Artistic inspiration
Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art features works made by adults, but special programs and the Poss Family Mediatheque inform and inspire children to get into the act. On the last Saturday of each month, free Play Dates provide themes for creativity. July 25: “Your Body and Art’’ offers dance, video, and songs from around the globe. Aug. 29: “By the Sea’’ features outdoor music and hand-printing following the ocean’s movement. 100 Northern Ave., 617-478-3100, www.ica boston.org.
Swarthy seas
The days of pirates, it turns out, may not be so distant. But from Pickering Wharf Marina in Sa lem, a replica of the schooner Fame, among the first American privateers during the War of 1812, sails several times a day to give families a time-worn tour of coastal adventure. Hope for steady wind as the three sails fill. Pickering Wharf Marina, Salem, 978-729-7600, www.schoonerfame.com, Adults $25, $15 for children under 13.
A good catch
Get a different taste of the coastline by climbing aboard a working lobster boat for a trip to check the traps. In a two-hour tour from Millbridge Marina, a bit down east from Bar Harbor, Captain Jamie Robertson will work away with families aboard. You never know what will turn up: One 8-year-old boy nicknamed an 18-pound lobster Frankenstein. Robertson Sea Tours, 207-483-6110, www.robertsonseatours.com, adults $50, children $30.
Roar
Interested in other animals? Giant anteaters, snow leopards, and red wolves wait at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. The zoo has exhibits featuring flora and fauna from Africa, the Americas, and Australasia, and a temporary exhibit celebrates hundreds of butterflies. They’ll flutter away Sept. 7. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, 401-785-3510, www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org, adults $12, children $6.
Once upon a time . . .
