Massachusetts State Parks Free-$$ Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Explore beaches, forests, reservations, trails, historic sites, and recreation areas. Activities include hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, camping, nature programs, and winter recreation.
Outdoor All ages Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Fees and hours vary by park. Check the DCR website before visiting.
State Park Programs and Events Free-$ Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Join guided walks, nature programs, history presentations, Junior Ranger activities, family programs, and seasonal events at Massachusetts state parks.
Outdoor All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Registration may be required for some programs.
Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Hike, bike, enjoy scenic views, and explore nature across more than 100 miles of trails.
Outdoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Choose trails appropriate for your fitness level. Bring water and sun protection.
Middlesex Fells Reservation Stoneham / Medford · North of Boston Free Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Explore a large natural area with hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Outdoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Trail maps are available online. Some trails are more challenging than others.
Walden Pond State Reservation Free-$ Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Swim, walk, explore nature, and learn about author Henry David Thoreau and American literature.
Outdoor All ages Spring-fall Free-$Planning note: Parking fills quickly in summer. Swimming is seasonal.
Mount Greylock State Reservation Lanesborough / Adams · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires Free-$ Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Visit the highest point in Massachusetts for hiking, camping, scenic overlooks, and nature exploration.
Outdoor Older children & teens Spring-fall Free-$Planning note: Camping requires reservations. Weather can change quickly at elevation.
Bash Bish Falls State Park Mount Washington · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires Free Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Visit one of Massachusetts' most dramatic waterfalls and explore the surrounding Berkshire landscape.
Outdoor Older children & teens Spring-fall FreePlanning note: Stay on designated trails. Rocks near the falls can be slippery.
Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Explore coastal trails, tide pools, rocky shorelines, scenic views, and the remains of a historic granite quarry.
Outdoor All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Wear sturdy shoes. Rocks near the water can be slippery.
Cape Cod National Seashore Cape Cod · Cape Cod & the Islands Free-$ Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Discover beaches, biking and walking trails, lighthouses, wildlife, and educational ranger programs.
Outdoor All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Beach parking fees apply in summer. Ranger programs are seasonal.
Minute Man National Historical Park Trails Concord / Lincoln / Lexington · Greater Boston Free Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Walk or bike through landscapes connected to the beginning of the American Revolution.
Outdoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: The Battle Road Trail is 5.5 miles. Shorter sections are available.
Museums, Science & Technology
Explore interactive exhibits about engineering, space, electricity, mathematics, biology, technology, and the natural world.
Indoor All ages Year-round $$-$$$Planning note: Admission required. IMAX and planetarium shows are separately priced.
Museum of Science Youth Programs $-$$ Museums, Science & Technology
Discover programs, events, and learning opportunities that help middle- and high-school students explore STEM subjects and careers.
Indoor Teens Year-round $-$$Planning note: Registration may be required. Check the program calendar for current offerings.
EcoTarium Worcester · Central Massachusetts $$ Museums, Science & Technology
Visit an indoor-outdoor science and nature museum featuring interactive exhibits, live animals, trails, and a planetarium.
Planning note: Planetarium shows may be separately priced. Allow several hours.
Museums, Science & Technology
Discover robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, holography, invention, and research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Indoor Older children & teens Year-round $-$$Planning note: Verify admission and hours before visiting.
Harvard Museum of Natural History $-$$ Museums, Science & Technology
Explore dinosaur fossils, minerals, gemstones, wildlife displays, and the famous Glass Flowers collection.
Indoor All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Free admission for Massachusetts residents on certain days. Verify before visiting.
Museums, Science & Technology
Experiment, create, solve problems, and explore interactive exhibits involving science, nature, art, and engineering.
Both Children & families Year-round $$Planning note: Best suited to younger children and families. Check hours before visiting.
Springfield Science Museum Springfield · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires $-$$ Museums, Science & Technology
Explore astronomy, dinosaurs, animals, earth science, Native American history, and the Seymour Planetarium.
