Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival 2024 Returns With Exciting Family-Friendly Tradition

The Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival is back! The beloved family-friendly tradition returns this weekend, and is expected to bring all the same fun festival-goers have experienced for many years.

The Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival started as the Great Boston Kite Festival over 50 years ago. The first on was held on May 17, 1969 on the gold course at Franklin Park. The charge was led by Clara Wainwright who was a Boston quilt maker and visual artist. She and a group of other artists and designers called themselves, "The Committee for the Better Use of Air." Their work was focused on creating "opportunities for as many people as possible to engage in this shared experience through exhibitions, workshops and contests centered around kite making and kite flying." (Franklin Park Coalition)

The 2024 Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18th from 12-4pm. it will take place at Franklin Park Playstead, 25 Pierpont Road. If it rains, the rain date is the following day from 2-5pm.

The event draws more than 1,000 people each year when people come out to have picnics, fly kites, ride bike, and listen to great music. As someone who has participated in the event many times, I have to say it is one of the most fun community events in the city of Boston.

Some of the things to do: make a kite, buy one, or bring your own. There are always food trucks serving up delicious offerings. Younger kids can try out bike with Countdown to Kindergarten. There's a bicycle repair station by REI. And you can also get free helmets.

The event is hosted by the Franklin Park Coalition. 

You're encouraged to bike there, walk, or take public transportation as there is limited parking available. Here are directions provided from the Franklin Park Coalition.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival!

The opening of New England's Amusement And Water Parks. It's definitely a sure sign of summer. And we have a pretty good selection to choose from. Whether you're planning to be in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine, there's something for everyone. So when is everything opening up? Don't worry, we got you! But before we rundown when each of the amusement and water parks are opening, lets get into some fun facts about those thrill rides.

The Fastest Roller Coaster In The U.S. - As of January 2023, the roller coaster with the highest top speed in the United States was the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Jackson, New Jersey. It has a maximum speed of 206 kilometers per hour (128mph). I think I'll keep my feet on the ground.

The Oldest Amusement Parks In The U.S. - Two of the top three oldest amusement parks are New England's Amusement And Water Parks.  Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park in Bristol, Connecticut has been around since 1846. Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA has been around since 1870. It also has many other names that it's gone by before Six Flags New England: Gallup's Grove, Riverside Grove, Riverside Park, and Riverside: The Great Escape. And tied with Six Flags is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, around since 1870.

Lost Change For Charity - Speaking of Cedar Point in Ohio, they have a great thing they do for charity. Every year, they collect the change that falls out of people's pockets on roller coasters. They also collect money thrown into fountains, and around the park, and donate it to charity. The amount varies from year to year, but is usually around $2,000.

The World's Largest Water Park Can Hold 40,000 people - As an introvert who doesn't like huge crowds, this freaks me out a little. World Waterpark in Edmonton, Alberta is not only the world's largest water park, it also has the honor of being the world's largest tourist attraction. It's 655,550 square feet, and attracts 560,000 visitors every year.

If you're looking for an adventure this summer, somewhere fun to take the whole family, a place to cool off in the scorching summer sun, here are when some of New England's Amusement And Water Parks.

Six Flags New England is located in Agawam, MA. It it currently open with their opening day taking place recently on April 6th. Head to their website to check out the pass options they have to offer. And for a limited time (until April 21st), you can get a free upgrade to a Diamond pass when you purchase a Platinum pass. Besides all the different rides, food, and fun, there are also lots of special events you can check out. Educational events, performances, and more.

Celebrating 120 years of family fun, Canobie Lake Park opens for the season on May 18th. Located in Salem, New Hampshire, Canobie offers family, kids, thrill, and water rides. They also offer tons of games, and a variety of food options from pizza and burgers to fried dough and fried clams. There's definitely something for everyone!

Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire gets their season underway on May 25th. Located in the hills of the White Mountains, Story Land has been creating magical moments for parents and kids to share together for over 70 years. One of their new attractions is the All-New Moo Lagoon Water Play Area! There are shows, special events, otters, and more. According to the website, "you can find a variety of food options. From crispy chicken tenders and slow simmered barbecue pork, to our sweet treats and snacks, there is something for the whole family!"

Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, Maine opens on May 25th. The park features Northern New England's tallest and longest wooden roller coaster called Excalibur. It also has New England's longest and tallest log flume, Thunder Falls. And if you're a fan of dropping from huge heights, then check out their 220-foot-tall Drop Tower, Dragon's Descent. Get all the details about tickets, prices, food options, games and more HERE.

Palace Playland opens on May 25th. The park has been open since 1902. It's located in Old Orchard Beach, Maine where it's been since it originally opened. It's also New England's only beachfront amusement park. Their Arcade at Palace Playland has over 20,000 square feet of games with dozens of crane games. You can win anything from squishies to Apple AirPods. There's also the classic Skee-Ball, and the brand new Tic-Shaq-Toe basketball game. And if virtual reality is your thing, try the King Kong of Skull Island game. Get all the info HERE.

You don't have to wait until Christmas to visit Santa's Village. The park in Jefferson, New Hampshire opens for the season on May 25th. Some of the featured attractions include: Santa's Home, Reindeer Rendezvous, Elf University, and the Reindeer Shoe Blacksmith Shop. There are also rides, a water park, entertainment, food, and more. Find out everything you need to know to plan your visit HERE.

Water Country is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and opens on June 1st. It's New England's Largest Water Park and has one of the most iconic commercial songs ever. The park features 18 family-friendly water attractions, including the Giant Wave Pool and Adventure River. Plan your trip HERE.

Straight out of my hometown of Wareham, MA, it's Water Wizz. The water park opens for the season on June 10th. I've taken the kids there several times and if you can swing it, definitely get a cabana. I always get one that's way in the back. Less traffic and a little more peace to sit and read my book, as well as provide a home base for the kids to come back to. Water Wizz is Southern New England's Largest Outdoor Water Park and you can get all the info you need, including early tickets HERE.