Don't Touch Your Wallet: Free Summer Activities You'll Love

Free summer activities are the feather in the cap of every city and town throughout New England. The season of celebration calls for payment-free thrills and community occasions. The following are our top picks for each state.

Massachusetts: Free Fun Fridays for Arts and Culture

For ten weeks this summer, eight museums across the state of Massachusetts will be free for all. Lead by the Highland Foundation, Free Fun Fridays are sure to drive people of all ages into cultural and educational centers. If you plan around their schedule here, you can make viewing masterpieces part of your next date night or family excursion.

Connecticut: Tour the State Capitol

A Hartford outing that frequently makes the top lists of free summer activities, your tax dollars take care of this comprehensive tour. If you’re a government geek, you can observe the proceedings of General Assembly and pay homage to our fallen in the Hall of Flags. If you’re not so into civics but still love a good garden and are soothed by marble columns, take your

time perusing the grounds and make sure you get a photo in front of the golden dome.

Rhode Island: Waterfire Lantern Lightings

During Providence’s Waterfire events, you’ll get as close to a night on the Ganges River as one can be while still on the Eastern Seaboard. Waterfire is a fully blown 501 c3 with lots of arts and community-building events on offer but their namesake river lightings steal the show. Gas lanterns placed throughout the city’s main canal are sparked and glow up the entire cityscape as they burn down. The lightings take place in Waterplace Park on ongoing weekends throughout the summer.

Maine: Portland's Summer Film Series

Every week at twilight in Portland, ME, Congress Square Park starts to fill with camping chairs and coolers brought by outdoor movie-goers. With a to-die-for lineup of classic and modern blockbusters, the series is probably one of the best and safest experiences you’ll have in a public park after dark. Plus, the showings are free summer activities that low-energy movie buffs will love.

New Hampshire: A Day at the Urban Forestry Center

Outside of Portsmouth, the Urban Forestry Center combines its working tree farm, learning center, and outdoor recreation haven into one full day of woodsy fun. Learn about the forested environment, walk the miles of trails, and watch landscaping demonstrations –– all are free summer activities you can enjoy without leafing out a single dollar.

Vermont: Free tastings are everywhere in Waterbury

If your tummy is one that can handle chocolate, ice cream, cheese, liquor, and beer all in a few short hours, then a tasting tour of Waterbury, VT is definitely a free summer activity you’ll want to do. The factories of esteemed Vermont food companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Cabot Cheddar, and more are all lined up within easy driving distance. Nibble, slurp, lick, and chew your way through all the treats before retiring in one of Waterbury's classic Vermont hideaways.

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