Five Things to Do This Weekend: July 23-24

It’s Thursday, and the weekend is right around the corner. Patch has your back with a few fun things to do. Check our picks for the activities to hit and some places to explore. Here's what's happening in and around your town.

1. Find a Farmers Market

• Where/When: Weekend markets available in , Waltham, Boston and elsewhere
• Why Go: Needham may not have its own farmers market yet, though plans are in the works, but there are plenty of places to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and other items, whether you head over to in Needham or want to venture out and explore another town in the process. The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets Web siteallows you to search for markets by region, zip code, day of the week or even type of produce. It’s also good to know what might be in season—check out the colorful chart provided by the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources that lists various fruits and vegetables grown in the commonwealth and when they are in season.
• Pricing: Depends on what you buy; most markets don’t have an admission fee but welcome donations as they’re mainly run by nonprofits. There’s also the cost of gas for travelling, so it might be wise to get a few friends together and make it a group trip.

2.

• Where/When: Dolan Recreation Center, 269 Common St., Dedham; Saturday, July 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Why Go: This free program features nature walks, an outdoorsy scavenger hunt along the banks of the Charles River, live animals and other activities centered on a nature theme. The event is being organized by Dedham Natural Wonders, a nonprofit group started by Stephanie Radner that seeks to promote awareness and stewardship of natural biodiversity. Visit their Facebook page for more details.
• Pricing: Free

3. Swim at Rosemary Pool

• Where/When: , Rosemary St. and Hillside Ave.; Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24 from 12:30-7:45 p.m.
• Why Go: It will be another warm, clear weekend, according to the National Weather Service, with temperatures expected in the mid-90s on Saturday and the mid-80s on Sunday. What better way to cool off than by heading over to Rosemary Pool for some fun in the sun? Season passes are available or you can pay the daily rate, with admission half off after 6:00 p.m.
• Pricing: Needham resident daily rate: Ages 2-59, $6; ages 60+, $3. Non-resident rate: Ages 2-59, $8; ages 60+, $3.

4.

• Where/When: 180 Linden St., Wellesley; Saturday, July 23 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• Why Go: Every Saturday in July, the Linden Square shopping area offers up some great activities for kids including free face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, petting farm and food. Visit shoplindensquare.com for a list of shops in the area and more information.
• Pricing: Free

5. New England Aquarium

• Where/When: 1 Central Wharf, Boston; open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Why Go: When it’s hot outside, why not head somewhere really cool—both air-conditioned and featuring great attractions like the “Sharks in 3D” IMAX show or the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. See a complete summer schedule here and find plenty of information to plan your trip at neaq.org.
• Pricing: Admission costs $22.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 3-11 and $20.95 for seniors 60 and up. Children ages 3 and under get in free. There are separate fees for IMAX shows ($7.95-$9.95), and combo tickets are available to get into both the aquarium and the IMAX Theatre.