Anchored in Traditions:  December School Vacation Week

Anchored in Traditions: December School Vacation Week Come visit the Museum and show us your own holiday traditions and participate in family friendly activities during December School Vacation Week. Make a holiday craft to share with the crew of USS Constitution or create your own holiday keepsake! We’ll have a host of family friendly activities happening in our award-winning galleries and can’t wait to welcome you for a week of fun! Life at Sea Program Daily: 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm Compare your Holiday food traditions with those of sailors serving on board USS Constitution during the War of 1812. Holiday Nautical Maker Activity: Holiday Snow Globes  Friday, December 27th &amp; Saturday, December 28th: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm Join us to create a take-home piece of art with nautical flair. Activity kits are $5.00/ kit. Java Victory Day Sunday, December 29th: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Come to the Museum and discover the details about Constitution’s victory over HMS Java on December 29, 1812. Explore the Museum’s galleries and add your own flair to paintings of the battle!

USS Constitution Museum

Veterans Day Weekend at the USS Constitution Museum

Join us in recognizing the service of veterans and their families.  Throughout Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum, we’ll be giving a token of our gratitude to each veteran visitor, offering special veterans-only tours of the Ship, inviting military families to visit with free admission, providing maker activities, and hosting a write-a-thon to collect letters of gratitude for the veteran community. USS Constitution Tours for Veterans Sunday, November 10 at 11:00am Monday, November 11 at 2:00pm We’re offering two special, behind-the-scenes tours of USS Constitution just for veterans during Veterans Day weekend. All veteran participants will receive a special gift from the Museum: a U.S. flag flown aboard “Old Ironsides.” Guests will need to use ladder-wells to travel between decks of the historic Ship. Tours are approximately 1 hour long. Please note, this is a guided tour of the Ship, not an underway cruise. Space is limited and dvance registration is required!  <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZq3E6bNfRBXZC-W1sz2NdAfEm_ldBa_feku57LKOBEdmPOg/viewform?usp=sf_link">REGISTER HERE</a> Veterans Cruise to Peddocks Island Saturday, November 9 from 11:00am – 3:00pm The National Parks of Boston and Boston Harbor Now are honoring veterans and active service members with a special ferry cruise to Peddocks Island, followed by guided tours of historic Fort Andrews, reflections on service, and fun, self-guided activities for all ages. Advance registration is required. Visit the <a href="https://www.bostonharborislands.org/event/veterans-cruise-2023/?o=5041">Boston Harbor Islands event page</a> for more information. Letters of Gratitude Write-a-Thon November 9 – 11 11:00am – 5:00pm Help us collect 500 letters of gratitude for the military community over Veterans Day weekend! We’re hosting a write-a-thon to encourage our visitors and members of the community to help us say thank you to veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Maker Activity November 10 – 11 11:00am – 5:00pm Create a flag pins out of beads with options that are friendly for all ages. A symbolic way to remember our veterans and the freedoms they defend. Available at the Museum, while supplies last (no registration required). Free Admission for Military Families Monday, November 11 10:00am – 5:00pm On Veterans Day, veterans and their families are welcome to visit the hands-on, award-winning exhibits at the Museum free of charge.

Nautical Maker Series

Visit the Museum the 2nd Saturday of each month to take part in our Nautical Maker Series activities! We provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir, all you have to bring is the creativity!!&nbsp;Please see below for our upcoming schedule (subject to change). Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;November 9, 2024 Time:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price:&nbsp;$5.00 per kit Maker Activity:&nbsp;Rope Pumpkins

Happy Birthday USS Constitution!

On October 21, 1797, USS Constitution slipped into the waters of Boston Harbor and began her service to the country. Now 227 years later, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the Ship’s historic career in true birthday fashion with a Birthday Party! We’ll have birthday-themed activities and events throughout the day! Come leave your birthday wishes for the Ship and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Museum. LEGO Master Builder Workshop Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Sunday, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm &amp; 3:00 pm Join us for a 30-minute workshop with a LEGO Master Builder as you build your own LEGO USS Constitution!!  <a href="http://%3Cp%20class=%22gform_not_found%22%3Eoops!%20we%20could%20not%20locate%20your%20form.%3C/p%3E">Registration</a> is recommended (capped at 20 builders per session). LEGO Shipyard Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Saturday, 9:30 am- 5:00 pm The “LEGO® Shipyard” exhibit features activities for the entire family! Accept the challenge from the US Government and create a LEGO ship sure to impress! USS Constitution Mini-Golf Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Saturday &amp; Sunday, 10:30 am- 4:30 pm Putt your way through history on our own custom built mini-golf course! “Built to Win” Program Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Saturday &amp; Sunday, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm President George Washington needs you to build one of the country’s 1st naval ships. Design, build, and test your own mini ship’s strength and speed. Are you up for the challenge?

