“There’s nothing to do in Scituate.” Students of SHS utter it again and again with disdain. Yet, towards the end of the year, those same students foam at the mouth for summer- for sleeping late, for catching up on TV shows, for tanning on the beach. But once late July hits and all of that’s been done, the phrase is again repeated. On the contrary, there are plenty of things to do in Scituate and around New England this summer that many people may do not know about.

• Tree-Berry Farm, located on the Scituate-Norwell border on Route 123, offers blueberry picking by the pound starting in July from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Call ahead  at (781)545-7750.

• Dive into history this summer by exploring the Newport Mansions, beautiful 250 year old summer homes, where you can overlook seaside cliffs from gilded mansions and literally live in the past. Newport is an hour and a half drive from Scituate and admission to the mansions is just $12 per person
• Have a picnic or just relax on the lawns of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, a natural escape from the hectic city. It is open daily from sunset to sunrise, with free entrance, and tickets into the city from Scituate stations in North Scituate or Greenbush cost only $13 or less if you choose to take the Red Line train from Quincy or Braintree.
• Avoid ridiculous movie ticket costs by attending WBZ Radio Free Friday Flicks, movies at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Movies will begin showing in mid-June at 8pm

• Get fit by giving yoga a try for free this summer at the Frog Pond at 6pm every Tuesday night, or just check out the new carousel!

• Experience a new culture by attending the Boston Chinatown August Moon Festival on Sunday, August 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Watch traditional dance and martial arts performances, try new food, and more- with free attendance.

• This summer “Shakespeare on the Common” continues with free performances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona on the Boston Common. Check out www.commshakes.org for showtimes!

• It may be a hike, but 3 hours in a car and just $10 can get you to Quechee, Vermont, where, on June 14, 15, and 16, they will be hosting their annual hot air balloon festivals, where you can watch launches and even have the opportunity to participate in a flight yourself!

• Cool down for cheap at Canobie Lake Park in Salem New Hampshire, and hour and a quarter drive from Scituate. The general admission price is $35 but try going after 5pm- the price is reduced by $10

Clearly, there is something to do this summer, and not at bad prices either! Be sure to check out some of these options before giving in to another boring summer.