ParkARTS Children’s Workshops return in July and August

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program, sponsored by Holly and David Bruce, is pleased to announce the return of its series of children’s arts workshops giving kids the opportunity to express their creativity while working on fun projects with local artists.  From Allston to Mattapan, children ages three to ten can enjoy painting, mask and jewelry making, treasure creations, and more at the Artists in Residence Workshops held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in parks across the city. 

Participation is free and all materials are provided, but young children must be accompanied by an adult.  Groups of six or more must make prior arrangements by calling the Parks Department at 617-635-4505.  Now in its 22nd year, ParkARTS brings a wide range of cultural offerings to city parks.

In addition, the New England Aquarium will bring its traveling tide pool exhibit to nine locations and the Marionette Puppet Show series will return in July and August at 11 a.m. at various children’s workshops.  See Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.  Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore. 

Children are invited to cool off this summer, listen to music, and play games and dance in our spray features at Splash Dance Parties in July and August at parks across Boston.  Presented with support from Perfectly Free frozen treats and Hot 96.9.

Artists in Residence Workshops dates and locations are as follows 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• Martin Playground, Dorchester
• Joyce Playground, Brighton

• Sweeney Playground, South Boston
• Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury

• Doherty Playground, Charlestown
• Ringgold Park, South End

• Paris Street Playground, East Boston
• Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain

• Town Field, Dorchester
• Fallon Field, Roslindale

• Iacono Playground, Hyde Park
• Ringer Playground, Allston

• Christopher Columbus Park, North End
• Marcella Playground, Roxbury

• Hunt/Almont Park, Mattapan
• Hynes Playground, West Roxbury

The New England Aquarium will be at the following locations at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

• Tuesday, July 10: Joyce Playground, Brighton
• Wednesday, July 18: Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury
• Friday, July 20: Paris Street Playground, East Boston
• Friday, July 27: Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain
• Wednesday, August 1: Iacono Playground, Hyde Park
• Thursday, August 2: Marcella Playground, Roxbury
• Tuesday, August 7: Town Field, Dorchester
• Thursday, August 9: Christopher Columbus Park, North End
• Friday, August 10: Hunt/Almont Park, Mattapan

Rosalita’s Puppets Marionette Performances are at 11 a.m.  Dates and locations are as follows:

• Wednesday, July 11: Gertrude Howes Playground, Roxbury
• Tuesday, July 17: Martin Playground, Dorchester
• Wednesday, July 18: Sweeney Playground, South Boston
• Wednesday, August 1: Ringer Playground, Allston
• Tuesday, August 14: Fallon Field, Roslindale
• Thursday, August 16: Christopher Columbus Park, North End

Splash Dance Parties begin at 12 noon.  Dates and locations are as follows:

• Thursday, July 12: Doherty Playground, Charlestown
• Friday, July 20: Mozart Street Playground, Jamaica Plain
• Friday, July 27: Paris Street Playground, East Boston
• Friday, August 10: Hynes Playground, West Roxbury
• Friday, August 17: Hunt/Almont Park, Mattapan

For information on this and other ParkARTS programs, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505, visit our website or facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment, or follow @BostonParksDept.