Visit the Museum the 2nd Saturday of each month to take part in our Nautical Maker Series activities! We provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir, all you have to bring is the creativity!! Please see below for our upcoming schedule (subject to change). Date:  October 12, 2024 Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price: $5.00 per kit Maker Activity: Rope Ghosts &amp; Zombies

Visit the Museum the 2nd Saturday of each month to take part in our Nautical Maker Series activities! We provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir, all you have to bring is the creativity!!&nbsp;Please see below for our upcoming schedule (subject to change). Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;September 14, 2024 Time:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price:&nbsp;$5.00 per kit Maker Activity:&nbsp;Shrinky Dink Terrarium

Boston Navy Week at the Charlestown Navy Yard

Join the Museum, Boston National Historic Park and USS Constitution as we celebrate Boston Navy week in grand fashion! We’ll have activities all week celebrating the history and legacy of the US Navy!! We’ll also be celebrating the nation’s independence with a Block Party on July 4th!   *Activities are subject to change based on weather and staffing. USS CONSTITUTION MINI GOLF Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Daily, 10:30 am- 4:30 pm Putt your way through history on our own custom built mini-golf course! "READY, AIM, FIRE!" PROGRAM Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Daily, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm Step into the role of the courageous crew who manned USS Constitution’s cannons. "MARKED FOR LIFE" TATTOO PROGRAM Location: USS Constitution Museum Timing: Daily, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Learn the history of sailors’ tattoos and mark yourself with a temporary tattoo. Tattoos cost between $1 and $2. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ACTIVITIES Location: Charlestown Navy Yard Timing: Tuesday- Sunday, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Visit both Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center and USS Cassin Young to discover the unique history of the Charlestown Navy Yard! US NAVY DIVE TANK Location: Charlestown Navy Yard, Pier 1 Timing: July 3rd &amp; July 4th, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm Come engage and learn about the US Navy Dive team and their operations. NAVAL HERITAGE &amp; HISTORY COMMAND POP-UP ACTIVITY Location: Charlestown Navy Yard Timing: Daily, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm Come engage and learn about the US Navy’s heritage through time.

Nautical Summer Maker Series

Visit the Museum the 2nd Saturday of each month to take part in our Nautical Maker Series activities! We provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir, all you have to bring is the creativity!! Please see below for our upcoming schedule (subject to change). Date:  June 8 &amp; July 13, 2024 Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price: $5.00 per kit Maker Activity: Sea Glass Art Date:  August 10, 2024 Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price: $5.00 per kit Maker Activity: Shrinky Dink Art

Battalion Buddies Service Opportunity

Volunteer and Give Back to Military Families When one member of a military family serves, the entire family serves. Join us on&nbsp;Sunday, June 2&nbsp;to learn more about the experience of military children before participating in a community service project. You’ll hear from members of USS Constitution’s active duty navy crew about their families’ experiences before making 100 Battalion Buddies. Battalion Buddy stuffed bears bring comfort to children of deployed service men and women. Volunteers will help stuff and dress these bears. The Battalion Buddies made at this event will be distributed across the country to children with a deployed parent thanks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.operationgratitude.com/" target="_blank">Operation Gratitude</a>. Our giveback will also include writing messages of encouragement and making friendship bracelets for military children that will be distributed at an upcoming Museum event. Volunteer space for this event is limited. To participate, please complete the registration form here: https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/battalion-buddies/ Confirmed volunteers will receive further instruction from Museum staff via email. Family and youth volunteers (ages 8 and up) are encouraged to join and learn about their peers in the military community. Questions? Email us at abeaulieu@usscm.org.

