Trying to make summer plans with the kids that don’t break the budget? It’s often hard to find ways to entertain your children without it costing a fortune.
It’s time to experience the SouthCoast in all its beautiful scenery, culture, and history for free. There are so many places to visit and sights to see that won’t hurt your wallet this summer.
Here are some local free things to do with the kids to keep the boredom at bay and your budget intact. Grab the kids, the sunscreen, and get out there and explore the SouthCoast.
Museum of Madeiran Heritage – New Bedford
As the only museum dedicated to Medeiran Culture, see their collections of photographs, artwork, memorabilia, and gardens that honors the tradition and the legacy of the thousands of Madeirans. Admission is by appointment and always free, it is located at 1 Funchal Place, (GPS: 27 Hope Street).
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Fort Taber Park- New Bedford
This one-stop park has it all with 50 acres of waterfront property with numerous amenities. It is home to the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum, a sandy beach, playground, bike/walking path, picnic area, and fishing pier. The recreation areas are free but in the summer there is a parking fee. Located at South Rodney French Boulevard.
Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum – New Bedford
See artifacts from each major American War and New Bedford’s rich military history. It is always free and open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Located at 1000 South Rodney French Boulevard.
Freetown State Forest Splash Pad – Freetown
This wading pool with a splash pad situated in the Freetown State Forest is great for little kids. There are lifeguards and the area is fenced in. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. there are picnic and BBQ areas as well as recreation areas and walking paths. Head over to 105 Slab Bridge Road.
New Bedford Free Public Library – New Bedford
Get a summer reading book or take part in a host of free activities offered at the library. From crafts to games and entertainment, there is always something happening at the library for all different ages. Don’t forget to check out the museum passes that are free and can be checked out by adults with a valid library card. They offer free admission to Buttonwood Park Zoo (admits 4 people for no charge); and the New Bedford Whaling Museum (admission for 2). Located at 613 Pleasant Street.
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House – New Bedford
Every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 12:30 p.m. is a free story time and take-home craft. Located at 396 County Street.
Palmer’s Island
Visit this historic 6-acre island with its 24-foot tall stone lighthouse, walking trails, and bird-watching opportunities. Park onEast Rodney French Blvd. or the end of Gifford Street to walk over to Island.
Buttonwood Park– New Bedford
This gem of a park offers a nature trail through 18 acres of woods, beautiful gardens, a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Located at 425 Hawthorn Street.
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Richard C. Wheeler Bay Learning Center – New Bedford
This environmental exploration center is a free place to learn about local waters and how to protect and enjoy them. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Located at 114 Front Street.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park – New Bedford
The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park spans 34 acres over 13 city blocks along the New Bedford waterfront. There’s a visitor center here, historic buildings, and other attractions that preserve the history of the whaling industry, art, architecture, the Underground Railroad, and more. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 33 William Street.
The Blue Lane – New Bedford
This pet-friendly path from the CoveWalk and HarborWalk allows you to travel to New Bedford’s waterfront and see spectacular water views. Located at Rodney French Boulevard.
Cornell Farm – Dartmouth
Take a journey through Cornell Farm to see peaceful woodlands, flowing creeks, and lush salt marshes. The 1.5 miles round trip hike is perfect for introducing kids to the outdoors. Located at 530 Smith Neck Road.
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Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve – Dartmouth
With 9 miles of trails and a 244-foot boardwalkover wetlands, this hike is a fun afternoon for all. Get immersed in nature with rich woods, salt marshes, and wetlands at 637 Potomska Road.
Slocum's River Reserve – Dartmouth
The reserve has a network of two-mile trails through woodlands and wildflower fields along the river as well as a canoe launch. There are overlooks to see magnificent sights at 285 Horseneck Road.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation – Fairhaven
Head to Fairhaven for stunning views, activities, and see the historic remains of Fort Phoenix. There are basketball and tennis courts, a picnic area, a beach, and grills. Spend the afternoon at Green Street, Fairhaven.
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Soule Homestead Education Center – Middleboro
Open daily until sunset you can see animals, hike, and picnic. This amazing 120-acre property is located at 46 Soule Street.
Noah’s Place Playground – New Bedford
This is an accessible playground where children of all abilities can come together and play as one. The fun starts at 102 Popes Island.
Ned’s Point – Mattapoisett
With panoramic views of the waterways this a great spot to picnic, fly a kite, play ball, or swim on the small beach. Don’t miss seeing Ned’s Point Lighthouse, a 39-foot stone lighthouse built in 1838. Located at 50 Ned’s Point Road.
Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary – Westport
This nature oasis has 7 miles of trails, with beaches, fields, forests, and salt marshes along the pond. This is an ideal place for birdwatching. Be one with nature at 1280 Horseneck Road.
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens – New Bedford
For a perfect scenic picnic, the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens is the spot. It has 6 acres surrounded by rare trees, exotic flowers, and beautifully landscaped gardens at 787 Shawmut Avenue.
Aucoot Woods: White Eagle Parcel – Marion
Hidden away and deep in nature Aucoot Woods surrounds an active cranberry bog, a mix of habitats here, and fascinating wildlife. Located at Parlowtown Road.
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East Fairhaven School Trail – Fairhaven
Engaging nature traildesigned to bring outdoor education to life. It is a half-mile trail with interpretive signs about animals, weather, and habitats. Located at 2 New Boston Roadbehind the elementary school.
Gooseberry Island – Westport
With amazing coastal views, a sandy beach, and walking trails Gooseberry Island is a little slice of heaven. You can see a concrete observation tower that was built during World War II, birds, and snails as you explore the island at West Shore Road.
Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail
This 3.5-mile paved waterfront bike trail runs along both sides of New Bedford’s scenic South End peninsula from Clarks Cove to New Bedford Harbor. It is a well-marked path that allows a safe place to bike, walk, skate, or run. Located on Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford.
