Crisp morning air, cozy sweaters and kids who can’t wait to jump in the nearest pile of leaves, it must be fall in Boston! And we’ve got 35 things to do around the city for families who are looking for new adventures. How many will you get through before winter arrives?
1. Visit the site of the world’s largest property theft and check out the latest exhibit while you’re there. Psst... Free First Thursdays is a great time to visit!
2. Animal meet-and-greets, coloring pages and a moo-ving story time are what you’ll find at Appleton Farms.
3. We’re looking forward to this washi tape art workshop that lets kids craft while parents shop at the Winter Festival.
4. Grab your tickets to this popular light display before the sell out. It's starts right after Thanksgiving, but tickets are on sale now.
5. Experience rain in all its sensory glory at the Boston Children’s Museum.
6. You don't need a flannel (or maybe you do) to find a cozy cabin and plan your getaway.
7. Immerse your kids in art! There’s no better way to let them explore color, sound and imagery than the totally unique Van Gogh experience. It’s scheduled to be in town through January 2022.
8. Before your annual pilgrimage to see ZooLights, wander through this nearby Stoneham reservation for a StoryWalk that’s all about the autumn season.
9. Walk in the footprints of giants.
10. Visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy will surely be dancing in your little ballet lovers heads after viewing this holiday classic.
11. You’ve got till the end of November to catch this popular exhibit at ICA that re-opened to the public in October.
12. Gobble, gobble. Learn all about fall’s silliest animal, the turkey, at a farm workshop for families.
13. Introduce your kids to Indigenous leaders they should know during National Native American Heritage month.
14. Plan a magical train ride full of hot chocolate, golden tickets and jingling bells (if you still believe, that is). Grab tickets while you can!
15. Find inspiration for the season from influential Boston moms or find your people through these Boston Facebook groups parents need to know.
16. Get messy and work with clay at this Unicorn Bowl building workshop on November 6.
17. Quiz the kids with funky and fun trivia all about Boston.
18. Put a weekend getaway to Niagara Falls, Bear Mountain State Park or Gettysburg on your family bucket list. Now is as good a time as any!
19. Turn the page on healthy eating for the fam without investing too much time and energy.
20. Spread holiday cheer at the annual Trellis Lighting.
21. Kids will love getting hands-on during this library origami program.
22. Fall is a great time to hike at the nearby natural preserve that inspired Thoreau.
23. Now that summer’s over, a trip to a nearby museum is in order! Whether your kids love science, nature, history of just having fun, Boston’s chock full of museums with total kid-appeal.
24. Isn’t it time for a family road trip? Head west to find fantastic museums and mountain adventures.
25. ‘Tis the season to go in search of dazzling light displays around the city. Psst… many open around Thanksgiving.
26. Join a colorful Diwali celebration with the kids on November 4.
27. Explore the science of how things move by land, by sea or by air ECHO’s new exhibit. It’s just one spot to visit when you plan a nearby weekend adventure to Vermont.
28. Wander through the world’s largest walk-in globe where you can learn and be amazed too!
29. You may not find Dory here, but you will find Myrtle the Turtle, who’s been a resident since 1970.
30. Bring a bit of the forest floor to life with this family workshop scheduled for November 21.
31. Kids bouncing off the walls? Join Joey the Kangaroo and Friends to get those wiggles out on Sundays.
32. Whether you’re getting together for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays with family or friends, these larger-than-life houses just a short drive away make getting together easy.
33. There’s just a few weeks left to tune into puppet playtime for tots before they take a break.
34. A storytime just for tots? Sign us up!
35. Expecting or know someone who is? See just how “Boston” your baby name is before your sweet bundle gets here.
—Allison Sutcliffe
feature image: iStock
RELATED STORIES:
Where to See Fall Colors around Boston
Best Boston Hikes to Take with the Kids
All the Best RV Parks for Families Near Boston
11 Incredible Vacation Rentals for Your Next Group Getaway
16 Boston Meal Delivery Services to Save Your Busy Weeknights