Since summer is usually hot, it’s always nice to find something to cool down especially an ice cold drink. On Wednesday July 11, the 7-Eleven in Beverly will offer free Slurpies from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. to celebrate the company’s birthday. If you’re still thirsty, try visiting the Henry’s Wine Cellar on Saturdays from 2-5 p.m. for complementary wine tasting.

Summer can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors - splashing, walking, biking or even treasure hunting. For a whimsical and fun tour of the community by bike or car, check out Art Grows Here from July 13-22. This unique arts festival includes outdoor art installations large and small. Free maps will be available around town including the Gallery Della-Piana on Main Street in Wenham. Also remember the gallery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with a current exhibit entitled "From the Garden." Tours of the gallery are always free.

Many beaches in the area charge a parking fee, but opportunities to take a dip for free can be found in Wenham. Walk or bike to the Pleasant Pond Beach or park at Gordon College to access Gull Pond beach. Both locations afford opportunities to enjoy hiking and biking as well.  

The North Shore, including Hamilton and Wenham, contain many hidden treasures, literally. Enthusiasts of letterboxing and geocaching, including the Hamilton-Wenham Recreation Department, have hidden treasures at Patton Park, the Chebacco Woods, along the Wenham Canal and other locations for you to find. Clues and maps can be found online at Geocaching.com and letterboxing.org. If you’re up for an adventure this is the activity for you. 

Speaking of adventure, how about riding the zipline at the Sterling Center YMCA?  

Get the adrenaline pumping on Friday nights at 6 p.m. This activity is free for members or $7 for non-members.

If you’ll be venturing out of town, visit the Hamilton-Wenham Library on-line at www.hwlibrary.org for a large selection of free downloadable e-books and audio books for the jouney. If you’re headed to a foreign location, you can learn the local language by trying Rocket Languages through the library website as well.

Check back on July 30 for a list of museums and Boston attractions to visit for free this summer.