Kids Events at First Night in Boston

by Lisa R.
(Orono, Maine, USA)

Question: Are the kids events at First Night free? Thanks, Lisa
Susan's reply: Hi Lisa, All of the outdoor events at Boston's First Night are free, whether or not you have a First Night button. The indoor events are also free - IF you have a First Night button, which costs $18 (children under 4 years old don't need a button). In other words, once you have a button, you don't have to pay again to do any of the indoor activities.

If you've had a chance to look at the official First Night schedule at www.firstnight.org, you've probably seen all of the events for kids (and parents) throughout the afternoon. There are also a lot of performances and other events that are great for teens, as well as adults without kids.

But if you decide not to get buttons, there's also a lot to see and do outside. The ice sculptures are really fascinating, and usually the sculptors are still putting on finishing touches throughout the afternoon. My understanding is that this year, three of them will be in Boston Common and 2 more in Copley Square.

At 5:30, the Grand Procession - a huge parade full of entertainers, bands, puppeteers, musicians, giant floats, wonderful costumes, and excitement - departs the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston and proceeds toward the Common, turning left onto Charles Street and then right onto Beacon Street.

The Skating Club of Boston is putting on a terrific ice show at Frog Pond at 6pm (one of my friends, a fabulous skater, is going to be in it). My understanding is that Mayor Menino will be there, as he is one of the sponsors...this event is not part of the "official" First Night program, so it is not on the First Night Schedule. There will be free public skating after the show; you can rent skates there if you don't have any with you. I'm assuming that if there's a huge crowd, the number of skaters allowed on the rink at any one time will be limited for safety purposes.

Also, NECN will be doing a live broadcast starting at 6pm, which will be interesting for kids to see.

And finally, at 6:45, the Family Fireworks show will take place. They're being launched from the baseball field, but they should be visible wherever you are in the vicinity.

The weather looks good this year - dry and not too cold - should be a great afternoon and evening!

Have fun, and Happy New Year!

Susan
Boston Discovery Guide

Ice Skating at Frog Pond

Don't let Boston's winter weather keep you inside - head over to Frog Pond on Boston Common, rent a pair of skates right at the rink (or bring your own), and take a spin around the ice. But that's just one of many ice rinks where you can go skating right in the middle of the city...

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