Is your family excited to see all the Patriots Day celebrations in Lexington and Concord on Saturday? April 19, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, and it will be celebrated in a big way with blockbuster parades, epic battle reenactments, concerts, demonstrations -- even skydiving and a drone show!
I've put together a few itineraries for the day, based on age. Patriots Day is focused on the Battles of Lexington and Concord, so the reenactments may be a bit too scary for little ones. There is plenty to do though for families with young children away from the battlefields. Children in grades 3 and up will be more prepared for battle reenactments and are old enough to really grasp the actual events in 1775 that helped create our independent nation.
Note -- it's very important to understand the parking, shuttles and road closure information in both Lexington and Concord and plan your day around these logistics. Allow tons of extra time for the shuttles, bring water and lots of snacks, blankets to sit on when needed, and lots of patience and community spirit.
Lexington Itinerary for Families with Young Children
The Battle Reenactment takes place very early in the morning, so the satellite parking lots may be surprisingly full. See information on parking, shuttles, restrooms, food options, etc. If your family prefers a later start, skip the pancake breakfast.
- 7:30-8 AM: Arrive at satellite parking and shuttle into Lexington center.
- 8-9:30 AM: Enjoy one of the pancake breakfasts at St. Brigid's, Church of our Redeemer, or First Baptist Church.
- 9:30-10:30 AM: Explore downtown Lexington. Visit the new Lexington Depot at Depot Square.
- 10:30 AM: Head to the Battle Green (Lexington common at the intersection of Mass Ave and Bedford St) and find a place to sit.
- 11:00 AM: Battle Green Rededication, Fife & Drum bands, and skydiving
- 12-1 PM: Visit one of the many food options for lunch or enjoy a picnic lunch that you brought.
- 1:00 PM: Find a good spot along the parade route (Mass Ave) to view the parade
- 2-5:00 PM: 250th Anniversary Parade
Concord Itinerary for Families with Young Children
See information on parking, shuttles, restrooms, food options, etc.
- 7:30 AM: Arrive at satellite parking and shuttle into Concord center. Find a place to view the parade. See the parade route map -- it's very long! You don't need to fight the crowds in Concord center or at the North Bridge. Try looking for a spot along Lowell Road or Monument St; they're not too far away from the center.
- 8:30-10:30 AM: 250th Anniversary Parade (it may go as late as noon)
- 11 AM until everyone is tired: Enjoy the Concord 250th Block Party activities in downtown Concord, visit the Concord Museum (free admission) and Minutemen encampment, head to the Liberty Lawn Party at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Food options and food trucks are located throughout Concord center.
If the parade is too early in the morning, skip it and follow this alternative itinerary:
- Early afternoon: Arrive at satellite parking and shuttle into Concord center.
- Until 5 PM: Visit the Concord Museum (free admission) and Minutemen encampment and head to the Liberty Lawn Party at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
- Dinner: Food options and food trucks are located throughout Concord center, or bring a picnic.
- Until 7 PM: Enjoy the Concord 250th Block Party activities in downtown Concord
- 7:00 PM: Take a shuttle or walk down Walden Street toward Concord-Carlisle High School to view the Concord 250th Drone Show starting at 7:45 PM.
Lexington & Concord Itinerary for Families with Children age 10 and up
Lexington: See information on parking, shuttles, restrooms, food options, etc.
Concord: See information on parking, shuttles, restrooms, food options, etc.
For those ready for a super-early start:
- 3-4:00 AM: Arrive at satellite parking in Lexington and shuttle into Lexington center. Find a spot on the Battle Green (Lexington common). Bring a breakfast picnic.
- 5:00 AM: Militia musters on the Battle Green, the bell rings at 5:30 AM, and the battle commences at 6:00 AM.
- Post-battle: Fortify at a pancake breakfast at St. Brigid's, Church of our Redeemer, or First Baptist Church.
- 9:00 AM: Take the intercommunity shuttle to Minute Man National Historical Park in Lincoln. View the Hartwell Tavern and the Visitor's Center.
- 10:30 AM: Take the intercommunity shuttle to the Concord Museum. Visit the Concord Museum (free admission) and Minutemen encampment and head to the Liberty Lawn Party at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Enjoy the Concord 250th Block Party activities in downtown Concord.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch options are available throughout Concord center.
- 1:00 PM: Take the intercommunity shuttle back to Lexington and find a spot along Mass Ave to view the parade.
- 2-5:00 PM: 250th Anniversary Parade
For those preferring a later start:
- 10:00 AM: Park in satellite parking in Concord and shuttle to the Concord Museum. Visit the Concord Museum (free admission) and Minutemen encampment and head to the Liberty Lawn Party at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
- 11:30 AM: Take the intercommunity shuttle to Minute Man National Historical Park. View the Hartwell Tavern and the Visitor's Center.
- 12:15 PM: Find a spot near the Visitor Center to view the Parker's Revenge battle reenactment at 1:00 PM.
- Post-battle: Take the intercommunity shuttle to Lexington center and find a spot along the parade route (Mass Ave). Bring a picnic or pick up food at a food vendor.
- 2-5:00 PM: 250th Anniversary Parade
- 5:00 PM: Take the intercommunity shuttle back to the Concord Museum. Enjoy the Concord 250th Block Party activities in downtown Concord until 7 pm.
- Dinner: Food options and food trucks are located throughout Concord center. Spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the Concord Museum lawn for the outdoor concert.
- 7:00 PM: If you still have energy, walk down Walden Street toward Concord-Carlisle High School to view the Concord 250th Drone Show starting at 7:45 PM.
- Shuttles to satellite parking run until 9 PM from the Concord Museum.
Have an amazing day!!
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