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: Pirates!
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
Ahoy, families! Set sail with us during Family Hours this July as we uncover the real stories behind the pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries. Discover what life was like aboard a pirate ship, how crews challenged the rules of colonial society, and what myths Hollywood got wrong. With hands-on activities and engaging tales, we’ll explore the bold choices pirates made—and why their stories still spark imaginations today.
Theme: 260th Anniversary of the Stamp Act Protests
Location: Old South Meeting House
Time: 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Admission: Free for ages 12 and under
In August, we'll explore the 260th anniversary of the Stamp Act Protests. Learn how Boston responded to a new British tax on paper goods in 1765—and how their protests helped unite the colonies. With hands-on activities and kid-friendly storytelling, discover the big impact of little acts of resistance. Join us for:
- Music
- Paper Lantern Suncatchers Craft
- Community Liberty Tree Activity
- Liberty Tree Lantern Display
- And More!
Theme: Samuel Adams Birthday!
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
Theme: TBD
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
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.