Things to Do with Kids

You “herd” right! Llama Trek is back at the Minnesota Zoo. Llama Trek, the special experience along the Northern Trail, allows guests to walk among free-roaming llamas.

With minimal separation from the animals, guests will get a great opportunity to observe llamas lunching, llamas munching, llamas scratching and llamas napping. 🦙

The Llama Trek experience is included with general Zoo admission through September 7th. For additional fees, guests may also feed a llama or try walking a llama on their designated llama walk path. Don’t forget the camera! If you’re in love with llamas, make sure to check out their unique Backstage Pass experiences, too!

13000 Zoo Boulevard

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Spread out a blanket & join Como Zoo & Conservatory for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on Wednesdays June 10 – July 29 from 6pm–8pm during the summer!

They will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike! Beer, wine, pop, ice cream, and popcorn will be available to purchase.

Full 2026 line-up:

• June 10: Innocent Reggae Band – Roots Reggae (POLJAM Food Truck)
• June 17: Miss Georgia Peach – Classic Country – Hee-Haw vibes(Brick Oven Pizza Food Truck)
• June 24: Jellyjacket – Rock ‘n Roll (Heavy Metal Grill Food Truck)
• July 1: Em and the Gems – Rock and Pop Originals(KMC Eggrolls Food Truck)
• July 8: Salsa del Soul – High-Energy Latin Dance Music (Rosa Frida Food Truck)
• July 15: J-Mo On The Beat and The J- Lighters – Rockabilly, Blues, and Indie (Sizzling Wagon Food Truck)
• July 22: Red Eye Ruby – Blending elements of Soul, Blues and R&B (Brick Oven Pizza Food Truck)
• July 29: School of Rock –St. Paul & Plymouth House Bands(Sandy’s Grill & Italian Ice Food Truck)

1225 Estabrook Drive

St. Paul, MN 55103

The world’s most popular sporting event returns to North America for the first time since 1994 and The Intrepid Museum will host public viewing parties for more than 50 World Cup matches on Pier 86, providing a dramatic and unique setting to cheer on your favorite team!

Multiple large screens will be set up throughout the Pier, with food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase. The 39-day tournament runs from June 11 through July 19. See the full schedule here.

FREE!

Pier 86

640 W 46th St

New York, NY 10036

Celebrate and uplift the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community through programs created to spark Pride, foster community, and self-worth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan!

• ‍Pop-Up Pride Flag
  Tuesday – Thursday, June 16 – 18; Monday & Tuesday, June 29 – 30 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up
  Get your painter’s cap on and engineer an upcycled giant Pride flag on a huge canvas! Stack and build a rainbow sculpture of found objects and recyclables in fun and imaginative ways.
• ‍Tying Colorful Hand Kites
  Tuesday – Thursday, June 16 – 18; Monday & Tuesday, June 29 – 30 | 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger
  Which colors represent you? Tie or tape different colors of ribbon to a ring. Watch the ribbons dance in the air as you hold your kite and strut with pride!

The Tisch Building

212 West 83rd Street

New York, NY 10024

FREE!

Grab your towels, throw on your swimsuits, and get ready to have fun!

Join the Maple Grove Fire, Police and Parks & Recreation Departments for a splashing good time as the fire truck sprays water high in the air, perfect for running, laughing, and cooling off. Dive into fun water games and enjoy icy cool treats. Firefighters will be on site to answer your burning questions including how to create a family escape plan and proper use of smoke alarms. Police will have a squad car open for tours, it’s the ultimate way to beat the heat, so don’t miss this water-filled fun time!

(If weather is questionable, please contact the weather hot-line at 763-494-5959 for cancellations or updates)

• June 16: Grove West (7520 Inland Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55311)
• July 14: Boundary Creek (10455 Nathan Lane N., Maple Grove, MN 55331)
• August 18: Thoresen Park (6259 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55331)

Appropriate for all ages!

7520 Inland Lane N.

Maple Grove, MN 55311

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

Go on a StoryWalk® at the Acton Discovery Museum to read Juneteenth for Mazie, a story about a young girl learning to celebrate Juneteenth. Follow the trail of pages to see how Mazie remembers the struggle and triumph of her ancestors and prepares to celebrate Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrated each year on June 19^th to mark the day when news of the end of slavery reached Galveston, Texas, ensuring the last enslaved people in the United States were freed—a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Included in museum admission.

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, Massachusetts 01720

On June 19, commemorate and explore the history, resilience, and culture of Black people in America at Old Sturbridge Village. Engage in discussions and ask yourself “what can I do to further educate myself?” about the past and how it informs the present day!

Highlights include:

• A performance by gospel choir Anthony Smith and Fully Committed
• Exhibit of antislavery writings in the Richardson House
• Take an “Uncomfortable Truths” walking tour and engage in themed conversations with costumed historians
• Take part in a Kids Freedom Parade
• And more!