Indoor All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Part of the Springfield Museums complex. Combination tickets may be available.
New Bedford Whaling Museum New Bedford · South of Boston $-$$ Museums, Science & Technology
Learn about whales, ocean science, maritime history, conservation, and New Bedford's multicultural heritage.
Indoor All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Check for free or discounted admission days.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium Woods Hole · Cape Cod & the Islands Free Museums, Science & Technology
See marine animals from the Northeast and learn about fisheries, ocean research, and marine conservation.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Free admission. Verify hours before visiting.
History & Educational Attractions
Follow a 2.5-mile route connecting important sites from the American Revolution. Take a guided tour or explore independently.
Outdoor All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Guided tours are available for a fee. Self-guided walking is free.
USS Constitution Museum Charlestown · Greater Boston Free History & Educational Attractions
Explore exhibits about sailors, shipbuilding, naval history, and the historic USS Constitution.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Museum admission is free. Boarding the ship may have separate requirements.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum $$$ History & Educational Attractions
Participate in an interactive experience that recreates the events leading to the Boston Tea Party.
Both All ages Year-round $$$Planning note: Timed tickets recommended. Admission required.
History & Educational Attractions
Learn about the Indigenous peoples and English colonists whose lives intersected in 17th-century New England through living-history experiences.
Both All ages Spring-fall $$$Planning note: Seasonal hours apply. Allow several hours for a full visit.
Old Sturbridge Village Sturbridge · Central Massachusetts $$$ History & Educational Attractions
Experience rural New England life during the 1830s through historic buildings, traditional crafts, farms, animals, gardens, and demonstrations.
Both All ages Year-round $$$Planning note: Admission required. Seasonal programs and special events available.
Minute Man National Historical Park Concord / Lexington / Lincoln · Greater Boston Free History & Educational Attractions
Explore battlefields, historic homes, trails, exhibits, and ranger programs connected to the American Revolution.
Both All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Visitor center hours vary by season. Ranger programs are seasonal.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site Free-$ History & Educational Attractions
Learn about ships, international trade, maritime history, and Salem's role as an early American port.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Some tours require tickets. Verify hours before visiting.
Lowell National Historical Park Free-$ History & Educational Attractions
Discover how textile mills, immigration, engineering, labor, and industry shaped Lowell and the nation.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$Planning note: Canal boat tours are seasonal and may require tickets.
Adams National Historical Park Free-$ History & Educational Attractions
Explore the homes and stories of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.
Both All ages Spring-fall Free-$Planning note: Guided tours are seasonal. Verify hours before visiting.
The House of the Seven Gables $$ History & Educational Attractions
Explore the historic property that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel while learning about literature, architecture, and Salem history.
Both Older children & teens Year-round $$Planning note: Guided tours required for interior access. Reserve in advance during busy seasons.
Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
See penguins, sea turtles, sharks, seals, tropical fish, and other aquatic animals while learning about ocean conservation.
Indoor All ages Year-round $$$Planning note: Timed tickets recommended. Whale-watching programs are separately priced.
Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
Explore wildlife exhibits featuring animals from around the world while learning about habitats and conservation.
Both All ages Year-round $$-$$$Planning note: Admission required. Some exhibits may have seasonal hours.
Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
See animals from different climates and ecosystems in a smaller, walkable zoo.
Planning note: Admission required. Good option for younger children.
Southwick's Zoo Mendon · Central Massachusetts $$$ Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
Visit one of New England's largest zoos for animal exhibits, educational experiences, rides, and seasonal attractions.
Outdoor All ages Spring-fall $$$Planning note: Seasonal hours apply. Rides may be separately priced.
Buttonwood Park Zoo New Bedford · South of Boston $ Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
Enjoy animal encounters, keeper presentations, conservation education, and family programs.
Planning note: Affordable admission. Check for free or discounted days.
Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries Free-$$ Animals, Zoos & Aquariums
Visit wildlife sanctuaries and participate in nature walks, birding, environmental education, camps, and family programs.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Admission varies by sanctuary. Programs may require registration.
