Fun for Sat., May 1 and Sun., May 2!

Hi Families,
It's going to be a beautiful weekend in Massachusetts! As you take a break from yard work and your kids' games, check out what's going on around Massachusetts. We have cut and pasted some late-breaking family event listings that have come in so make sure you scroll down as there is so much going on! Feel free to click comment if you have an idea of something fun happening this weekend.
Have FUN!
Carrie Wattu editor

Saturday 1 : It's baystateparent's 14th Birthday today!!!!!
FETCH! Lab Opening at the Discovery Museums. 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Opening of the FETCH! Lab Cart at 2 p.m.. Meet Ruff Ruffman, the canine host of the popular PBS TV reality game show, FETCH! between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Build a Canine House of Cards and try other exciting FETCH! challenges and activities throughout the day. Take home FETCH! stickers, posters, and resources. Free with admission. A & C $10.50, Sr.$9.50. 978-264-4200,
discoverymuseums.org.

FOR MOMS Zumba Gold and Fitness. 1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave., Berlin. Tuesdays, 9 - 10 a.m. Zumba Gold (older active adults and beginners); 10-11 a.m. Zumba Fitness (combines fun Latin and International music with easy-to-follow moves to produce a great calorie-burning, low-impact workout in disguise. cgus2000@yahoo.com First class free, then $8 drop-in fee.

Celebrate Asian American Heritage. Boston Children’s Museum.  11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Explore Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Also May 29. A $12, C (1-15) $9, under one, free. Fridays 5 – 9 p.m., all visitors $1. 617-426-6500, bostonchildrensmuseum.org

FREE Lil’ Iguana’s Children’s Safety Foundation will be performing our live musical safety educational stage show at the Emerson School in Bolton MA on Saturday May 1st at 11:00am for the Bolton Police Department.603-930-4642

Ocean Detectives – Whales: Ages 5 – 7. New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston. 2 – 3:30 p.m. Children will work with parents and peers to unlock the secrets of the deep while developing their math, science and literacy skills. C $30 (includes adult).
617-973-5206, neaq.org

FREE Event with Isis and Brigham & Women's Stork Fund. Brigham and Women's Hospital, Isis Parenting, Lululemon, Au Bon Pain. The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attend a “Jam Session” at the Prudential outside Isis in the Belvidere arcade! Experience Isis Parent/Baby Yoga Class and the new Isis Jelly Jam music and movement program. Bring your little ones for engaging infant and toddler activities and learn about Brigham and Women's newest addition. The Stork Fund will work to raise money for healthy mom and babies. 781-429-1500, storkfund.org.

FREE Celebrate May Day Stories and Craft. The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 11 a.m. thecoop.com.

The First Annual Aerospacefest 2010 will be held at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH. The event ends on May 2. Aerospacefest will celebrate the space sciences and aeronautics with numerous activities, demonstrations, speakers and exhibitors from all over the country. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including Astronaut Barbara Morgan and NASA’s Alan Ladwig, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the New Hampshire Aviation & Space Education Council (NHASEC), the New Hampshire Astronomical Society, and other scientists and engineers from the fields developing new technologies for future space missions. Activities and demonstrations include rocket launching, helicopter rides, a Regional Airport Flying Poker Run, Mad Science, Aexeous the Robot, a virtual scavenger hunt, and the premiere of an all new planetarium show, Impact Earth.The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For more information, visit www.starhop.com.


FREE Spring Fair. Sunrise Montessori School,
31 Hayward St., Franklin. Noon – 2 p.m. For families. Silent auction items, gift baskets, raffles and games & prizes for the kids. Held rain or shine. 508-541-8010,
MySunriseMontessori.com

Drop Spindle Spinning. The Fiber Loft, 9 Massachusetts Ave., (Rte. 111), Harvard. 1 - 4 p.m. Learn to spin on a drop spindle, a nice workshop for teenagers as well as adults. Drop spindles (approx. $18) and wool roving available for purchase. $35 PP. 978-456-8669, TheFiberLoft.com

FREE May Day Fairy House Tour. The Trustees of Reservations, 464 Abbott Ave., Leominster. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rain date May 2. Build a fairy house creation made of natural materials to place along the wooded paths of the Doyle Reservation or bring one to display in the lobby of the Doyle Conservation Center. Enjoy a maypole dance, a performance by the Irish American stepdancers, and “fairy cakes.” 978-840-4446 X 1900, ttor.org.

GREAT VALUE! Skating Gala. New England Sports Center, Marlborough. 7 – 9:30 p.m. Figure skating show followed by audience skating to benefit the Hole in the Wall Camp. Show features Olympian and Harvard student, Emily Hughes, along with a cast of international, national, and regional figure skaters from the Skating Club of Boston. Be sure to bring your skates! Limited skate rentals available for a charge. $5 pp at the door. 508-229-2700, NES.com.

