Looking for ways to keep your kids active, engaged and busy this summer? Look no further. Whether you need a rainy day solution or a way to make the most of the urban outdoors, you’re sure to find an event that suits you. Here are our picks for the performances, exhibits and summer series the whole family can visit. The Science Behind Pixar
Opening June 28th
Museum of Science, 1 Science Park
Boston, $29 for adults
$23 for children, 617-723-2500
This exhibit offers a never-before-seen look into the science and technology of Pixar’s animated films. Keep kids interested in STEM this summer with firsthand accounts from filmmakers and interactive activities that allow visitors to assume different Pixar roles, from lighting director to animator. We’re not sure who will love spending the day with Buzz Lightyear and WALL E more: kids or parents. Urban Adventure Quest
Daily, Boston Commons Visitor Center
139 Tremont, Boston, $49, $39.20 with Promotion Code: BOSTONUSA
805-603-5620
With your smart phone as your guide, travel around the city with this epic and informative adventure. Inspired by the “Amazing Race” reality show, your journey begins at Boston Common and travels through the North End, Quincy Market and the Freedom Trail. Use clues from the city to answer a series of questions, which each reveal the next location. TADpole Ten Summer Series
Thursdays June – August, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Boston Common playground, Boston
Free, 617-969-8900
Keep kids’ brains and bodies active with the TADpole Ten Summer Series, sponsored by Read Boston, Playworks and the Highland Street Foundation. At 10 a.m., kids gather for a reading by a Read Boston storyteller. Then a different organization each week will put on an educational program. Participants include The Boston’s Children Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science. Playworks ends the day with a physical activity to get kids moving, like hula-hoop or foursquare. Play Date at the ICA
June 27th, July 25th, August 29th 10 am – 4 pm
Institute of Contemporary Art
100 Northern Ave.
Boston, 617-478-3100
Free for families, www.icaboston.org
Once a month, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers a day of interactive fun for the entire family. Children and parents are invited to view current exhibits and make their own work inspired by the art. Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park
Tuesdays July 14 – August 18, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Franklin Park, 1 Franklin Park,
Boston, Free, 617-442-4141
The Elma Lewis Playhouse offers youth oriented performances focusing on movement and fitness in the morning and live music for the whole family in the evening. The series opens July 14th at 11am with OrigiNation and Boston Rhythm Riders. E-Water Band will be playing live music at 6 p.m. Bring some lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy the dancing, drums and world music. Arthur and Friends
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress St., Boston
$14, 617-426-6500
Rainy out? The Boston Children’s Museum has you covered. “Arthur and Friends” places children inside the world of D.W., Buster and Binky with an exhibit dedicated to the beloved books and series. The exhibit aims to encourage reading and problem solving through dramatic renditions of the books and interactive activities. Kids can even get in the cockpit of a model airplane and fly across country with Arthur leading the way. Magic 106.7 Family Film Festival
Saturdays starting July 11
South Garden, Prudential Center
800 Boylston Street, Boston
Free, 617-236-3100
http://www.prudentialcenter.com
Every Saturday this summer, Magic 106.7 will screen a family friendly film in the Prudential Center’s South Garden. The movie starts at sunset but giveaways and activities will begin at 6pm. Feel free to bring a picnic or grab a bite in one of the Pru’s many nearby restaurants. This year’s picks include: Toy Story, Ratatouille, Frozen and Despicable Me. Check online for the full schedule. Camel Trek
Daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Franklin Park Zoo
1 Franklin Park Road
Dorchester MA, 617-541-5466, $8
Make your visit to the zoo extra memorable with an Arabian camel ride. This limited time attraction offers the opportunity to learn more about the “ships of the desert” and spend quality face time with the 2,000 lb animal. And hey, how many people can claim they rode a camel in the Bay State?
Where to take the kids this summer in Boston
Franklin Park Coalition
