Wanna see how we have Summer Fun on a budget…

With summer here I am always on the lookout for fun things to keep these boys busy. Since we live on a one parent income we  always have to keep within budget. Believe it or not you don’t have to go broke to have fun with kids this summer. There are lots of free things to do, whether you want to enjoy the sunshine outside or cool off indoors. Read on for a summer of free events, festivals, crafts, music, games, movies and more. The events listed here are for in and around Boston. But use them as ideas to check around your neck of the woods, you’ll be surprised at just how much is available.

I love to take the boys a little bit away from our usual spots, this way it feels that more special. Here are some of our favorites:

1) In late July we love to go soak in the sights and sounds of football with thousands of other fans during a Patriots Training Camp session at Gillette Stadium. Where watching the practice, parking and autographs are FREE.

2) Free Friday Flicks. This is a summertime tradition in Boston, attracting thousands of movie-goers to enjoy family-oriented feature length movies under the stars all summer long at DCR’s Hatch Shell in Boston! Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and watch a movie with family and friends on Friday night for free! Movies begin at sundown, but arrive early to grab your spot on the lawn and enjoy free food samples, games, and giveaways with WBZ NewsRadio 1030 – the fun starts at 6pm.

3) Fun Free Fridays. On June 26th the Highland Street Foundation kicked off Free Fun Fridays. that’s their summer program that provides free-of-charge access to iconic Massachusetts cultural establishments every Friday. The program lasts for 10 weeks through the last Friday in August.

4) Zoo New England. Yo can visit the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo at a discounted price. Kids Price Saturday: The first Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm pay kids price ($11.95 at Franklin Park Zoo & $10.95 at Stone Zoo) – Discounted passes at $6 per adult and $4 per child and 10% discount at concessions and gift store (up to 6 people) available at select Library locations *discount may be slightly different depending on the age of the pass, consult with your local library and the pass itself – Half price daytime admission for teachers and active military with ID – One child’s admission is free when an adult admission is purchased a regular price with coupon from Entertainment Book Boston Area Edition 2015 – Save $2 off adult admission with you Charlie Card (Franklin Park Zoo) – Admission Included with the Go Boston Card (Franklin Park Zoo)

5) Free Star Gazing at Coit Observatory. Public Open Night at the Observatory is a chance to observe the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. The Open Nights are held most Wednesday evenings throughout the year, weather permitting. It is open to everyone.

6) Tour the State House. Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol. Hours: Weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.

7) Climb to the Top of the Bunker Hill Monument. Located at the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution, the Bunker Hill Monument is both a nationally recognized historic landmark and a spot for one of the best views of Boston. The 294-step climb to the top of the Monument is free year round, open from 9:00am – 5:00pm (climbing access closes at 4:30pm).

8) Ride the Swan Boats. The Swan Boats driver paddles passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15 minute peaceful cruise. Hours: 10am – 5pm, June through Labor Day. Admission: Adults $3.00 Children $1.50 (age 2 to 15 years)

9) While you’re at the Boston Common refresh & relax at the Frog Pond Spray Pool. Frog Pond Spray Pool 2015 Opening Day is Wednesday, July 1, 2015! 

10) Check Out the Street Performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Experience a festival every day! Faneuil Hall Marketplace features jugglers, clowns, magicians, mimes and musicians. 

11) See stars at the Museum of Science’s Astronomy After Hours program on Friday evenings. Even though admission is FREE keep in mind that parking charges still apply.

12) Visit the Christian Science Plaza. The Plaza includes beautiful buildings and gardens, a fountain, reflecting pool, and more.

13) Take a family bike ride on a kid-friendly biking trail. 

14) Relax and let the kids play for a while at a local park with shade.

15) Celebrate all things Boston during Harborfest. Boston Harborfest is a Fourth of July Festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: The Historic City of Boston. Harborfest will run July 1 through July 5, 2015.

16) Step back in time on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile brick-lined route leading to several historic sites. 

I’ll have more soon. 🙂 What are your favorite spots to take the kiddos during the summer?