Why Summer in Boston is Perfect for Free Kid Activities

Boston's calling, and with the delicious long days of summer stretching before us, the city is bursting with possibilities for unforgettable family fun that won't cost a dime. The warm sunshine is practically begging you to get out and play, and from sun-drenched parks to vibrant cultural festivals, there's an incredible abundance of free events and programs to fill your calendar. Imagine splashing in a city fountain, crafting masterpieces at an outdoor art fair, or dancing to live music under the stars. Your family's ultimate summer adventure in Boston starts now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Summer Activities in Boston

Q. How do I find out about free events happening each week?

A. For the absolute latest, keep the Mommy Poppins Boston website and our Instagram feed at the top of your list!

Q. Are these activities suitable for all ages?

A. Boston is a playground for everyone, from the tiniest tots to the too-cool-for-school teens. Many of the city's offerings are designed for the entire family to enjoy together. However, it's always smart to check for specific age recommendations which we provide for you on our event listings!

Q. What should I bring to a free outdoor event?

A. For a day of sun and fun at a place like the Charles River Esplanade or Christopher Columbus Park, think practical - an oversized picnic blanket, reusable water bottles, and snacks to keep spirits high. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, as are sunglasses and a sun hat. A small first-aid kit for little scrapes is always wise, and tuck in a few unexpected treats like bubbles or a colorful kite. And a word to the wise: Boston's charming cobblestone streets demand comfortable walking shoes.

Q. How early should I arrive for popular free events?

A. To be early is to be on time, especially for Boston's most popular free events! For major happenings like the Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular or a beloved festival in the North End, you'll want to leave ample time to navigate the crowds, claim a prime spot for your picnic blanket, and let the little ones have a wiggle before the main event. For more casual, recurring events like a morning yoga class on the Greenway or a drop-in craft session at a local library, you can afford to be a bit more spontaneous.

100 Unforgettable Free Summer Activities for Kids in Boston 2025

1. See Christian Science Plaza  

A hot summer day calls for a visit to Christin Science Plaza. Walk on water (or appear to, anyway) at the Christian Science Plaza reflecting pool, and splash in the fountain while you’re there.

2. Visit the Boston Public Library

Cool off in the art-filled halls and reading rooms, or enjoy a summer picnic in the magnificent Italiante courtyard at the Boston Public Library.

Tou the USS Constitution for an historically awesome FREE summer activity in 2025!

3. Tour the U.S.S. Constitution

Summer is the best time to visit the Boston waterfront. Experience a sailor’s life circa 1812 at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, where admission is by donation.

4. Hit the park

Bring your toddler out in the sunshine and enjoy one of Boston's best tot lots for some summer fun!

5. Go out for a bite

Make the most out at a Boston restaurant experience in the summertime with a visit to one of these spots where kids eat for free.

6. Enjoy live music

Catch some outdoor music on the Boston Waterfront at the Berklee Summer in the City concert series.

7. Explore Quincy Market

Take a stroll through the summertime hustle and bustle of Quincy Market.

8. Have a summer picnic

Pack lunch and take it to one of the best spots in Boston for a picnic.

9. Go for a bike ride

Make the most of a summer day with an exercise-filled adventure. Take a family bike ride on a kid-friendly biking trail.

10. Play on the Lawn

Play games and enjoy some swing time at the Lawn on D.

 
The Gardner Museum is free to visit on select Summer 2025 nights! Isabella Gardner Museum photo by Henry Zbyszynski via Flickr 2.0

11. Visit the Gardner Museum

The courtyard is in bloom every summer! See world-class art at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on Free First Thursdays each month.

12. Find Indoor Fun

Spend a rainy day at one of Boston's free indoor play spaces for kids.

13. Go to the MFA

Bring your budding artist to the Museum of Fine Arts on Wednesdays after 3 pm when you can pay what you choose.

14. Volunteer as a family

Spend some of your summer vacation time volunteering together as a family to make a difference in the community.

15. Explore the North End

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Boston's historic North End. They say on a summer day, you can still smell the remanants of the Great Molasses Flood!

16. Tour the State House

Cool off from the summer heat with a free guided tour of the Massachusetts State House–keep an eye out for the governor!

 
See some remarkable sights at the ICA's free Thursday nights! Photo courtesy of ICA

17. Visit the ICA

Families can get admission to Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art for free every Thursday evening.

18. Freedom Trail

Step back in time on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick-lined route leading to several historic sites. The summer tourists make the trail even more exciting.

