Free Stuff To Do This Summer With Kids - Northern South Shore!

Nothing says "bargain" quite like free!  Having two little buggers - well, they can get expensive if I start carting them around every which way.  2 summer agos, I tried that "Free Fun Friday" thing thanks to the Highland Street Foundation.  I completely appreciate their generosity and support of the community - but at the same time - every event was so insanely crowded that I honestly would have rather just paid the money on a non-busy day. 
Last year I took advantage of some local free stuff and plan to do the same this year.  So if you live in or around Quincy, Weymouth or Braintree, there's a bunch of great free events - virtually almost one every day if you actually threw everything I listed on a calendar.  Just a note - most of these events are for the under 10 crowd. 

If I come across other stuff throughout the summer, I'll post it here and keep this post on my homepage as a tab.  This is just kind of a start.  If you have anything to share in the QWB area - give me a shout! 


Free Programs

Weymouth

Weymouth Libraries - The Tufts Library has a large line up of free kid performers all summer long.  Registration is required.  They also have Family Story Time on Mondays 10am from 7/11 - 8/15.  They have book flix on Fridays at 2pm from 7/8-8/19.  No registration is required for the Story Time or Book Flix.  Details at link. 

The North Branch is holding storytimes on Wednesdays from 10am-11am during the month of July.

Weymouth Recreation - Weymouth Recreation has a lot of great programs for children of all ages.  The cost of these programs are pretty reasonable, but they also provide some free programs throughout the summer.  The Summer Sizzle is Sunday, June 19th from 1pm-4pm at Wessagusset School.  There are kid concerts at Town Hall every Thursday night at 6:30 in the month of July.  There are movies at 8pm on Thursdays in August - first two are at Town Hall, the last is at George Lane Beach.  Schedule at link.  There is also Free Canoeing & Kayaking on June 24th and July 16th.  Registration is required for these, but it's free. 

Weymouth Child Family Community Center - The WCFCC (or as I like to call it, the Weymouth Family Network) has sporadic events during the month of July and beginning of August.  These programs are for those kids 5 and under.  Usually there is a $25 fee to join the WCFCC at the beginning of the school year - but this is a great opportunity to meet the teachers there and find out more about the WCFCC (it's a great resource for Weymouth families with kids 0-5 - providing activities everyday during the school year).  I'm pretty sure they won't tell you to leave if you aren't a member.  I'm not sure about the exact rules - but I think you have to be a Weymouth resident, unless your town doesn't have their own CFCC.  I know Quincy has one - so techincally, Quincy residents can't go - but since Braintree & Hingham doesn't have a CFCC, I think they can.  Make sense?  Probably not.  Anyways - check out the awesome people at the WCFCC!  If you click on this link - click on the link "Summer 11 Programs" for the full schedule. 

Weymouth Farmers Market - Saturdays from 9am - 1pm.  Opening day is Saturday, June 25th.  The Summer Sampler will be running at the Town Hall amphitheater inconjunction with this opening day.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to do here.  Check out Weymouth's Farmers Market link for other events taking place at the Farmers Market throughout the summer - to include their Village Days and the Great Pumpkin Give-A-Wey the first Saturday in October. 

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics - The next Build & Grow clinics are June 25th & July 9th.  They typically happen every other Saturday at 10am at Lowe's.  It's much easier to register online before the event and to ensure you get that week's project.  If you don't pre-register, they might give you a leftover kit from another week. 

Quincy

Quincy Public Libraries - Quincy Public Libraries put on an awesome summer program for youth.  PJ storytimes, Art programs, storytimes.  They pretty much have at least one activity every day of the summer - although that is spread out between all the branches.  The link is for the library calendar - all of the children events are in blue.  Most programs are open - but a few select ones do require registration and/or Quincy residency. 

Friends of Wollaston Beach - The FWB put on a lot of great and free events for the kids all summer long.  They have Tot Lot Tuesdays most every Tuesday night from 6-8pm at the Playground on Quincy Shore Drive.  There is a KidFest on Sat. June 25th.  Annual membership is just $10 per family.  You don't have to be a member of the FWB to attend the events.  The link takes you to their active Facebook page where they promote their events. 

Quincy Center Farmers Market - Fridays from 11:30am - 5pm.  Opening Day is Friday, June 24th and features a lot of events for the kids.  Throughout the summer, there will be events for kids and adults alike.  Check their link for more details and schedules. 

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics - The next Build & Grow clinics are June 25th & July 9th. They typically happen every other Saturday at 10am at Lowe's. It's much easier to register online before the event and to ensure you get that week's project. If you don't pre-register, they might give you a leftover kit from another week.

Home Depot - On the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot has a free Kids Workshop.  It's held 9am -noon.  They are having a special Father's Day one this Saturday, the 18th.  Then the next one will be the first Saturday in July.  Then August.  Then September.  Then it's school time again!

Braintree

Summer Concert Series - The Town of Braintree puts on a Summer Concert series on Tuesday nights from 6pm-8pm from June 21-August 9th.  These are held at the Sunset Lake's gazebo.  These bands aren't exactly "kid" bands - but kids of all ages would enjoy the live entertainment.  Schedule at attached link. 

Braintree Farmers Market - Braintree's Farmers Market is held from 9am - 1pm on Saturdays until October 29th.  Check out the link for more information and events that may be taking place during the summer.

