66 free things to do and get in Boston and around the Boston area, including 23 attractions, 11 food, 9 entertainment.
Free account: save favorites and get the best picks every Thursday.Get my FreeBee list
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (closed Mondays and major holidays)
Harvard Art MuseumsCambridge
The Harvard Art Museums are free for everyone, every day they're open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, just outside Harvard Square. Check in at the Visitor Services desk when you arrive.
Verified Oct 27 · harvardartmuseums.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm (closed MLK Day, Patriots' Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy YardBoston
'Old Ironsides' is still crewed by U.S. Navy sailors, and tours are free year-round. The ship is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, at the Charlestown Navy Yard (hours can change, so check before you go). Adults 18+ need a physical government photo ID or passport (no digital IDs), and everyone goes through airport-style screening. No strollers aboard.
Verified Oct 27 · navy.mil
Catch: Visitors 18+ need a physical federal or state photo ID; security screening
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (closed Mondays and major holidays)
Fuller Craft MuseumBrockton
Fuller Craft Museum, the region's museum of contemporary craft, has free admission (donations welcome) and free parking. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; closed Mondays and major holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · fullercraft.org
No catch
Daily: breakfast 8:30–9:30am, lunch 11:30am–1pm
Lazarus House Ministries Soup KitchenLawrence
The Lazarus House Ministries soup kitchen in Lawrence serves breakfast (8:30–9:30am) and lunch (11:30am–1pm) every day of the week, about 250 meals a day for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.
Verified Oct 27 · lazarushouse.org
No catch
Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 1–5pm (closed Mondays)
Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips AcademyBoston
The Addison Gallery of American Art on the Phillips Academy campus in Andover has free admission to all exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · addison.andover.edu
No catch
Off-season (Oct 13–May 28): Wednesday–Sunday, 1–4pm
Bunker Hill Monument and Museum (Boston National Historical Park)
Climb the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, or visit the Bunker Hill Museum across the street, free. Off-season hours (through late May) are Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 4pm; last climb is 30 minutes before closing and only 25 people can be inside at once. The climb can close for weather.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Daily, sunrise to sunset (visitor center 10am–4pm)
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard UniversityBoston
Harvard's Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is free and open every day from sunrise to sunset. The Hunnewell Visitor Center at the Arborway Gate is open 10am to 4pm daily, and self-guided tour routes run from a 40-minute intro loop to a 2.5-mile director's walk.
Verified Oct 27 · arboretum.harvard.edu
No catch
Tuesday–Friday, doors 4pm, meal 4:30–5:30pm
Bread of LifeMalden
Bread of Life serves a free hot dinner Tuesday to Friday: doors open at 4pm and the meal is served 4:30 to 5:30pm. No application or reservation; residents of any town are welcome. Enter from the bike path.
Verified Oct 27 · breadoflifemalden.org
No catch
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Commonwealth MuseumBoston
The state's Commonwealth Museum at Columbia Point in Dorchester is free to visit with free parking. Open weekdays 9am to 5pm; closed weekends and legal holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · sec.state.ma.us
No catch
Mon 10–11:30am & Tue 6–7pm & Wed 5:30–6:30pm (Zoom); Thu 10:30am–12pm & Fri 11:30am–12:30pm (Central Library)
Somerville Public Library, Central Library
Somerville Public Library runs English Language Learner classes and conversation groups every weekday: a beginner class on Zoom Mondays 10–11:30am, intermediate conversation groups on Zoom Tuesdays 6–7pm and Wednesdays 5:30–6:30pm, and in person at the Central Library a beginner class Thursdays 10:30am–noon and a conversation group Fridays 11:30am–12:30pm. Questions: Brigid Pigott, 617-623-5000 x2935.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillepubliclibrary.org
No catch
Daily 12–4pm, ranger talks at 2pm and 3pm, through Nov 28, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving)
Lowell National Historical Park, Boarding House exhibits
At Lowell National Historical Park, the 'Into an 1840s Boarding House' and 'One City, Many Cultures' exhibits at 40 French Street are open daily noon to 4pm, with ranger talks at 2 and 3pm, through November 28, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving, Nov 26). The park charges no entrance fee; only the Boott Cotton Mills Museum and guided tours need tickets. Hours after Nov 28 aren't posted yet.
Verified Oct 27 · National Park Service
No catch
Mon–Fri 12–6pm; Sat–Sun 2–4:30pm
My Brother's TableLynn
My Brother's Table, the North Shore's largest soup kitchen, serves free hot meals to anyone who comes to the door, every day: Monday to Friday 12 to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 to 4:30pm. Everyone is welcome.
