Massachusetts family activities: 10 free and fun things to do with kids this summer

Looking to get the kids out of the house before school is back in season? Or maybe you’re looking to spend a weekend out instead of lounging around. Either way, many families might also be hoping to save some money.

Across Massachusetts, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to take part in for free that are still fun. Whether that be paying a visit to an animal farm, brushing up on local history or spending time outside, any of these activities are perfect for parents looking to do something with their children.

Below is a list of some free activities for the whole family.

Little River Farm - Belchertown

Little River Farm in Belchertown is a veteran-owned, family farm. The farm raises Alpacas, and shares the animals with the general public through their farm store and through their social media. It is also home to Mini-Donkeys, Nigerian Dwarf Goats and chickens that kids and adults can visit.

Visits are free of charge but for groups of six people or more, registration is required to do so. You can register here.

You can also check out photos of their animals on the farm’s Instagram page.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park - Amherst

Families that enjoy hiking can take in the scenic view from way up in the mountains.

“The 3,000-acre Mount Holyoke Range State Park features a 7-mile mountain ridge line. The park also includes streams, wetlands, woods, and thickets. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of blazed trails,” the state’s website reads.

Parking is free and the park is open Sunday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other kid friendly hiking trails in the area include Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton and Fitzgerald Conservation Area in Northampton.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial - Salem

For the history buff families, one thing to do is brush up on what really happened in Salem during 1692.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial pays tribute to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim. Etched on each bench is a name, the means of their execution, and execution date.

Visitors can read on the stone words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts. The words “God knows I am innocent” are cut off in mid-sentence, representing the lives cut short back in 1692.

Visits to the memorial are free of charge and can be walked through at anyone’s leisure.

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden - Springfield

This is the perfect place to tire out the kids with fun.

The sculpture garden celebrates Dr. Seuss in the city in which he was born and raised. Opened in 2002, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden was first envisioned when Ted Geisel visited Springfield in 1986. After his death in 1991, his wife Audrey authorized the creation of the memorial and provided major support for the project. In 1996 sculptor Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, was selected to make over 30 bronze statues for the Museums’ grounds.

Kids are free to run around and play in the outdoor area in the midst of Dr. Seuss iconic characters. You can view an interactive map of the sculpture grounds here.

Worcester Public Library Community Block Party - Worcester

The Worcester Public Library is holding its second annual community block party at its Main Branch on Salem Square from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 13.

“The event will include free FUN activities and entertainment, plus food trucks and vendors. We hope to see you there!,” a post on the library’s Facebook page reads.

Free performances at the events will include DJ Chuck Chillin, Wicked Good Henna, face painting by Face Escape, East Coast Entertainment Photo Booth, Magic Fred’s Magic Show, Curious Creatures Reptile Exhibit, and an inflatable slide and basketball.

The party will also have over 60 vendors including crafts, non-profits, kids programs and more. Parking is free, according to the event page.

Fishing at the Charles River - Hopkinton to Boston

Looking to teach the kids to fish? The Charles River might be one of the best spots to do so.

Fishing pressure is very light, and there are areas of the river that produce quality fish of all kinds, On The Water wrote about the river.

The Charles River basin, the section of the river between the Watertown Dam and Boston Harbor, offers one of the world’s largest public sailing programs. It is also home to several rowing and yacht clubs, is the setting for a world-class rowing regatta and most importantly, provides excellent spots for fishing opportunities. Whether in a speed boat or small kayak, all are welcome to fish free of charge.

Outdoor movies across the state

Several cities and towns in Massachusetts have planned their free outdoor movie night series. Families will just have to remember to bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Besides the movie watching basics, everything is free.

From Springfield to Mashpee on the cape, click here to view the closet free outdoor movie viewings near you. Almost all locations offer kid friendly movie options.

Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers Market - Worcester

The city of Worcester announced that its Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers Market will return to Worcester Common for its 12th year.

The free festivals, which feature musical performances, local artists and crafters, restaurants, farmers, community organizations and nonprofits, are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 18 and Sept. 1.

With the record number of applicants, the events this year will feature close to 60 vendors, compared to 30 to 45 at previous Out to Lunch events, MassLive perviously reported.

East Coast Soul are scheduled to perform on Aug. 18 and Whitey Doucet and the Moonshine Band will play on Sept. 1.

Discover Dinosaur Footprints - Holyoke

Kids will be able to see and touch real dinosaur footprint fossils at Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke.

The property features more than 800 fossils including the first dinosaur prints ever scientifically described. In fact, guests might be able to check out more of the Podokesaurus holyokensis — The Massachusetts State Dinosaur. The carnivorous dinosaur was first discovered near Mt. Holyoke in 1910 by Mignon Talbot, the first woman to name and describe a dinosaur. The species was 3 to 6 feet in length, weighing approximately 90 pounds, and estimated to run 9 to 12 mph.

Dinosaur Footprints is open from April 1 to November 30 daily, from sunrise to sunset. Guests should allow for a minimum of a half hour to spend on the property, the website suggests.

You can view a trail map here.

Visit museums across the state

Massachusetts museums will have free admissions for the annual Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day.

The annual holiday is on Sept. 17 and is a one-day event across the U.S. Participating museums, providing free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.

Participants can download one ticket per email address and the ticket provides free general admission for two people.

Massachusetts will have at least 11 participating museums. See below for the full list.

• Armenian Museum of America in Watertown
• Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College in Amherst
• Davis Museum at Wellesley College in Wellesley
• Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds in Newton
• Fruitlands Museum in Harvard
• Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum in North Chatham
• Museum of Family Prayer in Easton
• Nichols House Museum in Boston
• Springfield Museums in Springfield
• The Gardner Museum in Gardner
• William Hickling Prescott House in Boston

Have a free activity that didn’t make the list? Email tsanzo@masslive.com

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