Museum of Fine Arts Teen Programs Free-$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Explore art, attend teen events, participate in studio classes, and develop creative skills.
Indoor Teens Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Some programs are free for teens. Registration may be required.
Institute of Contemporary Art $-$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Explore contemporary art, photography, film, performance, and new media. Teen-centered creative programs may also be available.
Indoor Older children & teens Year-round $-$$Planning note: Check for free or discounted admission days.
MASS MoCA North Adams · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires $$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Experience large-scale art installations, performances, music, and creative exhibits in a former industrial complex.
Planning note: Admission required. Outdoor spaces may be free. Check the events calendar.
Norman Rockwell Museum Stockbridge · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires $$ Arts, Music & Creativity
View the work of Norman Rockwell and other illustrators while learning how art and storytelling reflect American life.
Planning note: Admission required. Grounds are free to explore.
Worcester Art Museum Worcester · Central Massachusetts $-$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Explore paintings, sculpture, mosaics, photography, and arms and armor from different cultures and historical periods.
Indoor All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Check for free admission days and family programs.
The Clark Art Institute Williamstown · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires Free-$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
View European and American art and explore walking trails and outdoor installations.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Admission is free in winter. Check seasonal pricing before visiting.
Jacob's Pillow Becket · Western Massachusetts & Berkshires Free-$$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Experience dance performances, workshops, exhibits, and educational programs at a nationally known dance center.
Both Older children & teens Summer Free-$$$Planning note: Some outdoor performances are free. Indoor shows require tickets.
Massachusetts Cultural Council Programs Free-$$ Arts, Music & Creativity
Find community art programs, festivals, performances, workshops, cultural organizations, and local cultural councils near you.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Programs vary by community. Search for your local cultural council.
Massachusetts Youth Soccer $-$$ Sports & Physical Activities
Find local soccer organizations, leagues, camps, tournaments, and player-development opportunities.
Outdoor Children & teens Spring-fall $-$$Planning note: Registration and fees vary by program and age group.
Bay State Games Events throughout Massachusetts $-$$ Sports & Physical Activities
Participate in Olympic-style summer and winter sports for amateur athletes.
Both Teens & families Seasonal $-$$Planning note: Registration required. Check the website for current sport offerings and dates.
Sports & Physical Activities
Find swimming, sports, exercise, camps, leadership programs, after-school activities, and family events.
Both All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Financial assistance may be available. Contact your local Y for details.
Boys & Girls Clubs Communities throughout Massachusetts $ Sports & Physical Activities
Local clubs may offer sports, homework help, STEM activities, arts, mentoring, and leadership development.
Both Children & teens Year-round $Planning note: Programs and fees vary by location. Contact your local club for details.
Massachusetts Rail Trails Free Sports & Physical Activities
Walk, bike, run, or skate on trails including the Minuteman Bikeway, Cape Cod Rail Trail, Nashua River Rail Trail, and Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
Outdoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Wear helmets when biking. Trail conditions vary by season.
Massachusetts Ice Skating $-$$ Sports & Physical Activities
Find public skating, hockey, and learn-to-skate opportunities at state and community rinks.
Indoor All ages Year-round $-$$Planning note: Verify public-skate hours and rental availability before visiting.
Local Recreation Departments Free-$$ Sports & Physical Activities
Massachusetts cities and towns offer sports, swimming, fitness classes, camps, arts programs, special events, and teen activities close to home.
Both All ages Year-round Free-$$Planning note: Search for your city or town followed by "Massachusetts recreation department" to find local programs.
Massachusetts Public Library Programs Free Community & Youth Programs
Explore teen advisory groups, book clubs, gaming, crafts, homework assistance, writing workshops, technology classes, and summer reading programs.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Programs vary by library. Check your local library's event calendar.
