10 Ways To Spend April Vacation Week in Boston

[UPDATED Monday, April 15, 12:27 p.m.]

Looking for something fun to do this week while the kids are out of school for April Vacation? Check out these events and activities going on in your neighborhood and around Boston:

1. Family Fun at the USS Constitution Museum: Prepare yourself for battle against the British in the War of 1812 with fun, hands-on activities for the whole family this week at the USS Constitution Museum (1 Constitution Plaza, Charlestown). Fire a cannon, build a ship to outrun and outgun the enemy, learn to march like a Marine, and more. Schedule changes daily; check the museum lobby for details.

2. Go to the Circus: The Big Apple Circus big top is set up in City Hall Plaza (just outside the Government Center T station in Downtown Boston) with shows offered Tuesday through Sunday, April 16-21 and beyond, through May 12. Tickets range from $25-$100. Findshow times and more information on the circus website.

3. Explore Fenway Park: Fenway Park (4 Yawkey Way, Fenway) will open its doors on Wednesday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for fans of all ages to explore Fenway Park at their own pace. The free, open-to-public event gives fans a chance to discover behind-the-scenes locations and learn more about “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” through a variety of family-friendly activities. Concessions will be available in main areas of Fenway Park at discounted prices. The event will take place rain or shine.

4. Experience Alexander's Very Bad Day: Boston Children's Theatre knows that people of all ages can relate to the experiences facing young Alexander in the musical, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day.” Faced with a myriad of unexpected mishaps from gum in his hair to having a cavity, to spilling ink on his father’s desk, Alexander’is really having a bad day. With a message that reaches people of all generations, “Alexander” will make you smile, even on the very worst day. Showing on April 13, 14, 21 and 22 at the Calderwood Pavilion (572 Tremont St., South End).

5. Let Your Imagination Swim Wild: Drop by the New England Aquarium (1 Central Wharf, Waterfront) and visit with playful fur seal pups, touch small sharks and sting rays and learn about fish of every shape, size and color. Admission is reduced while the aquarium undergoes renovations—$19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. To plan your trip or for more information, visit www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5200. 

6. Spend Time With a Famous Redhead: The Wheelock Family Theatre (200 The Riverway, Fenway/Kenmore) is offering special matinees of its family-friendly show, “Pippi Longstocking," based on Astrid Lindgren's books for children, on Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$30. Purchase them athttp://www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org. 

7. Get Creative: Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (100 Northern Ave., Waterfront) Tuesday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a special April Vacation Week program, “More than Meets the Eye.” Visit the ICA galleries and look at sculpture created by some of today’s leading artists, then participate in an art-making workshop where you can experiment with reflective materials to create three-dimensional forms that challenge others to look again. Admission is free for ages 17 and under and for adults with the purchase of gallery admission.

8. See a Film: Join the Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Ave., Fenway/Kenmore) and participate in free activities for youth all week. From art-making classes to story hours, there is something for all ages. In addition, check out the Boston International Children’s Film Festival line-up. Admission costs $10. Programs run April 16-19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed for Patriots’ Day.

9. Explore the Franklin Park Zoo: Explore the Franklin Park Zoo (1 Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester) this week and check out the newest additions, including a Grant’s zebra foal and a bongo calf, both born in February at the zoo. Kids will love the zoo’s 10,000-square-foot playground, which opened last summer, and the Aussie Aviary will open for the season this week. The zoo is open this week daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Admission costs $11 for children ages 2-12, $17 for adults and $14 for seniors (age 62 and up). Children under 2 get in free.

10. Have Fun with Technology: Drop by the Microsoft Store in the Prudential Center mall (800 Boylston St., Back Bay) on Friday, April 19 for TechTots—digital story time, hands-on technology learning with Tech Mouse, and a snack for children ages 2-5. Themes include Dance, Mystery, Safety, Safari, Manners, Talent, Solar System, Magic, Virtues, and more. A parent or caregiver must remain present. 

Know of some other great things to do this week? Share your tips in the comments section below.