many great activities going on in Boston this summer.
In addition to our Getting-Out Guide, be sure to check out our Guide to a Boston Summer and our 2018 Summer Bucket List for awesome ideas for summertime fun in Boston! Finally, check out our Fireworks Roundup for a list of Fourth of July celebrations!
We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. This is, by no means, a comprehensive list. If you know of any fun family activities we missed, please let us know in the comments.
Oh, and be sure to join our Community & Conversation Group to meet other moms near you!
July 1–4 :: Boston Harborfest :: Boston :: This five-day event combines history and modern-day fun. On Sunday, July 1, head to Christopher Columbus Park trellis to enjoy the Art Festival, where artists will be selling their historical and maritime-themed artwork. Interactive art demonstrations will occur throughout the day, along with live performing arts. Also at Christopher Columbus Park will be the Chowderfest, where there will be samples of local restaurants’ chowder. Vote on your favorite and enjoy live music in Christopher Columbus Park.
July 3–4 :: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular :: Boston :: The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade (concert from 8-10:30 p.m.; fireworks display from 10:30-11; the concert, without fireworks display, will also take place on July 3, starting at 8 p.m.).
July 4 :: Photo Scavenger Hunt :: Boston :: Celebrate Independence Day and race around Boston on an exciting photo scavenger hunt! Solve challenging clues and puzzles by taking pictures of historic sites on the Freedom Trail. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating facts about Boston’s role in American history, look for gravesites of famous Revolutionaries, find the locations where groundbreaking events took place, and so much more. It’s a great family-friendly learning experience for all ages and a lot more fun than a traditional Freedom Trail walking tour! Advance registration required.
July 5 :: Birds of Prey :: Boston :: Head to Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center (191W Atlantic Avenue) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. to join a Mass Audubon bird specialist for a close-up look at live owls, falcons, and other birds who call New England home.
July 6 :: Rosalita’s Puppets: The Enchanted Castle :: Marshfield :: Join Fairy Godmother “Glitter” as she tells stories, sings songs, and teaches the crowd how to be knights, princesses, and princes. The show includes three short hand puppet stories. Meet a fairy puppet, a dragon puppet, and a unicorn puppet!
July 7 :: Chinatown Main Street Summer Festival :: Boston :: Chinatown Main Street’s 15th Annual Summer Festival will host performances on a grand stage in Chinatown Park.
July 7 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.
July 7–8 :: Boston Pizza Festival at City Hall Plaza :: Boston :: Boston’s expansive City Hall Plaza turns into a giant picnic ground when the Boston Pizza Festival returns, bringing all-you-can-eat pizza; entertainment, such as pizza tossing shows and live music; adult and other beverages; and games to this family-friendly celebration of summer. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 the day of the festival.
July 8 :: Open Newbury Street :: Boston :: Newbury Street will become a pedestrian-only walkway, closing to vehicles to allow pedestrians the opportunity use the full width of the street. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue.
July 10 :: Kids Yoga by KidPowerment Yoga :: Boston :: These innovative kids yoga classes, deeply rooted in the foundations of yoga, empower kids to have strong bodies, focused minds, and brave hearts. Head to Chestnut Hill from 3-5 p.m. for this free event.
July 13 :: Free Friday Flicks :: Boston :: Bring a blanket and perhaps a picnic to the Hatch Shell on Boston’s Esplanade, and get ready to enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars — a truly magical Boston summer experience! The July 13 showing is the Emoji movie. Movies begin at sundown (about 8:15 p.m.).
July 13 :: Heidi, Presented by the Kaleidoscope Children’s Theatre :: Beverly :: A wondrous tale of the charming Swiss miss who captures the hearts of everyone she meets, from her stern mountain-man of a grandfather to the nasty governess Miss Rottenmeier. She’s guaranteed to win your heart too! It’s a mountain of a musical that is fun for everyone!
July 14 :: WGBH FunFest :: Boston :: Come hang out with friends, family, and even a few of your favorite PBS kids characters at WGBH Studios in Brighton! There’s fun family music on stage and all the ice cream you can eat from a variety of local vendors. Did we also mention games, rides, and face painting?! Hours of fun out in the sun. Please register in advance.
July 14 :: ArtBeat 2018 :: Somerville :: ArtBeat is one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities. Head down to Davis Square for craft vendors, two stages of music, dance in the Somerville Theater, and a host of great interactive performances from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 14 :: RiverFest at DCR Neponset II Park :: Dorchester :: Celebrate the Neponset River and the beautiful parks and pedestrian paths along the shore, along with the natural salt marshes and wetlands that support more than 200 species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Try out a canoe or kayak, for free, courtesy of PaddleBoston : Neponset River. There will also be music, food, children’s activities – and lots of fun and interesting people to talk to!
July 14 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.
July 17 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall Marketplace :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved.
