Monday

06-02-2025 Vol 1979

Exploring Unique Family Activities in Boston This Memorial Day Weekend

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, families in the Boston area are eager to take advantage of the three-day reprieve from school and work.

With plenty of options available beyond the typical beach day or music festival, here are seven unique ideas to consider for a memorable family outing.

First up, adventurous eaters should check out a ramen-making class at Pagu in Central Square.

Led by chef Tracy Chang, the class promises a laid-back atmosphere filled with lots of sampling and hands-on activity, allowing families to eat everything they create.

Participants need not have prior experience, which should be reassuring for those new to the kitchen.

The class will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m., coinciding with a rainy forecast—a perfect day for a cozy bowl of ramen.

Second, for those interested in history and traditional crafts, Old Sturbridge Village is hosting its beloved wool days.

Despite the warm weather, the event will feature farmers and historians shearing sheep and demonstrating dyeing and styling techniques.

The festivities include a Hurdy Gurdy concert, likely to charm visitors of all ages.

For families longing for cultural enrichment, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts will be offering free admission on Memorial Day.

This could be an excellent opportunity to visit both institutions while enjoying a day of artistic exploration.

Another unique experience can be found at the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square, which will host a kid-friendly Dungeons & Dragons comedy performance titled “Let’s Not Die” on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Priced at only $7 for attendees under 18, this show offers a humorous twist on the often treacherous world of gaming and promises audience participation.

For a more hands-on approach to STEM, families can attend an operatic pollinator party at the Somerville Community Growing Center on Saturday at 2 p.m.

This kid-friendly event combines opera with learning about bees.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in activities such as harvesting nectar and making bee-themed crafts while enjoying tunes performed by Opera on Tap Boston.

If screens are more appealing to some, they can revisit a classic movie with the 50th-anniversary screening of “Jaws” at The Cabot in Beverly.

This iconic film will be shown on Saturday at 7 p.m., marking the start of the summer season.

Lastly, let’s not forget that it’s patio season!

Families can enjoy dining al fresco at various kid-friendly patios throughout the Boston area.

In Newton, Baramor offers a patio that welcomes both children and pets, while Gufo in Cambridge boasts a bocce court alongside its outdoor dining.

Roslindale’s Midnight Morning combines a relaxed outdoor atmosphere with a kids’ menu, and Shy Bird in Fenway features an expansive patio and a laid-back vibe with fried chicken on the menu.

Moving beyond the weekend’s local events, recent news in Boston included incidents that have raised concerns about school bus safety, particularly following a tragic crash that claimed the life of a young boy last month.

In the political realm, nine candidates have entered the race to replace indicted City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, who has pledged to step down next month after pleading guilty to charges relating to her actions.

Meanwhile, Boston experienced disruptions due to a nor’easter bringing heavy rains and strong winds, causing delays and cancellations at Logan Airport as well as impacts on the MBTA.

In sports, Red Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks recently made headlines after revealing he had received social media threats following a game loss, including horrifying comments targeting his wife.

In statewide news, a judge has dismissed some charges against Aidan Kearney, a blogger known for his pro-Karen Read stance, who is facing accusations of witness intimidation.

The Massachusetts Senate has made strides toward home rule by passing a measure that allows local officials to determine liquor license numbers in their communities, although state House leaders are reportedly pushing back against this change.

Everett’s mayor has come under scrutiny for refusing to return $180,000 in funds he awarded himself as inflated bonuses, prompting the city council to seek assistance from the state attorney general.

In the face of rising utility bills, Massachusetts residents are grappling with the complexity of the state’s energy issues as officials seek solutions.

In collegiate sports, New England schools are showcasing their strength, as three out of four teams competing in the Division 3 women’s lacrosse championship are from the region.

On a national level, the mood is mixed surrounding the latest legislative moves regarding the tax bill passed by the House, which proposes to reallocate billions from safety-net programs to finance tax cuts primarily benefiting the wealthy.

Regarding the Trump administration, the Supreme Court recently ruled on the limits of executive power, suggesting that while the President may dismiss some federal appointees, restrictions remain on firing the Federal Reserve chair.

In another significant development, a judge has placed a temporary block on the administration’s ability to take action against international students’ legal statuses.

The Supreme Court also faced a deadlock over Oklahoma’s attempt to fund a religious public charter school with public money, blocking that effort for the immediate term.

As various trials unfold in the entertainment world, the story of rapper Diddy has taken a dark turn, with allegations and accusations including an instigated home break-in and threats made against others.

As Boston and its surroundings prepare for Memorial Day activities, residents are reminded that while the weekend is an opportunity for relaxation and adventure, it is also a time of reflection and remembrance, capturing the spirit of the holiday.

This Memorial Day weekend, whether exploring unique local activities or staying informed about current events, families in Boston have a variety of experiences to choose from.

image source from:https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/05/23/newsletters/starting-point-kid-friendly-memorial-day-weekend-activities-boston/

Abigail Harper