25 Things to Do For Under $25 This Summer

The temperature is on the rise, and summer has finally made its debut. So break out those shorts, slather on the sunscreen, and enjoy all the cool things Boston has to offer, all without emptying your wallet. Here are 25 things to do for under $25 this summer.

Head to the Beach

Boston has a number of beaches that can be prime destinations to soak up the sun when the weather is right . This year Revere Beach is hosting its annual sand sculpting contest on July 18-20 this year. The event is capped off by a concert and firework display over Revere Bay. Free to attend.

Ride in a Swan Boat

A tradition in Boston for more than 130 years, the Swan Boats on the pond in the Boston Public Garden take you on a soothing cruise around the country’s first public botanical garden. A 15-minute ride on the boats costs $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, and $1.50 for children under 16 years old. Children under 2 are free.

Attend a block party in Downtown Crossing

Every Thursday this summer Downtown Crossing will be hosting a 21+ block party from 5 to 8 p.m. These events are open to the public and will feature DJs, food, cocktails, and prizes. Free to attend.

Take part in Bike Fridays

Follow up one of those Downtown Crossing block parties with an open air commute to work during one of this summer’s three “Bike Fridays.’’ This year, Bike Friday will take place June 27, July 18, and August 29. Convoys of bikers will meet up at various locations around the city at 6:45 a.m. and will arrive at Boston City Hall around 8:30 a.m. for a free breakfast and bike expo featuring tons of gear from local bike shops. Free to attend.

Stroll through the Arnold Arboretum

The oldest public arboretum in North America, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is an educational and relaxing escape when the concrete and crowds of the city get overwhelming. The arboretum is open from sunrise to sunset everyday, and numerous tours are available throughout the week. Admission is free.

Visit the Franklin Park Zoo

Experience a world of animals right here in Boston at the Franklin Park Zoo. The zoo is home to some giant predators—lions and tigers—some less threatening exotic animals—zebras and kangaroos—and some tame and harmless creatures—sheep and butterflies. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for children ages 2-12.

Catch a free flick outdoors

The Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City Series presents concerts and films by the harbor, and WBZ Radio’s Free Friday Flicks offers movies at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Bring the family, pack a snack, spread a blanket, and enjoy the surroundings – without the high cost of a movie ticket.

Check out some live music

Berklee College of Music is going to be running all over Boston this summer, with performances at all corners of the city as part of Berklee’s 2014 Summer Concert Series. Berklee students, faculty, and alumni will perform in shows around Kendall Square, the Prudential Center, and on the Boston Harbor islands, just to name a few locations. Admission is free to many of the events.

Shop around at the SoWa Open Market

SoWa Open Market, located at 460 Harrison Ave., is a popular, free shopping experience like no other in Boston. Not only can you take in the summer sun, but also enjoy an array of artists selling handmade crafts and vintage goods to choose from. Free to attend.

Paddle the Charles

Get some exercise and stay cool at the same time by spending a few hours paddling around the Charles River. Charles River Canoe & Kayak gives you the option of renting single and double kayaks, canoes, or even rowboats from five different locations around the area. Single kayak rentals are $15 per hour, double kayaks are $20 per hour, canoes are $18 per hour, and rowboats are $25 per hour.

Tour Fenway Park

Most people would agree that Fenway Park is a favorite destination for summer fun in Boston, but if the Red Sox schedule and ticket prices don’t fit your criteria there is always the option of taking an intimate tour of “America’s most beloved ballpark.’’ Tours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on non-game days and until three hours prior to the first pitch when the Sox are playing at home. Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for students and children ages 3-15.

Play nine holes

Enjoy a round of golf without even leaving Boston. The William J. Divine Golf Course at Franklin Park in Dorchester and the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park are the city’s two public golf courses, and they offer rates under $25 for residents throughout the week. 9 holes at $22 M-Th and $24 Friday, weekends, and holidays for residents; $25 M-Th for non-residents, cityofbostongolf.com.

