Nature and Outdoor Events for Kids and Families Near Boston
Introducing children to the wonders of nature at an early age can do wonders for the imagination, and help to raise a caring environmentally aware human. Find all sorts of nature-themed events near Boston for kids and treat them to a wonderful world of learning.
4th Graders - Every Kid in a Park Pass, Online, Free
Sun, September 2, 2018 - Sun, September 1, 2019
President Barack Obama created Every Kid in a Park so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for free.
Sun, September 2, 2018 - Sun, September 1, 2019
President Barack Obama created Every Kid in a Park so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for free.
2019 DCR MassParks Pass, Massachusetts, $$
Tue, January 1, 2019 - Tue, October 1, 2019
The Massachusetts DCR ParksPass provides unlimited day-use parking at state park facilities that charge a parking fee. This is a great value and a fun incentive to enjoy our expansive park system.
Tue, January 1, 2019 - Tue, October 1, 2019
The Massachusetts DCR ParksPass provides unlimited day-use parking at state park facilities that charge a parking fee. This is a great value and a fun incentive to enjoy our expansive park system.
Fee Free National Parks Days, Massachusetts, Free
Mon, January 21, 2019 - Mon, November 11, 2019
One of five Fee Free days/periods at National Parks, Forests & Wildlife refuges. Enjoy free admission to several Massachusetts parks today.
Mon, January 21, 2019 - Mon, November 11, 2019
One of five Fee Free days/periods at National Parks, Forests & Wildlife refuges. Enjoy free admission to several Massachusetts parks today.
Arnold Arboretum Tours & Discovery Packs, Jamaica Plain, Free
Mon, April 1, 2019 - Tue, December 31, 2019
Enjoy free Arboretum tours. Tours start at the Hunnewell Building, 125 Arborway, Boston. Times vary. Families can also take the self-guided tour with a plant treasure map.
Mon, April 1, 2019 - Tue, December 31, 2019
Enjoy free Arboretum tours. Tours start at the Hunnewell Building, 125 Arborway, Boston. Times vary. Families can also take the self-guided tour with a plant treasure map.
Spring Storywalk: A Salamander’s Room, Milton, Free
Sat, April 6, 2019 - Fri, May 31, 2019
Enjoy a Family Spring Storywalk® at Houghton’s Pond Playground. Visit A Salamander Room. Vernal pools and wetlands come alive in spring! Many salamanders and frogs are most active this time of year.
Sat, April 6, 2019 - Fri, May 31, 2019
Enjoy a Family Spring Storywalk® at Houghton’s Pond Playground. Visit A Salamander Room. Vernal pools and wetlands come alive in spring! Many salamanders and frogs are most active this time of year.
Swan Boat Rides, Back Bay, $
Sun, April 14, 2019 - Mon, September 16, 2019
Enjoy a peaceful 15 minute paddleboat cruise around the Boston Garden lagoon. The only boats of their kind in the world, inspired by the opera Lohengrin.
Sun, April 14, 2019 - Mon, September 16, 2019
Enjoy a peaceful 15 minute paddleboat cruise around the Boston Garden lagoon. The only boats of their kind in the world, inspired by the opera Lohengrin.
Garden in the Woods, Framingham, $
Mon, April 15, 2019 - Tue, October 15, 2019
Families enjoy 45 acres of trails including woodlands, pond, bog, brook and wildflower meadow with 1,600 native plant species at New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods, one of the country's premier garden...
Mon, April 15, 2019 - Tue, October 15, 2019
Families enjoy 45 acres of trails including woodlands, pond, bog, brook and wildflower meadow with 1,600 native plant species at New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods, one of the country's premier garden...
Pollinator Friends, Acton, $
Wed, May 22, 2019 - Wed, May 22, 2019
Our pollinator friends, like bees and butterflies, help beautiful spring flowers bloom every year. Come help us celebrate pollinators and learn a little about what they do.
Wed, May 22, 2019 - Wed, May 22, 2019
Our pollinator friends, like bees and butterflies, help beautiful spring flowers bloom every year. Come help us celebrate pollinators and learn a little about what they do.
Saturday Morning Birding, Milton, $
Sat, May 25, 2019 - Sat, May 25, 2019
Meet at the museum's front door and go on a Saturday morning adventure for birders of all levels. Experienced birders will be leading the group to a variety of locations in the area.
Sat, May 25, 2019 - Sat, May 25, 2019
Meet at the museum's front door and go on a Saturday morning adventure for birders of all levels. Experienced birders will be leading the group to a variety of locations in the area.
Flower Power Week! Flower Take-Aparts, Acton, $
Tue, May 28, 2019 - Tue, May 28, 2019
April showers bring May flowers! Go beyond a flower’s petals while dissecting and uncovering its insides. Then, mix and match the parts from your flower with others to create your very own fantastic flora.
Tue, May 28, 2019 - Tue, May 28, 2019
April showers bring May flowers! Go beyond a flower’s petals while dissecting and uncovering its insides. Then, mix and match the parts from your flower with others to create your very own fantastic flora.
