Free Things To Do In Massachusetts

Things To See Near Me: The House Of The Seven Gables Salem Massachusetts

Caroline Emmerton, a philanthropist and preservationist, founded the present-day museum to assist immigrant families who were settling in Salem. Inspired by Jane Adams Hull House, she purchased what was the old Turner Mansion in 1908 and restored it to its original seven gables. Emmertons goal was to preserve the house for future generations, to provide educational opportunities for visitors, and to use the proceeds from the tours to fund her settlement programs.

So the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, known popularly as the House of the Seven Gables, has survived with many of its original period features from the 17th and 18th centuries intact. Over the last century, the House of the Seven Gables has continued to focus on its founders mission of preservation, education, and community service.

115 Derby Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, Phone: 978-744-0991

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What To Do In Massachusetts: New Bedford Whaling Museum

The museum was founded in 1903 and has a strong relationship with the communities it serves, offering a library of logbooks, journals, prints, a scrimshaw collection, Japanese whaling literature and art, and marine paintings.

Its complete coverage of 19th and 20th century whaling technology makes it a renowned destination for research. Visitors can see the Lagoda, the worlds largest model ship from 1916, and the museum displays complete skeletons of four species, including the blue whale.

18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, Phone: 508-997-0046

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Things To Do In Massachusetts This Weekend: Adams National Historical Park

Adams National Historic Park was home to two American presidents and generations of descendants all the way to 1927. The entire family’s experience represented, mirrored, and shaped events in the cultural, social, political, and intellectual history of the country.

The parks purpose is to protect and preserve the homes, grounds, and personal property of the four generations of the Adams family and to utilize the resources to interpret history and educate the public. The Adams Memorial Society, whose membership consists of Adams family offspring, asked the National Park Service to “foster civic virtue and patriotism” at the park.

135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169, Phone: 617-770-1175

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The Best Free Things To Do In Boston

Amy HartleTraveling in 2021? Please check with each state/destination for its current COVID-19 guidelines, as these are constantly changing and the most accurate, up-to-date information may not be reflected here.*Links in this article may be affiliate links, from which we may earn commission. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Boston is considered one of the greatest cities in the nation and, to some, the world. With over 400 years of history as one of the original English settlements in Massachusetts, you can be sure there are tons of interesting things to learn, see, and do in The Cradle of Liberty. And there are actually many activities that dont cost a dime! Were sharing 18 fun free things to do in Boston.

• Visit a Nearby Reservation

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a marine sanctuary in Massachusetts Bay famous as a location for fun whale-watching.

Spanning 842 square miles, it was once a fishing ground and is now a protected area offering whale-watching tours in a highly diverse environment.

There are many other marine animals that youll spot at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

More than 50 of them are recognized and known humpbacks, but youll also see dolphins, seals, and more.

As far as things to do in Massachusetts go, a trip here is a wonderful way to experience wildlife in its truest form in a safe and mindful manner.

Address: 175 Edward Foster Rd, Scituate, MA 02066, United States

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Take A Tour Of The Night Shift Brewery

Despite the heavy competition in Boston, Night Shift Brewing is quickly gaining ground in the market with some of the best craft beers in the city.

If you want to see their operation for yourself, they offer free tours of the brewery every weekend.

While most of the tours take place during the day, there are two that run at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday night.

While the tour is free, they do ask for a donation to the Greater Boston Food Bank in return.

If you get hungry or thirsty while youre there, they have plenty of beer and snacks that you can purchase at the brewery. More information here.

TIP: If youre interested in touring the breweries of Boston, its worth noting that the Samuel Adams Brewery tour is included with the Go Boston Card.

Top 10 Things To Do And See For Free

This section will include our top ten free things to do in Boston.

Whenever possible, we will mention if any of these activities are either family-friendly or fun after the sun goes down.

If youre interested in learning more about the city, consider taking one of our free Boston walking tours.

You may also want to consider getting a Boston tourist pass to save money on some of the most popular attractions in the city.

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The Witch House Of Salem

Georgios Antonatos / Shutterstock

The Witch House of Salem wasnt always known by that name.

It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges who convicted witches during the 1692 and 1693 witchcraft trials of Salem.