Relax at the Frog Pond

The Boston Common Frog Pond can be a relaxing place to cool off or read a book. Or enjoy free summer yoga every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Take the kids on a carousel ride for $3 (or buy a 10-ride card for $25).

Tour Boston’s darker side

Take a walking tour with Haunted Boston and discover tales of murder, lust, revenge, and heartache through the historic and haunted streets of the Hub. Tours run nightly at 8 p.m. (rain or shine) through mid-November. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $13 for youth ages 16 and under. Don’t forget to ake advantage of the $3 off coupon on the website.

Check out the JP Music Fest

The third annual Jamaica Plain Music Festival, showcasing musicians and bands from JP’s diverse community, will return to Pinebank Baseball Field (located in the northeast corner of Jamaica Pond) on Sept. 6. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the (supposedly) real albino squirrel that inspired the festival’s mascot. Free to attend.

Tour Spectacle Island

Take a tour of Spectacle Island, one of the many scenic islands located in the Boston Harbor. Themes of these free tours generally range from bird spotting and green technology to the social and industrial history of the island. Round-trip ferry tickets are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children ages 3-11.

Enjoy the courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in the Fenway displays the impressive collection of its namesake, a lifelong supporter of the arts. Plants and sculpture are combined in the museum’s courtyard, and those who wish to learn more about the landscape displays at the museum can attend classes and lectures held twice a month. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for students.

Oh, and if your name is Isabella or it’s your birthday, you can enjoy free admission to the museum!

Go sailing on Jamaica Pond

Jamaica Pond is part of the Emerald Necklace, the chain of parks and greenways that runs through Boston. A mile-and-a-half long walking path encircles the pond, and you can rent rowboats ($10/hr) or sailboats ($15/hr) from the Jamaica Pond Boat House, which is run by the Courageous Sailing Center.

Catch a professional lacrosse game

The Boston Cannons, the local professional lacrosse team, is scheduled to play seven home games at Harvard Stadium this season, the last being on Aug. 9. Tickets start at $16.

Watch Shakespeare on the Common

Here ye, here ye! The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will be performing “The Twelfth Night’’ during its 19th season of “Shakespeare on the Common.’’ Directed by Steven Maler, this Shakespearean comedy will run from July 23 – August 10 at the Boston Common. Free to attend.

First Fridays at the MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts on Huntington Ave. in Boston hosts a party the first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m in the Shapiro Family Courtyard. The MFA First Fridays events features a different live musical act each month, as well as a cash bar for those over age 21. The event is free with admission to the museum. $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students.

Shop at a farmers’ market

Farmers’ markets are cheaper, greener, and more fun than your supermarket produce section. Boston Public Market has two locations in the city, but there are also plenty of options all around the area that are open nearly every day of the week. Free to attend.

Attend Boston’s GreenFest

Learn how to live a greener life at New England’s largest environmental and multicultural festival. Boston’s GreenFest promotes the different ways we can live healthier and greener lives. Hosted at City Hall Plaza, Aug. 15-17, GreenFest includes a number of events ranging from concerts to eco-fashion shows. Free to attend.

Enjoy Boston’s Restaurant Week

Boston’s Restaurant Week is back and ready to fill you full of steak, sushi, tapas, and much, much more. This summer’s event will run during the weeks of Aug. 17-22 and 24-29, with choices of two or three-course lunches that will cost you less than $25 even after the tip.

Go to a wine tasting or brewery tour

Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits offers free tastings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Check out their website for other special (and free) events.

Sam Adams Brewery offers tours of the Jamaica Plain facility with discussion of how founder Jim Koch brews the beer. Tours and tastings occur on Monday-Thursday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., starting every half hour. The brewery asks for a suggested donation of $2 to benefit local charities Harpoon Brewery hosts tastings for $5 every Monday through Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11:20 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.