It’s no secret that law school can require a lot of your time. And between the abundance of student organizations, clinics and SPOs, and journals and publications at Harvard Law School, you might have plenty of things to fill your daylight hours.
But everyone deserves — needs — a break. And it’s even better when that break doesn’t break the bank.
Whether you are looking for something to do by yourself or with a friend, indoors or outdoors, Harvard Law Today has you covered. From contemporary art to chocolate, we have something for everyone. Read on for some fun — and frugal! — ways to spend your free time on campus, in Cambridge, and beyond.
Harvard Art Museums: Where else can you see a world-class collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings hanging next to a Kara Walker print — for absolutely no entrance fee? While hardly a secret, Harvard’s amazing art, science, and history museums are completely free for students, and are replete with objects to educate, inspire, and pique your curiosity.
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art: Art lovers, rejoice. These first-rate institutions are also free for HLS students. Find out how to get your free ticket through Harvard’s Outings & Innings service.
Speaking of Outings & Innings: This service for Harvard students, faculty, and staff offers steep discounts on tickets to an ever-changing array of local entertainment, including theaters and cinemas, Red Sox games, whale watching tours, and even King Richard’s Faire (the local renaissance festival — turkey leg, anyone?).
Boston Harbor Islands: For $21.50 round trip (purchase through Outings & Innings), take a scenic ferry ride to Boston Harbor Islands, a national park consisting of 34 islands and peninsulas. Once you arrive, explore, hike, picnic, swim — and, for the adventurous, you can even camp!
Cambridge Public Library: Yes, you can find a good novel, audiobook, music album, or film to borrow. But the Cambridge Public Library offers so much more, including readings by some of your favorite authors and events for an array of interests. Best of all, you can also check out free passes to some of the area’s best attractions, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Zoo New England, and Trustees of Reservations.
Kanopy: Don’t pay a dime for video streaming. Instead, download this app on your device or smart TV and gain access to thousands of films and television shows for free through your Harvard email address. The service features everything from documentaries to blockbuster hits to world cinema — and even classic silent films, for movie buffs.
American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.): For just $30, Harvard students can buy tickets to cutting-edge (and classic!) theater and other performances at the A.R.T. Be among the first to catch a show here before it goes on to worldwide success — as productions like Waitress and Life of Pi did.
Taza Chocolate factory: Channel your inner Charlie Bucket and take a tour of a real-life chocolate factory in Somerville. Learn how the delicious delicacy is made — and, of course, taste it — for only $13. As a side note, did you know that the Boston area has a rich candy-making past? You can learn more about this sweet history here.
New York Times: Did you know that you can read the Gray Lady for free? The same goes for the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. Create your accounts to stay up to date on the news, browse fashion, sports, and entertainment content — and maybe play the Post’s crossword puzzle.
Roxy’s Arcade: Here, you can play a mean pinball, but you can also try your luck on old-fashioned games like skeeball or the claw machine, or retro video games like Pac Man and Mortal Kombat. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a burger and a beer while you challenge a friend to pop-a-shot basketball.
Haymarket: Interested in exploring a historic part of Boston while getting the best prices on your groceries for the week? There are plenty of deals on fresh fruits and veggies to be had at this outdoor market, the city’s oldest, open on Fridays and Saturdays. If you aren’t feeling up for traveling across the river, the Charles River Farmer’s Market in Harvard Square is another great option for great food and people-watching.
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