Verified Oct 27 · mybrotherstable.org
No catch
Sundays 9am–noon and Wednesdays 3–5pm
Harvard Museum of Natural HistoryCambridge
Massachusetts residents get into the Harvard Museum of Natural History free every Sunday from 9am to noon and every Wednesday from 3 to 5pm. Bring proof of residency. Regular adult admission is $20 and also covers the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology next door.
Verified Oct 27 · hmnh.harvard.edu
Catch: Massachusetts residents only: bring proof of residency · Not for commercial groups
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat–Sun noon–5pm
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College
Boston College's McMullen Museum charges no admission and has free parking. Open weekdays 10am to 5pm and weekends noon to 5pm (no museum parking on BC home football days).
Verified Oct 27 · mcmullenmuseum.bc.edu
No catch
Tue, Fri–Sun noon–6pm; Wed–Thu noon–7pm (closed Mondays)
MIT List Visual Arts CenterCambridge
MIT's List Visual Arts Center is free and open to all, Tuesday to Sunday from noon (to 7pm Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm other days), in the Wiesner Building near Kendall Square. Closed Thanksgiving week's Wednesday–Thursday and over Christmas and New Year's.
Verified Oct 27 · listart.mit.edu
No catch
Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm (or until 350 guests are served)
Rosie's Place Food PantryBoston
Women can pick up fresh meat, dairy, produce, staples and household essentials at the Rosie's Place food pantry every week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, until 350 guests have been served that day.
Verified Oct 27 · rosiesplace.org
Catch: For women (and their families)
Weekdays, 10am–3:30pm (closed weekends and holidays)
Massachusetts State HouseBoston
Take a free tour of the gold-domed Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill, weekdays year-round from 10am to 3:30pm. Self-guided visits for groups up to 10 just check in at the tours desk in Doric Hall; guided tours must be booked by phone at 617-727-3676.
Verified Oct 27 · sec.state.ma.us
Catch: Guided tours need a reservation by phone; self-guided visits don't
Sunday–Friday, 11am–4pm (closed Saturdays)
Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard UniversityCambridge
Harvard's Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is free to visit. Open Sunday to Friday, 11am to 4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · hmsc.harvard.edu
No catch
Sunday–Friday, 11am–4pm (closed Saturdays)
Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near EastCambridge
Harvard's Museum of the Ancient Near East is free to visit. It's open Sunday to Friday, 11am to 4pm, a few minutes' walk from Harvard Square.
Verified Oct 27 · hmsc.harvard.edu
No catch
Weekdays: breakfast 7:30–9am, lunch 11:30am–1pm, dinner 4:30–6:45pm; weekends: brunch 10:30am–noon, dinner 3:30–4:30pm
Rosie's PlaceBoston
Rosie's Place in the South End serves women and their children three meals a day, 365 days a year, to eat in or take away. Weekdays: breakfast 7:30–9am, lunch 11:30am–1pm, dinner 4:30–6:45pm. Weekends: brunch 10:30am–noon, dinner 3:30–4:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · rosiesplace.org
Catch: For women (and their children)
Mon, Wed–Fri 9:30am–4:45pm; Tue 9:30am–7:45pm; Sat 10am–3pm
Massachusetts Historical SocietyBoston
The Massachusetts Historical Society's galleries and research library on Boylston Street are free and open to the public: Monday and Wednesday–Friday 9:30am–4:45pm, Tuesday 9:30am–7:45pm, Saturday 10am–3pm. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Building tours are listed on its calendar.
Verified Oct 27 · masshist.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm
Rose Art Museum, Brandeis UniversityWaltham
Brandeis University's Rose Art Museum in Waltham is free for everyone, Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Reserve a free ticket online before you go.
Verified Oct 27 · brandeis.edu
Catch: Free ticket: register online
Daily, 10am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm)
MIT MuseumCambridge
Cambridge residents can sign up for a free Cambridge Resident Membership at the MIT Museum in Kendall Square and get free general admission all year (adults otherwise pay $20). One membership covers two adults and children under 18 at the same address. Register online or at the museum and bring a photo ID or document showing your Cambridge address. Open daily, 10am to 5pm.
Verified Oct 27 · mitmuseum.mit.edu
Catch: Cambridge residents only: free member sign-up with proof of address
Tue 3–7pm (226 High St.); Wed 2–5pm, Thu–Fri 10:30am–1pm (210 Harvard St.)
