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Boston Family Days

Our program provides students who live in Boston and their families free access to many of the City's world-class cultural institutions.

Boston Family Days is an extraordinary public-private partnership between the City, corporate and philanthropic partners, and 23 of our City’s leading cultural institutions to help Boston school-aged children feel at home in places that can expand their learning and show them the world. 

Through Boston Family Days, all students who live in Boston (grades K-12 and Boston Pre-K) and two guests can explore many of the City's cultural institutions for free on the first and second Sunday of each month until December 2026.

In addition, Boston students and their families also have free access to live performances at Boston’s premier venues. Students who are registered for Boston Family Days will receive ticket reservation links and instructions from the City before the performances.

NOTE: 

Due to the federal shutdown, the JFK Library and Museum and The USS Constitution are closed. Please check their websites before planning a visit for Boston Family Days.

Register for Boston Family Days!

  • Boston Family Days Logo

  • For general inquiries, questions, and feedback contact us at:
  • Partners

    This program is made possible with the generous support of the following funding partners: Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone.

Participating Institutions: 1st and 2nd Sunday of Each Month

Boston's Children's Museum

Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*

Interactive play-based learning designed for young minds with age-appropriate creative exhibits.

Franklin Park Zoo

Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Last Entry 3 p.m. On November 9, the Zoo will open at noon.*Pre-Registration Suggested*

Wildlife from around the world with conservation education and up-close animal habitat experiences.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*

Cutting-edge contemporary art with innovative exhibitions and interactive installations.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-registration suggested*

A Venetian-style palace filled with art, gardens, and mystery. Enter code ISGMBFD in the upper right hand corner of the page before selecting your tickets.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Last Entry 3:30 p.m.

NOTE: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is impacted by the federal shutdown and is currently closed. Landmark honoring JFK's legacy with exhibits on his life, presidency, and vision for a better world.

MassArt Art Museum

Sunday Hours: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*

Contemporary artwork by emerging artists, students, and faculty showcasing innovative creativity.

The Museum of African American History

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rich heritage and powerful stories of African American history fundamental to Boston's identity.

Museum of Fine Arts

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

World-class art from ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces in stunning galleries.

Museum of Science

Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Pre-Registration Suggested*

Hands-on STEM discovery with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and science theater.

New England Aquarium

Sunday Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Explore underwater worlds, marine life from around the globe, and ocean conservation in action.

Old North Illuminated

Sunday Hours: 12:30 - 5 p.m.

Historic church where "one if by land, two if by sea" signal launched America's fight for independence.

Paul Revere House

Sunday Hours: 11/ 1 – 4/14: 10:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 4/15 – 10/31: 10:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Step into Revolutionary War history at the home of the patriot famous for his midnight ride.

Revolutionary Spaces: Old State House & Old South Meeting House

Sunday Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Birthplace of American democracy where the Boston Massacre trials and Tea Party planning took place.

USS Constitution Museum

Sunday Hours: Museum: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Ship: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

NOTE: USS Constitution Museum is impacted by the federal shutdown and is currently closed. Explore "Old Ironsides," the world's oldest commissioned warship, with hands-on naval exhibits and historic ship tours

How To Sign Up for Tickets to Performances

A quick overview of how the ticketing process works for Boston Family Days:

  1. Boston families who are registered for Boston Family Days will receive emails announcing tickets to upcoming shows. (BPS students are automatically registered. You can signup here.)
  2. The emails will be sent on Monday October 20th, November 3rd, November 10th, November 24th, and December 15th.
  3. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. 
  4. We ask families to sign up for one show per ticket drop to ensure that all families have an opportunity to participate.
  5. If you secure tickets to a show, the organization will reach out to you directly with information on how to pick up your tickets. 

Fall 2025 Performances

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION DATE

RECOMMENDED FOR

LOCATION DESCRIPTION
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Concert for the City

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATE

Wednesday, September, 17 @ 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert performances begin at 4:30 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

Celebrate community and music with the BSO, Boston Pops, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and special guest artists.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Music’s Next Generation: A College Showcase

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATE

Thursday, September 18, 7:30 p.m. 

RECOMMENDED FOR

All ages

LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

Experience the future of music as ensembles from Berklee College of Music, Boston University, Harvard University, New England Conservatory, Northeastern University, and Tufts University take the stage.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

The Music of Lin-Manuel Miranda! One Night Only with Mandy Gonzalez

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATE

Saturday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.

 



 

RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

Experience the electrifying music of a contemporary Broadway titan like never before in an extraordinary symphonic event featuring one of his earliest and closest collaborators. This dynamic, world-premiere production pairs Gonzalez’s powerhouse voice and emotive prowess with a full accompaniment, creating an unforgettable celebration of Miranda’s iconic works.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons

(Boch Center)

DATE

Sunday, October 5, 7:00 p.m.  

