If you’re looking to get the kids out of the house this Columbus Day, we’ve got you covered. From parades and festivals to museum and food specials, here are five ways to spend this holiday weekend in Boston.
Columbus Day Parade
Head to the North End for an afternoon of festivities and fall fun. There’ll be marching brass bands, Duck Boat floats, vintage autos and music from ALT 92.9. The parade doesn’t only commemorate Christopher Columbus, but also Boston’s Italian heritage and the Massachusetts military units’ commitment to freedom.
Oct. 8, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., City Hall Plaza, Boston, northendwaterfront.com
Columbus Park Fall Festival
Get even more festive on Monday at Christopher Columbus Park. It’ll be perfect for kids thanks to face painting and family-friendly performers like Jim the Bubble Guy, Peter O’Malley the Magician and Benjamin the Juggler. Attendees are encouraged to bring a food donation, which will be given to the Pine Street Inn.
Oct. 9, noon-4.p.m., Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, northendwaterfront.com
Gore Place
The 19th century estate, once inhabited by revolutionary and continental army soldier Christopher Gore, is hosting several educational activities this Columbus Day. Check out the Zoom-In tour for a scavenger hunt across the expansive property, or go on the “Totally Touchable” tour of the mansion, perfect for kids who can’t walk through a museum without touching the artifacts.
Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 52 Gore St., Waltham, goreplace.org
Institute of Contemporary Art
The ICA will offer free admission on Monday, so art enthusiasts will want to head over for interactive art making activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., or just look at some of the galleries: Mark Dion, Dana Schutz and Steve McQueen all have exhibits on view.
Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, icaboston.org
Pauli’s
Eat at this North End lobster-roll joint for the reintroduction of its famous “U.S.S. Lobstertution.” With 1.5 pounds of fresh knuckle and claw meat, the largest lobster roll in New England will only set you back $69.99 – the price includes a free cup of chowder, though! If you don’t show up with a group of friends to share with or a gargantuan appetite, they’ll sell you smaller portions, too (without the free chowder, though).
Friday-Monday, 65 Salem St., Boston, paulisnorthend.com
