Free & Cheap Things to Do in Concord

History & Culture

Built in 1819 from New Hampshire granite, the State House is the oldest state capitol in the United States where the legislature still meets in its original chambers — a remarkable piece of living American history. Free guided tours take visitors through the ornate Senate and House chambers, past portraits of historic governors and Civil War heroes, and into the beautiful Hall of Flags displaying battle flags carried by New Hampshire regiments. The building is both a working government seat and one of the finest examples of Federal-era architecture in New England.

Address: 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Free guided tours run Monday–Friday, typically at 10am and 11:30am — check the website as schedules vary during legislative sessions. The grounds include a small park with a Veterans Memorial worth a quiet walk. The building is steps from Concord's Main Street, making it an easy start to a downtown walking tour.

Arts & Culture

New Hampshire's premier science museum celebrates the state's two astronauts — Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space. The hands-on exhibits cover space exploration, aviation, earth science, and astronomy, with a planetarium theater presenting regular sky shows. It's one of the best family-friendly budget attractions in New England, with a planetarium and interactive science galleries that make space feel genuinely accessible.

Address: 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Planetarium shows are included with admission — check the daily schedule online and arrive a few minutes early. The outdoor observatory is open on clear weekend evenings for free public stargazing programs; check the calendar before you visit. Budget about 2–3 hours to do the museum justice.

Markets & Food

Running every Saturday morning from May through October in downtown Concord, the Concord Farmers Market is a classic New England community market with local produce, maple syrup, artisan breads, flowers, handmade crafts, and prepared foods. Free to browse, it's one of the most authentic ways to experience New Hampshire's agricultural identity — and the perfect place to stock up on affordable local snacks for a day of exploring.

Address: Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301 (near State House Plaza)

Tip: Go early for the best selection — popular vendors like fresh bread bakers and maple syrup producers often sell out by 10am. New Hampshire maple syrup and local honey make great affordable souvenirs. The market is within easy walking distance of the State House.

Parks & Nature

Concord's beloved neighborhood park is a 25-acre green oasis just a short walk from downtown. White Park features a beautiful pond, walking paths, a gazebo that hosts free summer concerts, a playground, tennis courts, and a historic bandstand that has anchored community life since the late 1800s. In summer the park fills with families and picnickers; in winter the pond becomes a free public ice skating rink — one of the few remaining natural skating rinks in New Hampshire.

Address: 1 White St, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Check the city's events calendar for free summer concerts at the gazebo — they run most Thursday evenings in July and August. The winter skating rink is open weather permitting, usually December through February. Skate rentals are available nearby for a small fee.

History & Culture

New Hampshire's flagship state history museum, founded in 1823 and housed in a stunning 1911 marble headquarters two blocks from the State House. The permanent collection covers 400 years of Granite State story — Native American tools, colonial-era furniture, original Daniel Webster correspondence, 1850s-built Concord stagecoaches that opened the American West, and the Society's deep New Hampshire portrait collection.

Address: 30 Park St, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Open Tuesday–Saturday 9:30am–5pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Kids 18 and under are always free — one of the best family-friendly free museum deals in northern New England. The original Concord Coach in the lobby is the marquee object. Combine with a State House tour two blocks south.

History & Culture

The only house ever owned by 14th US President Franklin Pierce, who lived here from 1842 to 1848 just before his presidency. The Greek Revival home has been carefully restored with period furnishings including some Pierce family pieces; volunteer docents in period dress guide visitors through the parlors, kitchen, bedrooms, and basement archive room. A quiet, intimate alternative to the bigger presidential houses elsewhere.

Address: 14 Horseshoe Pond Ln, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Seasonal — open May 28 through October 24, 2026, Thursday through Saturday 10am–3pm. No reservation required. Free street parking on Horseshoe Pond Lane. Tours run as visitors arrive (~45 minutes). Combine with the NH Historical Society for a strong Pierce-history afternoon — the Society holds his presidential papers.

Parks & Nature

The flagship education center of New Hampshire Audubon sits on the 200-acre Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary on Concord's western edge — with a free indoor wildlife exhibit and gift shop, the largest raptor mews and live-bird exhibit in the state (recovering injured eagles, owls, and hawks), and miles of free hiking trails through hardwood forest, fields, and beaver ponds. Trails open dawn to dusk daily.

Address: 84 Silk Farm Rd, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Center open Wednesday–Saturday 11am–5pm; trails open dawn to dusk daily. The free downloadable Silk Farm Sanctuary Audio Tour on the NH Audubon website pairs nicely with the trail walk. The raptor mews in the courtyard are accessible whenever the gates are open. Free parking. Donations support the wildlife rehabilitation program.

Arts & Culture

A free downtown gallery at 36 N Main Street showcasing juried work from members of the 90-year-old League of New Hampshire Craftsmen — handmade pottery, art glass, wood-turned bowls, weaving, jewelry, fine furniture, and rotating featured-artist exhibits. The League is one of the country's oldest fine-craft organizations and the Concord gallery is its retail flagship.

Address: 36 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301

Tip: Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; closed Sunday and Monday. Free to browse. Pieces range from $20 souvenir-priced gifts to museum-quality investment work — everything is for sale. Two blocks south of the State House — easy to combine with a downtown walking visit.