Boston is going all out for America's 250th this weekend. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade is definitely a highlight if you’re willing to make a day of it, but if you want something a little different, the Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade on Friday is the kind of local weird fun event we’re all about.

Charles River Esplanade, Boston · Saturday, July 4 · Free · Drop-in · All ages

The Boston Pops plays on the Esplanade Saturday night with fireworks over the Charles — free and open to the public, but the crowds are crazy. You’ll have to stake out a spot on the Esplanade or across the river in Cambridge well before the 9pm fireworks; bring blankets, snacks, and ear protection for little ones. Walking, biking, or the T is your best bet as driving and parking will be impossible.

Copley Square → Downtown Boston · Saturday, July 4, 9am–12:30pm · Free · Drop-in · All ages

Boston goes all-out downtown on the 4th. The Independence Day Parade kicks off from Copley Square at 9am with historic groups, military troups, veterans, and musicians. At 10:15am the Declaration of Independence is read from the Old State House balcony — trumpet call, patriotic music, and remarks from the mayor.

Gloucester Harbor · Friday, July 3 · Free · Drop-in · All ages

The Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade has been running for over a century — a costumed, satirical parade through downtown Gloucester on July 3rd, exactly as chaotic and fun as it sounds.

Marina Bay, Quincy · Friday, July 3 · Free · Drop-in · All ages

The Quincy Maritime Festival at Marina Bay runs Friday, July 3 with waterfront activities, food, and live entertainment — free and drop-in.

Spectacle Island · Saturday, July 4, 1–5pm · Free (ferry ticket required) · Drop-in · All ages

A Fourth of July party out on Spectacle Island — live music from Berklee, a beer garden, face painting, giant bubbles, field games, and ranger-led nature programs, all with big harbor views. Activities are included with your ferry ticket (ferries leave from Long Wharf), and it's a calmer alternative to the Esplanade crowds.

Boston Children's Museum, Boston · Friday, July 3 · Paid – check website · Drop-in · Ages 3+

Kids work together in a group puzzle-room adventure called Honey Hunt at Boston Children's Museum. A great alternative to an otherwise busy weekend (or to escape the heat coming).

Central Library, Somerville · Friday, July 3 · Free · Registration required · Ages 6+

Kids ages 6+ mix their own slime at Somerville Public Library on Friday July 3 — all supplies provided, register ahead for one of 3 time slots.

Medford Public Library · Monday, July 6 · Free · Registration required · Ages 8–12

Kids ages 8–12 cook a snack and learn the science behind it in STEM Kitchen at Medford Public Library on Monday July 6.

Burlington Public Library · Tuesday, July 7 · Free · Registration required · Grades K–5

Burlington Public Library's Penny Boat Competition has kids in grades K–5 build aluminum foil boats and test how many pennies they hold.

Bike Town at Moakley Park, South Boston · Thursday, July 2, 6–8pm · Free · Registration required · All ages

Free family group bike ride at Moakley Park in South Boston on Thursday July 2, 6–8pm — easy route, all ages welcome, and bikes available to borrow. Register ahead via Eventbrite; it's part of Boston Bikes' summer Family Ride Series.

Powisset Farm, Dover · Saturday, July 4 · Free · Drop-in · All ages

Family Farm Chores at Powisset Farm in Dover on July 4th — kids do real farm work alongside staff. Free and drop-in, a good way to spend part of the holiday morning.

East Branch, Somerville · Thursday, July 2 · Free · Drop-in · All ages

Museum of Science staff bring a robot storytime to Somerville's East Branch on Thursday

Central Library, Somerville · Monday, July 6 · Free · Ages 7–11

Kids ages 7–11 play theater games, act out stories, and improvise scenes at Somerville's Central Library on Monday. Come for a little movement, imagination, and performance.

Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury · Friday, July 3 · Free admission · Drop-in · All ages

Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury kicks off its 1st Annual Cherry Festival on Friday July 3 — pick cherries and enjoy farm activities.Get in free, pay to go into the fields to pick cherries or other summer PYO

Brookline Avenue Playground · Tuesday, July 7, 11am · Free · Drop-in · All ages

Kids' musician Little Groove plays an interactive outdoor family concert at Brookline Avenue Playground on Tuesday. singing and dancing, paired with free Summer themed breakfast and lunch

Summer Craft Club: For kids ages 3-5 (4:00 PM) — Children's Program Room, Newton · Free · Ages 3–5

Summer Concerts at South Boston Maritime Park — South Boston Maritime Park · Free

July 4th Ventriloquist — Sudbury July 4th Parade · Free

And Freedom's Reign — Museum of African American History, Boston · Free

Take & Make: Washer Necklaces (11:00 AM) — Teen Area, Newton · Free · Grades 6–12

Make Way for Storytime (11:00 AM) — Children's Program Room, Newton · Free · Ages 0–5

Stories and Play for the Littlest Ones — Belmont Public Library · Free · 0–18 months

See all 243 events this week → Browse the full calendar

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