19. Kelleher Rose Garden

Take an Evening Garden Stroll in the Kelleher Rose Garden, part of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.

20. Mount Auburn

Go for a stroll, search for wildlife, and climb the tower for a spectacular view of Mount Auburn Cemetery. You can also download the mobile tour app to your phone for a self-guided tour.

21. Weeks Footbridge

Wake up super early and watch the sunrise from the Weeks Footbridge.

22. Make Way for Ducklings

Bring a copy of Make Way for Ducklings to the Boston Public Garden and read it on a bench facing the pond. Then go visit the mama and ducklings statues.

Spectacle Island has acres of FREE Summer fun for Boston kids in 2025!

23. Spectacle Island

Fly a kite or search for sea glass on Spectacle Island.

24. Free Summer Movies

Take the family out for a free summer movie night under the stars.

25. Boston's Parks

Relax and let the kids play for a while at a local park with shade.

26. Splashpads and Spray Decks

Splash around and cool off in a spray deck or wading pool.

27. Arnold Arboretum

Check out a Discovery Pack and spend a summer day exploring nature in Arnold Arboretum.

28. Castle Island

Dig your toes into the sand without leaving the city on Castle Island.

29. Boston Common

Take advantage of the summer weather and explore the monuments and open spaces of Boston Common. 

31. Jamaica Pond

Take a Wiffle ball set and a picnic to Jamaica Pond.

32. Esplanade

Grab a Frisbee and a blanket and head to the Esplanade for some R&R.

Harborfest 2025 has FREE activities and celebrations as Boston gears up for the 4th of July!

33. Harborfest

Celebrate all things Boston during the city's annual Independence Day celebration, Harborfest.

34. Beanfest

Explore a free all-day public event with vendors from across the region that celebrate Beantown's namesake!

35. Boston Pops and Fourth of July Fireworks

Speaking of the 4th of July, grab a spot to watch the fireworks on the Esplanade and hear the Boston Pops performing live.

36. Bunker Hill Day

Head to Charlestown for the annual Bunker Hill Day Parade, which takes place every summer.

37. St. Anthony's Feast

Every August, the North End celebrates all things Italian at the beloved Saint Anthony's Feast.

38. Boston Music Project Annual Block Party

The BMP block party fills a day with music and fun for all ages.

39. Revere Sandcastle Festival

Hit the beach for the town's annual summer beach festival: an epic sandcastle competition in Revere.

 
The streets of Somerville will get artsy and fun in Summer 2025! Artbeat photo courtesy of the Somerville Arts Council

40. ArtBeat

Express yourself at ArtBeat, a summer festival of music, performance art, crafts, dance, theater, and food in Somerville.

41. Middlesex Fells Reservation

Hike the miles of trails in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which are filled with beautiful vegetation in the summer

42. Wilson Farm

Meet new furry and feathery friends on a Children's Group Farm Tour at Wilson Farm.

43. Yankee Homecoming

Visit coastal Newburyport for a week-long summer celebration of music, food, and fun at their annual Yankee Homecoming.

44. Liberty Pole Day

Duxbury's annual celebration of colonial life is fun for the whole family, and this event takes place every summer.

45. Blue Hills Reservation

Explore nature and catch some striking views of the city from the Blue Hills.

46. Shakespeare on the Comnmon

Watch a Boston summer tradition as classic drama takes the stage under the stars in the middle of the city.

47. Fresh Pond

Take a walk around Fresh Pond and explore nature on your own or on a guided walk.

48. Lowell Folk Festival

Head up to the Merrimack Valley for the annual summer Lowell Folk Festival, one of the biggest in the country!

49. deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

Bring a little one to the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, where kids under 12 are always admitted for free. Summer is the right time to explore the sculpture park.

50. Waltham Riverfest

Waltham's Riverfest is a free summer event packed with family fun, including a pet parade.

 
Find so much FREE summer fun on the Greenway! Rose Kennedy Greenway photo by Jeremy Thompson via Flickr 2.0

51. Wander the Rose Kennedy Greenway

This stretch of parks is a true sanity-saver. There's so much green space for kids to run, plus cool fountains and public art to check out. You can catch a family yoga class too. The carousel costs a few dollars, but it’s just as much fun for the little ones to watch!

52. Explore The Fens

Part of the Emerald Necklace, the Fens feels like a secret garden in the city. It's a bit more wild and great for a nature walk. We love looking for the historic Japanese Temple Bell.

53. Hike at Stony Brook Reservation

A quick drive gets you to this awesome spot. The trails are manageable for little legs, and the kids love trying to spot turtles at Turtle Pond.

