Things to Do with Kids

🎄🎄 Step into a sparkling winter wonderland and stroll along tree-lined paths aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. Discover festive displays throughout the Zoo and look for animal residents, including flamingos, black bears and reindeer, adding to the holiday magic!

*Some nights, even catch Santa and get some photos!

Get member and non-member tickets here! 4-pack discounts available (online only): save when you purchase four tickets together—perfect for families and friends!

Stone Zoo

149 Pond Street

Stoneham, MA 02180

Get Directions

A StoryWalk® is a fun way to get outside and enjoy a new book!

Join the Discovery Museum this American Thanksgiving season and go on a StoryWalk to read We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, a story that follows a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Starting with Fall and ending with Summer, follow the trail of pages to see how members of the Cherokee Nation say “Otsaliheliga” (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) to express gratitude for their blessings while reflecting on past struggles each day throughout the year.

Included with museum admission.

Acton Discovery Museum

Outdoors (dress accordingly)

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, Massachusetts 01720

Lightscape is coming to the SF Botanical Gardens this year!

This one-of-a-kind, immersive light and music experience will transform the Garden into a mesmerizing world of wonder, food and beverages, and more than one million twinkling lights. Stroll through a mile-long trail of dazzling lights, dramatic colors, otherworldly lighted sculptures, and water features – right in the heart of San Francisco.

Get your tickets here!

San Francisco Botanical Garden

1199 9th Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94122

‍Directions

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is hosting events for the holiday rooted in gibing thanks!

First, check out Thank-FULL for You (November 25 – 30). Your family can create art inspired by loved ones, food, and the joy of giving and receiving gratitude!

And later in the week, catch GratitudeFest (November 28 – 30). Celebrate the vibrant, diverse communities of New York together through song and dance!

Included in museum admission, get tickets here!

The Tisch Building

212 West 83rd St

New York, NY 10024

Join the Countdown to Kindergarten's Playgroup, hosted by the Boston Public Library on Mondays and Wednesdays!

From October 2025 to June 2026, every week, you and your child can practice school readiness, make new friends, and get connected to community resources. Kids will experience free play, circle time, and Story Time, and grownups will learn about early childhood development!

Please fill out an interest form and a playgroup leader will reach out to you to join a group. If you have any questions, call Antonio Mendez at (617) 821-3959 or Laura Mejia at (617) 308-1098.

Mattapan Library

1350 Blue Hill Ave

Mattapan MA 02126

Get Directions

‍

The Indigenous Peoples' Day Sunrise Gatherings are organized by the International Indian Treaty Council commemorating the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes. Learn more about the history Native American/United States treaties and sovereignty!

Departure times include:

• 4:15AM
• 4:30AM
• 4:45AM
• 5:00AM
• 5:15AM
• 5:30AM
• 5:45AM
• 6:00AM

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing

Join the 23rd annual Turkey Trot in San Francisco!

Kick off the day with the Kid's Gobbler Chase, an achievable 100 meter run for young ages where they try to beat the Turkey! Then stick around and have the kids cheer you on in the Turkey Trail Trot or Pilgrim Promenade.

Ages 10 and under only. Free for kids with a registered adult! Register here.

Polo Field - Golden Gate Park

JFK Drive at 36th Avenue

Course Map

That's right, it's time for another Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Celebrate their 99th year and all the excitement in NYC that comes with the parade and ushering in of Christmas!

The parade marches down a 2.5 mile route and ends in Herald Square at their flagship store. Seating is designated by NYPD, and be sure to get there early to get the best spot! And bring layers!

Begins near 77th Street and Central Park West

Experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village! Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more.

Plus, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear: An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions.

Hosted every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 28 to December 30. If you're a superfan and decide to go multiple times during the holiday season, check out their Candlelight Club pass!

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Join Good Pickin' Farm every Saturday from November 28 to December 21 for their Farm Festival of Lights! 🎄

Events include:

• Holiday lights & displays
• Hayrides
• A petting zoo
• Christmas Tree sales
• Breweries & food
• Live music
• Pony rides
• Storytime
• And more!

Good Pickin' Farm

5 Gould Rd

Westford MA 01886

Bring your little ones to the New England Aquarium's Simons Theatre to enjoy the family-favorite film Finding Nemo on their five-story screen!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the movie starts at 6:00 p.m., and concessions will be available for purchase!

$10/person, get your tickets here!

1 Central Wharf

Boston, MA 02110

Check out this free event! Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as the Wargo Center storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs, and crafts!

Appropriate for ages 2 and up.

Wargo Nature Center

The Birch Room

7701 Main St.

Lino Lakes, MN, 55038

Join Good Pickin' Farms for their Yule Wands events, a magical evening of crafting your own personalized wands to bring some enchantment to your holiday season!

You’ll learn how to make your own yule wand — a fun and meaningful holiday craft using natural materials, herbs, and ribbon. These handmade wands can be used for decoration, ritual, or simply to bring a little extra sparkle into your home for the season.

Tickets about $40/person, get them here.

Good Pickin' Farm

5 Gould Road

Westford, MA 01886