Photo by Tony Rinaldo, HMNH Dinosaurs are a favorite attraction at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Connecticut
   Who says you can’t get something for free? Here’s a list of attractions and events throughout New England that won’t cost you a cent.
Submarine Force & Library Museum, Groton
   Located on the Thames River, the Submarine Force Museum is the only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy. The collection includes over 33,000 artifacts, 20,000 significant documents and 30,000 photographs. Visit www.submarinemuseum.org.
Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries, statewide
   The Audubon Society of Connecticut oversees 19 wildlife refuges across the state. With a variety of terrains and wildlife, there is a park perfect for everyone, no matter what hiking level or interest. Visit www.ctaudubon.org/visit/sanctuaries.htm.
Fish Family Farm, Bolton
   Spend a day learning about life on a dairy farm. You can pet the cows, observe the milking and bottling process and even taste a scoop of homemade ice cream. There is a store on the property so you can buy a glass bottle or two of milk to bring home. Visit www.fishfamilyfarm.com.
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Hartford
   New England’s largest free jazz festival takes place the weekend of July 17 to 19 at Bushnell Park. Listen to jazz legends at the 13th year of this event. Visit www.hartfordjazz.com/festival.html.
KAZOO 2009, Guilford
   The third annual KAZOO children’s concert will take place Sunday, July 19, at 4 p.m. The event begins with a performance by musician Steve Roslonek of “SteveSongs,” followed by hands-on activities. Visit www.shorelinearts.org/concertsonthegreen.cfm.
Riverfest, Hartford
   Celebrate summer along the Connecticut River at the 29th annual Riverfest, Saturday, July 11, at 4 p.m. Featuring live entertainment, kids activities and a spectacular fireworks display, this Capital City event is one you won’t want to miss. Visit www.riverfront.org.
Public Astronomy Nights, Westport
   Wednesdays and Thursdays are Public Astronomy Nights at Rolnick Observatory. Visit the Observatory from 8 to 10 p.m. for a guided tour of the night sky, and explore space through state-of-the-art telescopes. Weather permitting. Visit www.was-ct.org.
Summer Wine & Food Festival, Stonington
   Stonington Vineyards is hosting a weekend-long culinary festival July 18 and 19. Enjoy gourmet food, live music, wine tasting and tours and more. Visit www.stoningtonvineyards.com.
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
   America’s oldest university art museum will feature a new exhibit this summer entitled “Time Will Tell.” Learn how works are conserved and restored while staying true to their original form. Visit www. artgallery.yale.edu.
SoNo Arts Celebration, South Norwalk
   The historic waterfront district of South Norwalk will come alive the weekend of July 31 to August 2 with the 33rd annual SoNo Arts Celebration. View works from more than 130 artists, listen to live entertainment and watch the incredible Puppet Parade. Visit www.sonoarts.org.

Massachusetts
1. Boston Public Library: Learn more about the centuries of culture contained in the Central Library. Daily one-hour tours examine the library’s breathtaking murals, incredible architecture and rich history. Tours not available on Sundays or Wednesdays. Visit www.bpl.org/central/tours.htm.
2. Cape Cod Chip Factory, Hyannis: Suffering a midweek snack attack? Tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory, and learn how they make their delicious chips and popcorn. Best of all, you may even get a free sample. Visit www.capecodchips.com.
3. Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Springfield: See Yertle the Turtle, Sam-I-Am, the Lorax and more at this fun garden in Springfield’s Quadrangle. Visitors of all ages will marvel at the beautiful bronze creations honoring Theodor Geissel, “Dr. Seuss,” and his literary creatures. Visit www.catinthehat.org.
4. Explore Lighthouses: Falmouth’s Nobska Point Lighthouse is one of many beacons that dot the coast of Massachusetts. Plan your own scenic drive and photo tour. Visit www.www.lighthouse.cc/ma.html.
5. “Harbor Your Arts” Artist Shanties, Hyannis: “Seven summertime seaside shanties” may sound like a tongue-twister, but it’s what you’ll see when you visit Bismore Park. Stop in each one of the seven charming cottages to see local artists at work in their shanty-studios. With more than 30 artisans participating, there will be a different display of ceramics, jewelry, scrimshaw and other crafts every time you visit. Visit www.harboryourarts.com.
6. Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge: See why the mu-seum is Harvard’s most visited attraction, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space rocks. Massachusetts residents receive free admission from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays. Also includes entry to the ad-ja-cent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethno-lo-gy. Visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu.
7. Museum of Science, Boston: Visit the Gilliland Observatory each Friday night for free stargazing from 8:30 to 10, weather permitting. Learn about the night sky from museum staff and check out the com-puter-controlled Celestron telescope. Visit www.mos.org.
8. Olde Ipswich Days, Ipswich: This annual celebration takes on a special twist in honor of Ipswich’s 375th anniversary. From July 23 to 26, the town comes alive with a craft fair, live entertainment and a Saturday block party. Visit www.ipswichma375.org.
9. Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, Westport: Spend a beautiful weekend afternoon touring New England’s largest vineyard. Learn how this family-owned farm produces world-class wine, from growing the grapes to selling the finished product by the bottle. Visit www.westportrivers.com.
10. Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield: Located in Yankee Candle’s flagship store, the Village includes a variety of entertainment. Stroll through a snowy Bavarian Village (here, every day is Christmas), and watch historic candle-making demonstrations. Visit www.yankeecandle.com.