Celebrate World Otter Day at Stone Zoo!, Stoneham
Wed, May 29, 2019 - Wed, May 29, 2019
Dive on otter to Stone Zoo on Wednesday, May 29 as we celebrate World Otter Day! North American river otters play an important role in our ecosystem.
Wed, May 29, 2019 - Wed, May 29, 2019
Dive on otter to Stone Zoo on Wednesday, May 29 as we celebrate World Otter Day! North American river otters play an important role in our ecosystem.
Family Fishing Clinic, Andover, Andover, Free
Wed, May 29, 2019
This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Pomps Pond in Andover (147 Abbot St.) from 4 to 6 p.m.
Wed, May 29, 2019
This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Pomps Pond in Andover (147 Abbot St.) from 4 to 6 p.m.
Massachusetts Free Fishing Weekends, Other Boston Area, Free
Sat, June 1, 2019 - Sun, June 2, 2019
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Sat, June 1, 2019 - Sun, June 2, 2019
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Nuttings Lake Family Fishing Festival, Billerica, Free
Sat, June 1, 2019
This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Nuttings Lake.
Sat, June 1, 2019
This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Nuttings Lake.
Strawberry Picking at Tougas Farm, Northborough, $
Sun, June 2, 2019 - Mon, June 24, 2019
Pick-Your-Own strawberries, strawberries desserts at the farm kitchen, playground and petting zoo make for a great family day at Tougas Family Farm
Sun, June 2, 2019 - Mon, June 24, 2019
Pick-Your-Own strawberries, strawberries desserts at the farm kitchen, playground and petting zoo make for a great family day at Tougas Family Farm
Garden Conservancy Open Days Garden Tour - Worcester County, Grafton, $$
Sun, June 2, 2019
Visit four gardens in Hardwick, North Grafton, and Petersham, open to benefit the Garden Conservancy. A bonus pop-up plant sale will take place in Petersham with Garden Vision Epimediums and the Bunker Farm.
Sun, June 2, 2019
Visit four gardens in Hardwick, North Grafton, and Petersham, open to benefit the Garden Conservancy. A bonus pop-up plant sale will take place in Petersham with Garden Vision Epimediums and the Bunker Farm.
Garden Conservancy Open Days Garden Tour - Bristol County, Seekonk, $$
Sun, June 2, 2019
Visit three gardens in Rehoboth, open to benefit the Garden Conservancy. Bonus “Garden Extras” include plant sales, guided tours and discussions on herbs, plant combinations, and the use of color and fragrance in the garden.
Sun, June 2, 2019
Visit three gardens in Rehoboth, open to benefit the Garden Conservancy. Bonus “Garden Extras” include plant sales, guided tours and discussions on herbs, plant combinations, and the use of color and fragrance in the garden.
PUDDLESTOMPERS Weekly Summer Drop-Off Programs!, Newton, $$
Mon, June 3, 2019 - Fri, August 30, 2019
Looking for a fun summer activity for your inquisitive youngster? Join PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration and our qualified teacher naturalists for weekly explorations full of learning and discovery!
Mon, June 3, 2019 - Fri, August 30, 2019
Looking for a fun summer activity for your inquisitive youngster? Join PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration and our qualified teacher naturalists for weekly explorations full of learning and discovery!
Backyard and Beyond - Forest Fridays, Acton, Free
Fri, June 7, 2019 - Fri, June 7, 2019
A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, our Forest Fridays will be held outside, no matter the weather! Every Friday morning we’ll do a nature-based activity based on the season.
Fri, June 7, 2019 - Fri, June 7, 2019
A great way for the whole family to enjoy time outdoors, our Forest Fridays will be held outside, no matter the weather! Every Friday morning we’ll do a nature-based activity based on the season.
Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham, Free
Sat, June 8, 2019
On the shores of Spot Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event.
Sat, June 8, 2019
On the shores of Spot Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event.
South End Garden Tour, Boston, $$
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
This year's South End Garden Tour will feature a mix of public and private spaces including private back yards, front gardens, roof deck gardens, community gardens, and neighborhood 'pocket parks.'
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
This year's South End Garden Tour will feature a mix of public and private spaces including private back yards, front gardens, roof deck gardens, community gardens, and neighborhood 'pocket parks.'
Father's Day Eve Canoeing on the Charles, Boston, $$
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
Spend time with family and say farewell to Shabbat with a peaceful evening row down the Charles River at Paddle Boston (1071 Soldier’s Field Road) in Boston on Saturday, June 15 from 5-7pm.
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
Spend time with family and say farewell to Shabbat with a peaceful evening row down the Charles River at Paddle Boston (1071 Soldier’s Field Road) in Boston on Saturday, June 15 from 5-7pm.
Father's Day Weekend Canoe on the Charles, Natick, $$
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
Celebrate Father's Day early with a relaxing canoe trip! Watch the morning mist rising off the river while we keep an eye out for great blue herons and other birds gliding over the water.
