Lowell · Middlesex County, MA

Cheap things to do in Lowell

Scout analyzed 50 Lowell places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

South Lowell

Good Thymes Family Restaurant

This is a casual family restaurant good for a relaxed meal, offering American comfort food, pasta, and desserts. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$35 per person for a main course and drinks.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

The Acre

Tasty Dumplings

Tasty Dumplings is a casual spot for an affordable and quick meal, perfect for a weekday lunch or a no-fuss dinner with family. Expect to spend $10-$25 per person for a satisfying plate of dumplings or noodles.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Belvidere

Gary's Restaurant and Bar

Gary's is a Caribbean restaurant and bar, suitable for an evening meal or drinks with friends, potentially with live music. Expect to spend $30-$70 per person for a 1.5-hour visit.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Life Alive Organic Cafe Lowell

This cafe is a good stop for a healthy meal or snack, perfect for a relaxed solo visit or casual lunch. Expect to spend 45 minutes and around $15-30 per person.

FoodWellnessRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Cobblestones of Lowell

Cobblestones of Lowell is good for a relaxed American meal, possibly for a date night or dinner with family. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $30-70 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsHistory

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Frobie's Cafe

Frobie's Cafe is suitable for a casual breakfast or lunch, expecting to spend $10-$25 per person. A visit typically lasts under an hour and can be a good quick stop during daily errands.

FoodRelaxedQuiet

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Downtown

Warp and Weft

Warp and Weft is good for a casual evening out, offering pub food, drinks, and often live music. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and between $25-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Athenian Corner Restaurant

Athenian Corner is a good spot for a celebratory dinner with live music and dancing, often pairing well with an evening out in Lowell. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and about $30-60 per person on food and drinks.

FoodLive musicRelaxed

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

The Acre

Mestiza Latin Kitchen

Mestiza Latin Kitchen is suitable for a casual meal or a relaxed dinner. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, with typical spending around $15-$30 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus

Brew'd Awakening is a solid spot for a casual coffee break, light meal, or to enjoy some local art and occasional live music. Expect to spend an hour and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingLive music

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Highlands

Dragonfly Cafe

Dragonfly Cafe is a casual spot for breakfast or lunch, great for a solo work session or a quick bite with family. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-25 per person.

FoodRelaxedQuiet

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

South Lowell

Shedd Park

Shedd Park is a free community park suitable for a casual family outing or solo stroll. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the playground, splash pad, or athletic fields.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center

This visitor center offers a free historical look at the industrial revolution, suitable for a 2-hour solo or family visit, and can be paired with other Lowell attractions. Expect a moderate amount of walking through exhibits.

OutdoorsArtsHistory

$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Highlands

Tavern in the Square

Tavern in the Square is a good spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, typically taking 1.5 hours and costing around $20-45 per person. It pairs well with local shopping or a movie.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Wellness

Balance Spa

Balance Spa is suitable for a pampering session, often booked for an hour or two. Expect to spend $75-$200 per person for services such as massages or skin care.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$75–$200 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Jay Gee's Ice Cream and Fun Center

Jay Gee's is a solid pick for a family outing or a kid's birthday party, offering a mix of go-karts, mini-golf, and ice cream. Expect to spend a couple of hours and around $10-30 per person for activities and treats.

FoodOutdoorsShopping

$10–$30 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Pawtucketville

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest

This state forest offers 6 miles of hiking trails and fishing ponds, ideal for a morning or afternoon outdoors with family or for a solo walk. It's a free activity that requires good weather and comfortable shoes.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

North Chelmsford

Varney Playground

Varney Playground is a free outdoor space suitable for families, offering play equipment, athletic fields, and a pond with a beach for a few hours of activity. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Thirsty First

Thirsty First is a casual bar and restaurant, good for a relaxed evening meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-45 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Willard Brook State Forest

Willard Brook State Forest is good for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, or camping. Expect to pay minimal entrance fees, or more for a campsite.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South Lowell

Chuck E. Cheese

This is a good spot for a family outing or birthday party, especially with younger children, offering arcade games and pizza. Plan for a 2-hour visit and expect to spend $20-50 per person on food and games.

FoodSportsPlayful

$20–$50 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Boott Cotton Mills Museum

This museum provides a few hours of historical and educational content about the textile industry, suitable for a solo visit, family, or visitors. Expect to spend $12-18 per person for entry.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$12–$18 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Old Court Irish Pub And Restaurant

This is a casual spot for drinks and pub food, good for an affordable evening out or a relaxed get-together. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, possibly more if there's live music, for about $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Tewksbury Center

Majestic Day Spa Tewksbury

This spa is suitable for a relaxing solo treat or a quiet outing for a special occasion. Expect to spend 1-3 hours and anywhere from $75-$250 per person on services.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$75–$250 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking