Families and caregivers looking for a fun April vacation children’s activity are invited to head outside for our second StoryWalk series in City of Boston parks, which began Tuesday (April 20) and extends through Mon., May 10. StoryWalks can be found in Dorchester, Mattapan, Allston, Chinatown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Roxbury.

Each bilingual installation will feature English alongside one of eight additional languages: Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department teamed up with the Boston Public Library, the Highland Street Foundation, the New England Patriots Foundation, and Xfinity to produce a series of StoryWalk installations in ten neighborhood parks across the city. After completing the StoryWalk, City of Boston residents are invited to scan the QR code and enter their information to enter to win one of five grand prizes of a Kindle with a three-month Kindle Unlimited subscription courtesy of Xfinity.

Many Boston Public Library titles for youth and adults are also available to borrow via the Kindle, at no cost. Boston Public Library branches near the installations will offer activities for families to enjoy. These activities include craft activities, book bundles, gardening kits, and virtual live book readings. Library activities are available in English unless otherwise noted; translation and interpretation are available on request.

The StoryWalk Project, created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, is an innovative and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy both reading and the outdoors. Laminated pages from children’s books are attached to wooden stakes and installed along outdoor paths. As visitors stroll through the park, they are directed to the next page in the story. 

The distance between stations will naturally support social distancing, but visitors are reminded to stay six feet away from those who are not members of their own household. Face coverings must be worn in public parks. If participants find the StoryWalk to be crowded, they are encouraged to come back another time or choose a different StoryWalk location. 

StoryWalk Installation Locations in Dorchester and Mattapan:

Listen, Listen: English and Vietnamese
Ronan Park, 92 Mt. Ida Road, Dorchester
This beautifully illustrated story explores the different seasons and the amazing sights and sounds of nature.

Library Activity, Fields Corner Branch (1520 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester):
Let’s Go to the Park: English and Spanish
Savin Hill Park, 25 Caspian Way, Dorchester
This multicultural board book lets young children explore the area in which they live. The bold illustrations show the people and animals they will meet, and objects that they will see and hear. 

Library activity, Uphams Corner Branch (500 Columbia Road, Dorchester):
Make-and-take crafts available for families for the duration of the Storywalk installation
Earth Day Storytime on April 22nd at 10:30am on Zoom

“What Can You Find in a Park” Storytime on May 10th at 10:30am on Zoom
Augustus and His Smile: English and Haitian Creole
Hunt Playground, 40 Almont Street, Mattapan
Augustus goes on a journey to find his lost smile, and discovers so much about the natural world: shiny insects, birds, mountains, fish, and even a rainstorm. Celebrate the beauty of nature with this gorgeously illustrated tale.

Library activity, Mattapan Branch (1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan): Make-and-take crafts available for families for the duration of the Storywalk installation