Free (And Almost Free) Family Fun

1. See a free family performance on Saturday Mornings! The Saturday Morning Discovery Series will begin their summer lineup on June 25. This is a free family performance series that is held each week in Marlborough on Union Common starting at 11 a.m. On June 25  see Abracadabra Productions, an award-winning magic show for the whole family. See the schedule for more information on this great family entertainment opportunity. Union Common is located at the corner of Main and Bolton streets. In case of rain, the performance is held at the .

2. See a free summer concert performance on Thursday nights! The 2011 Marlborough Summer Concert Series starts on June 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Union Common. The first performance of the year will be by The Reminisants. Check the schedule for a summer of music under the stars!

3. Kids can see a movie for $1! Come to the  Summer Movie Express at the . Starting on June 28, kids can watch movies each Tuesday and Wednesday for $1. Shows start at 10 a.m. and each showing includes one G-rated and one PG-rated film. I have found that the showings fill up quickly, so I try to get there no later than 9:30 a.m. I’m sure that by now you’ve noticed that the price went up from last year. It’s still a great deal and something fun to kick-start your summer mornings! Check out the movie schedule at The .

4. Go to a Massachusetts destination for free! The Highland Street Foundation will begin their “Free Fun Fridays” program on July 1, 2011. They will sponsor free admission to some great area attraction over nine Fridays. Review their new and expanded schedule for 2011: each Friday four different destinations have free admission! Keep up with the Highland Street Foundation by hitting the “Like” button on their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.

5. Get fresh air and exercise for free! Take the family on a hike. The city of Marlborough has many acres of conservation land and hiking trails. On the Marlborough City website, find a map of conservation land trails. We’ve enjoyed some fun hikes at Felton Conservation Area and . There is also a great hiking trail system in Northborough. Visit the Northborough Trails Committee website to find maps for some great sites such as Mount Pisgah, Edmunds Hill, and my tweens’ favorite, the precarious Coyote Trail.

6. — $1 off a half-chicken individual meal. Click here  for a coupon good until July 12. 

Refer to the progam web sites or merchants directly for terms and conditions for their offers.   

Let me know if you see any great deals!