Wednesdays through Sundays, explore the John F. Kennedy birthplace with a guided tour between 9:30 and 3:30, or self-guided after 4:00 (they run about 30 minutes). Open through October; free. Read more.
Find artisan foods, fine arts, fiber arts, ceramics, glass works, herbal products, jewelry, photography and more at the Summer Street Markets, Wednesdays & Fridays 11-6 through October 26. Read more.
This market is open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. between mid-May and mid-November, with vendors from more than two dozen farms, orchards, and bakeries. Read more.
Members of the University community who purchase a Sailing Card through BU’s FitRec Center can borrow boats or kayaks to enjoy the Charles. You must pass a swim test to get a card. Read more.
Boston Swing Club hosts social dances every Friday from 9-midnight, usually with beginners’ lessons from 8-9. Admission is $10 on DJ nights and $15-$20 on band nights, and students get a discount. Read more.
Frederick Law Olmstead is regarded as the father of American landscape architecture, credited with introducing the notion of “public parks” to the United States. Admission is free; open year-round. Read more.
The Swan Boats in the Public Garden, first launched in 1877, run from mid-April through September 15, and are only $3 for adults. Read more.
"Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things" explores the art and innovation behind common objects. The exhibit runs through September 27. Read more.
"The Language of Color" exhibit runs through September 30 & explores how animals use their color: for camouflage, intimidation & mating. Just $10 with your BU ID, check out the zebra striping video! Read more.
"Hippie Chic" runs through November 11 and tells the story of how "far out" clothing inspired a global revolution in attitude, sexuality and political participation. Admission is free with your BU ID Read more.
The work of notable San Francisco graffitist Barry McGee (tag name "Twist") will be on display through September 2. Check it out Thursday nights after 5 pm and admission is free! Read more.
Aside from being home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in America. Take a tour & get a feel for what makes Fenway special. Daily tours take place hourly & are $12 with BU ID Read more.
"Exposure 2013" marks the PRC's 18th annual juried exhibition, featuring the work of eight emerging artists. The exhibit runs through July 27 & is free to BU students. A donation of $3 is suggested Read more.
Take a leisurely afternoon catamaran ride to the feeding grounds of humpback whales and dolphins in Massachusetts Bay. Tours are led by New England Aquarium educators and are $45 for adults. Read more.
"Reprogramming the City" shows how global cities are reusing & repurposing existing urban infrastructure. The gallery, free & open to the public, is curated by a BU Alum & runs through September 29 Read more.
The Arboretum's 35-piece Japanese Bonsai collection has plants up to 300 years old that were brought to Boston in 1913. Check out the trees resulting from this ancient Japanese tradition at no cost! Read more.
Performances of Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" will run nights through July 28 for free. Featuring several BU alums & professors, this year's performance is dedicated to Mayor & Mrs. Menino. Read more.
Canoe or kayak on the Charles in style from Brighton to Kendall Square (or the other way around). Your $15/hour single kayak rental includes gear, and no reservations are needed.
Get fit for free with the "Healthy, Fit, & Fun" series offering fitness favorites—like Zumba, yoga, & CrossFit—every weekday through the end of August. Read more.
Discover murder, revenge & ghastly tales on this 90 minute walking tour through the city's historic & haunted streets. Tours leave nightly at 8 pm, rain or shine. Reservations required, $18 for adults Read more.
The "All Hands on Deck: A Sailor's Life in 1812" exhibit uses authentic storytelling and hands-on activities to portray the lives of sailors on board the USS Constitution in the War of 1812. Read more.
Boston's largest outdoor art market boasts arts, crafts, and artisan foods - all original and handmade by local artists. Find the white tents on Wednesdays & Fridays 11 am - 6 pm through September 27. Read more.
With 140 species living in the aquarium's 200,000 gallon central tank, there's much to see. Visit Myrtle, the 580 pound sea turtle, who is a favorite of Mayor Menino (and us)! $20.95 with your BU ID Read more.
The pool is open through August 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take the MBTA Green Line B trolley to the Chestnut Hill Avenue stop. Read more.
The pool is open through September 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take the MBTA Red Line to the Alewife stop. Read more.
The pool is open through August 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cross the BU Bridge toward Cambridge and take a left on Memorial Drive. Read more.
While not free, this spot offers great views of Boston Harbor. The pool is open through early September, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Boston residents pay $10, children under 5 are free. Read more.
Free croquet, bocce, and baggo games are held each Wednesday through August 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m in Dewey Square Park. No expertise required! Read more.
"Convergence," an outdoor exhibit takes over the 14-acre plaza through October 31. Presented by the Boston Sculptor's Gallery, over 2 dozen innovative contemporary sculptures are open to the public. Read more.
"Dead Sea Scrolls: Life in Ancient Times" is on display through October 20 showing one of the greatest archaeological finds ever - the Dead Sea Scrolls containing the oldest known texts of the Bible.