Sat, June 15, 2019 - Sat, June 15, 2019
Celebrate Father's Day early with a relaxing canoe trip! Watch the morning mist rising off the river while we keep an eye out for great blue herons and other birds gliding over the water.
Endicott Park Family Fishing Festival, Danvers, Free
Sun, June 16, 2019
Enjoy a non-competitive, family friendly, learn-to-fish event. Bring your own fishing equipment, or borrow ours- limited equipment and bait will be provided.
Sun, June 16, 2019
Enjoy a non-competitive, family friendly, learn-to-fish event. Bring your own fishing equipment, or borrow ours- limited equipment and bait will be provided.
World's End Summer Solstice Concert, Hingham, Free
Fri, June 21, 2019
Bring your family and a picnic for our annual celebration of summer. Enjoy live music and the chance to catch the most beautiful sunset over the Boston skyline!
Fri, June 21, 2019
Bring your family and a picnic for our annual celebration of summer. Enjoy live music and the chance to catch the most beautiful sunset over the Boston skyline!
RiverFest on the Assabet, Concord & Sudbury Rivers, Concord
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sun, June 23, 2019
Enjoy free hikes, paddles, walks, demonstrations, music, and family fun all weekend in this annual celebration of the federally-designated Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sun, June 23, 2019
Enjoy free hikes, paddles, walks, demonstrations, music, and family fun all weekend in this annual celebration of the federally-designated Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Firefly Friends, Milton, $
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sat, June 22, 2019
Celebrate the start of summer with us as we enjoy a little ice cream and learn about fireflies. Then we'll venture outside into the night to go looking for these flashing insects.
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sat, June 22, 2019
Celebrate the start of summer with us as we enjoy a little ice cream and learn about fireflies. Then we'll venture outside into the night to go looking for these flashing insects.
Backyard Campout Day, Acton, $
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sat, June 22, 2019
Today is National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout Day and we’ll be celebrating with a backyard “campout” at the museum! Try out some classic campout activities for fun!
Sat, June 22, 2019 - Sat, June 22, 2019
Today is National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout Day and we’ll be celebrating with a backyard “campout” at the museum! Try out some classic campout activities for fun!
Dirtopia!, Acton, $
Wed, June 26, 2019 - Sun, June 30, 2019
The giant pile of dirt is back! Scoop, sculpt, squish! Dig, climb, burrow! Bring your boots and prepare to get messy - join us as we discover the infinite potential of dirt.
Wed, June 26, 2019 - Sun, June 30, 2019
The giant pile of dirt is back! Scoop, sculpt, squish! Dig, climb, burrow! Bring your boots and prepare to get messy - join us as we discover the infinite potential of dirt.
Firefly Friends, Milton, $
Sat, July 6, 2019 - Sat, July 6, 2019
Celebrate the start of summer with us as we enjoy a little ice cream and learn about fireflies. Then we'll venture outside into the night to go looking for these flashing insects.
Sat, July 6, 2019 - Sat, July 6, 2019
Celebrate the start of summer with us as we enjoy a little ice cream and learn about fireflies. Then we'll venture outside into the night to go looking for these flashing insects.
Tot Times at Gore Place, Waltham, $$
Mon, July 8, 2019 - Mon, July 8, 2019
Tot Times at Gore Place are offered 0n July 8 and 17 at 10 a.m., with outdoor fun for kids 1.5-6 years and their caretakers. Come explore!
Mon, July 8, 2019 - Mon, July 8, 2019
Tot Times at Gore Place are offered 0n July 8 and 17 at 10 a.m., with outdoor fun for kids 1.5-6 years and their caretakers. Come explore!
PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration Summer Child/Adult Programs!, Newton, $
Tue, July 9, 2019 - Thu, August 15, 2019
Looking for a summer activity with your young toddler? Join PUDDLESTOMPERS teacher naturalists and other families in your community to learn about the nature that surrounds us weekly! Classes offered in both Newton and Wellesley.
Tue, July 9, 2019 - Thu, August 15, 2019
Looking for a summer activity with your young toddler? Join PUDDLESTOMPERS teacher naturalists and other families in your community to learn about the nature that surrounds us weekly! Classes offered in both Newton and Wellesley.
Sunset Concerts at Symphony Park, Boston, Free
Wed, July 10, 2019
This series is presented by the fenway Civic Association and the friends of Symphony Park in collaboration with Berklee College of Music. The concerts are free and open to the public. fair weather only.
Wed, July 10, 2019
This series is presented by the fenway Civic Association and the friends of Symphony Park in collaboration with Berklee College of Music. The concerts are free and open to the public. fair weather only.
Great Spots To View Fall Foliage - New England, Online, Free
Tue, September 10, 2019 - Sun, November 10, 2019
There are great spots all over New England to take in the splendor of the Fall foliage. Here are just a few of our favorites for you to check out.
Tue, September 10, 2019 - Sun, November 10, 2019
There are great spots all over New England to take in the splendor of the Fall foliage. Here are just a few of our favorites for you to check out.
