Summer is here! We’ve settled into the new routine — sleeping in, some much-needed downtime, and catching up with friends — but even the most creative child begins to mutter that dreaded summer phrase: “Mom, I’m bored!” Here are some excellent free (or extremely cheap) things to do in MetroWest Boston this summer:
Go bowling — for free!
Free bowling, anyone? Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury and Kings Burlington are two of many places offering two free games (plus a $5 shoe rental) weekdays during the summer! You do have to register, so make sure to plan ahead! Check out Kids Bowl Free for more options.
Hike the local trails
Oak Hill in Littleton is a short hike that’s typically dry and has a great view at the top.
The Acton Arboretum allows hikers to stroll along open meadows, woodland ponds, a glacial esker, and a bog.
Concord’s Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful way to experience New England’s vast open space.
And close by is the Battle Road Trail, where you can follow up to five miles of historic grounds on the same path the Minutemen fought the Revolution.
Another favorite? The Thanksgiving Ground Forest. The hike is super short and stroller friendly, and it ends in an area filled with massive boulders for little ones to climb and explore. It takes less than 15 minutes to get to the rocks and is perfect for the non-hiker.
Browse the farmers markets
Visit one of the area’s many local farmers markets to buy fresh produce or simply soak up the organic vibe! Natick, Lexington, and Belmont all have great ones. Some, like Belmont, even have story times, music, and activities for kids!
Discover the Discovery Museum’s “Especially for Me” events
For parents of children with developmental challenges, the Discovery Museum’s “Especially for Me” events in Acton offer dedicated hours and free museum admission. These nights are designed for (but not limited to) families of children who have autism spectrum disorder, are hearing impared, or have a visual impairment.
Have a “Free Fun Friday”
The Highland Street Foundation is once again offering Free Fun Fridays! This summer program features free admission to cultural venues around Massachusetts. Some of the MetroWest spots include The Discovery Museum, The Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, and the Concord Museum. Also, if you want to drive a bit farther west, the EcoTarium in Worcester is on the list, too.
Watch a performance
Free Fun for Kids performances will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Lowell this summer, featuring crafts, a concert, and organic snacks. Some of the performances include an accidentally funny magician, an African dance and drum troupe, and a juggling, unicycling, accordion-playing clown.
Take advantage of the library
Visit your local library for free summer programs and events! Some pretty awesome ones in the area include the Maynard Public Library and Littleton’s Reuben Hoar Library, but you can find others around you here.
Visit a farm
Located in Weston, Land’s Sake Farm is a nonprofit farm devoted to educating the public. The farm features hay rides, a farm stand, and pick-your-own fruits and vegetables.
Another favorite is Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle. There you’ll find a short little trail to a pretty pond, and farm animals — it’s a working dairy farm. Bring quarters to buy feed for the goats, sheep, and llamas. Also, there’s homemade ice cream, which is always a win for me and my family.
Chip-In Farm in Bedford offers a petting zoo, fresh produce, and eggs from their free-running hens — and a penny candy counter.
Drumlin Farm in Lincoln offers trails, animals, hayrides, and more.
Live it up at Natick Nights
Natick Nights take place every Thursday night starting in early June, with themes like The Voice Competition and Christmas in July. These nights are sure to appeal to kids of all ages.
Play in the water
Need to cool off? Head to the Concord Playground and Spray Fountain, the Philip J. Weihn Memorial Swimming Pool in Clinton, or any of the DCR’s swimming facilities — all free. Waltham’s Beaver Brook Spray Deck is our favorite. Another idea? Visit one of our local swimming holes!
Catch a flick
AMC Cinemas Summer Movie Camp promotion offers $3 tickets for family-friendly flicks on Mondays and Wednesdays — features include “Migration,” “Despicable Me 3,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” and “Minions: the Rise of Gru.”
Get steeped in history
You could head into Boston to learn some history lessons, or you could visit some of the many historical sites in MetroWest. One of my faves? Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord. Be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at either of the visitor centers, because kids who complete the booklet receive a Junior Ranger certificate and a special badge.
Scope out a sculpture
Fill your morning with art and play at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum’s 30 acres of sculpture art. “Play in the Park” and “Makemobile” days through the summer offer play, experimentation, and engineering activities. Kids under 12 are always admitted free, and you can find discounted passes through local libraries for adult tickets. Trustees members also get free admission!
Frolic at a festival or concert
The 2024 Lowell Folk Festival from July 26-28 is the perfect spot to enjoy great music while soaking up summer vibes and making memories. Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester has a wonderful summer concert series of Family Farm Nights as well. Check out the festivities at the annual Italian American Festival in Newton, The Bolton Fair in August, Natick’s Multicultural Day August 24, or a farm festival at Verrill’s, like Blueberry Day on July 13.
This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2024 by Cheryl Mastrogiovanni.
