As a college student and someone trying my best to be prudent with money- spending, I am always looking for fun ways to spend my time without breaking the bank. Luckily I needn’t look further than central Massachusetts. Here are four places you can visit and have fun at for absolutely free…no catch!

1. Worcester Art Museum

My first visit to Worcester Art Museum was last Wednesday and it definitely will not be my last. For the entire month of August admission to the museum is free of charge and has several exhibits that are sure to catch your eye, including the Cats- in- Residence Program going on until September 4^th. At this program, visitors are encouraged to enter the CatAviary to interact with the cats that are all rescue animals available for adoption from the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Other must- see’s that are only here for a limited time include; Knights, Jeppson Idea Lab, The Last Judgement Tapestry The Art of Combat, and Meow. From intricate Knight amour and swords to purrfect cat paintings, this museum has something for everyone and for the month of August is completely free!

Pictured below are cats from the CatAviary and art from Knights and Meow. Click here to view the MEOW cam functioning 24 hours a day!

2. Elm Park

Also located in Worcester on Highland Street, Elm Park is a 60 acre park famous for its bright red bridges, playground, tennis/basketball courts, and beautiful scenery. With plenty of walking- space, Elm Park is perfect for a summer stroll with friends or a place to play some games, whether it’s tennis or Pokemon- Go! With plenty of open grass, this park is also a great place to sit and read or have a picnic.

Pictured below is Elm Park when I visited last week.

3. Cogshall Park

Located approximately half an hour away from Elm is Cogshall Park in Fitchburg. Known for its picturesque scenery, and walking trails, Cogshall is yet another ideal park to visit if you are looking for a fun way to spend your day without having to shell out money. Main attractions of this park include a gazebo with a beautiful view of the lake, children's playground, and wildlife that inhabit the park. In addition, much like Elm Park, Cogshall has many Pokestops for those that play Pokemon Go! including memorial benches located near the waterfront.

Pictured below are two swans in the lake near the gazebo at Cogshall.

4. Leominster Summer Concert Series

Bringing together friends and family while also spotlighting immensely talented local musicians, the Leominster Summer Concert Series helps bring the community together and celebrate their love of music. Starting in May and going on until September,these summer concerts take place in downtown Leominster at Carter Park every Thursday from 6 pm- 8 pm. Not only does the series showcase a number of talented musicians, but there is also a variety of music ranging from Honkytonk, Soul, Jazz and everything in between. With a diversity of talent, and a friendly atmosphere to match, this summer series is not something you want to miss out on! Remember to bring a lawn chair and friends!

Pictured below is the gazebo at Carter Park during one of the summer concerts taken from the Summer Concert Series Facebook page.