Kids' Patriots Day Activities in Boston 2009050

Patriots' Day commemorates the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is a Massachusetts state holiday, officially observed on the Monday closest to April 19 and celebrated with parades, reenactments, and commemorative ceremonies. We've rounded up a list of events that kids and families can take part in - many free or inexpensive. Plan ahead: Events may require advance registration.

Rebels and Redcoats: Lexington and Concord, which both lay claim to being the birthplace of the American Revolution, commemorate the first battles with historical re-enactments and parades. Activities include the opportunity to "witness" Paul Revere's midnight arrival at the Hancock-Clarke House in Lexington, as he sounds the alarm that the King's Regulars are on the road to Lexington and Concord.

The Battle on Lexington Green, which signaled the beginning of the American Revolution, is re-enacted on Monday, at 5:30am in Lexington Center. Then Concord's famous battle is re-created at the North Bridge at 8:30am. Parades on Monday in Lexington and Concord pay tribute to the nation's struggle for freedom as well.

Additional activities include the Paul Revere capture ceremony, during which the Lincoln Minute Men and the Town of Lincoln, joined by other reenactment and fife and drum units, observe the historic capture of Paul Revere at the Minute Man National Historical Park; and battle re-enactments at the Hartwell Tavern, part of the Minute Man Park.

Do you have more ideas about ways in which families and kids celebrate Patriot's Day? Let us know by sending an email to boston@parentsconnect.com - or just add a comment below - and we'll keep adding readers' suggestions here!