Scout Day

Calling all Scouts! Join us in the Charlestown Navy Yard for Scout Day–a special day of activities just for BSA Scouts and Girl Scouts. Scouts will learn about life at sea in 1812 and life in the Navy today, all while meeting some requirements for scout rank advancement badges. Explore the Museum and Ship as you stop at different activity stations throughout the Navy Yard. There will be something for all ages, so come as a scout, a family, or as a troop! All registered scouts will receive a special USS Constitution Museum Scout Day patch. Activities include: Tour USS Constitution, a national landmark. Don’t forget to bring your troop’s American flag to fly on board and fold with a Navy crew member. Build and race your own ship out of household materials in our Ship Design Challenge. Join in knot-tying and 1812 sailor games. Express your creativity at the “Paint a battle” and “Make a Captain’s Hat” maker stations. Participate in a mock 1812 gun drill with your troop. Meet USS Constitution’s active-duty Navy crew. Write a letter of encouragement to a new Navy recruit in boot camp. A full list of activities and related badge requirements is coming soon.&nbsp;Please note, the Museum will provide evidence of completed activities, but will not provide any merit badges at this event. To register a scout or troop for the event, please complete our webform. on our website here: https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/scout-day-april-2024/ Family members and siblings are welcome to join in the activities. We ask that you make a donation for these guests upon arrival at the Museum. Questions? Contact our Education team at groupreservations@usscm.org.

April School Vacation Week: Wind Powered Fun

Come visit the USS Constitution Museum during April Vacation week as we explore the power of the wind and its importance to powering a ship like USS&nbsp;Constitution.&nbsp;The Museum will be hosting family friendly activities and crafts all week long to encourage the exploration of the power of wind kicking off with a public Kite Flying Day on Tuesday, April 16th. Built to Win All Week:&nbsp;1:00 pm- 4:00 pm President George Washington needs you to build one of the country’s 1st naval ships. Design, build, and test your own mini ship’s strength and speed. Are you up for the challenge? Kite Workshop Tuesday, April 16th:&nbsp;10:30 am- 11:30 am &amp; 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm In partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kone.org/" target="_blank">Kites Over New England</a>&nbsp;(KONE) and Blue Hills Observatory, join our Kite Workshop to make a kite while learning about kite history and the science of kite flying!&nbsp;Registration for the Kite Workshop will open shortly. Kite Flying Day Wednesday, April 17th:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Come view and fly kites on the Commandant’s Lawn in the Navy Yard! Bring a small kite to fly, or create your own using a kite kit ($10/kit) in the museum.&nbsp;In partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kone.org/" target="_blank">Kites Over New England</a>&nbsp;(KONE) and Blue Hills Observatory. Make a Windsock Thursday, April 18th&nbsp;:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Visit the Museum and create a colorful windsock that can be used to study the direction and strength of the wind! Make a Wind Spinner Friday, April 19th:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Visit the Museum and create a wind spinner and see it harness wind power to create “moving” art that’s colorful and whimsical! Maker’s Afternoon:&nbsp;Celebrate the Earth Saturday, April 20th:&nbsp;11:00 am- 3:00 pm Miss out on any of this month’s maker’s activities? Join us for an encore of all these crafts that come to life with an assist from Mother Nature! Suncatchers, wind spinners, and windsocks – spring is in the air as we wind up our week of wind-powered fun! Each activity is available while supplies last.

LEGO® Maritime Festival & Competition

Join us during February Vacation week as we welcome back our annual LEGO® Maritime Festival! Our brand new LEGO® Brick Yard will be open and running for a week full of creativity and construction!! If you’re looking for inspiration make sure to check out last year’s builds on our website!   2024 LEGO® Ship Shape Competition 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Enter your LEGO® or DUPLO® ship into our daily competition. Designs can be built and submitted at the Museum during February Vacation Week or submitted virtually. For details of the competition visit the official rules page on our website. Brick by Brick Kits 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Build USS Constitution or USS Cassin Young out of LEGO® bricks with step-by-step instructions created by the USS Constitution Museum. Color Me Mini LEGO® Figurines 10:00 am- 5:00 pm LEGO® has created over 4 billion minifigures – now color in your own 1812 design.