RECOMMENDED FOR Ages 8+
LOCATIONBoch Center Wang Theatre
DESCRIPTION

Join us on a musical journey from your first day in the valley all the way to your arrival to  the summit, with the brand-new Stardew Valley concert Symphony of Seasons! Curated by ConcernedApe, Symphony of Seasons features a 35-piece orchestra performing  the most memorable music from the game, and a screen above the stage playing gameplay  footage plus original content created exclusively for this tour. Concert-goers can look forward to hearing the game's most cherished songs as they watch  their farm grow throughout the seasons and explore some of the valley’s most memorable  locations, from Pelican Town to the Skull Cavern, Ginger Island to Calico Desert, the  Submarine to the Wizard's Tower and much more.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Macbeth

(Boston Lyric Opera)

DATE

Friday, October 10, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 12, 3:00 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR Upper Middle School/High School
LOCATIONEmerson Colonial Theatre
DESCRIPTIONPower. Prophecy. Paranoia. Verdi’s Macbeth grapples with fate—and pays the price. Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy becomes a psychological battleground examining the catastrophic consequences of war. Seduced by ambition, a power-hungry couple claw their way to the throne—only to find their aspirations twisted into madness. Giuseppe Verdi’s career-defining music underscores their ruthless ascent. This is opera at its most thrilling: a blazing struggle with fate’s cruel grip.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster

(Wheelock Family Theater)

DATEMonday, October 13, 10:30 a.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Pre-K - 3
LOCATIONWheelock Family Theater
DESCRIPTION

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs to bring Mo Willems’ books to life. Manual Cinema wanted to re-create the experience of holding one of Mo’s book pages, which are big, bold, colorful, and full of visual rhythm, with a playful use of scale. Like all Manual Cinema productions, you’re invited to watch the big screen like a traditional movie, or to watch the artists below as they create the story in real time. (There is no wrong way to watch the show!)

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Behind the Curtain: A Community Celebration

(Boch Center)

DATESaturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoch Center Wang Theatre
DESCRIPTIONJoin us for a family-friendly Open House celebrating the Wang Theatre’s 100th birthday! Step behind the curtain and explore this historic landmark with activities, performances, and surprises for all ages.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Sneak Peak: Daughter of the Regiment

(Boston Lyric Opera)

DATESaturday, October 18, 3:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONMidway Artist Studios, 15 Channel Center Street
DESCRIPTIONJoin Boston Lyric Opera at Fort Point Open Studios for a sneak peek at a new all-ages performance. “Opera on Tour: Daughter of the Regiment” is a one-act English-language adaptation of Donizetti’s beloved comic opera about a girl who grows up in a military regiment. Two singers, an actor, and a pianist will bring the entire story to life with singing, staging, and narration that will engage audiences in an interactive introduction to opera. Stay afterwards to share your thoughts with BLO staff as we develop this piece for spring tours to Boston-area schools, libraries, and cultural organizations.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Boston Pops: Day of the Dead with Veronica Robles

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATESaturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. 
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall 
DESCRIPTION

A Mexican tradition comes alive again as the Boston Pops returns to celebrate Día de Muertos – The Day of the Dead. Join us for an evening filled with music that honors this rich cultural heritage where life and death intertwine in a beautiful tapestry of remembrance and reverence.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

(Boch Center)

DATESunday, November 4, 4:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Ages 2-8
LOCATIONBoch Center Wang Theatre
DESCRIPTION

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings to life an exciting original story featuring unique puppets,  dynamic staging, and favorite songs including “Sprinkle Party”, “Hey Gabby”, “Music In You”,  “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and many others that will have audiences singing and  dancing along, from beginning to end. 

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Watching the River Flow: A Roots Salute to Bob Dylan

(Berklee College of Music)

DATEWednesday, November 5, 8:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Grades K - 12
LOCATIONBerklee Performance Center 
DESCRIPTIONIn this genre-spanning concert, students from across Berklee honor the legendary singer-songwriter through bold, original arrangements of his timeless songs, as well as the songs he was influenced by. From stripped-down acoustic old-time and bluegrass renditions and electrifying rock 'n' roll to imaginative jazz, gospel, and classical interpretations, this performance celebrates Dylan’s enduring influence across musical styles and generations. Each piece reflects the creativity and versatility of Berklee’s emerging artists, led by Berklee American Roots Music Program Artistic Director Matt Glaser. 
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Jewels

(Boston Ballet)