Frogs, Pollywogs & Fairies. Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St (Rte. 16), Natick. 1 - 2:30 p.m. From frogs and tadpoles to fairy shrimp, explore what hides under the water and lives around this seasonal, vernal pool. Pre-registration required. A $12, C $8. 508-655-2296. massaudubon.org.

Young Engineers. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. Noon – 2 p.m. Meet civil engineers and try challenges to learn how they plan roads, buildings and bridges.  Ages 5 – 11. $7.50 PP, under 1, FREE. 401-273-KIDS, childrensmuseum.org

FREE Summer Camp Fair. Burbank YMCA in Reading,
36 Arthur B. Lord Dr. 10:30a.m. – Noon.
Learn more about Burbank YMCA summer camps.
781-944-9622, ymcaboston.org/Burbank

Teddy Bear Tea. Chandler's Tavern at Yankee Candle, South Deerfield. 11 a.m. Also on May 15 & 29, June 12 & 26. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and have tea & lunch. Read the book The Brown Paper Teddy Bear. 413-665-1277. chandlers.yankeecandle.com.

FREE Open Studio Weekend. Somerville comes together to participate in its 12th annual open studios, 12 - 6 p.m. Each year Somerville Open Studios offers a unique an opportunity for the public to visit artists in the work spaces where they create their art. This exposure both educates the community and raises awareness of the diverse artistic experience available in Somerville. This free citywide event showcases both the established and emerging artists working across a broad spectrum of fine art styles and craft– painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, jewelry, clay, glass and furniture will be on exhibit for the art-loving public. Does Somerville have more artists per square mile than any other city? That may be debatable but the allure will be worth experiencing first hand.
www.somervilleopenstudios.org

47th Annual New England Gem and Mineral Show. Topsfield Fairgrounds, 2nd entrance, Coolidge Hall and Trade Bldg., Rte. 1 North, Topsfield. 9 a.m. -5 p.m. (Also May 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Exhibits, hourly door prizes, mineral and fossil identification, gem cutting and lapidary demos, gold panning, geode cutting, goodie bags, treasure sifting for the kids. . $5 PP, under 12 Free. Free parking. nahant.com/nsrmc or nsrmc@verizon.com


Professional Bull Riding. Hang on tight, Massachusetts! The Professional Bull Riders are riding back to the DCU Center on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday May 2. Get ready to witness 40 of the world’s top athletes, followed by the men who dare to ride them! The PBR Worcester Invitational is part of the PBR’s new Touring Pro Series. Money earned by the riders at PBR Worcester Invitational counts toward the PBR qualifier standings that determine which cowboys will compete at the 2010 Professional Bull Riders Tour Finals in Las Vegas NV.Tickets are ON SALE NOW at the Box Office, Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com. Children (ages 2-12): $65.75, $40.75 & $15.75; Note: All ticket prices increase by $2.00 on the day of the show. dcucenter.com



Sunday 2

FETCH! Lab Opening at The Discovery Museums.
177 Main St., Acton. See May 1 listing for details.

Special Sundays: Printmakers in Person. The Eric Carle Museum Picture Book Art, Amherst. 1 – 4 p.m. An opportunity to see two visiting artists at work as they demonstrate their process and work on their newest print project. The perfect opportunity to ask questions and learn more about printmaking. A $9 C (1 – 18) $6, Family $22.50 Family, under 1, free. 413-658-1100, carlemuseum.org.

Lever 2000 Kids Day at the Staples Champions Cup provides kids 18 and under the opportunity to gain invaluable tennis tips from some of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport. New England’s youth are invited to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity to hit tennis balls and have fun with legends of the game. Participants will also receive a ticket to the afternoon match later in the day. Boston University’s Agganis Arena. Tickets are available at or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Celebrate Arbor Day. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Arbor Day Weekend offers a great opportunity to get into the spirit of the holiday and learn the latest techniques for planting trees to ensure they thrive. Activities will include tree plantings, pruning demonstrations and walking tours. The first 25 first-time visitors each day will receive a free sapling to plant at home.!towerhillbg.org

Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. The 20-mile route weaving through Boston, Brookline, Newton, and Cambridge will include entertainment and free snacks along the way. projectbread.org, 617-723-5000.

FREE 27th Annual Mayfair. The Harvard Square Business Association, 6 blocks in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Noon – 6 p.m. Six stages of live entertainment, over 30 restaurant vendors, hundreds of street vendors selling artwork, jewelry, vintage clothing, neighborhood sidewalk sales, and Chalk on the Walk! Rain date – May 16. 617-491-3434, harvardsquare.com,

FREE Spring Fest. North Central Charter Essential School, One Oak Hill Rd., Fitchburg. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Games, crafts, flea market, car wash, book fair, live entertainment, community resource fair. School tours for interested students and families. Learn more about the Think Care Act mission and the school's personalized approach to academics. Event supports the PTO Scholarship Fund. Activities range from $.25 to $10. 978-345-2701, ncces.org


Hiawatha Day. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. This program is offered with Longfellow's Wayside Inn and includes Native American flute music on the Woodland Stage with readings from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s "Song of Hiawatha"; guided tours for adults, focusing on plants useful to Native Americans for food and medicines;
scavenger hunts for children; birch bark crafts. Call for times and fees: 508-877-7630, newfs.org.