Nautical Maker Series: Sailor's Valentines

Make a special sailor’s valentine for someone you love! On Saturday, February 10th, join the Museum for a special Valentine’s Day Maker Event! We will provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind valentine in the style of this popular 19th century souvenir. All you have to bring is the creativity! Date:  February 10, 2024 Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Activity Price: $5.00 per kit Maker Activity: Sailor’s Valentines What is a sailor’s valentine? These works of art are made by arranging small seashells in a symmetrical pattern, commonly in an octagonal box. They were a popular souvenir purchased by sailors for their sweethearts back home and often featured a symbol of love at the center. While the name suggests that the sailors created these themselves, most were created and purchased on the island of Barbados.

Anchored in Traditions: December School Vacation Week

Anchored in Traditions: December School Vacation Week Come visit the Museum and show us your own holiday traditions and participate in family friendly activities during December School Vacation Week. Make a holiday craft to share with the crew of USS Constitution or create your own holiday keepsake! We’ll have a host of family friendly activities happening in our award-winning galleries and can’t wait to welcome you for a week of fun!   Life at Sea Program Tuesday- Saturday: 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm Compare your Holiday food traditions with those of sailors serving on board USS Constitution during the War of 1812.   Java Victory Day Friday, December 29th: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Come to the Museum and discover the details about Constitution’s victory over HMS Java on December 29, 1812. Explore the Museum’s galleries and add your own flair to paintings of the battle!   Holiday Nautical Maker Activity: Holiday Snow Globes &amp; Lanterns Saturday, December 30th &amp; Sunday, December 31st: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Join us to create a take-home piece of art with nautical flair. Snow Globes activity is $3.00/ kit.

Army-Navy Game Week at the USS Constitution Museum

Join the Museum as we prepare for “America’s Game” in grand fashion! We’ll have activities all week leading up to the big game on Saturday, come visit us and get in the spirit.  Go Navy, Beat Army! Wednesday, December 6 ·       “Ready, Aim, Fire!” Field Goal Challenge: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm ·   Test your aim and use our Alka-Seltzer cannons to fire a “cannon ball” through the uprights! ·       Team Spirit Maker Activities: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm ·   Get yourself in the spirit to cheer on your favorite team as we provide the materials for you to make Navy- or Army-themed pennants, pom-poms, and windsocks!   Thursday, December 7 ·       Pearl Harbor Day Rememberance Event: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm ·   Join the National Park Service, US Navy and the USS Constitution Museum for a public ceremony to pay honor to the events of Pearl Harbor. The ceremony will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony peirside of USS Cassin Young. ·       Letters of Gratitude:  10:00 am- 5:00 pm ·   As the Museum commemorates Pearl Harbor Day, stop by and write a note of gratitude to active duty military personnel.   Friday, December 8 ·       “Ready, Aim, Fire!” Field Goal Challenge: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm ·   Test your aim and use our Alka-Seltzer cannons to fire a “cannon ball” through our uprights! ·       Team Spirit Maker Activities: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm ·   Get yourself in the spirit to cheer on your favorite team as we provide the materials for you to make Navy- or Army-themed pennants, pom-poms, and windsocks! ·       Patriot Games Relay Race: 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm ·   Come cheer on the Navy Midshipmen and Army Cadets as they compete in a friendly relay race starting in Charlestown Navy Yard to the top of Bunker Hill and back. For more information on the Patriot Games schedule click <a href="https://www.meetboston.com/events/festivals-and-special-events/army-navy-game-2023/patriot-games/">here</a>. ·       USS Constitution Tree Lighting &amp; Gingerbread Decorating:  3:00 pm- 6:00 pm ·   The Museum will be hosting a gingerbread decorating activity from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm.  Kits are $2.00 and are available on a first come, first serve basis. ·   Join the crew of USS Constitution as they celebrate the holidays with their annual Christmas tree lighting at 4:30 pm.   Saturday, December 9 ·       “Ready, Aim, Fire!” Field Goal Challenge: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm ·   Test your aim and use our Alka-Seltzer cannons to fire a “cannon ball” through our uprights! ·       Team Spirit Maker Activities: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm ·   Get yourself in the spirit to cheer on your favorite team as we provide the materials for you to make Navy- or Army-themed pennants, pom-poms, and windsocks!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.