The Tall Ships are here! ⛵
Boston Harbor is about to look completely unreal (I’m going on Sunday). This weekend, you can watch the Parade of Sail from the waterfront for free, catch the Chinatown Summer Festival, and cruise a car-free Newbury Street on Sunday.
Let me know what you all are planning to go to this week!
🌟 Pick of the Week
Boston Harbor · July 11–16 (tours Saturday, July 11) · Free · Drop-in · All ages
Tall Ships Boston runs July 11–16, with dozens of historic tall ships docked in Boston Harbor and free public tours on Saturday. Kids can walk the decks of working tall ships and watch the Parade of Sail — this is a once-in-a-generation event for the Boston waterfront. Get there early Saturday; crowds will be significant along the harbor, and parking near the Seaport will be brutal — consider the T or a bike. The week wraps with a fireworks finale over the harbor on Wednesday, July 15.
Chinatown Gate, Boston · Saturday, July 11, 10:30am–5:30pm · Free · Drop-in · All ages
The Chinatown Main Street Summer Festival takes over the streets around the Chinatown Gate on Saturday, July 11. Expect food, vendors, performances, and a neighborhood street-fair atmosphere that's genuinely kid-friendly.
Newbury Street, Boston · Sunday, July 12 · Free · Drop-in · All ages
On Sunday, July 12, the first of 10 Sundays where Newbury Street closes to cars for the summer's Open Newbury — kids can bike, scooter, or walk the full stretch while families browse shops and grab food right out in the street. Free, no registration; a great low-key Sunday if you want to skip the Tall Ships crowds.
☔️ Bad Weather Backups
Tech Lab, Medford Public Library · Thursday, July 9 · Free · Registration required · Ages 8–12
Kids ages 8–12 learn how 3D printing works, then use the library's printers to make their own object to take home. Free, but registration is required and an adult must attend.
Library Green, Westwood · Wednesday, July 15, 4pm · Free · Drop-in · All ages
Baby goats visit the Westwood Library Green on Wednesday, July 15 — kids can pet and snuggle them. Free and drop-in, but only 25 people allowed in at a time, so arrive early.
Back Library Lawn, Acton Memorial Library · Wednesday, July 15 · Free · Registration required · All ages
Acton Memorial Library fills a 20x20 area on the back lawn with non-toxic, biodegradable foam for kids to play in. Free, but registration is required; two time slots available July 15.
☀️ Outside Adventures
Boston Common · Sunday, July 12, 12:30pm · Free · Drop-in · All ages
A free Red Sox watch party on Boston Common — the game's up on a giant 16×30-foot screen. Activities start at 12:30pm and first pitch is 1:40pm; the first 1,000 people get a commemorative blanket to sit on. Bring the kids and post up on the Common.
Powisset Farm, Dover · Saturday, July 11 · Free · Drop-in · All ages
Powisset Farm in Dover does real farm chores with families on Saturday mornings — kids feed animals, help with tasks around the farm, and see how a working CSA farm operates.
🍺 Fun for the Whole Family
Seaport Common, Boston · Sunday, July 12 · Free · Drop-in · All ages
MAUM Market brings Korean makers, food vendors, and crafts to Seaport Common on Sunday — a lively outdoor market that's easy to wander around and explore with kids
East Boston · Week of July 12 · Free · Drop-in · All ages
Eastie Week is East Boston's community celebration — a week of neighborhood events, food, art, and outdoor activities across Eastie. Free; check the schedule for the family-friendly happenings.
Boston Harbor · Wednesday, July 15 · Free · Drop-in · All ages
The grand finale of Sail Boston — fireworks over Boston Harbor on Wednesday, July 15 to close out Tall Ships week. Free; find a waterfront spot early.
Know a Boston family who needs this? Forward this email to them — it'll make their week.
⚡ The Full Rundown
Thursday, July 9
Baby Lapsit at West — West Branch, Somerville · Free · Babies
Friday, July 10
Storytime at West — West Branch, Somerville · Free · All Ages
Toddler Storytime at Central — Central Library, Somerville · Free · Toddlers
Saturday, July 11
Spanish Fun Time (ages 1-4) — Bonsignore Hall, Medford Public Library · Free · Ages 1–4
Chess Club — Cafe Space, Medford Public Library · Free
Sunday, July 12
Summer Concerts at Spectacle Island — Spectacle Island · Free
Little Groove Outdoor Music at Lyrik Back Bay — Lyrik, Boston · Free
Monday, July 13
Winnie-the-Pooh Escape Room (9:00 AM) — Newton · Free · All Ages
Drop-in Button Making (for teens) — Medford Public Library · Free · Teens
Tuesday, July 14
Baby Lapsit at Central (10:30 am) — Central Library, Somerville · Free · Babies
Wednesday, July 15
Free Choice CRAFTernoon at Central — Central Library, Somerville · Free
See all 318 events this week → Browse the full calendar
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Have an awesome week. T signing off.
