Spend a WILD April School Vacation Week at Stone Zoo!

Looking for a springtime adventure during April school vacation? Stone Zoo has you covered! From daily keeper chats to special themed events, there’s something exciting every day of the week.&nbsp; Here’s what’s happening:&nbsp; Daily Keeper Chats: Learn all about the Zoo’s animals and how the staff cares for them.&nbsp; Virtual Reality Experience: Get transported to the jungles and savannas of Africa through a thrilling VR ride! (Additional fee applies.)&nbsp; Special Events:&nbsp; Saturday, April 19 – Teddy Bear Check-Up: Bring your favorite stuffed animal for a check-up! Kids will learn about veterinary care at stations around the Zoo and receive a certificate of good health for their teddy bears.&nbsp; Tuesday, April 22 – Party for the Planet: Celebrate Earth Day with educational activities highlighting conservation and sustainability efforts.&nbsp; Wednesday, April 23 – Storytime at the Zoo: Enjoy performances by Big Joe the Storyteller at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Animal Discovery Center.&nbsp; Thursday, April 24 – Barnyard Day: Celebrate the petting zoo’s opening for the season! Meet Southdown sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, and Nubian goats. Don’t miss the sheep-shearing demo at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; Friday, April 25 – Celebrate World Flamingo Day: Visit the Caribbean Coast aviary to meet Stone Zoo’s flamingos, enjoy flamingo-themed crafts, and learn about these fascinating birds.&nbsp; .Join Zoo New England for a week of learning, exploration, and fun with the animals! Get your admission tickets now (included with general Zoo admission): <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/april-school-vacation-week-sz/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/april-school-vacation-week-sz/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Stone Zoo

Spend a WILD April School Vacation Week at Franklin Park Zoo!

Celebrate April school vacation week with wild adventures at Franklin Park Zoo! Spring is in the air, and there's no better time to explore the wonders of wildlife with family and friends.&nbsp; Here’s what’s happening throughout the week:&nbsp; Daily Chats: Meet our amazing animals and learn all about them from the experts!&nbsp; Aussie Aviary Adventure: Stroll through a fluttering wonderland of colorful budgies! Purchase a seed stick and a budgie might enjoy a snack from your hand.&nbsp; Franklin Farm: Visit our petting zoo to get up close with Nigerian dwarf goats and more.&nbsp; Special Event – World Tapir Day (April 22): Celebrate Baird’s tapirs and their role in the ecosystem. Meet Esteban Brenes-Mora, Senior Mesoamerica Associate of the Baird’s Tapir Survival Alliance, during special talks at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Tropical Forest’s Hippo Theater.&nbsp; Join Zoo New England for a week of learning, exploration, and fun with the animals! Get your admission tickets now (included with general Zoo admission): <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/april-school-vacation-week-fpz/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/april-school-vacation-week-fpz/#</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Franklin Park Zoo

Experience Wine Like Never Before at Stone Zoo’s Boston Wine School Wine Festival!

Sip into the wild! Join us for the Boston Wine School Wine Festival at Stone Zoo, a one-of-a-kind event where wine and wildlife come together for an unforgettable evening.  On April 26, sip and stroll your way through Stone Zoo while enjoying more than 80 hand-selected wines from around the world. Local food partners will provide gourmet pairings designed to complement each wine and delight your palate.  Throughout the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to:  <ul><li>Participate in interactive wine classes with Boston Wine School founder Jonathon Alsop (sessions from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.) </li><li>Explore the Zoo’s diverse animal residents, from snow leopards to flamingos </li><li>Enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with like-minded wine enthusiasts </li></ul>This is a 21+ event. Stone Zoo will close to the public at 2:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at noon) to prepare for the festival.  Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or just beginning your journey, this event offers something for everyone.  For additional information, visit <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-wine-school-wine-festival/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/boston-wine-school-wine-festival/</a>. Advance ticket purchase required. For ticket information, visit <a href="http://www.bostonwineschool.com/winefestival/">www.bostonwineschool.com/winefestival/</a>.