Michaels - Michaels offers a lot of "Make & Take" events.  Most of them, you have to buy whatever they are "making".  Some though, are free.  The next free one is Saturday, June 21st from 11am-2pm.  Click on the link to find the schedule and to see if your local store is participating. 

Barnes & Noble - The Braintree B&N offers a recurring StoryTime on both Tuesdays & Fridays at 10:30 am. 

Other Areas

Hingham

Hingham Shipyard - Free movies Thursdays at Dusk from July 7 - August 25th.  Free Concerts Fridays at 7pm from July 8 - August 26th.  Schedule at link.

Barnes & Noble - The Hingham B&N offers sporadic Story Times.  You can check the schedule online or pick up a schedule there. 

Hidden Pond - Hidden Pond is located behind Whole Foods at the Derby Street Shoppes.  There is a little hiking trail and walking around the pond is only 1/4 mile - so if you just need to get out for a little bit with the kids but are sick of the playground scene, pack a picnic and check this place out!  If it gets to be too outdoorsy for you - well then you can just do some shopping!

Hull

Town of Hull - Monday, June 20th 6:30pm, Toe Jam Puppet Band at Jacobs School Playground.  Maybe more events will pop up on their Community Calendar throughout the summer. 

Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Harbor Islands - Leaving from either the Quincy or Hingham Shipyard!  Free events all summer long on Grape & Spectacle Islands!  Click THIS link for my write up about these events. 

Hanover

A.C. Moore - Every Wednesday from 3pm-5pm, A.C. Moore is holding a free make and take.  See the schedule at the link. 

Hanover Mall Walking Program - Monday - Saturday from 8am - 10am and Sundays from 10am-12pm, the Hanover Mall has partnered up with the YMCA to provide you with Healthy Steps.  This is perfect for a new mom who might not want to join a gym but wants to get some exercise.  You do have to sign a waiver at your first visit, but that's just so you don't sue anyone if you trip or fall.  This program is free an runs all the time! 

Foxboro

Patriot Place - Summer Sensation at Patriot Place starts June 27th!  Join Patriot Place this summer for Free family activities each day!

National Amusements - Bookworm Wednesdays.  Free movies every Wednesday at 10am from July 6-August 10th with written book report.  For more details, click link for my blog post. 

Playgrounds - Weymouth, Quincy, Braintree
(This list was compiled with  help from 365 Things To Do on the South Shore - view their complete list HERE)


Weymouth

-  Kid's Landing.  Behind the Tufts Library on Broad St.  This is a great playground, but it is not fenced in.  The ice cream truck frequents this place - so you might want to carry some cash or just tell your kids "tough luck Buddy - you aren't getting any!"

-  Beals Park.  Bridge & Athens Streets.  Can be considered a little "rugged" - but the play structures are in great condition.  Just watch out for the basketball court area.

-  Pingree School.  Off Commercial St.  Nothing spectacular, but if you are looking for a secluded, new place - here's one for you.  There's tables you can sit at. 

-  Johnson School Playground.  Pearl St.  They do use this playground during school hours and during summer camp hours - so this is a good place to hit up late afternoon/early evening and on the weekends.  It's sandwiched between the buildings at the entrance. 

-  Hamilton School.  Union St.  Playground at school.

-  Murphy School.  Front St.  Playground at school.

-  Great Esker Park Playground.  Kind of small, but shaded.  Park at the Great Esker lot at the end of Elva Road.  Basketball courts, picnic tables, baseball fields, walking trail along the esker.  This is a great park to bring the bikes. 

Get a list of all Weymouth Parks & Recreation spots by clicking HERE. 


Quincy

- Allerton Street Playground.  Allerton Street in Houghs Neck.

- Arthur Boysons Park.  Heron Road in Adams Shore. It has children’s playground equipment as well as a basketball court.

- McKinnon’s Playground.  Chapel Street on Houghs Neck.

- Grenham Street Playground.  Macy Street in Houghs Neck.

- Forbes Hill Playground. Forbes Hill Road in Wollaston.

- Flaherty Park.  Quarry Street in West Quincy. It has a playground, basketball court and street hockey court.

- Grasso Playground.  Columbia Street in South Quincy. It has a basketball court and a kids playground.

- Kincaide Park.  Water Street in South Quincy.  It has a softball field and baseball field with lights, tennis court, street hockey court and a children’s playground.

- Beechwood Knoll Playground.  Fenno Street in Wollaston.  It has basketball court and a playground.

- Quincy Shore Drive Playground.  Quincy Shore Drive across from Wollaston Beach next to the Clam Box.  There are bathrooms right across the street at the DCR shack.

- Hidden Playground on Quincy Shore Drive.  Park at the last parking lot on the right if coming from Boston.  Walk up the path to a great playground that is almost all completely shaded. 

- Rest-A-While Playground.  Southern Artery near Hancock Street.

Get a list of All Quincy Playgrounds HERE  (from their City Website). 


Braintree

-  Erwin Davis Memorial Park.  Faxon Street.  Basketball court, a playground and a large open field.  Located off Commerical Street.

-  Robert S. Mattulina Playground.  Kendall Ave.  Baseball field, jungle gyms, swings, a slide and picnic table for parents.

-  French’s Common Park.  Across the street from Thayer Public Library. Tennis and basketballs courts and a baseball field. They have swings and a jungle gym.

-  Hollis Playground.  Hollis School on Washington Street. Large playground that is completely fenced in. 

-  Winfield Adams Playground. Corner of Commerical St. and Adams St.