Looking for fun things to do this week with your kids in the Acton-Lexington area? Check out our Top Picks for this week, April 17 to 23. We have lots of events and activities in Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard and beyond on our event calendar.
This weekend is the perfect storm of Patriots Day and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Easter, and the start of April school vacation. There are major events happening in Lexington and Concord that have been in the works for years; in fact, The New York Times included the Patriots Day celebrations in their list of the top 50 places to travel to in 2025 in the world. Meaning... expect crowds. Most of the events are happening on Saturday ~ see our Patriots Day Weekend Guide for details of all the family-friendly events plus information on parking, shuttles, logistics, restrooms, etc. and our suggested itineraries. If you plan to go to any of the Patriots Day events in Lexington and Concord on Saturday, planning ahead is vital.
- Roads in Lexington center and Concord center will be closed, and both towns will have satellite parking lots with frequent shuttles.
- There will be an intercommunity shuttle system taking visitors from Lexington to Concord via Route 2A.
- Plan your itinerary and which events you would like to attend, with backup options in case shuttles are overwhelmed. See our suggested itineraries for families.
- Think about bringing extra water (it's supposed to be 80 degrees), blankets to sit on, snacks, and portable phone chargers.
- Expect that crowds will form early for big events. For instance, the Battle of Lexington actually takes place at 5:30 AM on Saturday morning. Shuttles are starting at 2:00 AM and viewers will probably start showing up at 3:00 AM.
- Children in grade 3 and up are the perfect age for Patriots Day events. Most students study the American Revolution in 4th grade but children who are a little younger will love all of the revolutionary spirit too. Very young children may find it all too overwhelming.
- Bring your patience and your community spirit (and lots of snacks)!
TOP PICKS FOR THIS WEEKEND
- Patriots' Day activities begin Thursday evening, with most taking place on Saturday in Lexington and Concord. See our Patriots' Day Weekend guide for all of the local events, logistics, and more.
- For a less overwhelming experience, check out the Patriots Day Celebration at the Faulkner Homestead in Acton on Friday afternoon, and Robbins Ride on Friday evening.
- Battle reenactment fans can view the Battle of Lexington at 6 AM on Saturday morning or Parker's Revenge at 1 PM on Saturday.
- Parade fans can see the Concord parade at 8:30 AM Saturday morning or the Lexington parade at 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoon.
- Living history encampments and locations include a minutemen encampment at the Concord Museum, a Liberty Lawn Party at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, and the Hartwell Tavern Open House at Minute Man National Historical Park.
- Unique events include the Concord 250th Drone Show, skydiving and fife & drum concert in Lexington, and the Concord 250th Block Party.
- There are a few Easter and spring events this weekend. See our Easter Guide for the full list.
- Easter Egg Hunt in Carlisle on Saturday
- The Easter Bunny visits Jam Time on Friday.
- Berlin Farms' Spring Spectacular Egg Hunt is on Saturday and Sunday.
- Summer is coming, it really is! Our Summer Camp Guide is filling up with lots of fun camps for the kids. Book their spots now!
- There are more revolutionary activities on Monday and Wednesday in Lexington:
- Try the free Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt on Monday
- See living history demonstrations at Buckman Tavern, Munroe Tavern and the Hancock-Clarke House on Monday.
- Gather for a picnic lunch (BYO), concert and activities at the Patriotic Picnic in the Park in Lexington on Monday
- Participate in Children's Battle Reenactments on Wednesday.
- Lots of great events throughout the week at our local libraries. Be sure to check out our event calendar this weekend and plan for the week ahead!!!
- If you don't mind a little drive, check our sister edition Macaroni KID Lowell for more family fun!
Be sure to check our event calendar regularly to catch fun events before they sell out or fill up!
Check our Event Calendar for More Family Fun in the Acton-Lexington Area!
Don't forget to scan ahead on the calendar for events that require advance registration.
Have a great week!
Barbara Evangelista
Macaroni Kid Acton-Concord-Bedford-Lexington is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun events and information for local families.
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