Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: North Shore has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in North Shore, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near North Shore, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in North Shore this summer.
More Summer Fun in North Shore
- Browse our full Summer Fun Guide
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit local park or playground for an easy afternoon outside.
- Take a hike at local trail or nature center, or try one of your family’s favorite walking spots.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at a local park.
- Plan a North Shore playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park.
- Explore a local garden, nature area, or scenic overlook in Gloucester or Rockport.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting in Newburyport.
- Take family photos at Maudsley.
Water Fun
- Cool off at local splash pad, pool, beach, creek, or lake.
- Spend the day at a local beach, lake, riverfront, or water access point.
- Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for beach glass on the Merrimack River.
- Check out a local pool or water attraction during a free or low-cost community swim time.
- Take a sunset walk near a local lake, river, bay, pond, or waterfront trail.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in North Shore
- Attend a free outdoor concert at {local park, amphitheater, downtown area, or community space.
- Watch an outdoor movie at {local park, library, school, or community event space}.
- Explore free/low cost local festival or community event where admission is free or low-cost.
- Browse local farmers market and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Check the upcoming free museum days or family days at a local museum, art center, or attraction.
- Plan for the free kids’ events at local business, community center, bookstore, library, or shopping areas.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in North Shore.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID North Shore calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit a local library branch for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program at local library branch.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from your local library.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event at your local library, museum, or community center.
- Make a weekly library visit to your favorite local library branch part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in North Shore
- Visit {low-cost museum, children’s museum, nature center, or discovery center}.
- Try a discount day at {local attraction, museum, pool, or family fun spot}.
- Go bowl, skate, mini golf, swim, or play at {local budget-friendly activity spot} during a special deal time.
- Use a family membership to {local museum, zoo, pool, garden, or attraction} to make repeat visits cheaper.
- Plan a small treat outing to {local ice cream shop, donut shop, bakery, coffee shop, or snack spot}.
- Ride {local trolley, train, ferry, bus, carousel, or other local novelty kids would enjoy}.
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in North Shore.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for North Shore families.
