Things to do in Boston don't need to be expensive to be fun. The city offers numerous free museums, exhibitions, events, and sporting activities for children and adults. Strolling through the city's historic neighborhoods or along the water and going to free outdoor concerts or the annual display of carved pumpkins on the Boston Commons are just a few things to do.
Harvard Square
Visit Harvard Square. Located next to the famous university, Harvard Square has daily street performances of musicians, jugglers, puppeteers, and other artists. Shops nearby make for window-shopping, and there are plenty of inexpensive local restaurants with fare ranging from all-day breakfast to vegetarian cuisine. From the Square you can walk through the Harvard campus on several miles of paved footpaths. The Square also hosts seasonal events, like Halloween parades, MayFair flowers, arts and crafts, and Restaurant Week.
Harvard Square
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
617-491-3434 (HS Business Association)
www.harvardsquare.com/
Boston Common
Have a picnic on Boston Common. America's oldest Park, Boston Common was used as a British campground during the Revolutionary War. Today the 50-acre park is a favorite gathering place for seasonal activities like summertime Frisbee, stargazing, swimming, and, in the winter, skating on the Frog Pond. There's also a carousel and paved paths that lead to the Boston Public Gardens. Restaurants and cafés surrounding the Common are happy to pack your lunch for takeout so you can enjoy the park while you dine.
Boston Common
Tremont St. and Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02111
617-635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov
Bunker Hill Monument and Battle of Bunker Hill Museum
There are 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, and if you climb them all, you'll be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the city. Marking the location of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the monument pays tribute to the soldiers who fell there during the Revolutionary War. It was the first major battle won by colonial forces in the war, and is considered a turning point in the history of the Revolution. Nearby is the free Battle of Bunker Hill Museum, which houses exhibits on the Battle and the history of Boston.
Bunker Hill Monument and Battle of Bunker Hill Museum
43 Monument Square
Charlestown, MA 02129
617-242-5642
www.nps.gov/bost/index.htm
Boston Freedom Trail
Hiking the Freedom Trail is one way to get to know a number of the neighborhoods of Boston. You can take a tour that leads you through the trail or take a self-guided walk by following the red brick or red painted line that links each site on the Trail. The Freedom Trail begins at Boston Common and wends its way past the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House, the site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Charlestown Navy Yard, before ending at Bunker Hill. To take a guided tour, sign up for one at the Boston Common Visitors Center at 148 Tremont Street or the Bostix Booth located at Faneuil Hall.
Boston Freedom Trail
Boston Common Visitors Center
148 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02111
617-536-4100
www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/
Museum of African American History
Visit the Museum of African American History, located on the Black Heritage Trail. Located in the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School, the Museum traces the history of black Americans in New England. An admission fee of $5 provides visitors with access to both historic buildings, all exhibits, and a guide to the 1.6 mile Black Heritage Trail. Exhibitions change frequently at the Museum, which also hosts special lectures and children's events.
Museum of African American History
14 Beacon St., Suite 719
Boston, MA 02108
617-725-0022
www.afroammuseum.org/index.htm
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