Here at NeighborSchools, we help parents find great child care close to home — right in their own neighborhoods. This fall, we created a guide to connect families with kid-friendly events near them. From pumpkins to puppies, our local guide will ensure your little one has a fun-filled fall!
What: Discovery Museum
Where: 177 Main Street (Route 27) Acton, MA 01720
When: Leaf Art Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
At the Discovery Museum, your child can collect colorful leaves and use them to create artwork or go on a nature walk and learn to identify autumn plants! Events are free with admission. Discounted passes may be available at your local library.
What: Best Places to go Apple Picking
Where: Orchards throughout Massachusetts
When: Apple picking season lasts until around Halloween
Use this list to find a local orchard and enjoy this autumnal classic with your toddler! You can even enjoy a bonus hayride at Connors Farm in Danvers, Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, or Russell Orchards in Ipswich.
What: A Dog-AND-Kid-Friendly Celebration
Where: 411 Waverley Oaks Rd Waltham, MA 02452
When: BarkHappy Boston: Howl-O-Ween Costume Pawty Sunday, October 13, 2019 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Get your family pet in on the fun and show off their costume at BarkHappy Boston: Howl-O-Ween Costume Pawty.
What: Mass Audubon Society
Where: Wildlife sanctuaries across Massachusetts
When: Programming available daily
Instill an early love of the outdoors with Mass Audubon Society’s age-appropriate activities and hands-on experiences for budding naturalists. Mass Audubon Society wildlife sanctuaries include Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, where your child can interact with ducks, pigs, cows, and chickens during educational programs. Be sure to pre-register online to save your spot.
What: Massachusetts Pumpkin Patches
Where: Farms throughout Massachusetts
When: Pumpkin season lasts through Halloween
Find your perfect pumpkin patch and experience this quintessential fall outing with your tot.
What: ICA Boston
Where: 25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210
When: Saturday and Sunday afternoons (12 PM- 4 PM)
Bring your young artist to the ICA Boston to experiment with shapes and patterns on an interactive magnet-wall installation. Your child can also create their own multimedia collages to bring home! Admission is free for children.
What: Fall Festivals and Fairs Calendar
Where: Locations throughout Greater Boston
When: September-November
Use this Fall Festivals and Fairs Calendar to find a diverse, colorful array of fairs and festivals all season long. From a Pumpkin Float on the Frog Pond in Boston Common to an Owl Festival in Milton, there is something for everyone.
What: Boston Children’s Museum
Where: 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
When: Programming available daily
The Boston Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of play-based events designed to stimulate young minds. Use their extensive events calendar to sort by age range and date. Infants (under 12 months) are free and admission is $1 for adults and children on Fridays after 5 PM. For discounted passes for other days and times, contact your local library.
What: Chip-in Farm
Where: 201 Hartwell Road, Bedford, MA 01730
When: Toddler Farm Playgroup – Pumpkin Play Friday, October 4, 2019 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Chip-in Farm has Toddler Farm Playgroups for 1-3 year olds. On October 4, your toddler can expect to learn what’s inside a pumpkin and paint their own pumpkin.
What: Natick Community Organic Farm
Where: 117 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760
When: September-November
Fall is harvest season at Natick Community Organic Farm and there’s a plethora of programs focused on caring for animals and plants available for your child to engage in.
What: North Shore Family-Friendly Fall Fun Guide
Where: North Shore
When: September-November
Looking for things to do on the North Shore? From Festivals to Trunk-or-Treats, this guide has you covered.
What: Boston Public Library
Where: Neighborhood branches throughout Boston
When: Programming available daily
The Boston Public Library offers early literacy programs, story time and concerts throughout Boston for the 0-5 crowd. Even the tiniest of tots (newborn to age 2), can attend Baby Lapsit in Brighton for stories and songs. Be sure to check out some new bedtime stories to read at home while you’re there!
What: Kids on The Cape
Where: Cape Cod
When: September-November
Whether you call the Cape home or you’re looking for a day trip, autumn on the cape can mean less traffic and more time to explore beautiful scenery.
About Neighbor Schools
Our mission is to help experienced educators launch and operate Home Daycares. In doing so, we aim to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care for parents everywhere. Children get amazing early childhood education programs, parents get a trusted partner, and providers can earn a livable wage doing what they love. It’s a win-win-win.
Want to learn more? Find a home daycare near you or contact us.