Rhode Island
1. Art Stroll, Westerly: Visit The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery and other local art venues at the Westerly/Pawcatuck Art Stroll. Held from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, the event gives a behind-the-scenes look at local artists and their studios. Visit www.downtownwesterlypawcatuck.com.
2. Audubon’s Wildlife Refuge Network: The Audubon Society of Rhode Island oversees 12 wildlife refuges across the Ocean State. With a variety of terrains and wildlife, there is a park perfect for every hiking level or interest. (Admission to Environmental Education Center not included.) Visit www.asri.org/refuges.
3. Black Ships Festival, Newport: Learn about the Japanese culture at the annual Black Ships Festival, running Thurs., July 16, to Sun., July 19. Make Japanese crafts, watch martial-arts demonstrations and meet a professional sumo wrestler. (Admission to Taiko Drummers and “Sailing, Sake and Sushi” events not included. See AAA.com/discounts for member savings.) Visit www.newportevents.com/Blackship.
4. Blackstone Valley Bikeway: Spend a sunny summer day riding along this scenic 10.3-mile path between Cumberland and Woonsocket. Pass historical sites like the Museum of Work & Culture, Slater Mill and more. Visit www.blackstone riverbikeway.com.
5. Cliff Walk, Newport: New England’s first National Recreational Trail, the Cliff Walk gives visitors an unforgettable view of Newport’s mansions, ocean vistas and more. This 3.5-mile trail passes Newport landmarks like the Breakers, Salve Regina University and Rosecliff. (Admission to mansions not included.) Visit www.newportcliffwalk.com.
6. Four Corners Arts Center, Tiverton: This arts center will host two summer performances perfect for children and parents. On Thurs., July 9, see Yorick’s Marionettes’ performance of “Sleeping Beauty.” On Tues., Aug. 11, watch Hampstead Stage Company’s performance of “Pinocchio.” Visit www.tivertonfourcorners.com/artscenter.
7. Gallery Night, Providence: With so many incredible art venues throughout Providence, it can be difficult to know where to begin. At each Gallery Night event, you can take a celebrity-guided bus tour of 21 art galleries, museums and historic sites. Visit www.gallerynight.info.
8. Pops on the Commons Concert, Little Compton: Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket, and head to the Town Commons for the Sixth Annual Pops on the Commons Concert. Listen to the Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra play a variety of Broadway and classical hits. The concert takes place at 6 p.m. Sat., July 25. (Rain date is Aug. 8.) Visit www.osspo.org.
9. WaterFire, Providence: Wondering what all the fuss is about? Come see 100 bonfires illuminate the capital city’s rivers during each WaterFire lighting. Enjoy the beauty of downtown Providence as it comes alive with music, art and food during this world-famous event. Visit www.waterfire.org.
10. Wilcox Park, Westerly: Trace more than a century of Rhode Island history at Wilcox Park. View sculptures ranging from veteran memorials to “The Runaway Bunny.” Stroll through Victorian gardens, or read a library book on a park bench. Visit www.westerlylibrary.org/park.

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