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Parks and Recreation Duck Boat Challenge

Let's pull together for youth sports!

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Back for round two! The Boston Parks and Recreation’s Duck Boat Challenge returns for its second year on Saturday April 11, 2026, bringing one of the city’s most unique and exhilarating challenges back to Boston Common. Teams of 10 will battle the clock as they pull a 21,000-pound duck boat down the course. Are you ready to take on the competition?

Beyond the thrill, the Duck Boat Challenge celebrates community spirit and the Boston Parks and Recreation programs that help young athletes grow, stay active, and stay healthy.

This event is in partnership with the Boston Duck Tours.

See the excitement from the 2025 Duck Boat Challenge in the video below.

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Here's How it Works

  • TEAM CHALLENGE: Assemble a team of 10 friends, family, or coworkers (must be 16+ to participate & Teams must have exactly 10 members.)
  • TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE: Compete to pull the massive 21,000-pound duck boat in the fastest time. 
  • HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Your team’s participation directly supports youth sports programs in Boston, helping foster fitness, well-being, and opportunities for young athletes to explore a variety of sports.

How to Participate

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Each team will consist of 10 members, with one appointed as the Team Captain. The Team Captain will be responsible for managing the team’s registration process. 

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

GET ON BOARD

Put your name on the Duck! The Duck Boat Challenge has taken Boston by storm, capturing attention and buzz citywide! This is a fun way to be involved with a high-energy, community-centered event.  If your business, company, or organization is interested in supporting the event or joining the challenge, reach out to Tiffany Clark at Tiffany.Clark@boston.gov or (617) 233-2305.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Can't make it to the event?  You can still support the Recreation Division by making a donation to the Fund at Parks and Recreation in Boston now or any time of year.

DONATE

CHECK OUT THE 2025 DUCK BOAT CHALLENGE

Contact

For more information, please contact Tiffany Clark, Recreation Resource Development Manager, at tiffany.clark@boston.gov or 617-233-2305. 

Thank You Event Sponsors

THANK YOU BOSTON DUCK TOURS

BOSTON DUCK TOURS

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: Beacon Hill

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

July 30, 2026
Event Date2026-07-30T11:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

July 30, 2026
Event Date2026-07-30T11:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Commonwealth Ave. Mall Walking Tour

Join the Boston Park Rangers as we offer FREE environmental education through guided tours and nature-based programming intended for ALL AGES. 

June 13, 2026
Event Date2026-06-13T11:00:00 - 2026-06-13T12:30:00

Step into history with a Boston Park Ranger and begin your journey at the statue of George Washington as we stroll the tree-lined greenway of Commonwealth Avenue Mall. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this guided walk reveals the powerful stories behind the Mall’s grand statues and memorials—from Civil War heroes to the figures who helped shape the nation. Discover the history hidden in plain sight along one of Boston’s most beautiful boulevards. 

  • Parking for this event will be at the Boston Common Parking Garage (0 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116)
  • Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes
  • Ideal for ages 15+

For more information visit the Boston Park Rangers homepage.

 

June 13, 2026
Event Date2026-06-13T11:00:00 - 2026-06-13T12:30:00

2026 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: Beacon Hill

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Myrtle Street Playground
    50 Myrtle Street
    Boston , MA 02114
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • send an email
  • 617-635-4505
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Outdoor
    Social good
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email allison.singer2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.

July 30, 2026
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Thursday, starting from July 30, 2026, until August 13, 2026
  • Myrtle Street Playground
    50 Myrtle Street
    Boston , MA 02114
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • send an email
  • 617-635-4505
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Outdoor
    Social good
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-30T10:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Fixit Clinic Junior: BPL West End Branch

Explore troubleshooting and repair with volunteer Fixit coaches.

May 2, 2026
  • 11:30am - 2:00pm
  • Boston Public Library - West End Branch
    25 Parmenter St
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Allon Dubler
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    Downtown
    North End
    West End
  • Event Type:
    Environment and green living
    Learning and lectures
  • Published Date

Event Date2026-05-02T11:30:00 - 2026-05-02T14:00:00

Fixit Clinics are free workshops where people bring broken stuff—from bikes to blenders to blazers—and volunteer coaches share their tools and know-how to help troubleshoot and (hopefully) repair items. These meet-ups build hands-on skills, confidence, community, and a culture of reuse and repair.

The City of Boston Environment Department is partnering with the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library to host one of these events. This special Fixit Clinic Junior is for children ages 6-12 years old!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • A broken gadget, small appliance, computer, toy, textile good, or other item

  • Useful tools and parts, if you have them

  • A description of what’s wrong and anything you’ve tried to fix it

  • A desire to learn and share your knowledge!

These events are family-friendly and open to all. Interested in volunteering? Let us know.

 

May 2, 2026
  • 11:30am - 2:00pm
  • Boston Public Library - West End Branch
    25 Parmenter St
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Allon Dubler
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    Downtown
    North End
    West End
  • Event Type:
    Environment and green living
    Learning and lectures
  • Published Date

Event Date2026-05-02T11:30:00 - 2026-05-02T14:00:00

Historic Beacon Hill District

ATTENTION: This hearing will only be held virtually and NOT in person. You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom Hearing Link or calling 1-929-205-6099 and entering meeting id # 160 982 2644. You can also submit written comments or questions to BeaconHillAC@boston.gov.

The public can offer testimony.
  • 09:00PM
  • Posted:
    03/09/2026 - 12:07PM
  • Accessibility Services
    Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please reach out to the contact listed in this Public Notice.

Boston Common: Tadpole Playground Community Meeting 3

Join us for an online community meeting about site analysis and next steps for Tadpole Playground!

 

March 16, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Zoom
    Boston, MA 02111
  • Contact:
    Kevin Bogle
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-03-16T18:00:00 - 2026-03-16T19:30:00

Register for the online meeting

March 16, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • Zoom
    Boston, MA 02111
  • Contact:
    Kevin Bogle
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-03-16T18:00:00 - 2026-03-16T19:30:00

Historic Beacon Hill District

ATTENTION: This hearing will only be held virtually and NOT in person. You can participate in this hearing by going to our Zoom Hearing ...

The public can offer testimony.
  • 10:00PM
  • Posted:
    02/06/2026 - 4:32PM
  • Accessibility Services
    Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please reach out to the contact listed in this Public Notice.

Beacon Hill: 7 Smith Court Abutters Meeting

Remove existing roof deck, install new single-ply membrane roof system, re-install wood framed roof deck as shown on the drawings. Construct new headhouse for existing stair to roof.

January 29, 2026
Event Date2026-01-29T19:00:00 - 2026-01-29T20:00:00

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident's positions on this proposal. This is a virtual meeting via Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 160 375 9400

Please note, the City does not represent the occupant(s)/developer(s)/attorney(s)/applicant(s).

 

January 29, 2026
Event Date2026-01-29T19:00:00 - 2026-01-29T20:00:00

Jump into the Past: Teen Takeover at MAAH

February 1, 2026
Event Date2026-02-01T13:00:00 - 2026-02-01T15:00:08

The Museum of African American History and the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement welcome teens to an afternoon of food, fun and entertainment.

Hear from influential speakers, dig deeper into history, win prizes, and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

Learn More

February 1, 2026
Event Date2026-02-01T13:00:00 - 2026-02-01T15:00:08
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