We are so excited to partner with Goldfish Swim School to bring you this Guide to June!

Summer kicks off this month, and we couldn’t be more excited! It is officially time to enjoy the fun, sun, and excitement of a Boston summer. Check out our monthly events guide, brought to you by Goldfish Swim School, to get some great ideas for family fun this June!

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!

June 1 :: Mermaid Promenade at the Cambridge Arts River Festival :: Central Square, Cambridge

The Mermaid Promenade will be a first-of-its-kind participatory community spectacle featuring mermaids, mermen, and many more water creatures and features! Read about the full parade lineup here. All are welcome to march in this spectacular parade. Attendees are invited to line up in costume and/or with props at the River Festival’s youth and family stage, near the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Essex Street at 3:45 p.m.

June 1 :: Norwell Summer Fest :: Norwell Center, Norwell

Enjoy this free community festival and see the best that Norwell has to offer! All ages are invited to gather and celebrate with live entertainment, rides, local food options, local artisans, and more.

June 1–2 :: Gelato Festival America :: Boylston Plaza, Boston

Eataly Boston will host this delicious event, where a wristband will give you the opportunity to taste all the gelato you can eat, including original flavors made by local and visiting artisans. Does that sound like heaven or what?! Cast your vote for your favorite flavor and the chef who created it — the winner will continue on toward the final of the Gelato Festival World Masters 2021.

June 4–6 :: Jimmy Fund Scooperbowl :: Boston City Hall Plaza

If all-you-can-eat gelato isn’t your thing, perhaps all-you-can-eat ice cream is? Taste a variety of ice cream flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, HP Hood, Baskin-Robbins, Breyers, Edy’s, Friendly’s, and Yasso, all while benefiting Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s mission to end cancer. A win-win!

June 5 :: Teddy Bear Picnic :: Telford Park, Plainville

Bring your stuffed friends, a picnic lunch, and a blanket or a chair, and join in on this fun annual event! The musical picnic at Telford Park Gazebo will feature Miss Cindy Tuminelli. All ages are welcome to participate in this fun day in the park!

June 7–9 :: Salem Arts Festival :: Downtown Salem District

Sponsored by the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Arts Festival celebrates art in all its forms, including painting, photography, poetry, film, dance, music, culinary, and many more mediums. Visitors can enjoy visual artists’ work in Old Town Hall, performances in the indoor and outdoor stage venues, and a street fair. The community will have many opportunities to actively participate in the arts during this exciting festival. 

June 8 :: TouchTomorrow at WPI :: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester

This family-friendly festival of science, technology, and robots features an array of research lab activities, hands-on experiments, and interactive exhibits. Suitable for all ages, the entire family will have a great time learning about all things science!

June 8 :: Strawberry Festival :: Topsfield Town Common

Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake await you at the 51st Annual Strawberry Festival! This FREE festival will feature music, children’s games, tours of the Capen House, and goods from over 60 fine artists.

June 8–9 :: The Boston Slime Party :: Arts at the Armory, Somerville

Yes, there is such a thing as a slime convention. And yes, you know your kids want to go to it. This ooey-gooey convention features slime vendors from all over the country selling slimes, doing live demos, and giving away tons of door prizes. You can even bring your own slime and enter it into slime contests! One lucky attendee will win a grand prize gift basket worth over $500!

June 12–16 :: Plum Island Jet Rally :: Plum Island Airport, Newbury

Celebrate Father’s Day watching pilots from all over the East Coast and Canada showing off their impressive aircraft and piloting skills! This five-day-long event is exciting for pilots and spectators alike!

June 15 :: Lantern Festival :: West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover

Experience the beauty of this ancient Asian ritual as you decorate your lantern to send messages of faith, love, peace, and hope. There will be refreshments, as well as music and dance performances. The lanterns will be launched together on the pond at sunset.

June 17–27 (selected days) :: Star Students Free at Edaville :: Edaville Family Theme Park, Carver

Calling all star students! Students up to the 8th grade who have all A/Bs, 3/4s, or the equivalent will receive one free admission with the purchase of one full-priced gate admission. Some restrictions apply, and this offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Please see the Edaville website for exact dates.

June 19 :: Juneteenth at the MFA Boston :: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

On the evening of June 19, join the Museum of Fine Arts for a celebration of Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This night will be held in partnership with The Urban Labs and will feature discussion, art, and activities from local Boston artists. This event is free, and admission will begin at 4 p.m.

June 19–30 :: Cirque de Soleil :: Agganis Arena, Boston

Revel in the amazing acrobatic feats and creative artistry of the Cirque de Soleil experience! This spectacular performance will entertain even the youngest guests and leave your family in awe.

June 20 :: Stuffbrary Try It Day :: Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk

Come on over to the Town Hill to try out some of the fun outdoor Stuffbrary items, like giant Jenga, giant Yahtzee, the portable projector, and more! All ages are welcome to come play, and no pre-registration is required. Rain date: Monday, June 24.

June 22 :: Boston Pickle Fair :: One Design Center Place, Boston

Calling all pickle lovers! This event is kind of a big dill! Head on over to the Seaport District to enjoy pickle samples, a home pickling competition, access to a beer garden, an indoor pickle lounge, and entertainment! Additional food, beverages, and pickle products will be available for purchase.

June 22 :: Spring Mass Reptile Expo :: Starland Sportplex, Hanover

Get up close and personal with live reptiles! There will be hands-on education experiences and a photo booth for pictures with your scaly new friends! Come to browse, or bring home a new reptilian buddy!

June 22–23 :: North Star Pro Rodeo :: Marshfield Fairgrounds

Ride ’em cowboy! Enjoy seven different rodeo events and specialty acts at this real-life rodeo! There will be special events for kids to participate in prior to the rodeo each day. This event will take place rain or shine, and covered seating is available.

June 24 :: Basics of Animation Course :: Old Colony YMCA, Stoughton

Students in the 3rd through 8th grade will learn to bring their drawings to life in this exciting class! This course will help kids to learn the fundamental skills necessary for any young artist, animator, or game concept designer as they write, design, create, and direct their own animated short!

June 27 :: Family Fun Nights: Pilgrim Olympics! :: Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth

Test your skills at a pilgrim-style Olympics! Challenging feats for guests of all ages await! Do you have what it takes to survive life in a 17th-century Plymouth colony? Head on over to the Summer 2019 Family Fun Nights to find out!

June 29 :: Braintree 4th of July :: Braintree High School

Join the fun at Braintree’s 45th annual Braintree Day Celebration! The stars and stripes parade will kick off at 11:45 a.m. from the RMV parking lot. Enjoy family entertainment and snacks at the food truck rodeo at Braintree High School beginning at 4 p.m., and finish off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display!

June 29 :: New Kids On The Block: The Mixtape Tour :: TD Garden

So maybe this one is more for the moms than the kids! Take your 90s fan-girl self on a date to see these New Kids, all grown up! They’ve certainly still got all the Right Stuff!

June 29 :: Boston Lighthouse Tour :: Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

Experience the beauty of the lighthouses of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park on this two-hour narrated cruise. Learn about maritime history as you sail past Long Island Light, Graves Light, and Boston Light, America’s Oldest Light Station. Staff and volunteers from the National Park Service and United States Coast Guard will guide the narrations and programs onboard the ship.

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