Celebrate our Natural World at Party for the Planet! 

Earth Day is coming, and Stone Zoo is ready to party! On April 22, Stone Zoo hosts its annual Party for the Planet, an Earth Day celebration that inspires visitors to embrace a sustainable future and learn more about conservation.&nbsp; While enjoying the springtime sights and sounds of the Zoo, guests can:&nbsp; <ul><li>Learn about wildlife conservation from special guests, including Avalea Mulcahy, the 2024 recipient of Zoo New England’s Young Conservationist Award. She will be on hand to discuss her conservation work and read from her new book, Tara’s Close Encounter: The Story of a Girl Who Learned to Love Reptiles.&nbsp;</li><li>Chat with the Zoo’s Field Conservation team to explore ongoing initiatives and how they impact species around the globe.&nbsp;</li><li>Participate in exciting giveaways, hands-on crafts, and educational keeper chats throughout the Zoo.&nbsp;</li><li>Experience a virtual journey to the jungles and savannas of Africa with the Zoo’s virtual reality adventure (additional fee applies).&nbsp;</li></ul>Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun, educational day out, Party for the Planet is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.&nbsp; Get your ticket now (included with general Zoo admission): <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/party-for-the-planet/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/party-for-the-planet/</a>.&nbsp;

Celebrate World Tapir Day at Franklin Park Zoo!

Join Franklin Park Zoo on Tuesday, April 22, for World Tapir Day and celebrate one of the most unique residents of the Tropical Forest!  This special event will feature two presentations by Esteban Brenes-Mora, Senior Mesoamerica Associate of the Baird’s Tapir Survival Alliance (BTSA), at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the Hippo Theater. Esteban will share his conservation work with Baird’s tapirs across Central America, emphasizing the critical role of education, outreach, and research in protecting this species.  Guests can enjoy:  <ul><li>Engaging presentations on Baird’s tapirs </li><li>Crafts and activity stations for all ages </li><li>Giveaways and educational fun in the Tropical Forest </li></ul>Baird’s tapirs are the largest breed of tapir, known for their dark brown coats and snorkel-like snouts. As proficient swimmers and key seed dispersers, they play a crucial role in rainforest ecosystems. Unfortunately, these animals are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.  Zoo New England is a proud partner of the BTSA, working to raise awareness and protect these incredible creatures.  Get your ticket now (included with general Zoo admission): <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/world-tapir-day/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/world-tapir-day/</a>.

Bring your Teddy Bear to Stone Zoo for a Check-Up!

Bring your favorite teddy bear for a day of cuddly fun at Stone Zoo’s Teddy Bear Check-Up! From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on April 19, kids can bring their plush pals through special veterinary check-up stations to make sure their bears are in tip-top shape. Stations throughout the Zoo will test teddy bears’ heartbeats, reflexes, and sight, all while teaching kids how real veterinary staff care for animals’ health. After visiting each station, teddy bears will receive a certificate of good health!&nbsp; Guests can also enjoy bear-themed crafts and activities throughout the day. Don’t miss the 10:00 a.m. black bear keeper chat to learn all about Bubba and Smoky!&nbsp; Just Fur Fun:&nbsp; <ul><li>Come dressed in a black bear mask&nbsp;</li><li>Learn more about black bears&nbsp;</li><li>Support wildlife with a Zoodoptable bear&nbsp;</li><li>Color your very own bear&nbsp;</li></ul>This event is included with general admission and takes place rain or shine. Get your admission ticket now: <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/teddy-bear-check-up/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/teddy-bear-check-up/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bring the tropics home at Franklin Park Zoo’s Orchid Sale!

