Always FREE or Cheap

Boston is expensive, so why not take advantage of things to do and see that don’t require taking out a second mortgage. Here’s a selection of things to do that are always FREE (at designated times) or cheap.

                                                       

• The USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard offers visitors insight into life on a 19th century naval vessel. There are artifacts to explore and hands-on activities. FREE with a donation strongly encouraged. 
• Anyone can take a self-guided walk on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 trek that meanders through downtown past historical places. Just follow the red-marked path. 
• On Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the admission to the Boston Children’s Museum is $1 as part of the Target Fridays program.
• The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a veritable oasis in the city. The 280-plus acre site is filled with plants and trees and sits within Roslindale and Jamaica Plain. Admission is FREE with donations accepted. 
• The Institute of Contemporary Art is situated on Boston’s waterfront in the Seaport District. Every Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 9 pm., admission is FREE for all visitors.

• Boston launched the first municipal water system. Learn about the engineering and history behind it at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Brighton. Admission is FREE with donations of $5 encouraged and accepted. 
• The Old North Church is among the historical sites along the Freedom Trail. Those interested in a reasonably-priced 30-minute tour can do so – costs range from $6 for adults; $5 for students, seniors and military personnel; and $4 for children under 12.
• While not in Boston, Mount Auburn Cemetery is nearby and definitely worth a visit. Located on the border of Cambridge and Watertown, Mount Auburn welcomes visitors to explore  miles of paved paths and roads. Pick up a map at the visitor’s center and discover the grave sites of prominent Bostonians as well as the art, wildlife and horticulture throughout the grounds.
• Home to the Boston Red Sox since 1912, Fenway Park is open for tours all year long. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this ballpark including the famout Green Monster out in left field. Tours are $20 for adults and $14 for kids 12 and under. While somewhat cheapish, the tours afford access to Fenway that is a lot less pricey than a ticket to a game. For more information on tours and to purchase tickets, visit here.  
• The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is a three dimensional stained-glass globe, showing visitors how the world looked in 1935. Accompanying the tours is a presentation featuring words, music and LED lights that illustrate how ideas spread — and change the world. Admission to the library is free; the Mapparium tour is $6 for adults; $4 for students, seniors and military personnel, and FREE for kids 5 and under. 

For the BEST 10 FREE things to do in Boston, click here.