Free Things to Do in Boston

Oldest public park in America. Frog Pond spray pool is free for kids 12 and under in summer (late June on). Ice skating in winter. Tadpole Playground has frog-themed climbing structures. Seasonal carousel.

Museum for Old Ironsides, the oldest warship still afloat. Kids try on sailor uniforms, load a cannon, scrub the deck. Pay-what-you-wish. The actual ship next door is free to board.

Copley Square library with an entire Children's Library on the second floor. Free storytimes, crafts, STEM activities. ToddleTown (ages 3-5), StoryScape dress-up, a sensory wall for sensory needs, and therapy dog programs. All free.

22-acre park with an 1834 granite fort, beaches, trails, a playground, and Pleasure Bay (calm water, good for toddlers). Everything free: parking, entry, beach, fort tours (Sat-Sun noon-3:30pm). Sullivan's has hot dogs and lobster rolls (cash only). The fort inspired Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado.'

Free volunteer-run museum in an 1891 firehouse. Antique fire engines, old uniforms, helmets, hose reels. 30-minute visit, just right for fire-truck-obsessed toddlers. Saturdays only. Donations appreciated.

Free outdoor space in the Seaport. The LED swings that glow and change color after dark are why kids love it. Lawn games (cornhole, bocce, ping pong), free movie nights, food trucks, bar for parents, two pickleball courts.

Recently renovated playground on the Charles River with a pirate ship, slides, swings, musical play area, and spray deck (late June-Labor Day). Free. The Esplanade paths around it are good for stroller walks. Hatch Shell is nearby for a full morning.

Playground and free wading pool on the Charles River in Brighton. Pool is ankle-to-knee deep with lifeguards in summer. Climbing structures, swings, free parking, picnic tables, concession stand. Less crowded than the Esplanade playgrounds.

Free outdoor concerts all summer on the Charles River. GroundBeat series and Landmarks Orchestra (Wednesdays). Bring a blanket, let the kids run around, food vendors nearby. No tickets. The July 4th Pops is ticketed, but the regular summer shows are free and often better.

1.5-mile park through downtown with seven fountain rings kids can splash through in summer (free), public art, a carousel ($4/ride), food trucks, and seasonal movie nights. Playground near the Rings Fountain. Connects the North End, Seaport, and Financial District.

Live jazz 365 days a year since 1947. Tiny room on Mass Ave, standing room only, packed with Berklee students playing alongside pros. No cover. Under-21 welcome until about 9pm. Cash bar only.

Outdoor concert venue on the Charles River. Best known for the Pops July 4th show, but the real move is the free summer concerts (GroundBeat series, Landmarks Orchestra) on weekends and weeknights. Bring a blanket and a picnic. No tickets for most events.

Restaurant in the South End's Boston Center for the Arts with live jazz, blues, and funk seven nights a week. No cover. The food is actually good (not just bar food), and weekend brunch has live music too. Subterranean space with an eclectic, art-filled vibe.

Free outdoor space in the Seaport with LED swings that change color, lawn games, two pickleball courts, food trucks, and a bar. Free concerts, movie nights, fitness classes. The glowing swings at night are the draw.