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Looking for events and activities in Boston this weekend? Here are some family-friendly things to do in the area to add to your list for this weekend.
Best Things To Do This Weekend In and Near Boston
Small Acts, Big Impacts: A Day of Service
Discovery Museum, Acton
Saturday tp Momday, January 17-19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a designated National Day of Service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer within their communities and honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. Join the Discovery Museum and engage in small acts of service to benefit our neighbors. Website
Belmont World Film's 21st Family Festival
West Newton Cinema, Belmont
Saturday & Sunday, January 17-18, 2026
Belmont World Film’s Family Festival marks its 21st year with both in-person screenings and workshops, with some films available virtually. Most films are based on international children’s books, with many making their North American premieres. Website
Japanese New Year Celebration at Bow Market
Somerville
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Nagomi Bento hosts a Japanese New Year Celebration at Bow Market, featuring traditional food, music, and cultural activities. Website
Russian Folk Tales and Embroidery with Zahra at BPL Copley
Central Library in Copley Square, Boston — FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Kids and their caregivers will listen to a traditional Russian fairy tale, then do a simple embroidery project together. Website
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: ICA Free Admission
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
The ICA is offering free admission for all on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19. Celebrate the legacy of MLK with art-making and three acclaimed exhibitions. Website
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Faneuil Hall, Boston — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Celebrate MLK Day and help amplify the bold voices of youth who challenge, inspire, and lead the way toward a more just future. Website
MLK Day Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts
Boston — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
The MFA once again opens their doors for the annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore”—for Massachusetts residents. Website
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Peabody Essex Museum
Salem — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Spend a free day at PEM to celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the upcoming exhibition Edmonia Lewis: Said In Stone. Website
Free Admission at Zoo New England on MLK Day
Boston & Stoneham — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, enjoy free admission to Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo and learn about fascinating wildlife from around the world. Website
Boston Children's Chorus: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
Symphony Hall, Boston
Monday, January 19, 2026
The 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert will explore the legacy of Good Troublemaker, Congressman John Lewis, and his journey from the Edmund Pettus Bridge to becoming the “Conscience of Congress”. Website
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and carry on his pursuit of justice with a Day of Service at the Gardner Museum. Excerpts of his speeches serve as inspiration for art kits that kids can take home to design their own advocacy or postcards to share a message of hope with someone. Website
16th Annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning
Cambridge — FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Many Helping Hands and partners organize one of the largest single-day service events in New England. The day’s events will begin with a Welcome Gathering at Central Square Church before volunteers will be directed to their service locations. Website