What is Juneteenth? How does it connect to Old Sturbridge Village?

Juneteenth is a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. More specifically, it marks the day in 1865 when troops arrived in Galveston Texas to ensure the freedom of those enslaved at the time, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The road to emancipation was a long one and although slavery wasn’t abolished in the country until decades after the Village’s time period, many seeds of abolition were sown in the first half of the 19th century through lectures, art, articles, books, and other forms of activism.

Attendence is FREE but pre-registration is recommended! Register here!

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Come celebrate Juneteenth with the Children's Museum of Manhattan by creating collaborative fun art projects that honor Black Joy!

• ‍Artist Workshop: Juneteenth Zines with Lillian Young
  Friday, June 19 | 10:30 am – 11:15 am; 11:30 am – 12:15 pm; 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm; 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 5 & up
  Join for an exciting day exploring Juneteenth with artist Lillian Young! Her Black Elder Archive features a portrait of Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth.” Learn more about Lee through art, readalouds, and video: then create your own zines with textured paper and markers.‍
• Life in Harlem Community Mural
  Friday, June 19 | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 4:15 pm | Ages 5 & up
  Jacob Lawrence’s art tells stories of hardship, strength, and hope. Create and collaborate on a community mural inspired by his lively pictures of life in Harlem and the fight for civil rights as we celebrate the diversity of our community.‍
• Drawing My Community Picnic
  Friday, June 19 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm & 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Ages 4 & younger
  Who is in your community? Celebrate those you love by drawing details onto people-shaped cutouts and gluing them onto gingham patterned paper to have a celebratory picnic!

The Tisch Building

212 West 83rd Street

New York, NY 10024

Join Legacy Moments at Happy Hearts in Norwell for a special summer workshop filled with creativity, imagination, and memories!

Includes:

• Your own teddy bear
• Their NEW Summer Adventure journal to decorate and personalize
• Fun creative supplies + summer accessories for your teddy

All materials included.

During the workshop, children will decorate their journal, create fun accessories for their teddy, explore creative materials, and enjoy time playing in the space. They will also be sharing details about their Summer Teddy Contest at the event!

Best for ages 3–6, but all are welcome.

Register here!

Happy Heart Playspace

119 Washington St

Norwell, MA 02160

Celebrate freedom and Black joy at Brooklyn Children's Museum's community Juneteenth gathering in Brower Park!

Move to live music, create art together, and celebrate at this FREE event that’s open to all.

Presented with Council Member Chi Ossé, Friends of Brower Park, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and Brooklyn Public Library.

Programs in Brower Park are FREE! BCM is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for general admission.

Brooklyn Ave & Prospect Pl

Brooklyn, NY 11213

Join the Acton Discovery Museum with FREE admission and explore the Museum and Discovery Woods at night, every Friday night through Labor Day!  

They will be accepting non-perishable food donations for Open Table and the Acton Food Pantry during this time.

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, Massachusetts 01720

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation will be hosting their annual Juneteenth Celebration featuring a vendor fair, food trucks, kids activities and entertainment on the stage.

FREE for all ages!

Town Green

7991 Main St N

Maple Grove, MN 55369

The 5K is the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year at Wachusett Mountain, raising funds for safety awareness and violence-prevention initiatives.

In addition to the 5K race, there is a Kids’ Fun Run and a post-race party including a DJ, food and beverages, raffles, and silent auction. The course at beautiful Wachusett Mountain is mostly flat with two short hills (run or walk!). Proceeds from the race will go to The Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Register here! ($30/adults, $15/kids race)

*There will be plenty of parking, but please follow directions from the attendants as part of the racecourse goes through the lot and will close at 9:50 am while race is underway.

499 Mountain Rd

Princeton MA 01541

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is partnering with local water, STEM, and history organizations for a celebration of all things water!

Join them to learn more about local and global water conservation and technology, all while enjoying fun, family-friendly games, crafts, and other activities.

Featuring:

• The MWRA
• Professor Bugman Entomology Adventure
• Mothers Out Front Newton/Protect Newton Trees
• NES Optica, Stone Living Lab
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Chestnut Hill Reservoir Conservancy
• The American Society of Civil Engineers
• Wayland Museum and Historical Society

The event is FREE and will take place rain or shine. Suggested Donation, $5. Register here!

2450 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02467

Little ones can create a hand-painted birdhouse gift perfect for Dad, Grandpa, or anyone special this Father's Day!

Each child will design and paint their own wooden birdhouse during a guided craft session. Then, explore Little Hands' playroom for an hour of exclusive private playtime while your masterpiece is sealed and dried.

Wrap it up with a pizza lunch – juice, pizza, and fun all included. Once everyone's tummies are full, you'll go home with a prize!

Get your tickets & secure your spot now! From $38/child.

