Before Winter finally arrives, do yourself a favor and spend some time in Boston’s beautiful outdoors. There’s no need to pay for expensive activities or cover charges- you can find plenty of ways to have fun on the cheap and still get in your sunshine!
Here is our guide to the Best Free and Cheap Outdoor Activities in Boston:
THE ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY
You can find just about everything on the greenway, from free workout classes to wine tastings. Catch a live band at City Winery, or attend an open play session with other parents and their tots. The calendar is jam packed with food trucks, events in Chinatown, public art, and more.
THE HARBOR ISLANDS
There are 34 islands and peninsulas in the Boston Harbor and all of them have something exciting awaiting. Check out live music and movie nights on Spectacle Island. Take a tour of Fort Warren and hear about their famed Legend of the Lady in Black. Check out a restored WWII-era church on Peddocks Island. There are also plenty of places to fish, camp, go birding, and more. Just hop on the Ferry and the possibilities are endless!
FREE TOURS BY FOOT
This is exactly what it sounds like! Tour some of the best sights and historical districts by foot for free! Most of them are name-your-own-price so you’re encouraged to make a donation after the tour is complete. Tour local universities, Little Italy, the Beacon Hill Crimes Tour, and more. Some of these tours are totally self-guided, some have an audio guide!
BOSTON PUBLIC PARKS
Boston is a historic city which means our parks are some of the best around! Whether you’re looking for a place for little ones to cool off, or just a relaxing day in the beauitful outdoors, Boston Parks and Recreation has it all. Don’t miss the dog park at Frog Pond, the Boston Public Garden, The Emerald Necklace, and more. Admission is free in almost all parks!
CHARLES RIVER ESPLANADE
Just on the other side of Greater Boston lies one of the most historic landmarks in Boston. Like the Rose Kennedy Greenway, you can find plenty of free classes, workouts, play dates, public art, and fun activities. Don’t miss the live and totally free shows going on at the Hatch Memorial Shell. You can also rent a paddle boat, kayak, or a canoe and get an awesome workout with amazing views. Kayaking is the cheapest- just $16 for an hour!
HEAD TO THE BEACH
There are plenty of great beaches to visit in Boston and plenty of things to do! Whether you’re going for a summer swim or just an ocean-side winter walk, Boston is lined with sand and shells. Carson Beach is Boston’s most popular beach for sunbathing. Nahant Beach is the most well preserved. Most beaches are free to enter, you just have to pay for parking.
Looking for more things to do? Make sure you check out our guide to the best things to do in Boston on the weekend.
Did we miss something? What is your favorite way to spend time for free in Boston’s great outdoors? Leave us a comment below:
