Events: the week ahead
KIDS
PARTY FOR THE PLANET Celebrate Earth Day at your local zoo. You can meet the zookeepers and baby gorilla Kambiri, and enjoy a performance by entertainer Su Eaton. Presented in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass. April 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with admission of $14, $11 seniors, $8 ages 2-12, under 2 free. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. www.franklinparkzoo.org
SWAN BOATS Celebrate spring with a ride on one of the elegant family-owned and -operated vessels that have been a Boston tradition since 1877. You’ll be in good company. The long list of celebrities who’ve enjoyed a spin around the lagoon includes Shirley Temple, Princess Grace, and John F. Kennedy. Season opens April 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $2.75, $1.50 ages 2-15, $2 seniors. Boston Public Garden. www.swanboats.com
SESAME STREET LIVE Our favorite Muppet, the adorable Elmo, is the star of “Elmo’s Green Thumb,’’ a story about friendship, patience, sunflowers, and the delicacy of our ecosystem. April 15, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; April 16, 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.; April 17, 1 and 4:30 p.m. $15-$30 (opening night $12); $40 Gold Circle seats, $65 Sunny seats. Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 800-745-3000, www.sesamestreetlive.com
BOSTON INTERNATIONAL KIDS FILM FESTIVAL It doesn’t get much better than Gregory Peck as Atticus in “To Kill a Mockingbird.’’ The American classic opens a weeklong event featuring screenings of full-length kids films, animated shorts, and performances by storytellers, animators, and entertainers. Flicks include “Chandani: The Daughter of the Elephant Whisperer’’ (India), “Alamar’’ (Mexico), and “The Secret of Kells’’ (Ireland). April 15-22. $12, $6 child. Festival pass $75, $30 child. Capitol Theatre, 204 Mass. Ave., Arlington. www.feitheatres.com/capitol-theatre/kids-film-festival/
EVENTS
NEW ENGLAND FOLK FESTIVAL Folkies descend on the town of Mansfield in droves for this 67th annual tradition. Listen, watch, sing, play, and dance at events including contra dances, international folk dances, Morris dancing, singalongs, concerts, workshops, and a craft bazaar. April 15, 7-11:30 p.m. April 16, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. April 17, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5-$75, under 9 free. Mansfield Middle and High Schools, 250 East St. www.neffa.org
MARIA MENOUNOS The former Miss Teen Massachusetts returns to her home state to promote her new book, “The Everygirl’s Guide to Life.’’ In it, she shares beauty, cooking, health, and organizing tips. Best of all, she’ll tell you how to live like a star without breaking the bank. April 16, 2 p.m. Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard St., Brookline. 617-566-6660, www.brooklinebooksmith. com
BATTLE REENACTMENT Rise and shine early for an observance of the American Revolution. A simulation of the fight between Lexington’s militia and the British regulars should provide a bracing start to
JP SHOPPING SPREE Jamaica Plain celebrates its wealth of independent markets, bodegas, and groceries with a day of sales, specials, and cooking demos at more than 20 businesses including Crystal Fruits, Blue Frog, Estrella Bakery, and Harvest Co-op. Meet shop owners, chat, and enjoy the benefits of shopping locally. April 16. Egleston Square, Centre/South, Jackson/Hyde areas of Jamaica Plain. www.buylocaljp.com 
