Family Hours
Educational Fun for All Ages
Inspired by Children's Hours held at Old South Meeting House from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, join Revolutionary Spaces for a modern take on family fun at our historic sites and museums! Visit the Old South Meeting House and the Old State House throughout the year for activities for all ages of history enthusiasts, including themed games, crafts, scavenger hunts, gallery talks, music, and more!
Family Hours activities are included in the price of general admission and all children ages 12 and under get in to both the Old State House and Old South Meeting House for FREE!
See scheduled dates below and plan your visit today.*
Theme: Benjamin Franklin
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Theme: TBD
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under; Free for all visitors on Thursday, February 20 thanks to the generous support of the Highland Street Foundation.
Theme: Boston Massacre
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Theme: America's First Spies
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Visit the Old State House & Old South Meeting House on Friday, April 18 for a day of history-themed educational activities all about America's first spies! Enjoy music, coloring, books, and dress up or stop by our Tin Lantern and Tricorn Hat Making Craft station. Uncover the secret spy mission behind Paul Revere's infamous Midnight Ride or help General Washington free Boston from British control with our Spy Quest scavenger hunt. There’s so much to explore and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Theme: America's First Spies
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Looking for something exciting to do this April school vacation week? Stop by the Old State House & Old South Meeting House for a day of history-themed educational activities all about America's first spies! Enjoy music, coloring, books, dress up, and a variety of daily crafts. Uncover the secret spy mission behind Paul Revere's infamous Midnight Ride or help General Washington free Boston from British control with our Spy Quest scavenger hunt. There’s so much to explore and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Tuesday, April 22 - Toy Horse & Unicorn Craft
Wednesday, April 23 - Tricorn Hat Making Craft
Thursday, April 24 - Lantern Suncatcher Craft
Friday, April 25 - Tricorn Hat Making Craft
Theme: Mothers Day
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Theme: Fathers Day
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
The History of Children's Hours at Old South Meeting House
In 1883, Mary Hemenway spearheaded an ambitious educational program as part of the Old South Association’s mission. This program, which included essay contests, holiday ceremonies, child fairs, and musical offerings became known as Children's Hours. Old South Lectures for Young People were also established in the summer of 1883 "as a means of promoting a more serious and intelligent attention to historical studies, especially studies in American history among the young people in Boston.” Today, the Old South Meeting House continues to educate the young people of Boston and remember Mary Hemenway's mission through our Family Hours programming.