His decisions were based on visions and dreams.

As a civic leader and local magistrate, he had been called to investigate the surging accusations of witchcraft in Salem and communities near it.

He served the Court of Oyer and Terminer.

The macabre, unfair history of the Salem witch trials is very much a part of Massachusetts cultural backdrop.

Corwin lived in the home that is now the Witch House of Salem for four decades, and the family would keep the house until the middle of the 19th century.

Eventually, the house was turned into the museum that it is now, focusing on the 17th century and the history of the horrific witchcraft trials.

Address: 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

Related: The Top 10 Things To Do In Boston

Head on over toBlue Hills Reservation in Norfolk County. The endless miles of beauty await you. This reservation stretches over 7,000 acres, which means there is plenty to do and see.

Birthplace of the Telephone The historical spot on June 2, 1875, Alexander Graham Bell transmitted the first phone call. Use the Roadside America app to get more detail of this location.

Financial District of Boston, Massachusetts viewed from Boston Harbor.

Take a long stroll down the Boston Harborwalk. This a public walkway that stretches for many miles, 43 to be exact. Along the walkway, you can see beaches, harbors, and rich Boston history.

U.S.S. Constitution Located in the bay you can grab a free guided tour every 30 minutes!

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Tips On Getting Around Town

Plan A for getting around Boston is to walk. Seriously, that’s my first choice, and of course, it’s free. This is a small city, and just about everything here is within a reasonable walking distance of the downtown area. But realistically, there are some destinations that it’s not really practical to walk to, and your legs will get tired before the end of the day unless you’re training for the marathon.

So when you need to take the weight off your feet, go to Plan B, which is taking the “T.” This is Boston’s subway system, which is the oldest in the country. But it mostly works, and the network will get you out to all the locations mentioned in this guide as well as back to your home base. It’s not difficult to figure out and navigate, but . . . it isn’t free. Sorry, but you have to buy tickets to use the subway.

And if you have a car? Park it in a garage and forget about it. You won’t need it, and it’ll be a terrible waste of your time and cause you hours of frustration trying to find your way around.

Most of all, enjoy these free things to do in Boston!

Massachusetts Things To Do: Boston Public Garden

Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the countrys first public botanical garden. The Parks Department remains true to its Victorian traditions, so visitors can continue to admire unusual and rich plants, the fountains, the lagoon, the monuments, and the swan boats, which were created and have been operated by the Paget family for more than 100 years.

The Recreation Department and Boston Parks grow the plants used in the garden and more than 80 plant species are being cultivated for future planting in the garden and in over 50 locations throughout Boston.

4 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116

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Tour The Samuel Adams Brewery

If youre going out with your adult friends or significant other, a tour of theSam Adams Brewery is a fun place to start. Naturally, youll need your I.D. with you and, although tours run regularly throughout the day Monday through Friday, its a good idea to get there early to avoid long lines. Aside from learning how this ale is made, you can get free samples too! Also be sure to check out our list of the best breweries in Boston, which includes 10 more exciting options.

Sevenrelax At The Ropes Mansion

Just a block from historic Chestnut Street, at 318 Essex Street, you will find the historic Ropes Mansion Garden. This stunning Colonial Revival garden, created in 1912, is a popular place for relaxing, reading, photography, and admiring the flowers. Part of the collections of the Peabody Essex Museum, the garden is open to the public, and throughout the growing season, offers a splendid sampling of local horticulture. The mansion itself is free and open to the public on summer weekends from noon to 4 pm.

Ropes Mansion

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The Bunker Hill Monument is amazing to look at from far away, but getting up close is also neat. This landmark was erected in honor of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Make sure to get your National Parks Passport stamped while here!

Charles River Esplanade is something to experience when youre looking for something a little more quaint and less busy. This is a state-owned park worth checking out and visiting!

Custom House Tower and Quincy Market at night, Boston, USA

Make sure you make time to visit the Boston Custom House Tower. Established in the 17th century, its a very must-see historical place to visit.

The Black Heritage Trail winds through the Beacon Hill Neighborhood and is an important historical site in American black history.

Spend time walking past the African Meeting House. Exploring and even seeing the inside of this museum is worth it. Built in 1806, this place played an important role during the Abolitionist Movement.

