20 Free & Fantastic Things to Do in the Greater Boston Area
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
This beautiful refuge in Wareham (an hour south of Boston) provides habitat for many rare species such as wading herons and great horned owls. There are only 4 miles of trails, however, beautiful views of wooded forest and a picturesque peaceful marsh view where you can look for exotic birds. It’s a beautiful place far away from the city where you can take a relaxing stroll, enjoy nature, and take beautiful pictures.
The preserve is an easy place to get lost in the woods…
Tip: Don’t rule out a winter visit. The pine trees are beautiful when lightly dusted with snow.
17. The USS Constitution Tour
The USS Constitution, which was launched way back in 1797, is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. It is one of the 16 sights along the historic Freedom Trail. Admission is free. A tour gives you a chance to give your feet a break before heading back and completing the return journey of the trail. Guided tours run every half hour so you never have to wait around too long. For those interested in learning more about the history of “Old Ironsides” (the ship was named so as cannons could not make their way through the side of the ship), this tour is a must. As an added bonus, there are some great views of the Boston skyline aboard!
Note: The ship is not open for tours on Monday.
18. Little Harbor Beach
Little Harbor Beach is a great little uncrowded gem to visit during the winter months. You get to enjoy the same scenery, minus the hectic crowds. It’s an excellent place for birdwatchers and photography. The barren & oftentimes snowy winter climate offers a spectacular, yet dramatically different landscape, complete with striking icy views. Located in Wareham, it is a great activity to combine with Great Neck Wildlife Refuge.
Tip: Visit during the fall and winter months for complete solitude.
19. Tour old cemeteries
4 historic cemeteries are accessible via the Freedom Trail alone: King’s Hill Burying Ground, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and Granary Burying Ground. All are very old and interesting, not to mention the final resting place of many prominent figures such as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, signers of the Declaration of Independence and many other notable people of the era.
Tip: Sign up for a free guided tour of The Freedom Trail. Your tour guides will conveniently point out many of the prominent headstones and give detailed historical information.
20. Harbor Walk
Harbor Walk is a picturesque area of the city to grab a cup of coffee or tea and just stroll around. There are several restaurants with outdoor seating if you want to dine while still enjoying the views. There are plenty of fantastic photography opportunities, so remember to pack the camera. The Walkway runs for over 40 miles so you can keep on walking forever if you want to.
Tip: Explore the Harbor Walk by bike! Check out the Harbor Walk website for additional details on routes.
The following attractions offer free dates throughout the year
The Museum of Fine Arts – It’s regarded as one the country’s top art museums. Be sure to plan a visit to this museum on Wednesday nights where admission is free after 4:00pm. Suggested donation is $25.
The Boston University Art Gallery – This non-profit art institute is always free to the public.
The Worcester Art Museum – A bit of a drive (about an hour and 15 min), however, worth the drive for the impressive collection. Take advantage of the free dates (First Sundays from 10:00am-noon). I love the floor mosaic and stained glass collection here.
Sam Adams Brewery– Tour the Jamaica Plains facility and learn about the brewing process on this free tour. Tours are offered on Monday-Thursdays (10:00am-3:00pm), Fridays (10:00am-5:30pm), and Saturdays (10:00am-3:00pm).
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Admission is normally $20, however, if your name is Isabella you get in for free!
The Boston Public Library – This beautiful architectural wonder is a gorgeous place to explore. Free tours are offered at the following times: Monday 2:30pm, Tuesday 6:00pm, Wednesday 11:00am, Thursday 6:00pm, Friday 11:00am, Saturday 11:00am, and Sunday 2:00pm.
Coit Observatory at Boston University – The observatory is located on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences building. Stargazing via telescopes is offered on clear nights. The times are Wednesday nights at 7:30pm in the winter and at 8:30pm in the spring and summer.
Museum of Fine Arts – Bank of America cardholders get in free the first full weekend of each month. This promotion is courtesy of the Museums on Us program. I use this perk all the time! Love it!
The Institute of Contemporary Art – Like the Museum of Fine Arts, this is another Museums on Us deal. Definitely a good deal if you already use Bank of America. Also free Thursday nights, 5-9pm.
Boston Common Frog Pond – Free ice skating dates throughout the winter season. Check the winter schedule for listings. If you bring your own skates on a free day, you can enjoy a wonderful free night out in this beautiful city.
Free events
Also, be on the lookout for free events throughout the year. Be sure to check out the following: South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, New Year’s Eve Skating Spectacular at Boston’s Frog Pond Ice Rink, Boston Pops 4th of July Celebration, Boston HarborFest, and many more!
Note – I didn’t include anything in Cape Cod on this list as it’s quite a drive at nearly 2 hours. That being said, there are many beautiful free bike paths, hiking trails, and beaches to enjoy in this area. You can check out my Cape guide for further details.
What are some of your favorite free things to do in and around Boston? Share with us on our Facebook page!