DATEThursday, November 6, 7:30 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Upper Middle School/High School
LOCATIONBoston Opera House
DESCRIPTIONGeorge Balanchine’s Jewels showcases three distinct styles of neoclassical ballet in one brilliant program. Choreographed in 1967, it was inspired by Balanchine’s visit to Claude Arpels’ jewelry showroom in New York City. The costumes were designed by legendary New York City Ballet costume designer Madame Karinska and showed the essence of each jewel. Each ballet reflects a chapter of Balanchine’s career: Diamonds honors his early years at the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, Emeralds nods to his time with the Ballets Russes in France, and Rubies celebrates his lasting impact on American ballet with New York City Ballet.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

A Cappella Showcase

(Berklee College of Music)

DATEMonday, November 10, 8:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Pre K - 12
LOCATIONBerklee Performance Center 
DESCRIPTIONThis concert, hosted by Upper Structure, will feature premier a cappella groups from Berklee College of Music and surrounding colleges.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Fun Home 

(The Huntington)

DATE

Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. 

Friday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR Grades 7 - 12
LOCATIONThe Huntington Theatre
DESCRIPTIONWinner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Fun Home is a beloved, groundbreaking, and emotionally rich story of seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, the musical traces Alison through childhood, college, and adulthood, as she unravels her complex relationship with a brilliant, volatile, and closeted father. How have the mysteries of her father’s life shaped her own understanding of love and self-acceptance? With a soaring score by Jeanine Tesori and a sharp, heartfelt book by Lisa Kron, Fun Home is a beautiful, can’t-miss theatrical experience, directed by Logan Ellis.   
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATEFriday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra makes its Symphony Hall debut! This concert is honoring the diverse voices that shape our nation’s musical heritage, and will include works by Angélica Negrón, Roberto Sierra, and a selection of Puerto Rico’s rich popular musical traditions.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Sierra Saxophone Concerto

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATESaturday, November 15, 8:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

Puerto Rico-born Roberto Sierra composed his effervescent, jazz- and Latin-tinged concerto specifically to showcase James Carter’s lyricism and technical prowess on both the soprano and tenor saxophones.

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Singers Night: The Show Must Go On – The Music of Queen

(Berklee College of Music)

DATETuesday, November 18, 8:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Grades K - 12
LOCATIONBerklee Performance Center 
DESCRIPTIONEach semester, 250 talented Berklee vocal students audition for a coveted spot in Singers Night, one of the Voice Department’s most prestigious showcases. This semester, we present the music of Queen—celebrated for their groundbreaking music videos, powerful vocals, and genre-blending sound. With elements of hard rock, heavy metal, glam, and pop rock, Queen’s music continues to inspire generations. Join us for a tribute to one of the most iconic bands of all time.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Hansel and Gretel

(Berklee College of Music)

DATEThursday, November 20,  7:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Grades K - 12
LOCATIONBerklee Performance Center 
DESCRIPTIONHansel and Gretel is a musical written by faculty member Rene Pfister for young audiences, featuring 14 actors and a seven-piece band.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Little Women Opera

(Berklee College of Music)





 

DATE

Thursday, November 20, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 23, 2:00 p.m.

RECOMMENDED FOR Grades K - 12
LOCATIONBoston Conservatory Theater
DESCRIPTIONWith lyrical beauty and emotional depth, Marc Adamo’s acclaimed opera brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel to vibrant life. Following the spirited March sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War, Little Women explores love, loss, and the bonds of family. Adamo’s lush, contemporary score captures the depth of their journey with soaring melodies and intimate detail, making this opera a modern classic since its premiere in 1998. Featuring evocative period costumes and a cinematic set design, this production is directed by David Gately and conducted by Tiffany Chang. This performance has been selected as part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s 2025–2026 Center Stage collection.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Annie

(Wheelock Family Theater)

DATESaturday, November 22, 2:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONWheelock Family Theater
DESCRIPTIONSet in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, Annie is the heartwarming story of a young orphan girl with unwavering optimism and a belief that brighter days are always ahead. Living under the harsh care of the bitter Miss Hannigan, Annie dreams of reuniting with her parents. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is invited to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

SpaceBridge

(Arts Emerson)

DATESaturday, November 22, 8:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR Ages 12+
LOCATIONParamount Center
DESCRIPTIONSpaceBridge brings together Russian refugee children—who fled to the U.S. due to their families’ anti-war stance and now live in NYC shelters—with American peers to build a more welcoming world where their new friendships can thrive and grow. Created by Irina Kruzhilina, the piece centers children we seldom consider: Russian youth affected by the war in Ukraine. It follows their efforts to integrate into American society, where they often encounter suspicion, bullying, and a lack of empathy.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Twas The Night Before by Cirque du Soleil 

(Boch Center)



 

DATESunday, December 7, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoch Center Wang Theatre 
DESCRIPTION‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil's first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A  Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic  inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features  thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters - and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil.
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker

(Boch Center) 

DATE

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7:00 p.m. 