54. Play at Martin's Park

Right next to the Children's Museum, Martin's Park playground is amazing. It's new, thoughtfully designed, and super inclusive, so kids of all abilities can have a blast. A must-do!

55. Picnic at North Point Park

Pack a lunch and head to this Cambridge park. You get amazing views of the Zakim Bridge, and there's a great playground and splash pad to keep the kids happy for hours.

56. Find the Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill

Turn exploring Beacon Hill into a treasure hunt! While you can't go in the private gardens, it’s so fun to peek through the gates and have the kids imagine who lives there.

57. Watch the Sailboats on the Esplanade

You don't have to be a sailor to enjoy the water. We love to just hang out on the docks at Community Boating and watch the sailboats on the Charles. It's surprisingly relaxing!

58. Go Birdwatching at Belle Isle Marsh

This is such a cool spot in East Boston. It's a huge salt marsh right in the city, perfect for teaching the kids about nature and seeing who can spot the most birds.

59. Walk around Halls Pond Sanctuary

If you need a quiet moment, this little sanctuary in Brookline is perfect. It has a simple, stroller-friendly loop that’s great for a peaceful morning walk.

60. See the Sunset at Piers Park

Head to East Boston for the absolute best view of the Boston skyline. The park is beautiful, there's a playground, and watching the sunset from here is the perfect end to a busy day.

61. Explore the ICA Watershed

Hop on a quick water taxi (which is an adventure in itself!) to this huge, free art gallery in an old factory. The art is enormous and really captures the kids' imaginations. Just a note - there is a ticket fee for the water taxi for adults for children under 18 are free.

62. Visit the Commonwealth Museum

This is a hidden gem! It’s totally free and has lots of cool, interactive exhibits about Massachusetts history that actually keep the kids engaged.

63. Climb the Bunker Hill Monument

After visiting the USS Constitution, see if your crew is up for a challenge of the Bunker Hill Monument! It's 294 steps to the top, but the view is incredible and the kids will be so proud they did it.

64. Visit the New England Holocaust Memorial

This is a powerful and important outdoor memorial near Faneuil Hall. It's a good way to introduce older kids to history in a gentle, reflective way.

65. Tour the Boston Fire Museum

If you have a little one who loves fire trucks, this place is a must! It’s in an old firehouse and packed with cool old engines. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

66. Gaze at the Stars at the BU Observatory

On clear Wednesday nights, you can take the kids to look through a real telescope at the BU Observatory! It’s a fun way to get them excited about science and the night sky.

67. Go to a SoWa First Friday

On the first Friday of the month, the art galleries in the South End open up for free. It's a lively atmosphere and a fun way to look at local art together.

 
Explore the works of art on MIT's campus this Summer 2025! Jaume Plensa's sculpture The Alchemist, photo by Sharon VanderKaay via Flickr 2.0

68. See the Art at MIT

The MIT campus in Cambridge is like a free outdoor sculpture park. You can find pieces by famous artists like Picasso! Make a game out of finding all the cool, funky statues.

69. Take a "Pay What You Can" Walking Tour

Check out Free Tours by Foot. They offer guided tours of the Freedom Trail and other historic spots. You just tip the guide what you feel is fair at the end.

70. Discover the Vilna Shul

This is Boston's last remaining synagogue from the turn of the century. It’s a beautiful building and offers free tours that give a neat glimpse into Boston's immigrant history.

71. Uncover Boston's Waterworks Museum

Discover colossal steam engines and the city's pioneering metropolitan water system – an industrial marvel by the scenic Chestnut Hill Reservoir at the Waterworks Museum.

72. Take an Art Stroll at BU Galleries

Add a sophisticated splash of culture to your family's city adventures with the BU Art Galleries, showcasing an array of ongoing exhibitions across three accessible spots on the University campus.

73. Discover America's Stories at the Massachusetts Historical Society

The nation's oldest historical society, here you’ll find ever-changing exhibitions and public programs.

74. Wander through Harvard Yard

Let the kids run around the famous Harvard Yard. It's fun to just soak up the atmosphere of the historic campus and pretend to be college students for an afternoon.

75. Find a Neighborhood Porchfest

Keep an eye out for these! In neighborhoods like Somerville and Jamaica Plain, local bands play music right on their front porches for everyone to enjoy. It’s the best kind of community block party.

76. Enjoy the Cambridge Jazz Festival

Pack a blanket and some snacks for this awesome, free outdoor festival in July. It’s a super chill way to listen to great music while the kids play in the park.

