Things to Do with Kids
A shortlist of cherry-picked events NYC and Boston areas. These are the things we'd actually want to spend time and money doing.
Got intel on a good upcoming event? Tell us:
Jun 10
-
29
Jun 10
Twin Cities
Jun 10
Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series
Start:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
6:00 pm
End:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
8:00 pm
Spread out a blanket & join Como Zoo & Conservatory for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm during the summer!
They will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike! Beer, wine, pop, ice cream, and popcorn will be available to purchase.
Full 2026 line-up:
- June 10: Innocent Reggae Band – Roots Reggae (POLJAM Food Truck)
- June 17: Miss Georgia Peach – Classic Country – Hee-Haw vibes(Brick Oven Pizza Food Truck)
- June 24: Jellyjacket – Rock ‘n Roll (Heavy Metal Grill Food Truck)
- July 1: Em and the Gems – Rock and Pop Originals(KMC Eggrolls Food Truck)
- July 8: Salsa del Soul – High-Energy Latin Dance Music (Rosa Frida Food Truck)
- July 15: J-Mo On The Beat and The J- Lighters – Rockabilly, Blues, and Indie (Sizzling Wagon Food Truck)
- July 22: Red Eye Ruby – Blending elements of Soul, Blues and R&B (Brick Oven Pizza Food Truck)
- July 29: School of Rock –St. Paul & Plymouth House Bands(Sandy’s Grill & Italian Ice Food Truck)
Location
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
Website
Jun 11
-
19
Jun 11
NYC
Jun 11
Free World Cup Watch Parties at Pier 86
Start:
Thursday, June 11, 2026
9:00 am
End:
Sunday, July 19, 2026
9:00 pm
The world’s most popular sporting event returns to North America for the first time since 1994 and The Intrepid Museum will host public viewing parties for more than 50 World Cup matches on Pier 86, providing a dramatic and unique setting to cheer on your favorite team!
Multiple large screens will be set up throughout the Pier, with food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase. The 39-day tournament runs from June 11 through July 19. See the full schedule here.
FREE!
Location
Pier 86
640 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036
Website
Jun 16
-
30
Jun 16
NYC
Jun 16
Colors of Pride
Start:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
10:30 am
End:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
4:15 pm
Celebrate and uplift the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community through programs created to spark Pride, foster community, and self-worth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan!
- Pop-Up Pride Flag
Tuesday – Thursday, June 16 – 18; Monday & Tuesday, June 29 – 30 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up
Get your painter’s cap on and engineer an upcycled giant Pride flag on a huge canvas! Stack and build a rainbow sculpture of found objects and recyclables in fun and imaginative ways. - Tying Colorful Hand Kites
Tuesday – Thursday, June 16 – 18; Monday & Tuesday, June 29 – 30 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger
Which colors represent you? Tie or tape different colors of ribbon to a ring. Watch the ribbons dance in the air as you hold your kite and strut with pride!
Location
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
Website
Jun 16
-
16
Jun 16
Twin Cities
Jun 16
Pop Up Splash Pads
Start:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
4:00 pm
End:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6:00 pm
FREE!
Grab your towels, throw on your swimsuits, and get ready to have fun!
Join the Maple Grove Fire, Police and Parks & Recreation Departments for a splashing good time as the fire truck sprays water high in the air, perfect for running, laughing, and cooling off. Dive into fun water games and enjoy icy cool treats. Firefighters will be on site to answer your burning questions including how to create a family escape plan and proper use of smoke alarms. Police will have a squad car open for tours, it’s the ultimate way to beat the heat, so don’t miss this water-filled fun time!
(If weather is questionable, please contact the weather hot-line at 763-494-5959 for cancellations or updates)
- June 16: Grove West (7520 Inland Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55311)
- July 14: Boundary Creek (10455 Nathan Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55331)
- August 18: Thoresen Park (6259 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55331)
Appropriate for all ages!
Location
7520 Inland Lane N.
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Website
Jun 17
-
23
Jun 17
Greater Boston
Jun 17
StoryWalk® "Juneteenth for Mazie"
Start:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
9:00 am
End:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
4:30 pm
A StoryWalk® is a fun way to get outside and enjoy a new book!
Go on a StoryWalk® at the Acton Discovery Museum to read Juneteenth for Mazie, a story about a young girl learning to celebrate Juneteenth. Follow the trail of pages to see how Mazie remembers the struggle and triumph of her ancestors and prepares to celebrate Juneteenth!
Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrated each year on June 19th to mark the day when news of the end of slavery reached Galveston, Texas, ensuring the last enslaved people in the United States were freed—a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Included in museum admission.
Location
177 Main Street (Route 27)
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Website
Jun 19
-
19
Jun 19
Greater Boston
Jun 19
Juneteenth at Old Sturbridge Village
Start:
Friday, June 19, 2026
9:30 am
End:
Friday, June 19, 2026
5:00 pm
On June 19, commemorate and explore the history, resilience, and culture of Black people in America at Old Sturbridge Village. Engage in discussions and ask yourself “what can I do to further educate myself?” about the past and how it informs the present day!
