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10 things to do with the kids in and around Boston during April break
From kite flying to dance lessons, these vacation week activities will entertain kids of all ages.
With April vacation week approaching from April 15-19 for public schools in Massachusetts, parents are probably looking for ways to keep the kids engaged. Boston is poised to help with interactive experiences, play areas, special kid’s menus, and history lessons masked as fun — all perfect to give parents a break from having a break. Ahead, check out 10 things to do over April school vacation week.
1. View Boston from high above the city
With 33 miles of views, the entire family will enjoy a stop at View Boston located in the Prudential Center. The 360-degree observation deck is high above the heart of Boston and serves as a great place to have a bird’s eye experience. Make a game out of identifying landmarks with the Virtual Viewers, an interactive discovery tool to explore neighborhoods. Finish up by grabbing a bite at The Beacon Bistro, which offers plenty of kid-friendly options like chicken poppers or milk and cookies. (800 Boylston St., Boston)
2. Make history fun at the Old South Meeting House
The learning doesn’t have to stop just because they’re out of school for the week. Sneak in a history lesson during family hours at the Old South Meeting House. Held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during school vacation week, guests of all ages can enjoy conservation- and preservation-themed activities, crafts, and games. If your child is under 12 years old, they’ll be admitted free to both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House. As always, Massachusetts teachers receive free admission for themselves and a guest. (310 Washington St., Boston)
3. Have some fun at the home of the Patriots
Even though the Pats aren’t in season, Patriot Place is still rocking during April break. The shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium has a full lineup of family-friendly activities April 12-21, from live music to pop-up spa events, kids dance lessons and singalongs to the Dragons and Mythical Creatures exhibit by Roger Williams Park Zoo. The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX also has a full lineup of special activities that week, including the chance to try on all six of the Patriots Super Bowl rings on April 15. For a full schedule of all school vacation week activities at Patriot Place and to register for applicable events, visit here. (Two Patriot Place, Foxborough)
4. Get your face painted at Boston Public Market
Kids School Vacation Activity Week at the Boston Public Market is full of fun times sure to keep them happy (and tire them out, hopefully). There will be face painting, doughnut dipping, singalongs, story time, magic shows, and face painting from Monday through Friday. (100 Hanover St., Haymarket Station, Boston)
5. Play dress up at Little Lovage Club
While not a drop-off situation (caregivers must stay with the children), Little Lovage Club at the Prudential Center offers open play available in two-hour blocks that can offer a great escape during school break. The 5,000-square-foot space has a wide variety of structures and areas for babies, toddlers, and young children under age six, complete with a dress up section, an enchanting book nook, a baby exploration zone, a long Lego and Magnatile table, and toddler movement zone. (800 Boylston St., Boston)
6. Fly a kite you built yourself at the USS Constitution Museum
When you visit the USS Constitution Museum from April 13-21, you and the kids will enjoy family-friendly activities and crafts centered around the power of wind. Kicking off with Kite Flying Day on April 16 (that day also hosts two kite building and learning workshops), week-long activities include designing, building, and testing a mini ship, colorful windsock, and wind spinner. Activities are held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the full schedule can be found here. (Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown)
7. Hang with the animals at Stone Zoo
Take advantage of warmer weather and take your little animals to the zoo. During vacation week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the entire family can learn about the insects and animals that help springtime flowers bloom through a planting workshop with the horticulture team. Families will learn spring gardening tips and tricks and info on pollinators. Keeper chats and scavenger hunts are also ongoing throughout the week. (149 Pond St,. Stoneham)
8. Take a ride on the Swan Boats
The Public Garden affords a quiet time with lovely gardens, a quaint bridge, and the beloved Swan boats peddling around the park’s peaceful lagoon for nearly 150 years. When the first of the iconic “swan” pontoons takes to the water, it’s the unofficial launch of spring, and on April 13 at 10 a.m., the 2024 season begins. Grab a seat or two on one of the 12 30-foot pontoon vessels (each carrying 25 passengers with one driver) as they’re pedaled around the lagoon for a chance to add a little peace to the busy week. (Public Garden, Boston)
9. Pet a shark at the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium will offer extended hours during the week of April 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so there will be plenty of opportunities to engage in its exciting re-opening of the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. The mangrove-themed tank is surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows for a close encounter with these gorgeous undersea creatures. The aquarium will also premiere “Ocean Paradise 3D” at Simons Theatre that week, along with showings of ARCTIC: Our Frozen Planet, Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, and Secrets of the Sea. The new 40-minute film allows viewers to dive into the untouched waters of the Pacific Ocean’s most remote islands. (1 Central Wharf, Boston)
10. Say hello to your favorite Sesame Street characters
Say “goodbye” to April break and “hello” to Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their furry friends from Sesame Street as the group takes over the Emerson Colonial Theatre on April 19 and 20 for “Sesame Street Live! Say Hello.” You can sing and dance with your favorite characters while enjoying fun surprises along the way. This all-new celebration on Sesame Street is perfect to round out the week-long vacation, so bring your dancing shoes. (106 Boylston St., Boston)
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