Bring a piece of the tropics home with you this winter!   Join us at Franklin Park Zoo's Meeting Barn on March 16 for a unique opportunity to purchase a variety of orchids and assorted houseplants.   These plants have been featured in our orchid show and are beyond their blooming period, making them perfect for those who love nurturing and watching orchids grow.    Available for purchase:  - $25 Dendrobiums - Nobile  - $30 Zygopetalum / Ianclarkara sp.  - $35 Phragmipedium  - $30 Miltonias  - $20 Intergeneric Oncidiums  - $25 Dendrobiums  - $25 Cattleya - Large Flower  - $30 Paphiopedilums  - $12 Phalaenopsis  - $5 Tillandsias  - $30 Dendrobiums - Latouria  - $25 Cattleyas / Brassavola  - $25 Dendrobiums - minnie types  - Assorted house plants    Don't miss this special opportunity to bring exotic plants into your home!  Tickets are available now: <a href="https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/orchid-sale/">https://www.zoonewengland.org/engage/orchid-sale/</a>

Winter Wine Festival 

Raise your glass at Stone Zoo! On March 8, Stone Zoo is hosting its first-ever Winter Wine Festival, presented in partnership with Boston Wine School. This one-of-a-kind event invites guests to enjoy delicious wine and food pairings by local partners, offering an array of flavors to elevate the wine-tasting experience. Featuring more than 80 hand-selected wines from around the world, guests will be able to sip their way around the Zoo, discovering Stone Zoo’s incredible animals, from black bears to colorful flamingos.&nbsp; This event will feature engaging and interactive classes led by Boston Wine School founder Jonathon Alsop, offering insights and skills for both new and seasoned wine enthusiasts. Advance ticket purchase is required.&nbsp; For additional information, visit <a href="http://www.stonezoo.org/">www.StoneZoo.org</a>. Advance ticket purchase required. For ticket information, visit <a href="http://www.bostonwineschool.com/winefestival/">www.bostonwineschool.com/winefestival/</a>&nbsp;

Kendall Common Block Party

<a href="https://kendallcommon.com/" target="_blank">Kendall Common</a>, the new destination within Cambridge’s Innovation District in Kendall Square being developed by MIT’s real estate group, is hosting a free <a href="https://kendallcommon.com/events/kenndall-common-block-party/" target="_blank">Kendall Common Block Party</a> on Sunday, July 14 for all to enjoy! &nbsp; Taking place at <a href="https://kendallcommon.com/events/rollerama/" target="_blank">Rollerama at Kendall Common</a>, located at the corner of Broadway and Third in Kendall Square, the Block Party event will run from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Guests will enjoy a selection of lawn games for all ages, along with snacks, live music, and of course, free roller skating and roller skate rentals! &nbsp; Roller skating, roller skate rentals and all programming during the Block Party is free and open to the public. Please make sure to reserve your roller skating time in advance at <a href="http://www.kendallcommon.com/rollerama" target="_blank">www.kendallcommon.com/rollerama</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kendall Common

Outdoor Fitness at Arsenal Yards 

Watertown’s <a href="https://www.arsenalyards.com/">Arsenal Yards</a> invites guests, residents and visitors to enjoy FREE fitness classes on The Arsenal Green this Spring.   Join us select Mondays 5/20 – 6/10 from 5:30PM – 6:3PM for a variety of classes instructed by professionals.   Scheduled of classes follows below: ·      May 20th: Rumble Boxing ·      June 3rd: F45 ·      June 10th: Rumble Boxing Registration required. Guests will check in upon arrival. *Registration opens one week before class   For check in, the easiest way to reach the Arsenal Green is by entering through the River Green (in between Buttermilk &amp; Bourbon and Shake Shack). You will see a big sign for Arsenal Park and check in will be just beyond the sign. Please bring your own mat and water.   For more information about Arsenal Yards, visit <a href="http://www.arsenalyards.com/">www.arsenalyards.com</a>.