Little Hands Crafts

409 Columbia Rd

Hanover, MA 02339

Amazon is sponsoring a free admission day (with pre-registration) at Staten Island Children's Museum in honor of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the Confederate states. It celebrates the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the farthermost edges of the Union at the time.

REGISTER HERE

1000 Richmond Terrace

Building M

Staten Island, NY 10301

Step through the garden gate and into a little bit of magic 🌿✨

Join author Sharon Rose at the SF Botanical Gardens for a joyful, nature-filled afternoon inspired by Through the Garden Gate. Sharon will share a storytime reading, sign books, and give away a hands-on activity sheet for kids.

Bring your little ones, linger among the plants, and settle in for a gentle, imaginative experience that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and the quiet wonder of being outdoors.

Included with Garden admission. Admission to the Garden is free for San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums for All/EBT participants, and Gardens members.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Great Meadow

1199 9th Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94122

Welcome the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, a monumental celebration of ability and inclusion, to the beautiful Twin Cities!

Their mission is to create an inclusive event that celebrates ABILITY, delivers the highest quality experiences for all who participate, and leaves a legacy of positive change in Minnesota.

The Games are scheduled to take place from June 20-26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota (the official host venue). In addition to the university, the event will unfold across other premier locations, including the National Sports Center in Blaine.

They anticipate the participation of 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches representing all 50 states, engaging in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports (both traditional and Unified, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together).

Learn more about volunteering here!

Get tickets to the opening ceremony here!

Find more information about visiting the games here.

Various, across the city, including Huntington Bank Stadium and other University of MN sites

Father's Day is the perfect time for an adventure at the Zoo! Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo are offering FREE admission on June 21 for all fathers and those who provide a fatherly presence in your life.

As you explore the Zoo, stop by and say “hi” to some of their amazing animal dads! At Franklin Park Zoo, visit giraffe dad Chad as he roams the Giraffe Savannah with his offspring, Packy, or hop over to the Outback Trail to spot kangaroo dad Howie and his baby joey.

At Stone Zoo, visit gibbon dad Kien Nhan swinging alongside his offspring, Trieu, and sloth dad Nero spending time with his two offspring!

Franklin Park Zoo

1 Franklin Park Rd. Boston, MA 02121

Stone Zoo

149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

Join the Staten Island Children's Museum for a special Father’s Day treat. Each paid child admission will receive one free adult admission. Bring dad, mom, grandparent or guardian and enjoy all the museum exhibits – on them!

Free tickets are only available at the front desk; online ticket orders are not valid.

1000 Richmond Terrace

Building M

Staten Island, NY 10301

This program offers a dedicated hour with a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory friendly environment at Weir River Farm! Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome!

During the Sensory-Friendly Open Barnyard series, you’ll have the opportunity to experience life on one of the last working farms on the South Shore. In the barnyard, meet the sheep, goats, and other barnyard friends. See if you can spot their rabbit in his garden! Then consider exploring our farm and woodland trails. Come experience all that Weir River Farm has to offer!

Pre-registration is required for this event ($10 for non-members). Children 2 and under are FREE.

Resources available to prepare for your visit include a Social Story Guide available online, here. A special sensory kit and visual story guide are available in the barnyard. You may borrow noise-reducing headphones and sensory items from the staff in the barnyard for easier access during your visit. Please note that they have a limited number of sensory kits and headphones available and strongly encourage participants to bring anything they expect to need.

Weir River Farm

‍140 Turkey Hill Lane

Hingham, MA 02043

Celebrate a joyful afternoon of music honoring both Juneteenth and Father’s Day as the Golden Gate Park Band brings a program filled with soul, rhythm, and American musical heritage to the Bandshell!

This year the "The Sistas,” a trio from Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s Soulful Christmas choir will join the band to perform their special blend of Gospel, R&B, and the Great American Songbook.

Bring your father, bring your friends, and join in for an inspiring afternoon beneath the trees in Golden Gate Park.

Spreckels Temple of Music

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

San Francisco, CA 94118

💙🛼 Celebrate Dad at the rink! 🛼💙

Join Carousel Family Fun Center for their Father’s Day Skate! Dads skate FREE! Fun music, family memories & skating fun for everyone!

1055 Auburn St

Whitman, MA 02382

Summer vacation is here!

Start the summer off with a dance party with K-Pop! Rumi, Zoey, and Mira will be at Sugar Plum Parties. Get a K-Pop hair accessory, do arts & crafts, grab a slice of pizza, and more!

$50 per child, reserve your spot here.

306 Boston Rd, Unit K (next to Belly Buster Diner)

Billerica, MA 01862

Join the Brooklyn Children's Museum as Lady B of Lavender Blues performs “The REMIXES,” a hip-hop concert for families. Parents and little ones will love this interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies!

FREE!

145 Brooklyn Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11213