Boston
Updated 2025-01
6 min read
Free Things to Do Near BU
Free and cheap activities for BU students - museums, parks, events, and student discounts.Quick AnswerSpring 2026Verified 2025-01
College is expensive, but Boston has tons of free stuff if you know where to look. Your BU ID is a golden ticket.
Curated for BU Students•Last verified: 2025-01•Spring 2026
In This Guide
1
Free in Boston
College is expensive, but Boston has tons of free stuff if you know where to look. Your BU ID is a golden ticket.
2
Free Museums with BU ID
- Museum of Fine Arts: Free general admission for BU students. One of the best art museums in the US.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Free! A hidden gem with stunning courtyard.
- MIT Museum: Free with student ID. Great for science nerds.
- ICA Boston: Free on Thursday evenings.
- Harvard Art Museums: Free with student ID (yes, even BU IDs work).
Pro tip: Most museums have free admission on certain days/times. Check their websites before paying full price.
3
Parks & Outdoors
- Charles River Esplanade: Running, biking, kayaking rentals, summer concerts at the Hatch Shell
- Boston Common & Public Garden: Oldest public park in America. Swan boats in summer ($4).
- Arnold Arboretum: 281 acres of trees and gardens. Free. Great for fall foliage.
- Freedom Trail: Free self-guided walking tour through historic Boston.
- Harbor Walk: Walk along the waterfront from Seaport to North End.
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Free at BU
- BU Athletic Events: Many are free with BU ID (hockey excluded)
- BU Beach Events: Outdoor movies, concerts in fall/spring
- FitRec: Gym, pool, rock wall - free with tuition
- Howard Gotlieb Center: Free archive exhibits (see original manuscripts!)
- BU Art Gallery: Rotating exhibits, always free
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Free Events
- First Fridays: SoWa Art Walk, free gallery openings
- Hatch Shell Concerts: Free concerts all summer including July 4th Boston Pops
- Shakespeare on the Common: Free performances in summer
- BU Programming Council: Free movie screenings, trivia, events
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free date activity?
Walk the Esplanade at sunset, then head to the Museum of Fine Arts (free for BU students). Classy and costs nothing.
How do I find out about free events?
Follow BU Today, BPC (BU Programming Council), and The Daily Free Press. Also check Boston Calendar website.
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