Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend

Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in Boston for Kids and Families

Make way for the top spring fairs and festivals in Boston for 2025! Duckling Day at the Boston Common Garden. Photo by K. Jarrett via Flickr 2.0
Make way for the top spring fairs and festivals in Boston for 2025! Duckling Day at the Boston Common Garden. Photo by K. Jarrett via Flickr 2.0
3/28/25 - By Kelley Heyworth

Spring has sprung, and Boston is ready to celebrate! Warmer weather and longer days mean it’s time for festivals, fairs, and all kinds of family fun. From music and art to flowers and food, the city is bursting with ways to enjoy the season. Best of all? Many of these events are free! So grab your calendar, soak up the sunshine, and get ready for a season filled with outdoor adventures.


Find more family fun ideas with the Best Things To Do This Spring in Boston with Kids. Plus, check out our spring fun guide for additional ideas for embracing this gorgeous season around Boston.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Boston celebrates spring with these family-friendly festivals! Lilac Sunday photo by Lauren Miller, for the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Boston celebrates spring with these family-friendly festivals! Lilac Sunday photo by Lauren Miller, for the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Boston

Party for the Planet at Stone Zoo

Boston
April 25, 2025
Head over to the Stone Zoo for a fun and engaging day to raise awareness for the planet and all it has to offer and learn how to make a difference! READ MORE

Earth Day Celebration

Boston
April 26, 2025
Celebrate Earth Day with a day of outdoor fun and eco-friendly activities at the Earth Day Celebration in Boston. Families can enjoy nature walks, hands-on crafts, and interactive exhibits focused on sustainability and conservation.  READ MORE

Japan Festival at Boston Common

Boston
April 26-27, 2025
Back for 2025, the Japan Festival Boston features booths offering delicious foods and goods, games, and activities typical to traditional Japanese festivals, as well as music and performances by local artists on multiple stages. There is also a kid's corner on both days. READ MORE

Duckling Day

Boston
May 11, 2025
Join the Friends of the Public Garden in Boston’s most beautiful parks for Duckling Day! A beloved Mother’s Day tradition for over 30 years, the event celebrates the children’s classic book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. READ MORE

Lilac Sunday

Jamaica Plain
May 11, 2025
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. This day is the only one all year when picnicking is permitted at the Arboretum. READ MORE

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl

Boston
June 3-5, 2025
The annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl returns to City Hall Plaza for the nation's largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival, serving up ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet from some of the nation's leading ice cream companies.  READ MORE

Boston Pride For The People

Boston
Jun3 14, 2025
The Boston Pride For The People 2025 celebration will include a parade, a festival, and more! ​ READ MORE

Boston Pizza Festival

Boston
June 21-22, 2025
Interested in "all-you-can-eat" pizza, sampling, live entertainment, games, and more? Vendors from all over will be serving up Gluten-Free, Vegan, Neapolitan, Sicilian, New York Style, and much more at City Hall Plaza in Boston. READ MORE
Some of these spring festivals Photo by Richard Pasley courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Some of these spring festivals Photo by Richard Pasley courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Spring Festivals, Fairs, and Celebrations near Boston

40th Annual Harvard Square MayFair

Cambridge
May 4, 2025
The 40th Annual MayFair returns to Harvard Square. Experience food inspired by cultures from all over the world, unique one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts, al fresco beer gardens, music, entertainment, and dance.  READ MORE

Somerville's PorchFest

Somerville
May 10, 2025
Musicians and bands in styles including funk, blues, gospel, bluegrass and so many more serenade passersby from porches throughout Somerville. READ MORE

Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Cambridge
June 8, 2025
Stunningly decorated boats race down the Charles River all day long, while arts and crafts, Asian food vendors, and Asian cultural performances line the riverbank. READ MORE
Stop and smell the roses, tulips, and everything else in bloom this spring! Tulip Fest photo courtesy of Cider Hill Farm
Stop and smell the roses, tulips, and everything else in bloom this spring! Tulip Fest photo courtesy of Cider Hill Farm

Spring Festivals and Fairs in Greater Boston

Spring Spectacular & Egg Hunt

Berlin
April 12-20, 2020
Calling all parents and grandparents! Gather the Peeps and hop on down to the enchanted world of Peter Cottontail's carrot patch, the magical garden of cherry blossom trees, tulips, daffodils, and wisteria awaits. READ MORE

Concord's Patriots' Day Parade

Concord
April 19, 2025
One of the most popular annual Patriots' Day celebrations around the region, the Concord Parade begins in the town center and travels to North Bridge, where there will be a battle reenactment of the "shot heard 'round the world."  READ MORE

Gore Place Sheepshearing Festival

Waltham
April 26, 2025
It’s the 38th year for this fair with 100 crafters and fiber artists, music, demonstrations of sheepshearing and herding dogs, wagon rides, historic re-enactors, and activities for kids of all ages. READ MORE

Spring BloomFest at Stevens-Coolidge House

North Andover
May 1 - May 4, 2025
Kick off the start of Spring at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens with a celebration of bulbs at Spring BloomFest weekend! During this festival style event, visitors will have access to the gardens and the opportunity to participate in our daily activities included as part of admission. READ MORE

Tulip Fest at Cider Hill Farm

Amesbury
May 3 - May 11, 2025
A gorgeous variety of 100k tulips are scheduled to bloom in early May. Welcome in spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness n' family activities and pick-your-tulips. READ MORE

2025 Watch City Steampunk Festival

Waltham
May 10, 2025
The 2025 Watch City Steampunk Festival will feature costumed performers, musicians, kids' activities, and over 60 unique vendors offering all things Steampunk. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.
Recent Articles By Kelley Heyworth:
Read more articles by Kelley Heyworth.