July 19–22 :: Needham Carnival :: Needham :: The Rotary Club of Needham is happy to bring back the Needham Carnival this year, with rides, games, prizes, and fun for all ages.
July 20 :: Free Friday Flicks:: Boston :: Bring a blanket and perhaps a picnic to the Hatch Shell on Boston’s Esplanade, and get ready to enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars — a truly magical Boston summer experience! The July 20 showing is Elf. Movies begin at sundown (about 8:15 p.m.).
July 20 :: Animal World at the Winslow House :: Marshfield :: Meet a motley collection from the animal kingdom as Animal World Experiences returns to the Winslow House. From the cute and furry to the gross and slimy, you never know who will show up!
July 20–22 :: Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach :: Revere :: Fifteen renowned master sculptors from around the world work their magic with individual 12-ton allotments of sand. The sculptors compete for $14,000 in prize money, and the sculptures they create will amaze you with their detail and artistry. With music performances, a food truck festival, amusement rides, and crafts activities on site as well, you’ll find plenty of family entertainment — and don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, and towels for the beach!
July 21 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.
July 27 :: Free Friday Flicks:: Boston :: Bring a blanket and perhaps a picnic at the Hatch Shell on Boston’s Esplanade, and get ready to enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars — a truly magical Boston summer experience! The July 27 showing is Cars 3. Movies begin at sundown (about 8:15 p.m.).
July 27 :: Teddy Bear Picnic :: Marshfield :: It’s a colonial build-a-bear! Come celebrate our most popular children’s event. Children will make their own teddy bear to take home and keep forever! Games, tasty treats, and a celebration of summer. Registration required ($10/child).
July 27 :: Family Fun Friday :: Sandwich :: Enjoy a day at Heritage that features fun for the whole family, including a performance by Wayne Potash and the Music Fun Band, outdoor games, and family challenges. Free with museum admission.
July 28 :: Downtown Playdates Lego Challenge :: Boston :: Drop in for a LEGO challenge during the Downtown Playdates series using your imagination and an extensive collection of LEGO bricks. Each week participants will face a different design challenge, including creating the tallest tower, reimagining a Boston neighborhood, designing a new neighborhood, or picturing buildings resilient to sea level rise. Join BSA Space’s design team for a brick ton of fun while envisioning Boston’s future using your favorite design tool.
July 31 :: Storytelling at Faneuil Hall Marketplace :: Boston :: Professional storytellers perform free shows that are kid-tested and parent-approved. Find the fun on South Market Street outside Wagamama.
Baby-Friendly Monday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre :: Arlington :: Mondays, 12–2 p.m. :: The Capitol Theatre features a baby-friendly movie every Monday afternoon. Please check the theater’s Monday schedule to see what feature has been selected for parents and their infants.
Kids’ Art Club :: Dorchester :: Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. :: This club has a new art project at the library every Tuesday. Projects include collage self-portraits and artist’s books. Art Club projects are showcased in rotating displays in the library children’s room.
Nature Time at Blue Hills Trailside Museum :: Milton :: Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. :: Introduce your preschool-aged child to nature with this fun program. Programs may feature a story, nature games, crafts, short walks outside, or meeting one of the museum’s animal residents. Meet, play, and learn with other area families. Each program runs for 45 minutes and meets most Thursdays. Museum admission is included with this program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
JFN Free Friday Playgroup :: Natick :: Fridays, 9:30–11:30 a.m. :: Bring the little ones and come join other parents and caregivers in the Metrowest area for a fun-filled morning of play and socializing. There are plenty of songs, activities, toys, snacks, and laughter, as both the children and their grown-ups build connections and lasting friendships.
Backyard and Beyond: Forest Fridays :: Acton :: Fridays, 10–11 a.m. :: A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, the Forest Friday program is held outside, no matter the weather. Every Friday morning there is a nature-based activity based on the weather and season, either in Discovery Woods or out on the adjacent conservation land. All ages are welcome but activities are designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. Please note that the conservation land trails are not ADA or stroller accessible; please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
StoryTime at the Curious George Store :: Cambridge :: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m. :: Small children and their caregivers are welcome at these weekly storytimes, running throughout the year.
SaturPLAY :: Rose Kennedy Greenway – Chinatown :: Boston :: Select Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. :: The Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program, A-VOYCE, hosts a placemaking event monthly to activate and bring children to The Greenway’s Mary Soo Hoo Park. Each month features a different theme with games, activities, crafts, and more. Youth volunteers are on hand to engage children. SaturPlay is subject to weather conditions.
Family Show :: Cambridge :: Saturdays, 4–5 p.m. :: Improv Boston’s improv and music extravaganza is completely made up on the spot every week based on your suggestion. No two shows are alike! Best of all, children who want to participate have opportunities to be on stage and take part in the fun! Our show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. The Family Show is fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.
