Boston's Best Upcoming Children's Shows
Free Friday Flicks
DCR Hatch Shell
Boston, MA
(617) 787-7200
cbsboston.com
Dates: June 20-August 22
Free Friday Flicks is a summertime tradition in Boston, attracting thousands of movie-goers to enjoy family-oriented feature length movies under the stars all summer long at DCR's Hatch Shell in Boston! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and watch a movie with family and friends each Friday night for free! Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab your spot on the lawn and enjoy free food samples, games, and giveaways with WBZ NewsRadio 1030 – the fun starts at 6pm with WBZ's Morgan White Jr! Check the schedule of movies here.
"Disney Presents The Lion King"
Boston Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 259-3400
www.bostonoperahouseonline.com
Date: Sept. 9 to Oct. 12, 2014
Presented by Broadway in Boston, "Disney Presents The Lion King" is an on-stage adaptation of the very popular animated film of the same name. Children will get a taste of all of the colors, excitement and sounds of the original, all while being exposed to the wonder of Broadway musicals. From dancers performing the parts of the wild creatures seen in the background of the film to actors presenting the parts of the beloved main characters, the large cast alone is enough to entertain. However, there are also beautiful sets and performances of songs from the original film.
Related: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Boston Children's Museum
Sunday Night Movie In The Park
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
Atlantic Ave. and Richmond St.
Boston MA 02113
(781) 639-6002
www.foccp.org
Date: Sundays from July 13 to Aug. 17, 2014
Free movie nights in Boston are not just for the Hatch Shell. Free movies are also available on limited Sundays at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Families can watch them on the big screen. Bring a blanket, some bug spray and some snacks to enjoy a movie with the kids after the sun goes down. The location is perfect to grab a bite in the North End or simply walk the park before the movie begins.
"The Wizard of Oz"
Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard St.
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 734-2501
www.coolidge.org
Date: July 21, 2014 at 7 p.m.
For the price of regular admission, children can see the classic "The Wizard of Oz." Part of the Coolidge Corner Theatre's Big Screen Classics series, this showing is a perfect way to introduce children to a story that has been revitalized by Gregory Maguire and his novel's subsequent musical "Wicked" in recent years. This theater is a non-profit staple of the community that families can feel good about frequenting. Even better, the refreshment and ticket prices are actually reasonable, a rare treat for modern parents.
Boston GreenFest
City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 477-4840
www.bostongreenfest.org
Date: Aug. 15-17, 2014
Boston GreenFest is an annual family and community event that has several performances and activities to offer children. Apart from the music, one of the best features of 2014's GreenFest for children is a HaikuGarden parade before the festival in which children can wear costumes made from recycled material and write haikus about them. There is also the EcoKids center, which will feature tons of activities, and The Family Stage.
"Spirit Of America"
TD Garden
100 Legends Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 624-1050
www.tdgarden.com
Date: Sept. 12, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
"Spirit of America" is a show depicting the history of the U.S. Army via reenactments and similar performance art. The show includes factual accounts of real events, letters of soldiers, military drilling and hundreds of soldiers who are active duty military. Suitable for children in grades five and up, "Spirit of America" will show them the uniforms soldiers have worn throughout the centuries, the music associated with the military and much more. The best part is that this show is free for everyone, though anyone who attends must have a ticket.
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