77. People-Watch in Davis Square

Davis Square in Somerville has such a fun, quirky energy. It's a great spot to just walk around, look at the public art, and grab a treat.

78. Experience the Cambridge Carnival

This festival is so full of energy! It’s a celebration of Caribbean culture with amazing costumes, music, and a huge parade. The kids will love the vibrant atmosphere.

79. Cheer at the Dragon Boat Festival

Head to the Charles River to watch colorful boats race to the beat of a drum. It’s a really unique and exciting cultural festival for the whole family.

80. Relax at CX Summer Nights

On some summer evenings, Cambridge Crossing hosts free outdoor concerts. It's a really fun, family-friendly vibe with music and food trucks.

81. Explore the Murals at Underground at Ink Block

This park is located right under an overpass and is covered in amazing, colorful street art. It's a cool, urban spot for some fun photos with the kids.

Celebrate PRIDE in and around Boston this Summer 2025!

82. Prepare for Pride

Boston’s Pride for the People is back with a parade and festival that will provide a joy-filled day out for you and your crew of all ages!

83. Commemorate Franklin Park's Juneteenth Jubilee

Gather your favorite people, immerse yourselves in vibrant culture and history, and make some truly unforgettable memories during this beautiful expression of freedom and community.

84. Dive into the Rhythm at Boston's African Festival

Head to Boston Common to discover exquisite artisan treasures, savor authentic flavors, and experience an absolutely unforgettable two-day celebration of African arts, culture, and community spirit.

85. Dive into deliciousness at The Saint Agrippina di Mineo Feast

Boston's North End launches it’s festival season with a bang with this classic celebration.

86. Attend the Fisherman's Feast

Another one of the North End's amazing Italian summer festivals. The "Flight of the Angel" is a unique tradition you have to see to believe!

 
The Frog Pond is the spot to cool off on a summer day! Photo courtesy of the Boston Parks & Recreation Department

87. Splash at the Frog Pond

A classic for a reason! On a hot day, the wading pool at the Frog Pond on Boston Common is the best place to cool off with the little ones.

88. Watch a Free Puppet Show

Check the Boston Parks and Recreation schedule online. They host free, adorable puppet shows in different parks all summer long.

89. Summer Solstice: Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culure

Enjoy FREE admission on the longest day of the year (and the first official day of summer!) at select Harvard museums.

90. Go to a Bookstore Story Hour

Many of our wonderful local bookstores, like Porter Square Books, Moon & Back Bookstore, and Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, host free story times for kids. It’s a perfect quiet activity for a hot or rainy day.

91. Plane Spotting near Logan

Find a bench at a park like Bremen Street Park in East Boston and watch the planes take off and land. It’s simple, free, and toddlers especially find it fascinating!

92. Go on a Historic Marker Hunt

Turn a walk into a history lesson! Challenge the kids to find and read as many historical plaques as they can downtown.

93. Peek at the Boston Athenæum

This gorgeous building offers free entry on the second Saturday of each month for the public to see the beautiful artwork and architecture inside.

94. Explore the Charlestown Navy Yard

There's so much history here beyond the big ships. It's a great place to just walk around, with lots of open space and great harbor views.

95. Create Your Own Themed Walk

Let the kids decide on a theme! Maybe it's a "best dog-spotting" walk or a "coolest doors in Beacon Hill" walk. Letting them lead makes it an adventure.

96. Walk down the middle of a Boston Street (Safely!)

Open Streets Boston transforms neighborhoods into lively pedestrian wonderlands where you can bike, stroll, dance to local music, discover pop-up art, and let the little adventurers play to their hearts' content. 

97. Find a Little Free Library

These little book-sharing boxes are everywhere! Let your kids pick a new book to take home and leave an old one for another family to enjoy.

98. Go on a "Color" Scavenger Hunt

Pick a color of the day and have the kids point out everything they see in that color as you explore. It's an easy way to keep them engaged.

Newbury Street in Boston is perfect for a free summer window-shopping excursion!

99. Window Shop on Newbury Street

You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy walking down Boston’s fanciest street. Let the kids pick out their favorite window display. And if you visit on an Open Newbury Street Day you won’t have to worry about cars!

100. Draw a Map of Your Favorite Spots

After a few weeks of exploring, have the kids draw their own map of Boston with all their favorite free places on it. It’s the sweetest souvenir of your summer adventures!

Happy exploring!

All photos by Kyle Klein Photography, courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, unless otherwise indicated.