Free things to do with the kids on the SouthCoast

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
·6 min read

Trying to make summer plans with the kids that don’t break the budget? It’s often hard to find ways to entertain your children without it costing a fortune.

It’s time to experience the SouthCoast in all its beautiful scenery, culture, and history for free. There are so many places to visit and sights to see that won’t hurt your wallet this summer.

Here are some local free things to do with the kids to keep the boredom at bay and your budget intact. Grab the kids, the sunscreen, and get out there and explore the SouthCoast.

Museum of Madeiran Heritage – New Bedford

As the only museum dedicated to Medeiran Culture, see their collections of photographs, artwork, memorabilia, and gardens that honors the tradition and the legacy of the thousands of Madeirans. Admission is by appointment and always free, it is located at 1 Funchal Place, (GPS: 27 Hope Street).

Fort Taber Park- New Bedford

A woman takes a look at the WWII era bunker built into a hill at Fort Taber Park in the south end of New Bedford.
A woman takes a look at the WWII era bunker built into a hill at Fort Taber Park in the south end of New Bedford.

This one-stop park has it all with 50 acres of waterfront property with numerous amenities. It is home to the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum, a sandy beach, playground, bike/walking path, picnic area, and fishing pier. The recreation areas are free but in the summer there is a parking fee. Located at South Rodney French Boulevard.

Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Military Museum – New Bedford

The Taber Military Museum at Fort Rodman in New Bedford.
The Taber Military Museum at Fort Rodman in New Bedford.

See artifacts from each major American War and New Bedford’s rich military history. It is always free and open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Located at 1000 South Rodney French Boulevard.

Freetown State Forest Splash Pad – Freetown

This wading pool with a splash pad situated in the Freetown State Forest is great for little kids. There are lifeguards and the area is fenced in.  Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. there are picnic and BBQ areas as well as recreation areas and walking paths. Head over to 105 Slab Bridge Road.

New Bedford Free Public Library – New Bedford

Get a summer reading book or take part in a host of free activities offered at the library. From crafts to games and entertainment, there is always something happening at the library for all different ages. Don’t forget to check out the museum passes that are free and can be checked out by adults with a valid library card. They offer free admission to Buttonwood Park Zoo (admits 4 people for no charge); and the New Bedford Whaling Museum (admission for 2). Located at 613 Pleasant Street.

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House – New Bedford

The Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford offers several outdoor events in its garden.
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford offers several outdoor events in its garden.

Every third Wednesday of the month from noon to 12:30 p.m. is a free story time and take-home craft. Located at 396 County Street.

Palmer’s Island

Palmer's Island is a land mass just inside the storm barrier in New Bedford harbor. It features a lighthouse, which was built 1894, and remained operational until it was deactivated in 1963.
Palmer's Island is a land mass just inside the storm barrier in New Bedford harbor. It features a lighthouse, which was built 1894, and remained operational until it was deactivated in 1963.

Visit this historic 6-acre island with its 24-foot tall stone lighthouse, walking trails, and bird-watching opportunities. Park on East Rodney French Blvd. or the end of Gifford Street to walk over to Island.

Buttonwood Park – New Bedford

This gem of a park offers a nature trail through 18 acres of woods, beautiful gardens, a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Located at 425 Hawthorn Street.

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Richard C. Wheeler Bay Learning Center – New Bedford

This environmental exploration center is a free place to learn about local waters and how to protect and enjoy them. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Located at 114 Front Street.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park – New Bedford

A visitor takes in some of the information panels inside a wing of the newly renovated New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park Visitors Center on William Street in New Bedford.
A visitor takes in some of the information panels inside a wing of the newly renovated New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park Visitors Center on William Street in New Bedford.

The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park spans 34 acres over 13 city blocks along the New Bedford waterfront. There’s a visitor center here, historic buildings, and other attractions that preserve the history of the whaling industry, art, architecture, the Underground Railroad, and more. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 33 William Street.

The Blue Lane – New Bedford

Casey Cabral and her son Maxwell Cabral, 1, go for a walk along the Blue Lane walk path around the south end of New Bedford.
Casey Cabral and her son Maxwell Cabral, 1, go for a walk along the Blue Lane walk path around the south end of New Bedford.

This pet-friendly path from the CoveWalk and HarborWalk allows you to travel to New Bedford’s waterfront and see spectacular water views. Located at Rodney French Boulevard.

Cornell Farm – Dartmouth

Take a journey through Cornell Farm to see peaceful woodlands, flowing creeks, and lush salt marshes. The 1.5 miles round trip hike is perfect for introducing kids to the outdoors. Located at 530 Smith Neck Road.

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Frank Knowles/Little River Reserve – Dartmouth

With 9 miles of trails and a 244-foot boardwalk over wetlands, this hike is a fun afternoon for all. Get immersed in nature with rich woods, salt marshes, and wetlands at 637 Potomska Road.

Slocum's River Reserve – Dartmouth

The reserve has a network of two-mile trails through woodlands and wildflower fields along the river as well as a canoe launch. There are overlooks to see magnificent sights at 285 Horseneck Road.

Fort Phoenix State Reservation – Fairhaven

Head to Fairhaven for stunning views, activities, and see the historic remains of Fort Phoenix. There are basketball and tennis courts, a picnic area, a beach, and grills. Spend the afternoon at Green Street, Fairhaven.

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Soule Homestead Education Center – Middleboro

Open daily until sunset you can see animals, hike, and picnic. This amazing 120-acre property is located at 46 Soule Street.

Noah’s Place Playground – New Bedford

Noah's Place playground opened in 2017.
Noah's Place playground opened in 2017.

This is an accessible playground where children of all abilities can come together and play as one. The fun starts at 102 Popes Island.

Ned’s Point – Mattapoisett

A young family has some fun in front of the Ned's Point lighthouse in Mattapoisett.
A young family has some fun in front of the Ned's Point lighthouse in Mattapoisett.

With panoramic views of the waterways this a great spot to picnic, fly a kite, play ball, or swim on the small beach. Don’t miss seeing  Ned’s Point Lighthouse, a 39-foot stone lighthouse built in 1838. Located at 50 Ned’s Point Road.

Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary – Westport

This nature oasis has 7 miles of trails, with beaches, fields, forests, and salt marshes along the pond. This is an ideal place for birdwatching. Be one with nature at 1280 Horseneck Road.

 Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens – New Bedford

For a perfect scenic picnic, the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens is the spot. It has 6 acres surrounded by rare trees, exotic flowers, and beautifully landscaped gardens at 787 Shawmut Avenue.

Aucoot Woods: White Eagle Parcel – Marion

Hidden away and deep in nature Aucoot Woods surrounds an active cranberry bog, a mix of habitats here, and fascinating wildlife. Located at Parlowtown Road.

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East Fairhaven School Trail – Fairhaven

Engaging nature trail designed to bring outdoor education to life. It is a half-mile trail with interpretive signs about animals, weather, and habitats. Located at 2 New Boston Road behind the elementary school.

Gooseberry Island – Westport

A man and young boy build a sandcastle on Gooseberry Island in Westport.
A man and young boy build a sandcastle on Gooseberry Island in Westport.

With amazing coastal views, a sandy beach, and walking trails Gooseberry Island is a little slice of heaven. You can see a concrete observation tower that was built during World War II, birds, and snails as you explore the island at West Shore Road.

Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail

This 3.5-mile paved waterfront bike trail runs along both sides of New Bedford’s scenic South End peninsula from Clarks Cove to New Bedford Harbor. It is a well-marked path that allows a safe place to bike, walk, skate, or run. Located on Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Family fun for free on the SouthCoast