Summer in New England is in full swing–the kids are enjoying a much deserved reprieve from school and plenty of warm sunny days are in store! Still looking to keep your child active this summer? Don’t fret – Boston is packed with opportunities to get out, meet friends, and have fun! As we enter the hottest month of the year, here are some great resources to keep your mentee, child, and family entertained!
Planning a day at the beach? Visit SPED Child Mass for a detailed list of accessible pools and beaches in the area.
It may be hard to believe, but the July 4th holiday is fast approaching! Why not celebrate by enjoying a classic display of fireworks live? This guide has some great info about fireworks displays near you!
Thinking about attending the upcoming 2014 4th of July spectacular? Visit July4th.org for information about this year’s event! Be sure to arrive early and plan to enjoy a beautiful day on the Boston esplanade.
It’s not too late for your child to read his or her way to Fenway! The Boston Public Library is rewarding children who experience the joy of reading by giving them a chance to spend an unforgettable afternoon at America’s most celebrated ball park.
Does your child love music? Intro to Music, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston, is a unique program designed to improve communication skills through fun activities including playing instruments and composing songs. For more information and to obtain an intake form, contact Jessie Kandel, Inclusion Facilitator, at 617-516-5454 or jkandel@bgcb.org
YouthSpark Summer Camps: From shooting movies to coding video games, YouthSpark Summer Camps at the Microsoft retail store in the Prudential Center give kids the chance to get hands-on and creative with the latest technologies! Ages 8 – 13. Enrollment is free.
YMCA Young Achievers: This program is an innovative summer learning experience in which students are introduced to careers in arts, government, and health. The institute offers several 2-week summer sessions. For students entering grades 8-10. 8:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Fri. 316 Huntington Ave.
Camp Joy: This 4-week summer camp provides daily opportunities for participants to make friends, have fun, and learn. Open to Boston residents ages 3-22 with disabilities and their siblings ages 3-7. Program runs Jul 14-Aug 8. Cost: $220 for 1st child, $55 per sibling or agency fee: $250/child. Transportation provided. Contact Roberta Smalls, 617-635-4920 x2402, Roberta.Smalls@boston.gov
Summer History Camp at the Shirley-Eustis House: In this program, children explore Shirley Place and do everyday activities that include 18th-century chores. Session I: Jul 22-26, Session 2: Aug 5-9. Cost: $50/session. 617-442-2275
Youth Tutoring Youth Program (YTY): This is a FREE summer program for ages 8-12 from South Boston and Dorchester. Students participate in daily enrichment activities, weekly field trips, and more. Runs Mon-Thu, Jul 7-Aug 14. Rolling admissions. Catholic Charities Laboure Center, 51 Sleeper St., South Boston. 617-464-8575
East Boston Summer Recreation & Sports Center: At this full day drop-in program, children participate in activities including sports, dance, and arts and crafts. Ages 7-14. Pre-registration is recommended and space is limited. Jul 7-Aug 15, Mon-Fri, 9-3pm. Sartori Stadium, East Boston Memorial Park. 617-635-5206 x102
Looking to spend a fun day in the city with the kids? A wide range of free entertaining and educational events are happening right in your neighborhood; they are sure to make this summer memorable!
Don’t miss this year’s annual Boston Harborfest! The event runs from July 2-6. Numerous concerts, reenactments, and celebrations will commemorate the rich history of the cradle of the American Revolution.
Boston’s DCR Hatch Memorial Shell has been a premier destination for the area’s biggest summer events – this year is no exception! All events are free of charge and open to the public. In addition, this year’s series of Free Friday Flicks is underway; a complete schedule is available here. Bring a picnic and blanket, watch the breathtaking sunset on the Charles River, and enjoy a fun evening with your mentor, family, or friends!
The Lyman Estate in Waltham presents Movies at the Mansion, a series of four films which will be featured free of charge on Thursday evenings throughout July. Movies are shown outdoors on the Lyman Estate grounds.
The Boston Public Library presents free concerts in their outdoor courtyard each Wednesday evening at 6:00PM and Friday afternoon at 12:30PM. This season’s concerts are in full swing!
Each summer, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presents free outdoor performances of a featured work by William Shakespeare. Performances are held on the Boston Common and are not to miss. This year, the company is proud to present Shakespeare’s well-known work “Twelfth Night.” From July 23 through August 10. The July 27 performance will be audio described, with a rain date of August 3. ASL interpreted performances will take place on August 3 and 8, with a rain date of August 9. Bring a blanket and catch a live theatre performance while enjoying the Boston Common’s beautiful summer atmosphere!
Love the Redsox? Love the atmosphere of Fenway Park, but dread those outrageous ticket prices? Head to Boston Common on July 27th, watch as it is transformed in to Fenway Park, and partake in the festivities! Thanks to the Highland Street Foundation for sponsoring this event!
Thinking about a possible day trip on the train? The Lowell Folk Festival, an annual event at the end of July, is easily accessible by MBTA Commuter Rail. Delicious food, live music, art, and activities for children are packed into three unforgettable days of excitement. This year’s festival runs from July 25-27. Admission is free!
Summer in Boston is full of opportunities for everyone. This month, why not get outside, learn a little, and have some fun!