There are so many great things to do around Boston in the summer. But it can be difficult to find activities that are easy on the wallet. Rest assured there are plenty. From museum admissions to movie screenings, here is a list of summer activities to do around Boston that are fun, family-friendly, and completely free.
Concerts
Bee Parks and the Hornets
Visit Cambridge and discover what it means to “be a bee." Bee Parks and the Hornets will be putting on a lively kid-friendly show featuring all-original tunes, insect puppets and lots of dance moves.
Thursday, August 1; 10am
Riverside Press Park at River St. & Memorial Dr., Cambridge, Visit the city website for more information
Friday Afternoon Concert Series
Now until early August, musicians will be setting up in front of the Sam Adams statue at Faneuil Hall for weekly concerts. Bring your lunch and enjoy some great music and quality time in the sun.
Every Friday, July-August; noon-2pm
1163 Congress St., Boston, Visit the city website for more information
NEMPAC Jazz in the Park 2019 Summer Concert Series
Led by artistic director Stefano Marchese, this series will bring together a mix of different cultures of the world through contemporary jazz sounds. New musicians will be performing each week.
Every Tuesday in July; 6-7:30pm
The Greenway (North St./Cross St.), Boston, Visit the website for a full schedule
Tito Puente Latin Music Series
Created in honor of Latin music icon, Tito Puente, this series—co-produced by Berklee, City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and IBA Boston—is celebrating 12 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks.
Every Thursday, July-August 15; 7pm
Various locations, Visit Berklee's events calendar for more information
Summer Concerts at Atlantic Wharf
Now until the end of July, Berklee musicians will be performing weekly concerts at the Atlantic Wharf. You and the family will get to enjoy great music, and views of the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, the Children's Museum, and the Boston Harbor. Bring a lunch and make an afternoon out of the trip!
Every Thursday at noon
280 Congress St., Boston, Visit the website for a full schedule
Museums
Astronomy After Hours at the Museum of Science
Now until October, the Museum of Science will have small telescopes available for a hands-on after hours astronomy experience. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the evening’s featured astronomical object through the 11” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope in the Museum’s Gilliland Observatory.
Friday nights; varying hours
1 Science Park, Boston, mos.org
Free Fun Friday at the Franklin Park Zoo
On Friday August 2, the Franklin Park Zoo will be offering free admission. This is your chance to check out their popular exhibit Wicked Big Bugs—featuring larger-than-life animatronic insects and arachnids—open through September 2. The zoo is expecting record attendance is this year, so plan ahead.
Friday, August 2; 10am-4pm
1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston, zoonewengland.org
Free Thursday Nights at the ICA
Now until November, the ICA is offering free museum admission. There's still time to catch Ragnar Kjartansson's "The Visitors" (until July 28), "Less Is a Bore: Maximalist Art & Design," and John Akomfrah's "Purple," an immersive short film that addresses the implications of climate change. Note: ICA water shuttle tickets to the Watershed are first come, first served and in-person only. Get there early if you plan on attending.
Every Thursday; 5-9pm
25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, icaboston.org
Free Fun Friday at the Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium
Enjoy free admission on August 23. The entire family will partake in international adventures through music and dance performances, multicultural art making, and storytelling. And don’t forget to take a walk through the Mapparium®. The three-story, stained-glass globe is a wonderful sight.
Friday, August 23; 10am-5pm
200 Mass Ave., Boston, marybakereddylibrary.org
Free Fun Friday at the USS Constitution Museum
Enjoy free admission at the USS Constitution Museum on Friday, August 16. You'll get to explore the incredible history and legacy of “Old Ironsides” with access to the museum's award-winning interactive exhibits and hands-on programs.
Friday, August 16; 9am-6pm
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, ussconstitutionmuseum.org
Movie Screenings
Free Outdoor Screening of "Back to the Future II"
The Coolidge—in partnership with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy— is offering free outdoor screenings at the Greenway this summer, and is featuring the family favorite "Back to the Future II" on Tuesday, August 13. Bring a blanket and some chairs, film starts at dusk.
Tuesday, August 13; dusk
Greenway's Wharf District Park (located between Milk and India St.), Boston, coolidge.org
Free Outdoor Movie Nights at the Residence Inn Boston Harbor
Residence Inn Boston Harbor will be showing three movies July doing free family film screenings in July, including "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Boss Baby," and "Grease." Seating will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets. There will be plenty of free popcorn, and other refreshments will be available for buy.
Friday's on various dates; 8pm.
34-44 Charles River Ave., Boston, Visit their eventbrite page for more information
Mayor Walsh's Summer Movie Nights
Starting August 5, you can enjoy family-friendly films under the stars in Boston's parks, thanks to Bank of America with support from Hot 96. 9 and the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment.
Monday, August 5-Friday, September 6; films start at dusk
Various locations; Visit the city guide for more information
Prudential Center Family Film Festival
With free, family-friendly movies shown under the stars, the Prudential Center Family Film Festival is a great summer night out. Entertainment, activities for children, and giveaways will start at 6pm. Movies begin at sundown. Visit their website for a full schedule.
Every Saturday at 6pm
800 Boylston St., Boston, prudentialcenter.com
"Toy Story" at the BPL
On Sunday, July 21, the Boston Public Library will host a free public screening of "Toy Story." Whether it's your 1st or 100th viewing, it's a great opportunity to watch this classic Pixar film.
Sunday, July 21; 2-4pm
700 Boylston St., Boston, bpl.org
Other Events
Children's Summer Festival
The Children's Summer Festival features performing arts, science-related activities—like cool experiments using household ingredients—take-home art projects, face paintings, a visit from the Zoo New England, and much more.
Tuesday, August 20; 10am-1pm
1 Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester, Visit the city website for more information
Fido Fest
Fido Fest is Greater Boston’s only video festival that celebrates lovable dogs and their loyal humans. Everyone is welcome to submit homemade videos of their dogs, and friends and family get to watch your blockbuster videos outside on the big screen.
Saturday, August 3; 7pm
Spy Pond Field, Arlington, acmi.tv
Fun & Games Magic Show with Magician Debbie O'Carroll
Learn about fitness through the art of stage magic. This fun-filled program is perfect for ages 4 to 12 and it reinforces the idea that exercise is good for you.
Friday, July 19; 10:30am-11:30am
35 Harvard Ave., Hyde Park, bpl.org
Rosalita's Marionette Puppets
Experience the unique charm of Rosalita' s Marionette Puppets, whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone. The performances will be during select ParkARTS Artists in Residence Craft Workshops. Presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Holly and David Bruce.
Various dates; 11am
Various locations; Visit the city website for more information
The New England Aquarium at Parks
The New England Aquarium is visiting the parks and bringing some of their friends. Join them and explore a variety of family-friendly STEM activities. You'll also get to meet some local ocean animals.
Various dates; 10am-12pm
Various locations; Visit the city website for more information