Friday, December 19, 2025, 7:00 p.m.* (LGBTQ+ inclusive show) 

*Note: On Friday, December 19, Urban Nutcracker will present its lively LGBTQ+- inclusive version of the production for its fifth year, featuring Boston drag artist Patty Bourrée.

RECOMMENDED FOR Ages 3+
LOCATIONBoch Center Shubert Theatre 
DESCRIPTIONAnthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic, returns to the Shubert Theatre for the 2025 holiday season! Celebrating its 25th year, this classic dance theatrical showcase will showcase winter scenes set in present-day Downtown Boston, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical  music of Tchaikovsky. Anchored by classical ballet, the performances also feature a broad  range of dance forms, including tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz. 
SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Holiday Pops

(Boston Symphony Orchestra)

DATEMonday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. 
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONBoston Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION

Gather your loved ones and join us for these dazzling concerts, including a special visit from Santa. Let Holiday Pops bring sparkle and joy to your festive celebrations. The concerts feature a mix of traditional holiday music, popular classics, and new arrangements, ensuring a varied and engaging experience for all. 

SHOW & PRESENTING ORGANIZATION

Wonder

(American Repertory Theater)



 

DATEFriday, January 2, 7:00 p.m. 
RECOMMENDED FOR All ages
LOCATIONAmerican Repertory Theater
DESCRIPTIONBased on the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio and the Lionsgate and Mandeville film Wonder, this uplifting new musical follows the Pullman family as they navigate change, identity, and what it means to belong. Auggie Pullman has been homeschooled his entire life, often retreating to outer space in his imagination. But when his family decides it’s time for him to start going to school, Auggie must take off the space helmet he has used to hide his facial difference. As Auggie navigates a world filled with kindness and cruelty, his parents and sister go on their own journeys of transformation and discovery. Featuring a driving, pop-inspired score, Wonder celebrates empathy, resilience, and the power of choosing kindness

 

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

All students who live full-time in Boston and are enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K are eligible. This includes students attending:

  • Boston Public Schools
  • Independent Boston charter schools
  • METCO programs
  • Boston-based parochial and independent schools
  • Home school programs
  • Private schools outside Boston (as long as the student lives in Boston)

Each eligible student can bring up to 2 guests.

BPS Families: If your child is enrolled in Boston Public Schools or Boston Pre-K, you are automatically signed up! You'll receive your Boston Family Days pass directly through BPS. Make sure your email address is updated in the BPS system.

Non-BPS Families: You must register online with the City. After signing up, you'll receive your Boston Family Days pass via email before each program weekend.

Boston Family Days occurs on the first and second Sunday of every month through December 2026.

Each participating institution has specific Sunday hours that may vary. Check individual institution details for exact operating hours on Family Days weekends.

It depends on the institution:

​​​​​​​These institutions are popular and frequently reach capacity, so we encourage planning ahead by checking each institution's policy and pre-registering when possible.

Performance tickets work differently from museum visits:

  • When: Dates and times vary based on each performance
  • How to get tickets: Enrolled families receive email notifications when tickets are released for specific shows
  • Reservation: All performance tickets must be reserved in advance directly through the venue - no tickets available day-of-show
  • Limited availability: Each show has a limited number of free tickets available

Yes! Your Boston Family Days pass doesn't expire, so you can use passes from previous months. However, you'll receive a fresh pass via email before each Family Days weekend with the most current information.

Simply show your Boston Family Days pass at the institution entrance. You can display it on your mobile device or bring a printed copy. The pass is your student's personal entry pass and cannot be transferred to another person.

Each eligible Boston student can bring up to 2 guests. So a maximum of 3 people total (1 student + 2 guests) can enter for free with each pass.

Boston Family Days specifically occurs on the first and second Sunday of each month. If you miss one weekend, you'll have another opportunity the following weekend, and then again the next month.

Unfortunately, the free admission only applies during designated Family Days weekends and cannot be used on other days.

Yes! Your Boston Family Days pass works at all participating institutions on both Family Days Sundays each month. You can visit as many institutions as you'd like on the same day, time (and energy!) permitting.

Just remember that some institutions require advance reservations, so plan accordingly.

  • Boston Family Days Logo

  • For general inquiries, questions, and feedback contact us at:
  • Partners

    This program is made possible with the generous support of the following funding partners: Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone.

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