Brookline Food Pantry at United ParishBoston
Brookline residents in need can shop the Brookline Food Pantry once a week and leave with three bags: refrigerated or frozen items, fresh produce and pantry staples. Hours at United Parish (210 Harvard St.): Wednesday 2–5pm, Thursday and Friday 10:30am–1pm; at the High Street Veterans Community Room (226 High St.): Tuesday 3–7pm. First visit: bring an ID or a piece of mail showing your Brookline address. Home delivery is possible for residents who are disabled or at high risk.
Verified Oct 27 · brooklinefoodpantry.org
Catch: Brookline residents only (ID or mail with a current Brookline address) · Once a week
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (Thursday and Friday to 9pm; closed Mondays)
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
Visitors 18 and under (and Boston Public Schools students) never pay at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with late hours to 9pm on Thursdays and most Fridays (on the first Friday of the month it closes at 5pm). Adults pay $20, or come on a Thursday night when it's free for everyone.
Verified Oct 27 · icaboston.org
Catch: Only for visitors 18 and under; adults pay unless it's a Thursday night
Weekdays at 10–11am; some days also 5:30–6:30pm
Boston Public Library, Central Library
Hour-long guided tours of the historic Central Library in Copley Square, an introduction to the history of the Boston Public Library and its art and architecture. Tours run most weekdays at 10am, with some evening tours at 5:30pm. Register online up to a month ahead; tours often fill. You can also explore on your own anytime the library is open, with the Bloomberg Connects audio guide.
Verified Oct 27 · bpl.org
Catch: Advance registration required (up to a month ahead; tours often fill)
During museum hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5pm, Thu–Fri to 10pm (closed Tuesdays)
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Active-duty service members and veterans get free general admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston year-round, for themselves and up to five guests. Show a valid military or veteran ID at the desk; there are no advance tickets for this. Adult admission is otherwise $30.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Active-duty military and veterans with a valid military or veteran ID (plus up to 5 guests) · In person only; no advance tickets
Wednesdays and Fridays, 1–4pm (once every four weeks per household)
Bread of LifeMalden
Bread of Life's full-choice food pantry in Malden lets you pick groceries for your family with help from staff, Wednesdays and Fridays 1 to 4pm, once every four weeks. Open to residents of Malden, Everett, Medford, Melrose, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, Reading and North Reading; fill out an application on your first visit.
Verified Oct 27 · breadoflifemalden.org
Catch: Residents of Malden, Everett, Medford, Melrose, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, Reading, N. Reading · Application and proof of residency on first visit
Most Wednesdays at 7:30pm (Oct–Mar; 8:30pm Apr–Sep), weather permitting
Judson B. Coit Observatory, Boston University
Boston University opens its rooftop Coit Observatory to the public most Wednesday evenings, weather permitting, to look through telescopes and learn some astronomy. From October to March the program starts promptly at 7:30pm, with no entry once it begins. Tickets are free (up to 5 per person) and released on Eventbrite around 11am on Thursdays; walk-ins get in if there's room. It's cancelled for clouds, haze or rain: call 617-353-2630 (no earlier than two hours before) to check. Stairs only, dress warmly.
Verified Oct 27 · bu.edu
Catch: Free ticket required (released Thursdays on Eventbrite, up to 5 per person) · No unaccompanied minors
Fridays 10am–12pm and 2–4pm, Oct 30–Nov 20, 2026
Newton Free Library, Computer Lab
Bring your phone, tablet or laptop questions to a free 20-minute session with a librarian in the Newton Free Library's computer lab on Fridays, 10am to noon and 2 to 4pm (posted through November 20, 2026). First come, first served: sign in at the 1st-floor Ask Desk; one session per person per week. They can't help with resumes, applications, website design or broken hardware. Can't make Fridays? Request an appointment on the library's Tech Time page.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
No catch
Fridays 11am–12pm through Dec 18, 2026 (not Nov 27)
Newton Free Library, 3rd floor
English learners of all levels can practice speaking and listening with volunteer ELL tutors on the third floor of the Newton Free Library, Fridays 11am to noon, through December 18, 2026 (no session November 27). No registration; come when you can. Group classes are open to adults 18+ from any Massachusetts town. Info: Andrew Shapira, 617-796-1364.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
Catch: Adults 18+ living in Massachusetts
Sun, Nov 1, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lions Eye Mobile at 440 East Squantum StreetQuincy
Lions Club volunteers give simple eye screenings (no drops) in the Lions Eye Mobile on Sunday, November 1, 2026, 9am to noon, at 440 East Squantum Street, with referrals for follow-up care when needed. No appointment required; all are welcome. You can also bring old prescription or reading glasses to donate.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
Sun, Nov 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston celebrates Diwali on Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10am to 5pm, with free admission for visitors 18 and under. Adults pay regular admission.