Arsenal Yards

“HARRIET” AND DISCUSSION WITH DR. KELLIE CARTER JACKSON AT SHOWCASE CINEMAS 

Showcase Cinemas and The Museum of African American History are joining hands to blend entertainment and education to amplify the voices and stories that shape African American history. To kick off the partnership, Showcase Cinemas and MAAH worked closely together to curate <a href="https://www.showcasecinemas.com/black-history-month-screenings/" target="_blank">a selection of films</a> to be shown at select cinema locations throughout Black History Month. Several of these screenings will include discussions with MAAH’s Historians in Residence, including “Harriet” on February 7 at 7:00pm at Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph with Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson (the Michael and Denise Kellen 68’ Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Wellesley College). Tickets for “Harriet” and the discussion session are now on sale at: <a href="https://www.showcasecinemas.com/black-history-month-screenings/" target="_blank">https://www.showcasecinemas.com/black-history-month-screenings/</a>.&nbsp;

Showcase Cinema de Lux Randolph

Black Friday Celebration + Gift Drive at Arsenal Yards!

This Black Friday, do some shopping, have some fun with friends or family and gift back to the local community! Head to Arsenal Yards this Black Friday, November 24th and enjoy festive activities, treats, crafts &amp; more. We are also encouraging unwrapped gift donations to support two local organizations this holiday season. BONUS: The first 100 people to donate will get an Arsenal Yards Swag Bag!   Head to the River Green for a variety of festive activities all day long! Schedule includes: 11am - 2pm: Complimentary Balloon Animals 12pm - 3pm: Free Caricatures and Make-Your-Own Ornament for kids of all ages* 1pm - 4pm: Complimentary Tarot Card readings (what will the holiday season bring for you!)   Plus, on-going activities from 11am - 4pm including: - Take a moment to write a letter to Santa and drop it off in our mailbox -Need a book to read to get in the holiday spirit? Our little library will be PACKED with ones to choose from. We just ask that you leave one you are ready to pass along to someone else in return. -Enjoy some holiday tunes with a live DJ -Find the Elf on the Shelf in the River Green for your chance to win a little holiday shopping spree of your choice! -Post up next to the fire pits to take a break from all the holiday shopping *while supplies last   Gift Drive Details: Help us gather gifts for our community's kids by dropping off an unwrapped gift in the River Green. All donations will go towards children and families at the <a href="https://watertownbgc.org/">Watertown Boys &amp; Girls Club</a> and to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whooleyfoundation/">Whooley Foundation Gift Drive.</a> We appreciate any donation you are able to make to support our community.   For more information about Arsenal Yards, visit <a href="http://www.arsenalyards.com">www.arsenalyards.com</a>.

Fall Falladays Festival at Arsenal Yards!

