Purim’s almost here, and there are so many family-friendly events to enjoy—from improv comedy to live music to bagels al fresco, here’s how and where to fill your social calendar.
Boston Synagogue
Don a costume, sip mocktails (cocktails for the grownups), nibble hamantaschen and enjoy a Megillah reading complete with noise-makers. The festivities kick off on Saturday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m., with a live music and dance party at 7:30 p.m.
Kerem Shalom
Gather on Sunday, March 24, for a family-friendly Mitzvah Masquerade. The party starts at 1 p.m. with a bouncy house, costume parade, crown decorating and lots more.
Lehrhaus
Inman Square’s runaway hit Jewish tavern hosts a family-friendly Purim party on Saturday, March 23, with arancini, Persian bean salad, pretzel hamantaschen with cheesy mustard filling, apricot chocolate hamantaschen and special cocktails—plus live music from Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars.
PJ Library Purim Drag Story Hour
On Sunday, March 17, Visit Somerville’s Bow Market (tasty food! fun shopping!) for a Purim-themed story hour celebrating LGBTQ+ role models. Don a costume, eat hamantaschen and enjoy post-story crafts. Arrive by 10 a.m.
Temple Beth Abraham
On Sunday, March 24, gather for a Megillah reading and Purim singalong, followed by a carnival with games and a photo booth. This year’s fest benefits the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter: Help pack food for distribution during the party.
Temple Beth Avodah
Gather for a Purim carnival on Sunday, March 24, at 11 a.m. complete with a petting zoo, bounce house, costume contest and snacks.
Temple Beth Shalom
Gather on Saturday, March 23, at 9 a.m. for a Purim puppet show, designed for kids 6 and under. Audience participation is encouraged.
Temple Beth Sholom
Kids under 13 feast on a prime rib dinner as part of Temple Beth Sholom’s Megillah service on Saturday, March 23, at 6 p.m. (There’s a veggie option too.) RSVP by March 17.
Temple Emanuel
Join a circus-themed, family-friendly Megillah reading—“The Greatest Haman,” a parody of “The Greatest Showman”—and then feast on hamantaschen. Gather on Sunday, March 24, at 11 a.m.
Temple Hillel B’nai Torah
For teens who have outgrown costume contests and parades, head to Temple Hillel B’nai Torah for an improv workshop, combining the story of Purim as told through satirical TV commercials. Learn improv games and sketch work—and plan to perform them. The fun begins on Sunday, March 17, at 4 p.m.
Temple Isaiah
The festivities kick off with a preschool Purim Shabbat on Friday, March 22, at 10 a.m., and an evening family service (costumes encouraged). On Saturday, March 23, they host a young families’ costume celebration, nice and early at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, March 24, gather at 9:45 a.m. for songs, a Megillah reading, costume parade and hamantaschen.
Temple Israel of Boston
On Saturday, March 23, join the temple’s annual Purimpalooza for pizza, hamantaschen, costumes and a puppet show led by Talking Hands Theater. The party starts at 4 p.m. And show your kids the power of giving back with Tikkun Central’s Food Justice Team, which will teach about food insecurity and make lunches distributed by the Southern JP Health Center. Gather on Sunday, March 24, at 1:15 p.m.
Temple Reyim
On Saturday, March 23, don a costume and enjoy hamantaschen while reading the Megillah. Then, on Sunday, March 24, join the Purim celebration at 2 p.m. with an animal theme: There’s a petting zoo, Israeli dancing and a puppet show.
Welcome Baby Bagels & Babies Purim Park Meetup
Just need to get out of the house with your infant or toddler? Hang out at East Arlington’s Magnolia Playground and enjoy free bagels, hamantaschen and adult convo—bring your own drinks and blankets. Gather at 10 a.m.
Find hamantaschen recipes, parties for all ages and more ideas for your celebration.
