Things to Do with Kids

Night in the Museum is an overnight experience at Old Sturbridge Village designed for scouts, schools and other youth groups.

With only a map and a tattered journal at their side, young historians will travel back in time and take part in a mysterious, candlelit adventure through the 1830s. The quest will exercise their detective skills as they hunt for clues, conduct experiments, and investigate the past. Back at the hands-on learning laboratory, they will experiment with historic crafts to learn more about 19th-century life.

While these programs fill up fast and are almost sold out through the rest of 2025, grab your spot now for January 2026 HERE!!!

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring the past to life? This special program for older Girl Scouts goes beyond the visitor experience to reveal the inner workings of an 1830s living history museum (Old Sturbridge Village). Scouts will step behind the scenes to explore areas not usually open to the public and gain a deeper understanding of the skills, creativity, and dedication it takes to preserve and share history.

During this immersive program, Scouts will:

• Take Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Visit collection storage areas, workshops, and staff-only spaces where artifacts are preserved and prepared for exhibit.
• Meet Museum Professionals: Speak with staff who work in education, collections care, historical clothing, interpretation, maintenance and visitor engagement to hear about their day-to-day roles.
• Explore Career Pathways: Learn what kinds of education and skills are helpful for different museum jobs, and discover how interests in history, art, science, or teaching can all come together in the museum world.
• Participate in Hands-on Workshops: Try activities that are connected to museum careers, such as foodways, textiles, sewing, visitor experience and more. See workshops and sign up here.

This program is designed for older Girl Scouts (ages 12 and older) looking to broaden their horizons, connect their love of history to real-world opportunities, and see what lies beyond the gallery walls. It’s an experience that will inspire curiosity, leadership, and future career exploration.

*Preregistration is required!

Cost is $12 per Scout for full-day admission to Old Sturbridge Village (workshops included in cost). One adult per Scout ages 5 and above is admitted at the rate of $17. Additional adults pay the full price rate ($27).

Purchase standard daytime admission for the event here!

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Calling all young builders ages 6–12! Design and build your very own LEGO® spaceship and bring it to the Children’s Creativity Museum for a chance to become an official Junior Galaxy Explorer in partnership with LEGOLAND® California. Prize also includes a 2-night stay at LEGOLAND® California Resort!

Entries will be selected by a panel that includes a LEGOLAND Master Model Builder, an expert from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future, and a Children’s Creativity Museum representative who will evaluate bold concepts, original builds, and designs that feel ready for liftoff!

Participation is complimentary with museum admission. Simply purchase tickets and join the experience on January 24. Get tickets here!

Children's Creativity Museum

221 Fourth Street

San Francisco, CA94103

Join the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling story hour at the end of January!

Flor Bromley will host a musical interpretation of Faith Ringgold’s award winning book ‘Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky’,  featuring songs, words and puppets!

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

‍898 St. Nicholas Avenue @ 155th Street

New York, NY 10032

FREE! Create a magical horse on cardstock paper using yarn, buttons, washi tape, and other supplies!

Family Craft events at Palo Alto Libraries are designed for children ages 4-11 and their adult companions to enjoy together. Crafts will be available while supplies last, so please arrive on time. While registration isn’t required and doesn't guarantee a spot, it is recommended if you'd like a reminder about the event (register here!).

Mitchell Park Library

3700 Middlefield Rd

Palo Alto CA 94303

Cross-country skiing is an easy, fun way to get outdoors and be active in the winter. After a few minutes of instruction, spend most of the time on skis enjoying Bunker Hills Regional Park!

All equipment is provided. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Just $7, register here!

Bunker Hills Campground

13101 County Parkway B

Coon Rapids, MN, 55433

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Palo Alto City Library! Join them for a fun-filled event as they ring in the Year of the Firehorse.

Performers will start at 3:00pm, including:

• Cornerstone School
• Stanford's Mua Lac Hong
• Palo Alto High School's Kpop Dance Club (PALYCE)
• Joyous Lion Dance Troupe
  

This event also includes crafts, along with Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo friends, and light snacks. Ideal for children ages 3-11 and their families, but all are welcome.‍

This event will be held in the El Palo Alto Room of the Mitchell Park Community Center.

Mitchell Park Community Center

3700 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto CA 94303

Watch a puppet show as the Eastman Nature Center puppets have adventures in the woods and fields. After the show, head out on the trail for a short activity.

Reservations required by four days prior. $6/person. Ages 3-5 plus adult. Register here!

The program is outdoors, so please dress for the weather!

Eastman Nature Center

13351 Elm Creek Road

Osseo, MN, 55369

Join these FREE events at the Acton Discovery Museum's Especially for Me Nights!

Register Now (free with preregistration)!

This session is for children and adults who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, DeafBlind, KODA, or learning ASL, and their caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in the accessible and universally designed Museum while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities.

The Museum will be closed to the general public during the event. ASL Interpreters will be available. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.

Visit their Especially for Me page for resources to prepare for your visit and check out other dates/groups to see if you and your kids will be more comfortable on your trip during those times!

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, Massachusetts 01720

Blossom and Fit4Mom SV invites you to their FREE clothing swap event for baby and maternity clothes. They will have light refreshments, snacks, and prizes. You will be able to exchange and find some great clothes, while meeting fellow parents!

Please bring your baby clothes and maternity clothes on February 1st @ 11:00am for the beginning of the event. Volunteers will help sort and organize the cloth.

Guidelines for Clothes Donations (clothing items only, no accessories):

• Baby Clothes 0 - 18 months
• Maternity Clothes - all sizes
• New or gently used
• clean and no stains please ​​

Items not picked up will be donated to charity.

**It is not necessary to bring baby and/or maternity clothes to participate.

Space is limited so be sure to get your ticket early before they "sell" out!

Oshman Family JCC

3921 Fabian Way

Palo Alto, CA 94303

Jeff Center for Families/Room G-106