Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Merrimack Valley 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 Merrimack Valley, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Merrimack Valley, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Merrimack Valley this summer.
More Summer Fun in Merrimack Valley
- Browse our full Summer Fun Guide {add link}
- 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 {local park, lake, garden, or scenic spot}.
- Plan a Merrimack Valley playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park. {Add playground guide link}
- Explore {local garden, nature area, or scenic overlook}.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at {local park, preserve, or trail}.
- Take family photos at {well-known local landmark or mural}.
Water Fun
- Cool off at {local splash pad, pool, beach, creek, or lake}.
- Spend the day at {local beach, lake, riverfront, or water access point}.
- Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for beach glass at {local beach, creek, or shoreline}.
- Check out {local pool or water attraction} during a free or low-cost community swim time.
- Take a sunset walk near {local lake, river, bay, pond, or waterfront trail}.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in Merrimack Valley
- 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 {local museum, art center, or attraction}.
- Plan ahead for the free kids’ events at {local business, community center, bookstore, library, or shopping area}.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in Merrimack Valley.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Merrimack Valley calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit {local library branch} for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program at {local library system or branch}.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from {local library}.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event at {local library, museum, or community center}.
- Make a weekly library visit to {favorite local library branch} part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Merrimack Valley
- 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 Merrimack Valley.
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 Merrimack Valley families.
