By May Babraitis, News Correspondent
City dwellers have a wide range of activities to choose from, but most cost more than the average college student can afford to spend. However, there are many fun, free things to do around Boston, save for the subway fare it takes to get there. Here are a few activities that students can do around the city. So grab a friend or a date and a Charlie card and take on the Hub’s free sights.
T Stop: Forest Hills (Orange Line)
Located in Jamaica Plain, ther arboretum is maintained by Harvard University. The Arnold Arboretum is the oldest public arboretum in North America and is home to many trees and plants and more than 185 recorded species of birds. Fall is the perfect time to stroll through the park and admire the foliage. The arboretum’s website includes several useful links, including interactive maps, information on their conservation efforts and checklists of the various bird species. Don’t forget to check out the Bonsai tree collection. The Arboretum is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
T Stop: Stony Brook (Orange Line)
For those 21 or older, the Samuel Adam’s Brewery offers free tours, though they encourage a voluntary donation of two dollars to be given to local charities. The tours include a brief history of the company, a tour of the brewery itself and samples of some boozy products. The tours are an hour long and run every 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Friday tours are conducted from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
T stop: MFA (Green Line E) or walking distance from campus.
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is located almost directly on the Northeastern Campus, and hosts a variety of exhibits. Some current exhibits include “Kristin Baker: New Paintings” and “Scaasi: American Couturier.” Northeastern students have free admission to the museum with NU ID, but guests and locals are welcome for free on community days. This month, the MFA has free public admission Nov. 20 and 24. The museum is open Saturday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
T Stop: Park Street (Red or Green lines)
Historic Beacon Hill is a great area to stroll through while admiring the beautiful brownstones and cobblestone streets. The affluent, residential area is a nice escape from the mayhem of Huntington Avenue. The Boston Athenaeum, a private library on Beacon Street, has free entrance to its first floor, which houses an art exhibit and views of the Old Granary Burial Ground. In addition, there are many little boutiques in the area that lend themselves well to window shoppers.
Boston Common and Public Gardens
T Stop: Park Street (Red or Green lines), Boylston (Green Line)
Boston Common and the Public Gardens are two other great places to explore. There are many hidden monuments and other less commercialized pieces of history nestled in the parks, like the Parkman bandstand and the Brewer fountain. While in the area, check out the State House, which offers free 45-minute tours from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
