3079 Free Things to Do Near You (in 2023)

According to Conde Nast Traveler, the average American spends about $1800 on a trip each year.

We know that not everyone has that kind of disposable income, so we’ve created this post to help!

We don’t have to spend a ton of money going across the country, nor do we have to sit home and wallow in boredom!

Head to one of these cities near you, or take a staycation in your own city and enjoy many of these free activities.

Pack a picnic, load up the family and hit any of these 53 cities for a free adventure!

Here are some:

Fun Things to Do Near You

Here are fun things you can do at night, during the day or on the weekend for free with your friends and family near you today!

1. Albany

From New York’s Executive Mansion to exploring Cohoes Falls Overlook Park, there’s plenty to do in your free adventure in Albany today!

2. Albuquerque

Mr.Free Stuff compiled a list of 19 free activities in the ABQ; check out the ARTScrawl Gallery tours or the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

3. Atlanta

Explore these 25 free places to visit including Olympic Park and the Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum.

4. Austin

110 Places to find free fun around town. There’s something for everyone including the Austin Nature & Science Center, Blanton Museum of Art, Red Bud Isle and the Zilker Hillside Theater.

5. Baltimore

Explore Baltimore’s culture with some of these free things to do today! The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, the National Electronics Museum and Edgar Allen Poe’s gravesite are just a few on this list.

6. Bangor

Bangor is full of free adventures for the entire family including the Bangor City Forest and free films at the River City Cinema.

7. Birmingham

Railroad Park, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Eternal World Television Network Tours are just a few of Birmingham’s best 25 free attractions.

8. Boston

Soak up some history and check out these 21 free things to see in Boston. Don’t miss the Bunker Hill Monument, the Old North Church or an MIT campus tour!

9. Charlotte, NC

Taking a stroll along The Greenway or enjoying a free concert at Romare Bearden Park are just a couple of the 10 best free things to see for free in Charlotte.

10. Chicago

Thrillist has compiled a list of 60 free adventures. They include Hancock Tower, North Pond and the Chicago Cultural Center!

11. Cincinnati

Check out the Joseph Rogers Art Exhibit, the Cincinnati Art Museum or this list of free events.

12. Cleveland

Experience all Cleveland has to offer with one of these 29 free attractions including free movies in Coventry Village and the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse.

13. Columbus, OH

The Riffe Gallery and Wexner Center for the Arts are just two of the 10 free places for family fun in Columbus.

14. Dallas

Here are 50 free ways to spend the day including the Dallas Farmers Market and Fantasy Landing at Kiest Park.

15. Denver

The Mile High City has tons of free attractions. Be sure to check out the Denver U.S. Mint, take the Coors Brewery Tour and see the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.

16. Des Moines

Here’s a list of 7 ways to spend the day without opening your wallet. Enjoy the scenery at Gray’s Lake or learn some history at the Iowa State Capitol building.

17. Detroit

There is a ton a free fun to be found in Motor City. Here are 50 fun places to visit for free! Detroit has something for everyone, from the culture at the MBAD Museum to nature at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

18. Fort Worth

Free and fun come together in Fort Worth to give visitors a great time without breaking the bank. Here is a list of the top 10 FREE things to do in Fort Worth. Don’t miss the JFK Tribute or the famous Fort Worth Stockyards.

19. Honolulu

An island getaway doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Check out some of these free activities including the Pearl Harbor Memorial and free hula shows!

20. Houston

As the fourth largest city in the country, there are tons of free activities to do, find 51 of them here! Art lovers should not miss the Menil Collection and nature enthusiasts should head over to Buffalo Bayou.

21. Indianapolis

On any given day, you are sure to find something fun things to do without spending a penny. Here are the top 20 free things to do in Indianapolis. Visit Indy to find the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library and the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum.

22. Jackson, MS

Explore and enjoy the south on a budget! Looking for a way to enjoy nature in Jackson? Head to the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Manship House Museum for free!

23. Jacksonville

Going out with friends or planning a day with the family doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact, here are 10 free things to do in Jacksonville. Take an Anheuser Busch Brewery tour & discover the Northbank Riverwalk.

24. Kansas City

Eat some BBQ and enjoy these 33 free attractions! Take a ride on the KC Streetcar and be sure to check out Crown Center for dining and free live music!

25. Las Vegas

Take in all Vegas has to offer without losing your nest egg! Check out these 31 totally free things to do that don’t involve gambling! Eat some free chocolate while touring the Ethel M chocolate factory or see some art at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

26. Los Angeles

WeLikeL.A. gives us 75 fun & free things to do including concerts, art exhibits and gorgeous parks.

