04/16/2026
By Ellen Anstey

April PLAYcation is a week of free activities taking place around Lowell from April 18-24. Visit Lowell Kids Week for the full schedule of events.

The Tsongas Industrial History Center is offering the following family events during this special week as part of our 35th anniversary celebrations.

Tuesday, April 21 from 1 - 2 p.m.
Protecting Our Waterways for Pre-K
In this 1-hour PLAYcation program, join us to learn how to protect our waterways!
We’ll read "Not for Me Please, I Choose to Act Green" by Maria Godsey, try our hand at cleaning a mock pond, and then make happy animals to enjoy our newly cleaned environment. Recommended for ages 3-6.
Meet at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street, Lowell

Tuesday, April 21 from Noon - 3 p.m.
Special Program with the Chelmsford Historical Society - From Sheep to Shop: A Hands-On History Adventure

  • Get hands-on with wool carding & see how raw fleece becomes soft, workable fiber.
  • Watch live demonstrations of traditional drop spinning & weaving techniques.
  • Children can practice on table looms.
  • Visit the Chelmsford Historical Society's spinning & weaving artifacts and General
    Store exhibit.

Open to families and children ages 6 and up. Free, but please RSVP to info@chelmhist.org in advance. Program is at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA

Wednesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Art in the Park
Join Lowell Public Schools, Lowell National Historical Park, and other partner organization for fun activities in Boarding House Park including learning to weave on some of our hands-on looms.
40 French Street, Lowell

Wednesday, April 22 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Engineering Workshop
Drop in to experience our "Engineer It!" workshop. You will be given a design challenge to complete the engineering design process.
Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street, 3rd floor, Lowell

Friday, April 24 from 1 – 4 p.m.
History and STEM Hands-On Learning
Join us for our next collaborative event featuring many different UMass Lowell departments and area organizations who will offer hands-on activities in our 4th floor lunchroom. Several of our 3rd floor hands-on workshops will be open too!
Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street, 4th floor, Lowell