Highlights include:
- A performance by gospel choir Anthony Smith and Fully Committed
- Exhibit of antislavery writings in the Richardson House
- Take an “Uncomfortable Truths” walking tour and engage in themed conversations with costumed historians
- Take part in a Kids Freedom Parade
- And more!
What is Juneteenth? How does it connect to Old Sturbridge Village?
Juneteenth is a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. More specifically, it marks the day in 1865 when troops arrived in Galveston Texas to ensure the freedom of those enslaved at the time, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The road to emancipation was a long one and although slavery wasn’t abolished in the country until decades after the Village’s time period, many seeds of abolition were sown in the first half of the 19th century through lectures, art, articles, books, and other forms of activism.
Attendence is FREE but pre-registration is recommended! Register here!
Location
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Website
Jun 19
-
19
Jun 19
Greater Boston
Jun 19
Summer Teddy Adventure Workshop
Start:
Friday, June 19, 2026
11:00 am
End:
Friday, June 19, 2026
11:45 am
Join Legacy Moments at Happy Hearts in Norwell for a special summer workshop filled with creativity, imagination, and memories!
Includes:
- Your own teddy bear
- Their NEW Summer Adventure journal to decorate and personalize
- Fun creative supplies + summer accessories for your teddy
All materials included.
During the workshop, children will decorate their journal, create fun accessories for their teddy, explore creative materials, and enjoy time playing in the space. They will also be sharing details about their Summer Teddy Contest at the event!
Best for ages 3–6, but all are welcome.
Location
Happy Heart Playspace
119 Washington St
Norwell, MA 02160
Website
Jun 19
-
19
Jun 19
NYC
Jun 19
Celebrate Juneteenth
Start:
Friday, June 19, 2026
11:00 am
End:
Friday, June 19, 2026
3:00 pm
Celebrate freedom and Black joy at Brooklyn Children's Museum's community Juneteenth gathering in Brower Park!
Move to live music, create art together, and celebrate at this FREE event that’s open to all.
Presented with Council Member Chi Ossé, Friends of Brower Park, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and Brooklyn Public Library.
Programs in Brower Park are FREE! BCM is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for general admission.
Location
Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Pl
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Website
Jun 20
-
20
Jun 20
Greater Boston
Jun 20
Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation 5k
Start:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:00 am
End:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
12:30 pm
The 5K is the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year at Wachusett Mountain, raising funds for safety awareness and violence-prevention initiatives.
In addition to the 5K race, there is a Kids’ Fun Run and a post-race party including a DJ, food and beverages, raffles, and silent auction. The course at beautiful Wachusett Mountain is mostly flat with two short hills (run or walk!). Proceeds from the race will go to The Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Register here! ($30/adults, $15/kids race)
*There will be plenty of parking, but please follow directions from the attendants as part of the racecourse goes through the lot and will close at 9:50 am while race is underway.
Location
499 Mountain Rd
Princeton MA 01541
Website
Jun 20
-
20
Jun 20
Greater Boston
Jun 20
Craft & Play Pizza Party!
Start:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
10:00 am
End:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
12:00 pm
Little ones can create a hand-painted birdhouse gift perfect for Dad, Grandpa, or anyone special this Father's Day!
Each child will design and paint their own wooden birdhouse during a guided craft session. Then, explore Little Hands' playroom for an hour of exclusive private playtime while your masterpiece is sealed and dried.
Wrap it up with a pizza lunch – juice, pizza, and fun all included. Once everyone's tummies are full, you'll go home with a prize!
Get your tickets & secure your spot now! From $38/child.
Location
Little Hands Crafts
409 Columbia Rd
Hanover, MA 02339
Website
Jun 20
-
20
Jun 20
NYC
Jun 20
Amazon Juneteenth Free Day - SI Children's Museum
Start:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
10:00 am
End:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
5:00 pm
Amazon is sponsoring a free admission day (with pre-registration) at Staten Island Children's Museum in honor of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the Confederate states. It celebrates the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the farthermost edges of the Union at the time.
Location
1000 Richmond Terrace
Building M
Staten Island, NY 10301
Website
Jun 20
-
26
Jun 20
Twin Cities
Jun 20
2026 Special Olympics USA
Start:
Saturday, June 20, 2026
6:30 pm
End:
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:30 pm
Welcome the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, a monumental celebration of ability and inclusion, to the beautiful Twin Cities!
Their mission is to create an inclusive event that celebrates ABILITY, delivers the highest quality experiences for all who participate, and leaves a legacy of positive change in Minnesota.
The Games are scheduled to take place from June 20-26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota (the official host venue). In addition to the university, the event will unfold across other premier locations, including the National Sports Center in Blaine.
They anticipate the participation of 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches representing all 50 states, engaging in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports (both traditional and Unified, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together).
Learn more about volunteering here!
Get tickets to the opening ceremony here!
Find more information about visiting the games here.
Location
Various, across the city, including Huntington Bank Stadium and other University of MN sites
Website
