Three words we all love — family, fun, and free. Here is where to find it on the SouthCoast
Are you looking for some family fun that won't break the bank? Summer is in full swing and feels like it is flying by — here are some activities to soak up the next two months with your children. Nothing is better than good old-fashioned fun at no cost during the summertime.
There are lots of free movie nights, singing with your kiddos, animals to learn about, and art to make. Pack up the family, grab some snacks, and enjoy all the family fun being offered in our area.
We have a list of local events that are free in the SouthCoast community just for you:
Create with US! Youth Arts Program
When: 10:30 a.m. every Saturday until Aug. 27
Where: MakerSpace (second floor), 33 William St., New Bedford
Every Saturday this summer is a family-friendly art activity: comic making, drawing, painting, music, weaving, origami, natural dyeing, ceramics, carving, scrimshaw making, and more. Each week explore a different type of art making.
Learn about Joe Raposo: Documentary tells how the 'Sesame Street' theme song started with a Fall River musician
SING! The Sesame Street World of Composer Joe Raposo
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Sept. 10
Where: Visitor Center, 200 Davol St., Fall River
Celebrate the creative genius of a local hero: Joseph Guilherme Raposo, the son of Azorean immigrants who grew up in Fall River, went to Harvard College, studied music, and became one of the creators of Sesame Street. Fall River is proud to honor Joe Raposo with a collaboration between Fall River Heritage State Park, Creative Arts Network, and the Greater Fall River Arts Association. The Visitor Center will host music, sing-a-long StoryWalks of his books “Sing” and “Imagination Song” and along the Boardwalk a StoryWalk of another Raposo book, “Sunny Day.” Hands-on fun activities for the whole family. For more information, go to creativeartsnetwork.org.
Legos & Insects & Birds, Oh My!
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 19
Where: Visitor Center, 200 Davol St., Fall River
Head to the Pollinator Garden by the Meadow to see the construction of a giant bee, all from Legos. Prior to and following the demonstration, watch a short film on pollinators in the theater. In the Lobby marvel at an exhibit of oversize Lego Birds and Insects. Learn about the world of pollinators and their importance to the world’s survival. Suitable for all ages. For more information, go to creativeartsnetwork.org.
Family LEGO Night
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday July 20
Where: Fall River Public Library, 104 North Main St., Fall River
Family LEGO Night returns to the Fall River Public Library. The challenge is to build a LEGO battleship. They have thousands of Legos for you to build with, as well as a few surprises planned for the night. Be sure to bring along your creativity and imagination. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Stuffed Animal Hike
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. July 21
Where: Wernick Farm, N. Albro Ave., Dartmouth
Grab your favorite stuffed animal and take a hike! DNRT staff and volunteers will guide you through the Wernick Farm Reserve, where you will also meet some (stuffed) animals who might live at the Reserve. Register at https://dnrt.org/event/stuffed-animal-hike. When registering, the number in the cart should reflect how many children are attending, no need to register adults/parents.
Family Storytime
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15
Where: The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St., New Bedford
Meet in the mansion parlors, or garden, for an engaging half hour of stories for the whole family. After the stories, take home a family fun craft kit to collaborate and create together. Open to all ages with accompanying adult, in partnership with the New Bedford Free Public Library.
View & Chew Food Truck Event
When: noon to 2 p.m. Friday, July 22 and Friday, July 29
Where: Fall River Chamber Building, 200 Pocasset St., Fall River
View the Viva Murals being painted across the street and chew on some free food and dessert from delicious local food trucks.
Family Sing-along with Rita Campoli
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23
Where: Acushnet Public Library, 232 Middle Road, Acushnet
A family-friendly concert, featuring patriotic and well-loved folk songs.
Bring a blanket or chairs and meet under the pavilion. There will also be outdoor games on the back lawn. All ages are welcome and no pre-registration is required.
Spray Paint Art
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24
Where: Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market, 25 Jeremiah Sullivan Dr., Fall River
A favorite at local events and fun for all ages. Join Little Lambs and leave with your own spray paint art creation.
Outdoor Movie Nights
When: 5 p.m. Mondays, July 25, Aug. 8, and Aug. 22
Where: Multiple Housing Authority Locations
July 25: Space Jam 2 at Sunset Hill, 151 Charles St., Fall River; Aug. 8: Encanto at Maple Gardens, 45 Miller St., Fall River; and Aug. 22: Sonic 2 at Pleasant View, Fall River.
