Boston on a budget doesn’t have to be boring! There are several fun and free things to do with kids in Boston. From free museum days to exploring Boston’s beautiful parks, here are some of the best things to do with kids in Boston.
Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for free every Thursday from 5–9 PM. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly evening outing in Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers free admission every Thursday evening; registration is recommended. Free admission is available Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Gronk Playground on Boston’s Charles River Esplanade features modern equipment, inclusive play structures, and local landmarks, enhancing community connection through fitness and fun. With a generous $1.8 million donation from Gronk’s foundation, this playground aims to inspire a new generation of Boston kids.
For a fun, budget-friendly family outing, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History—Massachusetts residents can get free admission every Sunday morning! Just be sure to bring proof of residency, and then you’re free to explore the museums after that.
Looking for a budget-friendly museum day? At the ICA, youths 18 and under always receive free museum admission. Plus, every Thursday the museum offers free admission to everyone, which is available online at 10am on the day of the event. If you snag tickets quickly, it’s an excellent weekday or weeknight activity!
Shop more than 130 local vendors and enjoy free admission at Snowport’s sixth annual holiday market. For a festive, budget-friendly outing with kids, Boston’s Snowport Holiday Market returns to the Seaport district from November 6, 2026 through December 27, 2026, featuring 130+ vendors, themed activations, and free daily admission at 100 Seaport Boulevard.
