DCR April Vacation Week Free Family-Friendly Programs

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Dates:	Saturday, April 18, 2026 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
Hours:	varies by program
Ages:	Kids, Teens
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	School Vacation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is offering free, family-friendly programs across Massachusetts state parks and reservations during April school vacation week, April 18-26, 2026.

Most programs are free, though parking fees may apply at some locations.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Here's a look at what's happening in and around Boston:

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in East Boston hosts a guided birding walk on Saturday, 4/18 (8-9:30 AM), spotting raptors and specialty birds along an easy one-mile trail.

Binoculars recommended; loaner pairs available.

Ages 5+.

Foss Park in Somerville hosts the Somerville Patriots' Day Colonial Fair on Monday, 4/20 (10 AM-noon), with a Paul Revere reenactment, colonial games, refreshments, and food trucks.

Free; registration appreciated.

Roxbury Heritage State Park hosts two events: Patriots' Day 250 on 4/20 (8:15 AM-1 PM), featuring a William Dawes reenactment and historic trolley tours; and the Growing Roxbury Earth Day Community Celebration on 4/22 (10 AM-2:30 PM), with community planting, a healthy eating workshop, and yoga.

Melnea A.

Cass Recreation Center in Roxbury runs a full week of free programming including basketball (4/20), flag football (4/21), soccer (4/23), and HIIT fitness with TUNECAMP (4/24), all for ages 10-14, plus youth dance bootcamps for grades 2-8 on 4/20 and 4/21.

Registration required at the links on the DCR page.

Winthrop Shore Reservation hosts the Seal Sensation Station on Tuesday, 4/21 (9-10:30 AM) and Saturday, 4/25 (noon-2 PM).

Drop in to watch for harbor seals resting on the rocks using spotting scopes.

Ages 5+.

Rain or high winds cancels.

Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord has activities running all week, including a community Earth Day Mural (4/18-4/26, 10 AM-4 PM) and a StoryWalk featuring 'If You Spent a Day with Thoreau.' Guided programs include a Spring Stroll on 4/19 and Beavers are Back on 4/21.

Ages 10+ for guided walks.

Blue Hills Reservation in Milton offers guided Nature's Classroom walks throughout the week: fungi on 4/18, raptors on 4/21, and animal tracking on 4/25 (all 9-10 AM, one mile, families welcome).

Also: a forest bathing walk on 4/22 and Kidleidoscope for ages 2-5 on 4/24.

Meet at the Houghton's Pond Visitor Center.

Rumney Marsh Reservation in Saugus has a guided Salt Marsh Nature Trek on Friday, 4/24 (9-11 AM), a three-mile walk with wildlife spotting.

Ages 12+.

Binoculars recommended; some loaners available.

Halibut Point State Park in Rockport offers self-guided activities all week (quarrying history, treasure hunt, StoryWalk), plus a birding walk on 4/19 and a live frogs and salamanders presentation on 4/25.

For the full statewide schedule including programs in Central, South, and Western Mass, visit mass.gov.

Things to know before you go:

All programs are free unless noted.

Please be aware parking fees may apply – visit the park web page for applicable parking fees at Massachusetts State Parks or to learn how to borrow a ParksPass from a community partner.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Be season smart and safe.

Dress for the weather by wearing sturdy footgear and dressing in layers for maximum comfort.
Carry drinking water and snacks.

Have a map and cell phone.

Seasonal weather such as heavy rains and storms affect parks and trails.

All events, programs and activities are subject to change.

Please take a moment to call ahead to confirm.

WEBSITE

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www.mass.gov/info-details/2026-april-vacation-week-free-family-friendly-programs

LOCATION

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Various locations, Boston, MA, 02110 map
Phone: 000-000-0000