This Friday, June 28, is the start of one of the most generous programs in the state: the Highland Street Foundation 5th Annual Free Fun Fridays. It runs through August 30th, with six various cultural venues open free of charge each Friday.

The annual summer program, funded by the nonprofit, offers free admission to some of the most treasured places in Massachusetts and this year, 60 museums and cultural venues will participate in the program (an increase from the 50 that participated last year).

“Keeping young people intellectually and socially engaged in the summer is very important—whether the children are in pre-school or all the way through high school. This is a great program for families to take advantage of this summer,” said Matthew Malone, Massachusetts Secretary of Education.

Some of my family’s favorites are participating, including the Boston Nature Center, Garden in the Woods, and the Franklin Park Zoo, and we’re looking forward to some of the special programs. Beyond free admission, some of the venues are going all out to welcome guests, but advance registration and/or planning is needed.

For example, this Friday, June 28 from 3-6 p.m., families can enjoy the beauty of the Tanglewood campus while taking part in an educational scavenger hunt, watching live performances by fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center and other local arts organization, and partaking in other fun family activities. The event is free, but advance registration is recommended. Visit www.tanglewood.org/familyfunfest for more information and to register.

On August 9th, take a free ferry ride to either (or both) of the two most popular Boston Harbor Islands—Georges Island (with historic Fort Warren, Plays in the Park, and ranger-guided tours) and Spectacle Island (with a life-guard supervised beach and 5 miles of hiking trails). Free tickets for the ferry will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis at Long Wharf (near the Aquarium subway station) beginning at 8 a.m. Each adult in line may pick up a maximum of 4 tickets. Tickets will be handed out for the earliest ferry, then the next, and so on, until all ferry seats for the day are distributed.

 “This is our biggest and best Free Fun Fridays program,” said Highland Street Foundation executive director Blake Jordan. “Free Fun Fridays shines a spotlight on the broad and diverse art and cultural offerings across Massachusetts. Whether you live in Boston or the Berkshires, Worcester or Cape Cod, the North Shore or the South Coast, you can take advantage of this free program.”

To learn more about the Free Fun Fridays, and the Highland Street Foundation, visit www.highlandstreet.org.