Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Turkey Trots, Light Shows, and Santa
Kick off the Christmas season with a dazzling holiday lights display. Photo courtesy of Magic of Lights
What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 on Long Island? Family-Friendly Places and Stores
LuminoCity returns to Long Island with another stunning installation at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
The Coral House in Baldwin hosts a festive buffet with all the classics. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
15 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving on Long Island in 2025
Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island
Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium this holiday season. Photo by Jennifer Voit
Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025
See how the village of Port Jefferson magically turns back time to the Dicken's Era. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page
21 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Destruction Day, and More Holidays & Activities for November 2025
Eglevsky Ballet’s
Long Island's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
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
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With 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
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

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.