KIDS
PATRIOT PLACE DAY-CATIONS Here are daily activities to occupy your little darlings through Labor Day: Monday Face Painting (noon-2 p.m.), Tuesday Kids Club Storytime (11 a.m.), Bookworm Wednesdays (10 a.m.), Bouncy House Thursdays (noon-3 p.m.), Friday Family Rock Band games (noon), and Patriots Training Camp (through Aug. 18; check www.patriots.com or call 508-549-0001 for schedule). Daily. Free. Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxborough. 508-203-2100, www.patriot-place.com
CHARLES RIVER CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAM ARTS FESTIVAL Think of this as an art recital: Kids from Metro West and the Boston area will show you what they’ve been up to in their summer art classes. The festival includes a dance concert, readings, and exhibits of drawings, photos, jewelry, and more. Aug. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Charles River Creative Arts Program, 56 Centre St., Dover. 508-785-8250, www.crcap.org
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM BOSTON HARBOR ISLAND EXCURSION All you have to bring are sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure. Folks from the New England Aquarium will provide field guides, equipment, and handouts to help you enjoy tidepooling, hiking, and our beautiful Boston Harbor. Call to make a reservation. Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $35 (includes ferry ride). 617-973-5206, www.neaq.org
EVENTS
MALL AT CHESTNUT HILL’S HYDRANGEA GARDENING EVENT There will be lots of lovely floral displays at this event, which features a presentation about growth, care, and arranging. Horticulture expert Paul Parent will do a Q&A session. Aug. 15, 1-4 p.m. Free. Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill. 617-965-3037, www.simon.comK-9 AND COCKTAILS The Beeftini, Veggie Mary, and Tail Wagger sound delicious, but they’re only available to imbibers on all fours (the canine type). The first is beef broth, the second has local farm-fresh veggies, and the last is smoky chicken broth. Proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Aug. 15, 3-5 p.m. Cocktails are $1. Reservations are recommended. The Beehive, 541 Tremont St. 617-423-0069, www.beehiveboston.com
OPEN STUDIOS This one-hour pilgrimage from Boston will deliver you to the south coast, where 30 artists are waiting to show you their paintings, clothing, jewelry, and more. Demonstrations include Saturday’s Art of Portraiture (11 a.m.) and Wood Turning (3 p.m.). The tour covers 15 miles. Aug. 15-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Dartmouth and Westport (map available on website). www.the-art-drive.com
TASTE OF TUSCANY La Pentola di Rame is a program that brings Italian chefs to the United States for two weeks of classes and dinners. Chef Mariella Lencioni is from Lucca; the expert on Tuscan cuisine will kick off the culinary program at the Boston Center for Adult Education. Aug. 17 and 27, 6-9 p.m. $50. Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St. 617-267-4430, www.lapentoladirame.com/events 
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