The dog days of summer are here! Have a picnic, pick some blueberries, and enjoy those last drops of summer vacation with some fantastic summertime fun this August! 

In addition to this guide, our calendar has daily events listed to keep you active and entertained this month!

We’ve also included links to area libraries and recurring events. We know this is not a comprehensive list, so if you think of any fun family activities we missed, please share them with us in the comments.

If you are looking to connect with other moms near you, make sure to join our Community & Conversation Group!

August 1 :: Intrepid Brass at the Summer Concert Series :: Capron Park, Attleboro

Pack a picnic and enjoy the music stylings of this entertaining brass quintet! Concerts are free and open to the public, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

August 1 :: Make Your Own Ice Cream Day at CuriousCity :: Peabody

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Add some sugar, cream, and vanilla, and shake, shake, shake until you create a delicious snack at CuriousCity, a pop-up children’s museum open through August.

August 1–4 :: The Lion King Jr. :: South Shore Theatre Works, Brockton

Everybody look left, everybody look right! Everywhere you look — he’s standing in the spotlight! Come see the youth of the South Shore Theatre Works program dance and sing to the classic tunes of Disney’s The Lion King!

Through August 18 :: Paragon Park: The Musical :: The Company Theatre for the Arts, Norwell

This amazing original musical returns to the Company Theatre for the Arts for a limited run. Based on actual historical figures, Paragon Park: The Musical recounts the history of the playground on the shore! Relive the memories of Paragon Park during its heyday during the roaring 20s! A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Paragon Carousel.

August 2–3 :: Krazy Days :: Middleboro

The whole family will have a blast at this annual street fair! Visit vendor booths showcasing local arts, crafts, and food, and enjoy cultural events, live entertainment, and interactive and educational children’s activities.

August 3–4 :: S’More Tour: Outdoor Discovery Programs at Spectacle Island :: Spectacle Island, Boston

Head on over to the visitors’ center at Spectacle Island to enjoy free summer activities, including guided hikes, paddling demos, kids activities, and s’mores at this exciting outdoor event!

August 9–11 :: Bolton Fair :: Lancaster

Head on over to this family-friendly agricultural fair to mingle with animals, enjoy midway rides and games, hear some great live music, see fantastic entertainers, eat delicious food, watch a demolition derby, and more!

August 10 :: Perseid Meteor Shower Cruise :: Gloucester

Experience an amazing view of the Perseid meteor shower on a cruise out of Gloucester Harbor! Astronomy enthusiast Virginia Renehan will be on board to answer all your questions.

August 10 :: Urban Farm Tour :: Melrose

Come hear some tips on growing edible gardens and learn what you need to do in order to keep goats, chickens, and bees in an urban setting. Begin the self-guided tour of many of the urban farms in Melrose at Bowden Park. Brochures, including a map for tour stops, will be available there!

August 10 :: Glow in the Park :: Treetop Adventures, Canton

Climb under the stars during this fun nighttime event! Guests will enjoy glow sticks, colored lights twinkling in the trees, and great music during this fun evening event!

August 13 :: Movie Night at Fenway Park: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse :: Fenway Park, Boston

What could be better than watching Spider-Man on the Green Monster? Not much! Come to Fenway Park for this special experience of catching a flick in the famed ball park!

 

August 15–18 :: 109th Anniversary of the Fisherman’s Feast :: Boston

The 109th anniversary of the Fisherman’s Feast will begin with the procession of La Madonna Del Soccorso to the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park for the annual blessing of the fishing waters. The celebration continues through the weekend and comes to a close with the famous Flight of the Angel.

August 16–18 :: Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival :: Randolph

Learn about the Vietnamese culture at this fun, family-friendly festival benefiting the Vietnamese-American Community of Massachusetts, Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the Jimmy Fund (Dana Farber Cancer Institute). See an amazing display of thousands of lanterns, enjoy live performances by local talents, play carnival games and participate in fun activities, and indulge in delicious foods. There is also a beer garden!

August 16 :: Scary Mommy Live – The Mother Of All Comedy Shows :: The Wilbur Theater, Boston

Call the baby sitter, pull on your best mom jeans, and get ready for some pee-in-your-pants funny entertainment! Get ready for a night of stand-up comedy, exclusive videos, and cameos from your favorite Scary Mommy personalities at this hilarious show! Do I hear “mom’s night out?”

August 17 :: 10th Annual Back to School Block Party for Peace :: Roxbury

Join Violence In Boston Inc. as they celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Back to School Block Party for Peace. They will distribute over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure that children from low-income families have the best possible start to the school year. The celebration will also include free food, live music, and family entertainment from a game truck, a bounce house, a dunk tank, and face painting.

August 18 :: Sumo Kitty Storytime :: The Blue Bunny Books and Toys, Dedham

Join author and illustrator David Biedrzycki as he celebrates his new picture book, Sumo Kitty, an adorable story inspired by the Japanese saying “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” David’s storytelling will begin at 11 a.m.!

August 19 :: Ground Beat BAMS Fest :: Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston

Boston Art & Music Soul Festival (BAMS Fest) celebrates youth and women’s empowerment through upbeat and high-energy performances! Enjoy performances by OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, who will perform contemporary and traditional African dance, and Veronica Robles Mariachi, who will perform her original works to close out this amazing show. There will be food trucks, games, and seating at this event!

August 21 :: Nighttime Splash Party! :: Capron Park Zoo, Attleboro

Enjoy an evening trip to the zoo, and cool off in the splash pad! Food trucks will be available, as well as fried dough, pretzels, and popcorn. Tickets are $5 per person (maximum of $25 per family). Children under 2 years old are free.