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Massachusetts Historical Society They over many tours and events most of which are free to the public.

MIT Campus Tour You can get your kids excited to tour one of the most popular colleges in the country and pick up a self-guided tour map to take in the campus.

Lagoon Bridge and skyline of Boston, Massachusetts from the Boston Public Gardens.

The Boston Public Gardens are famous for their swan boat rides and the fact that it has over 600 different plants in the park. It warrants a walk even if a short one.

Rose Kennedy Greenway This is a rooftop garden over a highway tunnel The non-profit Greenway Conservancy maintains this public garden.

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Why Youll Enjoy This Activity

A visit to this museum is a cant-miss stuff to do in Massachusetts for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Besides housing intriguing exhibits, the museum also has a stunning facade.

In fact, its architectural style is a fascinating blend of Gothic cathedral, French chateau and medieval castle.

Best Things To Do In Massachusetts This Holiday Season

Stone Zoo | Stoneham

Stroll through large-scale light displays amid the local residents, including bald eagles, reindeer, porcupines, and arctic foxes.

Bright NightsForest Park | Springfield

The largest holiday light show in New England offers three full miles of wonder as you drive through brilliantly lit displays such as Seuss Land and Jurassic World. For a similar experience, but with amusement park rides, check out the Christmas Festival of Lights at Edaville Family Theme Park in Carver .

The NutcrackerCitizens Bank Opera House | Boston

Boston Ballets The Nutcracker, aka New Englands biggest wow-factor take on this holiday classic, takes audiences on a captivating journey filled with athletic feats and special effects. The wildly bedecked Christmas tree, which grows to more than 40 feet before wondering eyes, is outsparkled only by the smiles of the dancers, performing for live audiences for the first time in 22 months.

HandelsMessiahSymphony Hall | Boston

The 168th consecutive holiday season since the Handel and Haydn Societys U.S. premiere of Handels Messiah also marks the last for outgoing artistic director Harry Christophers. Expect extra emotion to color a three-hour immersion into the legendary composers 18th-century sound world.

Nantucket NoelNantucket

Christmas at Castle HillCastle Hill on the Crane Estate | Ipswich

Holiday PopsSymphony Hall | Boston

December 6Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The MusicalThe Hanover Theatre | Worcester

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Make Time For A Museum Visit

Various locationsSupport Bostons historical art scene and world famous exhibitions as they recover from a difficult year by picking up tickets to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston. You can also indulge in the citys rich history by stopping into the ever-festive Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

The Boston Freedom Trail

Put on your walking shoes and trek 2.5 miles of the nation’s history on The Boston Freedom Trail. Just follow the red-bricked trail as it winds its way through 16 historical sites, including:

• the Boston Massacre,
• Paul Revere’s House,
• and many more!

You can pick up a free map at the visitor’s center on Boston Common or print one out online. Allow at least 23 hours to walk the trail, though if possible, I recommend taking a full day to visit all the sites.

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Soak Up Some Sun At Carson Beach

Want to work on your tan or just enjoy the crisp, ocean air? Head down to Carson Beach for an afternoon! Not only does it afford great views of the Boston skyline, but the cool waters of the Atlantic make it a welcome reprieve on hot, summer days. Of course, there are plenty ofother beaches around the city to check out if this one doesnt strike your fancy.

The House Of The Seven Gables

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock

The House of the Seven Gables is one whose name you may recognize from the similarly titled 1851 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Thats because that book is based on the actual house in question, which is known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion.

It sits at Salem Harbor in Massachusetts, right on the water, and was built in 1668.

The House of the Seven Gables has a unique construction that includes a dark and atmospheric facade, numerous pointed gables that may have contributed to its name, and several chimneys.

Tours of the house showcase the history of the mansion while providing information on the life and work of Hawthorne, the background of the town of Salem, and the chance to go through a secret passage.

Theres also a softer, kinder story to The House of the Seven Gables and how it became one of the most well-known local tourist attractions.

It was founded as a museum by preservationist and philanthropist Caroline Emmerton who purchased the mansion in 1908 and fully restored it to preserve it for generations to come and provide funding for immigrant settlement programs.

Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

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