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Free Things to Do This July in Boston with Kids

Shakespeare on the Common photo by Michael Fein Photography
Shakespeare on the Common photo by Michael Fein Photography
7/3/22 - By Michael Del Llano

Boston families are always on the lookout for fun summer activities, and parents are usually keeping an eye out for a bargain. Luckily, the city and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to make memories this July without spending a small fortune. From the city to the seashore, these free things to do this July in Boston with kids are sure to please.

Be sure and check out our Best of July: 22 Top Things To Do with Kids for all our picks for family activities this month. And don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for all our tips for things to do with kids in and around the city. 

See amazing sculptures this July. Photo courtesy of the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival
See amazing sculptures this July. Photo courtesy of the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival

Free Things To Do This July in Boston with Kids - Festivals

Boston Harborfest & Fireworks

Boston July 1-4
With hundreds of activities over Independence Day week at Boston’s best landmarks, this family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals. Activities include historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Artbeat 2025

Somerville - July 16
The theme of this year’s ArtBeat Festival is FREEZE, exploring all the ways the word can be interpreted. There will be craft, community, and food vendors, as well as live music and a dance showcase. READ MORE

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival

Revere - July 22 - 24
The largest Sand Sculpting Festival on the East Coast is back and celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The festival features include an interactive Kids’ Zone & Learning Center, a beachside food pavilion, and a fireworks extravaganza on Saturday night. READ MORE

Waterfest

Back Bay - July 23
The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is partnering with a local organizations to celebrate water and “Water Heroes” with water-related activities, demonstrations, games, and crafts!  READ MORE

Shakespeare on the Common

Boston - July 20 - August 7
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company returns to Boston Common with As You Like It. Performances take place every night (excluding Mondays). READ MORE
Free concerts are happening in and around Boston. Photo courtesy of Boston Parks and Recreation
Free concerts are happening in and around Boston. Photo courtesy of Boston Parks and Recreation

Free Things To Do This July in Boston with Kids - Concerts

Morningside Music Bridge 26th Annual Summer Music Program

Boston - July 7 - 30
Morningside Music Bridge has selected 65 outstanding young musicians from 11 countries to take part in its 26th annual summer program. Take the opportunity to see these talented musicians perform in person. All recitals and concerts during the program are free and open to the public. READ MORE

ParkARTS Citywide Neighborhood Concert Series

Boston
Pack a picnic and head to a local park for a summer concert. ParkARTS outdoor neighborhood summer concerts are presented free of charge in local City parks.  READ MORE
Boston features free movies this summer! Photo by Hannah Rose Photography, courtesy of the Prudential Center
Boston features free movies this summer! Photo by Hannah Rose Photography, courtesy of the Prudential Center

Free Things To Do This July in Boston with Kids - Movies

Movie Nights in the Park

Brighton - Fridays in July
Head to Brighton Common for free movie nights in the park every Friday July 1 through July 22! Free popcorn, games, and a raffle will be available before and during the movies. Raffle includes gift cards to local businesses and other fun prizes. Movies will begin showing shortly after 8pm. It is recommended that folks arrive early and bring a chair or blanket to find a comfy spot. July 1: Encanto July 8: Space Jam: A New Legacy July 15: Peter Rabbit 2 July 22: Sing 2 READ MORE

Theatre Thursdays: Revere Beach

Revere - Thursdays in July
At this outdoor movie series, entertainment is from 6pm to 8pm with music, popcorn, and cotton candy. The movie begins at dusk.  READ MORE

Family Flicks at Prudential Center

Boston - Saturdays in July
Enjoy free, family-friendly movies on Prudential Center’s South Garden every Saturday in July and August. All movies will start at dusk. READ MORE

Free Outdoor Movie Nights: Medford

Medford - July 15
For this outdoor movie series, all movies begin at sundown (estimated times listed). Arrive an hour early for lawn games and popcorn provided by Medford Rec Department.  READ MORE

Summer Sunday Movies

North End - July 17, 24. 31
Find a cozy spot in Christopher Columbus Park at sunset, relax at the harbor's edge on the beautiful lawn, and take in a movie. READ MORE

CX Movie Nights

Cambridge - July 28
Cambridge Crossing brings double-feature outdoor movies to East Cambridge, just across the Charles from the West End. Films include The Secret Life of Pets, Top Gun: Maverick, and more. READ MORE
Boston's free attractions will educate and delight. Photo courtesy of the DATMA Facebook page
Boston's free attractions will educate and delight. Photo courtesy of the DATMA Facebook page

Free Things To Do This July in Boston with Kids - Activities

Toddler Storytime with Annie

Join Miss Annie at Somerville Public Library: Central for a Friday morning storytime celebration! READ MORE

DATMA Free Exhibition: “SHELTER 2022–23”: Flexible Fibers + Sustainable Solutions

New Bedford
Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA), the non-collecting contemporary art institute, and its partners will kick-off a city-wide, collaborative venture in New Bedford, MA, called “SHELTER 2022–23.” READ MORE

Summer Science Series at Watershed Museum

Boston
Join Waterworks Museum Staff live at the museum for an exploration of water quality and engineering through hands-on discovery-based activities. Face coverings are recommended but not required. Reserving free tickets in advance is recommended.  READ MORE

Riverbend Park Saturdays & Sundays

Cambridge
Every Sunday from April to November, weather permitting, the city of Cambridge opens "Riverbend Park", closing Memorial Drive to traffic from Western Avenue to Gerry's Landing Road for pedestrian and cyclist use. READ MORE

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