Free Book Signing & Demonstration with children's book illustrator, Giles Laroche
Sunday, May 2nd, Danforth Art Museum, Framingham. 1:30pm. Meet illustrator and "paper engineer", Giles Laroche this Sunday. See an exhibition of his amazing cut paper collages that celebrate architecture from around the world. The multi-cultural subject matter and the unusual technique will appeal to all ages. In addition to signing books, Laroche will talk about his work and give a demonstration of his cut paper technique.Admission is free and open to the public.
Drop Into ArtFree Drop Into Art is also from 2pm - 4pm. Families are invited to visit the Museum and create works of art together. Exciting art projects will be inspired by current exhibitions. Perfect for children ages 5-10, accompanied by parents, grandparents, or guardians. http://www.danforthmuseum.org/


Julie’s Birthday Celebration. Natick Collection. 4:30 p.m. Celebrate Julie’s birthday in seventies style! Join the party and learn about Julie’s life, enjoy a special meal, and take home a keepsake book with activities and journaling pages to help you commemorate this special day. For girl 8 and up. $26 PP. Reservations required. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com
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FREE Julie’s Paper Butterfly Craft. Natick Collection. 2 - 4 p.m. Butterflies were big in Julie’s generation—join the fun with this easy craft activity that teaches girls how to make and decorate butterflies from paper. For girl 8 and up. 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

FREE Under the Petticoats. Northborough Historical Society, 50 Main St., Northborough. 2 p.m. Explore the day-to-day customs of the colonial ancestors with costumes, props and lively conversation. Cover such topics as chamber pots, the number of petticoats to be worn, bathing - or not, and manners. Were the good old days really that good? Come and find out. The Museum will be open following the program from 3- 5 p.m. New this year are sixteen fashions through the decades, 1810 - 1940, men's accessories, paintings by Sheldon Berlyn, and additions to the high school and professional sports display. Refreshments will be served and donations are always welcomed. 508-393-6298, northboroughhistsoc.org

Stories Alive. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St. 1 and 2 p.m. Kids participate in folktale performances and create their own stories by making puppets.  Ages 5 – 11. $7.50 PP, under 1, FREE. 401-273-KIDS, childrensmuseum.org

World Rhythms Community Day.  Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge. 12 to 4 p.m. Norman Rockwell’s 1960 painting “Golden Rule” provides the inspiration for an afternoon of family fun with an international flavor, featuring multicultural music from A Beautiful Future; traditional kamishibai Japanese storytelling with Diane Clouet; ethnic displays from BRIDGE of Great Barrington, the Literacy Network, and the Stockbridge Mission House; art-making workshops; a display of classic 1960's cars by the Piston Poppers; and more. Enjoy this celebration marking the reopening of Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio. Free with regular Museum admission. 413-298-4140, nrm.org.  




Farm Machinery Weekend and FREE for Grandparents. Davis' Farmland and Davis' Megamaze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Explore
real farm machines and meet the farmers who operate them, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. For admission costs, visit davisfarmland.com.

47th Annual New England Gem and Mineral Show. Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. See May 1 listing for details.


FREE Introduction to Yoga. Central Mass Yoga and Wellness, Inc.
45 Sterling Street #28, West Boylston. 11 a.m. Yoga can make your life happier, healthier and more productive.  This is an opportunity to better understand what yoga is and a chance to meet one or more of the instructors. 508-835-1176, centralmassyoga.com

FREE Lag B’Omer celebration. Westborough Area JCC 45 Oak Street marching to Lake Chauncy (off Lyman St., Westborough. Noon. Chabad of Westboro will be hosting a grand Jewish community BBQ and bonfire, complete with moonbounce for kids, cotton candy, great food and drink, roasting marshmallows, Jewish music, family activities and lots of fun. Back by popular demand, a Drum Circle instructor will join us with an interactive drum circle demo at the bon fire. The highlight of the event will be a special pro Israel parade where kids from Westboro and the surrounding towns will march proudly with flags and signs from the Westboro Area JCC (45 Oak Street, Westboro) to Lake Chauncy with drums and instruments. The parade will start at 12:00 pm at the Westboro JCC and will continue on to Lake Chauncy. Lag B’Omer, as the holiday is known in Hebrew, marks the day of passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd Century Talmudic sage and Kabbalist, who instructed his followers to celebrate the anniversary of his death as a culmination of his earthly accomplishments and the beginning of a higher,
spiritual life. The day also marks the end of a tragic epidemic that claimed
the lives of thousands of Jewish scholars at the same time period. Although
largely unobserved by many American Jews, Lag B’Omer is celebrated widely in
Israel, with bonfires, music, outings, and celebrations. There will be a charge for food.508-366-0499.