Community & Youth Programs
Participate in agriculture, animals, gardening, science, cooking, public speaking, leadership, and community-service projects.
Both Children & teens Year-round Free-$Planning note: Programs are offered through UMass Extension. Contact your county office to enroll.
Community & Youth Programs
Participate in camping, outdoor activities, service projects, leadership development, and skill-building.
Both Children & teens Year-round $Planning note: Annual membership fees apply. Use the website to find a troop near you.
Community & Youth Programs
Develop leadership, practical skills, confidence, friendships, and community involvement.
Both Children & teens Year-round $Planning note: Annual membership fees apply. Use the website to find a troop near you.
Girls Inc. Several Massachusetts communities Free-$ Community & Youth Programs
Build confidence through education, health, sports, mentoring, career exploration, and leadership programs.
Both Children & teens Year-round Free-$Planning note: Use the website to find an affiliate near you.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs throughout Massachusetts Free Community & Youth Programs
Be matched with a trained adult mentor who provides encouragement, friendship, and positive guidance.
Both Children & teens Year-round FreePlanning note: An enrollment process and adult involvement are required.
Boston Cares Greater Boston · Greater Boston Free Volunteering & Leadership
Find volunteer projects supporting communities, nonprofit organizations, environmental projects, and people in need.
Both Teens & families Year-round FreePlanning note: Age requirements vary by project. Check the website for current opportunities.
Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts Newton / Greater Boston · Greater Boston Free Volunteering & Leadership
Help prepare clothing, school supplies, and essential items for children experiencing poverty or difficult circumstances.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Younger volunteers should be accompanied by an adult. Registration may be required.
The Greater Boston Food Bank Free Volunteering & Leadership
Eligible volunteers can help sort, pack, or distribute food to families in need.
Indoor Teens & families Year-round FreePlanning note: Age and adult-supervision requirements apply. Register in advance.
Mass Audubon Volunteering Free Volunteering & Leadership
Volunteer activities may include sanctuary assistance, environmental projects, events, education, and conservation work.
Both Teens & families Year-round FreePlanning note: Age requirements vary by opportunity. Contact your local sanctuary.
Safe Routes to School Ambassador Program Participating Massachusetts communities Free Volunteering & Leadership
Help high-school students teach walking and biking safety while gaining volunteer and leadership experience.
Outdoor Teens Spring-fall FreePlanning note: For high-school students. Check if your community participates.
Volunteering & Leadership
Shelters may offer youth volunteering, supply drives, fundraising projects, fostering opportunities, or humane-education programs.
Indoor Teens & families Year-round FreePlanning note: Contact your local shelter about age and adult-supervision requirements before visiting.
Volunteering & Leadership
Participate in park, beach, river, neighborhood, and trail cleanups through community groups and conservation organizations.
Outdoor All ages Spring-fall FreePlanning note: Search for local conservation departments, watershed organizations, or Keep Massachusetts Beautiful to find events near you.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Eligible Boston students and family members can receive free access to participating cultural institutions on designated days.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Eligibility requirements apply. Verify current participating institutions before visiting.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Eligible EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders can receive free or discounted admission to participating museums, science centers, and cultural organizations.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Eligibility is based on benefit card status. Verify participating organizations before visiting.
Public Library Museum Passes Free Free & Low-Cost Activities
Many public libraries provide free or discounted passes to museums, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, and other attractions.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Contact your local library and ask about museum passes. Availability varies.
Massachusetts State House Tours Free Free & Low-Cost Activities
Learn about Massachusetts government, history, art, and architecture during a State House tour.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Tours may require advance scheduling. Verify availability before visiting.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Explore art, history, culture, and design. General admission is currently free, but visitors should verify policies before visiting.
Indoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Admission policies may change. Verify before visiting.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Massachusetts communities host concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, farmers markets, holiday celebrations, and family days throughout the year.
Outdoor All ages Year-round FreePlanning note: Check town websites, recreation calendars, library calendars, and local cultural councils for events near you.