27. Louisville

There’s something free for everyone to do in Louisville. With tons of festivals and gorgeous parks, there’s definitely something for everyone.

28. Miami

Unwind in Miami for free! Explore Miami events, from festivals to fairs, beaches and museums without spending a dime. Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum, Biscayne National Park or the Gold Coast Railroad museum.

29. Memphis

Check out this awesome list of free things to do in Memphis including Graceland and the Mud Island Riverwalk.

30. Milwaukee

Here are 50 free activities in Milwaukee–Tour the Basilica of St. Josephat, Visit the Joan of Arc Chapel, explore the Oak Leaf Trail and relax at Bradford Beach.

31. Minneapolis

Visit the Twin Cities and explore some of these 100 free things to do. Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Go on a free tour of Surly Brewing or listen to music for free at the 331 Club.

32. Nashville

Check out these 25 free places to visit in Music City. Enjoy free music at the famous Bluebird Cafe or check out the Tennessee Agricultural Museum.

33. New Orleans

Don’t miss any of these 50 free things to do in NOLA! Make sure to head over to Jackson Square or watch an outdoor movie at the Burgundy Picture House.

34. NYC

Lonely Planet lists 40 free things to see, from an African burial ground to museums and galleries, as well as a trip on the ferry to Governor’s Island.

35. Oakland

There’s something free for everyone to see in Oakland. Check out Redwood Regional Park and drive across the Bay Bridge.

36. Oklahoma City

There’s so much to do in Oklahoma! Here are 50 fun and free adventures in the Sooner State. Head to the Blue Whale, Totem Pole Park or explore the Keystone Ancient Forest.

37. Omaha

Get off the beaten path and explore 20 free experiences that Omaha has to offer! Hit up the Gene Leahy Pedestrian Mall, and then walk around ten-acres of waterfalls, gardens, lagoons and more.

38. Philadelphia

So, whether you are looking for a free museum, an outdoor activity, or things to do with kids in Philly, there’s something for everyone on our list. Here are 60 free things to see and do. Learn about the Founding Fathers at Independence Hall, visit John Heinz Wildlife Refuge or tour the Edgar Allen Poe House.

39. Phoenix

Thrillist gives us 44 completely free ways to spend the day in the Phoenix area including the Desert Botanical Garden and taking a float on the Salt River.

40. Pittsburgh

See some attractions, arts, events or music for free! Explore the Frick Art Museum or the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.

41. Portland

Take advantage of these 30 free ways to spend the day, check out Full Sail Brewing Company, visit the Portland Children’s Museum and relax in Forest Park.

42. Raleigh

Enjoy yourself with any of these 40 free things to do. Take a trip to the African American Cultural Center, explore Bass Lake Park or tour the City Market.

43. Richmond

Take advantage of these 14 places you can find free family fun, including Hollywood Cemetery, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Maymont House Museum.

44. Sacramento

Sacramento is packed with things to do, check out these 96 free activities! In addition to the free daily events you can tour the Jelly Belly factory or ride the American River Bike Trail.

45. St. Louis

Explore the city without spending a dime. The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best in the country, and its free! Make sure to visit the Science Center and Grant’s Farm as well!

46. San Antonio

Here’s a list of 20+ free attractions including the Alamo and the Japanese Tea Garden (Jingu House).

47. San Diego

Experience San Diego’s culture with these 25 fun & free things to do. Watch the sunset at La Jolla Cove or visit Seaport Village for free entertainment.

48. San Francisco

Lonely Planet has provided a list of 24 free things to do. Check out Amoeba Music’s free shows and visit Coit Tower.

49. Seattle

Try these 14 ways to spend the day, but not your money! Tour the famous Pike Place Market or relax in the gorgeous Waterfall Garden Park.

50. Tallahassee

Looking for free places to take the kids? Head to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum or the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail.

51. Tucson

Take a break from the daily grind and visit these 5 free places in Tucson. Visit the Turquoise Trail and the Mission San Xavier del Bac.

52. Virginia Beach

Escape the hustle with any of these 12 free things to do in Virginia Beach. Don’t miss the King Neptune statue on the boardwalk, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and Naval Aviation Monument Park.

53. Washington DC

25 amazing free experiences including Smithsonian museum, visit the White House, watch a Shakespearean play or enjoy a concert at the Kennedy Center.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you found this list helpful in your quest for fun.

Please feel free to leave a comment if you’ve been to any of these cool free places or if you know of any others that weren’t included in the list. We hope you have a great time!