August 23 :: 2019 Quincy Children’s Business Fair :: Quincy

Do you have an inventive kid? An entrepreneur in the making? Then this is the event for you! The Quincy Children’s Business Fair is the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America. This one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses.  

August 23 :: Disney’s Aladdin Jr. :: North Shore Music Theater, Beverly

Join Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie, and all of your favorite characters in this fun stage adaptation of the Disney classic, starring the students of the North Shore Music Theater’s summer program!

August 24 :: Healthy Kids Day! :: Mattapan Farmers Market (corner of Cummins Highway and Fairway Street), Mattapan

Come celebrate healthy kids at this fun family event! Participants will receive a free lunch, bike helmet, and a backpack full of school supplies for the coming year. There will also be a station for bike repairs, a DJ, a gaming truck, an ice cream truck, bike raffles, and a bike rodeo focusing on bike safety! This event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

August 24 :: 2019 Plymouth Waterfront Festival :: Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce (134 Court Street, Plymouth)

Enjoy two stages of live entertainment, food and craft vendors, a Cruise-In Car Show, Ducky Dash Races, a Kids Fun Zone with inflatables and games, plus so much more at this fantastic annual festival! The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

August 25 :: Science Under the Sun :: Constitution Beach, Boston

Science Under the Sun is pop-up programming by the New England Aquarium and the Lowell Institute, taking place at Boston beaches throughout the summer. Engage in nature play activities and learn about local animals and habitats of this urban beach! The program runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., under the blue tent near the pavillion. 

August 28 :: Sing Along with Matt Heaton :: Henry Bear’s Park, 19 Harvard Street, Brookline

Entertaining both kids and their adults alike, Matt Heaton mixes rockabilly, surf, and American and Irish traditional music to create a humorous and fun show! The show begins at 4 p.m.

August 29 ::  Museum of Science – Rockets: There and Back Again! :: Watertown Mall

Explore the science behind rockets and space exploration in this exciting hands-on event by the Museum of Science! There will be two presentations at the Watertown Mall, at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Kids will get the opportunity to build and test their own rockets! Since space is limited, pre-registration is recommended. Call the Watertown Mall Management Office at 617-926-4968 ext 21 to reserve your spot!

August 29 :: 7th Annual Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Celebration :: Boston Harbor

Celebrate community, love, and the end of summer with a fireworks celebration over Boston Harbor. The fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on the waterfront, but suggested public viewing locations along the Boston Harborwalk include Christopher Columbus Park in the North End, Piers Park in East Boston, and Fan Pier in the Seaport District.

August 30 :: Gloucester Block Party :: Gloucester

A portion of Main Street will be closed off from 6–10 p.m. for a fun evening of live music, street performers, children’s activities, and more! This family-friendly event has something for everyone!

August 31–September 1 :: 70th East Middleboro 4H Fair :: Middleboro

There may not be any amusement park style rides at this fair, but there is a ton of fun to be had! Enjoy the animal costume parade and a tractor parade, as well as many animal shows. 4H members will also be displaying their talents in the schoolhouse as they compete for ribbons!

Little Farmer’s Mornings :: Red Horse Farm, Hanson :: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (June–October)

Little ones up to 4 years old will learn about farm chores with horses, chickens, and goats! They will also enjoy a farm-related story or craft.

Storytime at Showcase Cinema de Lux :: Patriot Place, Foxborough :: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

This free weekly storytime takes place every Tuesday at Showcase Cinema de Lux. After a story reading, a special character makes a weekly appearance followed by a short movie.

Public Telescope Nights at New England Sci-Tech :: 16 Tech Circle, Natick :: Tuesdays and Fridays, 8–9 pm

The public is invited to join New England Sci-Tech for an evening of astronomy during the spring, summer, and fall months. Depending on staff availability, inside activities such as planetarium shows and visiting the astronomy classrooms may be available. Visitors are also invited to borrow smaller “starblast” telescopes to use on their own.

Recreation Sundays on Memorial Drive :: Memorial Drive, Cambridge :: Sundays, May–November

Every Sunday, from the last Sunday of April to the second Sunday of November, Memorial Drive is closed to traffic between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street — and open to recreation! Ride a bike or scooter, take a jog, or bring your baby on a leisurely stroll down this usually busy road while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Charles River!

Urban Air Sensory Friendly Jump/Play Time :: Bellingham :: Sundays, 9 a.m. 

This event is specifically designed for children with autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park and have a lot of fun without loud music and flashing lights! The lights will be white and music/video games turned off for those with sensory challenges during this time.

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.

ImprovBoston 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! The show is ideal for family outings, birthday parties, and school field trips. It’s fun for the whole family and best for children ages 4-12.

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Deanna Greenstein
Deanna is a mom of five (yes, five) children, who lives in Brockton with her small circus of kids, her husband, their dog Penny, and a few cats. Her life is loud, energetic, mostly fun, often gross (did she mention four of those kids are boys?), and she wouldn't have it any other way. In between carting kids to school, baseball, gymnastics, guitar, dance, track and field and every other kid activity known to mankind, she works as a school bus driver for the city of Brockton, and is the Director of Religious Education at the Unity Church of North Easton, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Deanna also holds degrees in Elementary Physical Education and Dance Education, which she plans to put back into use one day. At parties, Deanna can often be found hanging out with family pets. She follows her children around with a camera like the paparazzi, is pretty sure that 97% of her blood stream is made of coffee, and her laundry is never done. You can also find her blogging at https://eighteenmoreyearsofburpsandfarts.wordpress.com