Yellow T-Shirt Summer Programming
Countdown to Kindergarten has partnered with several amazing cultural institutions across Boston and the surrounding area to offer special summer 2026 programming for children and families of incoming 3, 4, and 5-year-olds joining BPS, whether they’re entering a BPS school or a Boston Pre-K community program. Simply wear your yellow “I’m Going to Kindergarten” T-shirt to a participating location at the designated date and time (below), and your child and family will receive free admission for that day—plus access to special programming created just for incoming BPS Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Boston Pre-K students. See each participating location’s details below:
Summer Guide
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Golden Ticket
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Participating Locations – Date, Times, and More!
Discovery Museum
Date: Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 – Monday, August 31st, 2026
Time: Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Address: 177 Main St, Acton, MA 01720
Website: discoveryacton.org
The Discovery Museum is a hands-on, accessible children’s museum that combines indoor STEAM-based exhibits with an outdoor nature playscape.
Children who visit wearing a yellow “I’m going to Kindergarten” t-shirt will get free admission along with up to 3 family members.
Carousel at Rose Kennedy Greenway
Date: Monday, July 14th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: 191 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02111
Website: rosekennedygreenway.org/carousel
Take a spin on one of New England’s native creatures on the The Greenway Carousel! Fly on the wings of a Peregrine Falcon, sit astride the mythical Sea Serpent Gondola, or honor an endangered animal like the Green Sea Turtle.
Free admission for one kindergartener wearing their “I’m Going to Kindergarten” yellow t-shirt.
Museum of Fine Arts
Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
Time: Operating Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Website: mfa.org
Celebrate “Back-to-School” with drop-in art making, family tours, and story hour programs throughout the day. For even more fun, rising Boston Public School Kindergarteners wearing their “I’m Going to Kindergarten” t-shirt will receive a special giveaway at the Huntington Entrance from 11am-2pm!
Franklin Park Zoo
Date: Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
Time: Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Presentation: 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Address: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA – At Nature’s Neighborhood: Meeting Barn Classroom
Website: zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo
Mystery Animal Encounter for Incoming Kindergarteners: Join our Educators for a 30-minute Mystery Animal presentation at Franklin Park Zoo during our Boston Family Day! Participants will get an up-close look at an animal that lives behind the scenes at the zoo and will have the opportunity to chat with our Educators to learn more about the mystery animal.
Please Note:
- Pre-registration for free admission to the zoo is required. Visit this link for information on how to register.
- This opportunity is limited to the first 30 people who arrive at the Meeting Barn Classroom.
- Families must be accompanied by an incoming Boston Public School kindergartener wearing their yellow, “I’m Going to Kindergarten” shirt to participate in the mystery animal presentation.
New England Aquarium
Date: Sunday, August 2nd & 9th, 2026
Time: Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Presentation: 10:30 AM
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA – Exploration Station
Website: neaq.org
Live Animal Story Time: Join us for a storytime just for Kindergarteners in their “I’m Going to Kindergarten” shirts. After we read a book together, you’ll have the chance to meet the main character – a real live animal who lives here in the aquarium!
Museum of African American History
Date: Sunday, August 2nd & 9th, 2026 / Sunday, September 6th & 13th, 2026
Time: Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 46 Joy St, Boston, MA
Website: maah.org
Join us on the third floor for our Kids’ Reading & Play Corner, where young learners can explore books celebrating Black history in Boston — including stories of trailblazers like abolitionist Frederick Douglass and poet Phillis Wheatley Peters — or channel their inner architect and build their own version of the historic African Meeting House. Then venture through our exhibits and take on our new early childhood scavenger hunt, guided by the one and only Beatrice the Beacon Hill Bunny!