50 Free Things To Do! Boston Harbor Islands

Did you know that there are 34 islands a short ferry ride from downtown Boston? Now that the rains seem to have ceased, maybe you're looking for a quick and inexpensive getaway from the city — the Boston Harbor Islands could be just the thing! Marketed for outdoors lovers, the Islands also offer a rich history of buildings and structures including over 30 early-20th century cottages on Peddocks Island and some iconic lighthouses. Just buy a ferry ticket and spend the day enjoying a few of the 50 free island activities all summer long...

In addition to great hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming and many other outdoor activities, the Boston Harbor Islands has an extensive summer schedule of absolutely free events! Ranging from plays in the park to vintage baseball games, there's something for everyone and every age.

Have you ever been to the Harbor Islands? With so many options, we'd love to hear your experiences on the best way to take advantage of this great Boston escape!

(Image: Flickr member dsearls licensed for use under Creative Commons)

Comments (5)

Thanks for this post. The harbor islands are a great resource! I love the fort on Georges Island. Park rangers give free tours and it's nice to just stroll the grounds and take in the scenery. Also, I think the ferry rides themselves are great; it's not so often I get to be out on the harbor just taking int he scenery and the sea breeze.

posted by michpc on July 6th 2009 at 3:56pm
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You can also camp on some of the islands! I camped on Lovell's island for 4th of July one year, and you could see the fireworks from the island. There were also giant rabbits on the island.

posted by geckotoes1 on July 6th 2009 at 4:59pm
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Another vote for the Harbor Islands. The ferry ride alone makes you feel like you're far away from the city. Pack a towel, water, lunch, and a book, and find a quiet spot to relax and listen to the waves, boats, and bouys.

Only advice, on weekends especially the lines for ferry tickets can get very long. Buy your tickets on-line in advance.

posted by LKBoston on July 6th 2009 at 5:11pm
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Hi, thought I'd offer up our own list ;-)

10 Best Free (or cheap) Things to do with Kids (DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL- RALEIGH, North Carolina)

CARRBORO Weaver Street Market: Free Music concerts every Thursday evening and Sunday at brunch
Come for the music, stay for the good eats (fresh cooked hot bar, salad bar, sushi, bakery, and great beer/wine selection) http://weaverstreetmarket.org/

DURHAM Music On the Lawn: American Tobacco Campus
http://www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com/music_on_the_lawn.html

DURHAM Warehouse Blues: West Village Apartments
http://www.musicmaker.org/events/

DURHAM/CARRBORO/South Estes - Farmer's Markets - well, it's not free if you're shopping there, but it's a great place to gather and meet friends and the community, for kids to get together and play and at the Durham Farmer's Market there is free music, a sandbox, and a giant turtle and cardinal to climb on.
www.durhamfarmersmarket.com
www.carrborofarmersmarket.com
http://farmersoforange.org/ (Chapel HIll)

DURHAM Yoga at the Durham Farmer's Market
9:00 am every Saturday (may through Sept) free yoga offered by the many wonderful yoga teachers in the area
http://www.cs.duke.edu/~wheeler/YogaInThePark/

DURHAM - Eno River State Park
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/enri/main.php

CH - NC Botanical Gardens
www.ncbg.unc.edu/

DURHAM - Sarah P. Duke Gardens
www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/

DURHAM - Nasher Museum of Art (free to the public First Thursdays)
http://nashermuseumblogs.org/2009/06/10/a-relaxing-event/

DURHAM - NC Museum of Life & Science (free on Wednesdays to Durham residents)
www.ncmls.org/

RALEIGH - NC Museum of Natural Science
naturalsciences.org

RALEIGH - NC Museum of History
www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/

RALEIGH - NC Museum of Art Outdoor Sculpture Park
http://ncartmuseum.org/events/summermovie.shtml

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