Verified Oct 27 · mfa.org
Catch: Free for ages 18 and under only; adults pay regular admission
Thu, Nov 5, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Somerville City Hall Annex
The City of Somerville's Health and Human Services department runs a free vaccine clinic for anyone 6 months or older on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 11am to 12:30pm, at the City Hall Annex. Vaccines help protect against flu, COVID-19 and other viruses. Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in spots are limited. There's no cost to you: the city bills insurance for people who have it, and uninsured residents are served too.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
Catch: Insured? Bring your insurance card: the city bills insurance, not you
Fri, Nov 6, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ConnexionSomerville
The Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs and Somerville Community Corporation run free financial education workshops in Spanish. The Friday, November 6, 2026 session (10am to noon at Connexion, 149 Broadway) covers taking control of debt and using credit wisely; participants in the series get a certificate of completion. Registration is required (link on the city page, or call 617-625-6600 ext. 2624 or 2122).
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
Catch: Registration required · Taught in Spanish
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Newton City Hall, War Memorial Circle
Bring your Halloween pumpkin to Newton City Hall's War Memorial Circle on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1 to 4pm, and smash it (including with machines built by the high school robotics team). There's touch-a-truck, composting tips, and a pop-up costume swap where donated costumes are free to take home. Food trucks sell food. Pre-registration is encouraged; cancelled if rain is likely.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonma.gov
Catch: Registration encouraged (on-site registration if you don't pre-register)
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
440 East Squantum StreetQuincy
Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School offer free kidney screenings on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1 to 4pm, at 440 East Squantum Street. Includes blood pressure, body mass index, a urine test and a free physician consultation. Recommended if you're over 50, smoke, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. Call the Nursing Office at (617) 376-1023 to register.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
Catch: Registration required (call 617-376-1023)
Sun, Nov 15, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium
Clarinetist Nat Seelen of Ezekiel's Wheels Klezmer Band and Mozambican guitarist and singer Albino Mbie, a Berklee professor, share the stage at the Newton Free Library on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2pm.
Verified Oct 27 · newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com
No catch
Fri, Nov 27, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hancock-Adams CommonQuincy
The City of Quincy lights its holiday tree on Hancock-Adams Common on Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 7pm. A public city event open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · quincyma.gov
No catch
By appointment
Somerville Public Library (online sessions)
If you have a U.S. citizenship interview scheduled, Somerville Public Library's citizenship tutors give free one-on-one virtual practice interviews covering the N-400 questions, the reading and writing sections and the civics questions. You need intermediate English and 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to a U.S. citizen). Spots are limited; contact Brigid Pigott at 617-623-5000 x2935.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillepubliclibrary.org
Catch: Intermediate English and 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to a U.S. citizen) · Limited spots
By appointment
Somerville Public Library
Book a free individual technology help session at the Somerville Public Library: learn Zoom or Google Meet, fill out an online job or benefits application, use a keyboard and mouse, Microsoft Office or Google Docs and Sheets, social media or email, or get your tech questions answered. Call 617-623-5000 x2955 or email spltech@somervillema.gov to book.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillepubliclibrary.org
Catch: Appointment required
First Tuesday of each month, 3–4pm
Online (Zoom)Somerville
Somerville Prevention Services and the Cambridge Public Health Department offer a free one-hour virtual training on the first Tuesday of each month, 3 to 4pm: signs and symptoms of an overdose, risk factors and how to give naloxone (Narcan). Join by Zoom (link on the city event page). Free on-site trainings for groups are available by appointment.
Verified Oct 27 · somervillema.gov
No catch
Second Saturday of each month, 10:30am–12pm
MelroseWakefield Mobile Food MarketMalden
The MelroseWakefield Mobile Food Market hands out free food on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30am to noon, at 239 Commercial St. in Malden. It's held outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Verified Oct 27 · medfordma.org
No catch
Every Thursday, 5–9pm
Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumBoston
The Gardner Museum, with its famous Venetian-style courtyard, is free every Thursday from 5 to 9pm. You need a free timed ticket: they're released at 10am on the Tuesday before and can run out, so book early. Some performances and programs that night have their own priced tickets.
Verified Oct 27 · gardnermuseum.org
Catch: Free timed ticket required (released Tuesdays at 10am; capacity is limited) · Some performances and programs are ticketed separately
Every Thursday, 5–9pm
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is free for everyone every Thursday from 5 to 9pm. Regular adult admission is $20. Book a free ticket in advance. The Seaport museum sits right on Boston Harbor, a short walk from the Silver Line's Courthouse stop.
Verified Oct 27 · icaboston.org
Catch: Free advance ticket required
