Five Free Things to Do in the Summer in Boston

Boston is well known for being one of the most expensive cities in the country. Hotel rates are sky high, restaurants are expensive, and you can expect to pay upwards of $30.00 per day just to park your car. There is no need, however, to pay a lot for entertainment. Here are 5 free things that you can do in Boston.

1- Walk the Freedom Trail. Boston is the ultimate walking city, due to its compact size. The Freedom Trail is a walking tour of 16 of Boston's most historic sites. The trail begins in Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Memorial. The entire way is marked on the sidewalks in red, so it's easy to follow. Along the way, you'll see historic burial grounds, churches, and even the USS Constitution. The trail is 2.5 miles long, and is comfortably walkable with frequent stops to see the sights. For more information, visit the Boston Freedom Trail Foundation's website at http://www.thefreedomtrail.org.

2- B4. B4 is Boston's annual Independence Day celebration, and it's absolutely spectacular. Yearly, it features a nearly 30 minute long, world class fireworks show, accompanied by a Boston Pops performance that has brought a tear to many a patriotic eye. There is also a performance by a national musical act each year. In addition, there is an annual flyover of fighter jets from the Vermont National Guard. For more information, visit the B4 website at http://www.july4th.org/.

3- See a performance at the Boston Conservatory. The Boston Conservatory is a fully accredited secondary school featuring music, dance, and theater. Throughout the summer, the conservatory offers free performances, ranging from pianists to full plays. You can view their summer performance schedule online at http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/performances/calendar.html#SummerDance.