Happy Fall Y'all. Spice up your fall days and join us for our annual Fall Falladays Festival on Wednesday, October 11th from 4:30 - 7:00pm! This is a can't-miss evening of fall festivities that will kick off a month of pumpkins &amp; gourds &amp; hay bales (oh my!). During the Fall Falladays Festival enjoy live music, carnival games, harvest treats, and complimentary family photos and have an unbe-leaf-ably good time! Thirsty? Head to the Mighty Squirrel Biergarten or grab a spot on one of our restaurant patios with a fall beverage of choice as you take in all the evening's entertainment. We welcome you to sip back and feel all the fall feels. All activities are FREE, however we will be collecting donations to the <a href="https://www.watertown-ma.gov/330/Watertown-Food-Pantry">Watertown Food Pantry</a> during the event. Both monetary and food donation items will be accepted. For a list of current needs and suggestions, <a href="https://www.watertown-ma.gov/330/Watertown-Food-Pantry">please click here.</a> For those who are interested in the complimentary family-photos, you will need to sign-up via Eventbrite. All photos will be sent to the email included in this sign-up link. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-falladays-festival-tickets-727551785977">RSVP + SIGN UP HERE</a> Event Details (please forgive us, we are clearly pun-kings!) The Fun:<ul><li>Games! Try your luck at classic Carnival games that are fun for all ages!</li><li>Mini Golf! Hay there, was that a hole-in-one?!</li><li>Say Cheese! Gather your squad and pose in front of a very festive Fall backdrop. Our professional photographer will be taking your best shots and they will be emailed to you a few days after the event.</li><li>Caricatures! Because who doesn't love one of these?</li><li>A-maize-ing! Watch the elegance and strength of our aerial performer, trust us you will be A-MAIZED!</li><li>Balloon Animals + Face Painting! It wouldn't be a fall fest without a little imagination. What will you request??</li><li>Crafts! We'll have a special line-up of crafts for kiddos! While supplies last.</li><li>A Fall-themed Takeover! Arsenal Yards will transform into the Fall Décor Wonderland of your dreams. All the pumpkins, and hay bales, and gourds your eyeballs can handle. Hay there, we can't forget the fire pits - coming out for this night only! So cozy up &amp; hang out.</li></ul>The Live Music: You really autumn know that we have an amazing band lined up for you - The Soul Monstah's! A Boston-based party band with world-class musicians from Berklee College of Music that provides live music for all events and a wide array of genres. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soulmonstahs/?hl=en">Learn more here.</a> Bonus! We have a DJ spinning all the good beats in Bond Sq. The Food &amp; Drink: We encourage you to bring takeout from any Arsenal Yards restaurant into the event to enjoy at our picnic tables. Think: a Harvest Bowl from sweetgreen, a caramel delight ice cream from Ben &amp; Jerry's and so many more. At the event, we will have a few complimentary fall treats available. These are first come, first serve. The Fine Print:<ul><li>All activities are first come, first serve and one per person. Upon arrival to the event, please check in at the Arsenal Yards tent. You will receive tickets for all the activities, treats, etc. while supplies last.</li><li>Donations are highly encouraged to the Watertown Food Pantry. Monetary donations will be accepted as well as food donations.</li><li>Activities will take place in both the River Green and Bond Sq.</li><li>Parking is available in either of our free parking garages.</li><li>This event takes place outside and is weather dependent. Arsenal Yards reserves the right to cancel or postpone this event in the case of inclement weather.</li><li>For those who are 21+, alcohol may only be consumed at the Mighty Squirrel Biergarten or at one of our restaurants. No alcohol is allowed in the common areas.</li><li>This event will be photographed and by attending you are agreeing to be in photography that may be used for the Arsenal Yards website or other promotional purposes.</li></ul>

Meet the Paw Patrol at Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill!   

On September 30, Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill is welcoming Chase and Marshall from the Paw Patrol for a free photo opportunity from 2-3pm! There’s no better place to “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” than on the big screen at Showcase SuperLux. Tickets for the film are now on sale and can be purchased on the Showcase Cinemas website at <a href="https://www.showcasecinemas.com/film-info/paw-patrol-the-mighty-movie">https://www.showcasecinemas.com/film-info/paw-patrol-the-mighty-movie</a>.

Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill 

Break a Sweat This Fall with Outdoor Fitness at Arsenal Yards!

Watertown’s <a href="https://www.arsenalyards.com/">Arsenal Yards</a> invites guests, residents and visitors to enjoy FREE fitness classes on The Arsenal Green this Fall.   Join us every Wednesday from 8/30 – 10/4 from 5:30PM – 6:3PM for a variety of classes from a rotating schedule of Arsenal Yards fitness studios instructed by professionals.   Scheduled of classes follows below: ·      August 30th: Rumble ·      September 6th: F45 ·      September 13th: Pure Barre ·      September 27th: Rumble ·      October 4th: F45   Registration required. Guests will check in upon arrival. *Registration opens two week before class   For check in, the easiest way to reach the Arsenal Green is by entering through the River Green (in between Buttermilk &amp; Bourbon and Shake Shack). You will see a big sign for Arsenal Park and check in will be just beyond the sign. Please bring your own mat and water.   For more information about Arsenal Yards, visit <a href="http://www.arsenalyards.com">www.arsenalyards.com</a>.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.