Activities From 5 to 8 p.m., with screening beginning at 8. No tickets are needed and it is open to the public. Bring your blanket and chair to enjoy this free movie, free food, and free summer fun.
Mythology & Folklore of Constellations at the Library
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28
Where: Swansea Free Public Library, 69 Main St., Swansea
Roger Menard from the Astronomical Society of Southern New England presents "Mythology & Folklore of Constellations." Learn from an expert about the ancient mythology of gods and monsters and where to find them represented in constellations of the night sky. This is a free family program open to all. Call the Library to register, (508) 674 - 9609
Harry Potter Trivia
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30
Where: Acushnet Public Library, 232 Middle Road, Acushnet
Think you know all about the Wizarding World? As part of its Harry Potter Birthday Celebration, Acushnet Library is hosting its first Harry Potter Trivia Contest.
Open to ages 9-14 only. Space is limited, and you must pre-register by visiting at 232 Middle Road or calling (508) 998-0270.
Summer Drive-in Movies
When: 6:30 p.m. July 29 and 6 p.m. Aug. 19
Where: Durfee High School, 367 Ray St., Fall River
July 29: Back to the Future; Aug. 19: The Avengers.
Free food, games, refreshments, resource tables, and family activities before the screening.
Magic tricks with Ed the Wizard
When: 2 sessions 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2
Where: Somerset Public Library, 1464 County St., Somerset
Do you wish you could do magic? Come see Ed the Wizard as he teaches magic tricks. Register for a session at www.somersetpubliclibrary.org.
Youth Services Drop in Paint
When: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3
Where: New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant St., New Bedford
Looking for something fun to do? The New Bedford Library has a free drop-in and paint for all ages. Available while supplies last, no registration is needed.
August Adventures: New Bedford Whaling Museum
When: Monday, Aug. 8
Where: New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford
The Highland Foundation will offer free admission to the New Bedford Whaling Museum on August 8 as part of its August Adventures, which offer free admission to a different museum each day of the month
Teddy Bear Picnic
When: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 9 (rain date: Friday, Aug. 12)
Where: Fall River Public Library (lawn), 104 North Main St., Fall River
Celebrate America's favorite stuffed animal - the teddy bear! Bring your teddy bear to this fun event featuring storytime, crafts, a beauty contest, and a teddy bear parade. The Teddy Bear Doctors will also be on hand to give bears their yearly check-ups. Spread a blanket on the lawn and bring a lunch or snacks.
Dance Party/ Game Night
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16
Where: Somerset Public Library, 1464 County St., Somerset.
Join the Somerset Library for some music, cool lights, dance games, instruments, movement props, carnival games, and board games. Register at www.somersetpubliclibrary.org.
Wingmasters
When: 11 am. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 17
Where: Fall River Public Library (lawn), 104 North Main St., Fall River
Wingmasters is an exciting and educational live animal show featuring raptors from all over New England. The program will feature hawks, falcons, owls, and even an eagle! Children will have the unique experience of learning about these magnificent creatures up-close and personal. Parents are invited to spread a blanket and bring a picnic lunch and snacks.
New Bedford Birding Adventures
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18
Where: New Bedford Public Library, 613 Pleasant St., New Bedford
New Bedford is an urban environment with many people, but it is also home to lots of wildlife. Join a Mass Audubon naturalist on a walk through some of the City’s parks in search of birds. Whether you’ve never been on a bird walk or consider yourself an expert, these walks are open to all levels and ages. Wear walking shoes and bring binoculars (we will have some to share as well). Free for all ages.
Outdoor Movie Night
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Aug. 20
Where: Town Hall Annex (outdoor stage), 856 Main Road, Westport
Jungle Cruise will be playing under the stars in Westport. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, bug spray, and snacks. No fee, just any donation you would like to give.
August Adventures: Battleship Cove
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21
Where: Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., Fall River
Spend the afternoon at Battleship Cove, a non-profit war memorial and historic military museum with an emphasis on naval heritage and a dedication to honoring the veterans who served in defense of our country. They aim to provide an exciting, adventurous, and meaningful visitor experience.
SouthCoast Wonders: The Battleship joined the Navy 80 years ago. Why is it in Fall River?
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This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Summer family fun for free in the New Bedford, Fall River MA region
