Boston is a city brimming with history, culture, and excitement. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are still plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. From museums and art galleries to live performances and unique shopping experiences, Boston offers a wealth of options for a memorable day indoors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to indoor activities in Boston that will keep you engaged and entertained, rain or shine.
Explore Museums and Art Galleries
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Step into a Venetian palace in the heart of Boston. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum showcases an eclectic collection of art, rare books, and antiques. The museum itself is a work of art, with a stunning courtyard that transports visitors to another world.
Museum of Science For those who love science and technology, the Museum of Science offers hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and a variety of educational programs. Don’t miss the lightning show or the butterfly garden!
Museum of Fine Arts Home to an impressive collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit. With exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, there’s something for everyone.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Explore the life and legacy of the 35th President of the United States at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Interactive exhibits and historical artifacts provide a deep dive into JFK’s impact on the nation and the world.
Paul Revere House Step back in time at the Paul Revere House, one of the oldest buildings in Boston. Learn about the life of Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride that played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
USS Constitution Museum Located at the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum offers an interactive experience about the history of “Old Ironsides” and the lives of the sailors who served on her.
Boston Athenaeum One of the oldest independent libraries in the United States, the Boston Athenaeum is a haven for book lovers and history buffs alike. The beautiful reading rooms and extensive collections make it a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon.
Boston University Art Gallery Explore contemporary art exhibits at the Boston University Art Gallery. The gallery features works from local and international artists, providing a platform for emerging talents.
Harvard Art Museums Comprised of three museums – the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum – the Harvard Art Museums offer an extensive collection of artworks from around the world.
Museum of African American History Learn about the African American experience in New England at the Museum of African American History. The museum’s exhibits and programs highlight the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout history.
MIT Museum For those intrigued by innovation and invention, the MIT Museum showcases the achievements of MIT scientists and engineers. Exhibits range from robotics to holography, providing a fascinating look at the future of technology.
Institute of Contemporary Art Located on the waterfront, the Institute of Contemporary Art features cutting-edge works by contemporary artists. The striking architecture and rotating exhibits make it a dynamic space for art enthusiasts.
Performances and Movies
Attend Live Performances Boston boasts a vibrant performing arts scene. Catch a play at the American Repertory Theater, enjoy a symphony at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, or laugh out loud at an improv comedy show. There’s always something happening on stage.
Watch Movies at Historic Theaters Experience the charm of Boston’s historic theaters like the Coolidge Corner Theatre or the Brattle Theatre. These venues offer a mix of new releases, classic films, and independent movies, often with special events and guest speakers.
Shopping and Dining
Go Shopping Boston’s indoor shopping options are vast and varied. From the upscale shops at Copley Place to the unique boutiques on Newbury Street, you can find everything from designer fashion to quirky gifts.
Enjoy Eataly Eataly Boston is a culinary paradise. Explore Italian markets, dine at one of the many restaurants, or take a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Italian dishes.
Visit the Boston Public Market Support local farmers and artisans at the Boston Public Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and specialty foods, all sourced from New England.
Visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace A historic shopping destination, Faneuil Hall Marketplace combines retail shops with street performers and a diverse array of dining options. It’s a lively spot to spend a rainy afternoon.
Sports and Activities
Attend a Sports Game or Event Indoors Catch a game at TD Garden, home to the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins. If sports aren’t your thing, the venue also hosts concerts and other entertainment events.
Indoor Rock Climbing Challenge yourself at one of Boston’s indoor rock climbing gyms. Brooklyn Boulders and Rock Spot Climbing offer climbing walls for all skill levels, along with classes and gear rentals.
Bowl at Boston Bowl, Kings, Lucky Strike, or Southie Bowl Bowling is a classic indoor activity that’s fun for all ages. These venues also offer arcade games, billiards, and great food, making them perfect for a group outing.
Enjoy Indoor Mini Golf at Kings Dining & Entertainment Kings Dining & Entertainment not only offers bowling but also indoor mini-golf. The creatively designed courses provide a fun and competitive experience for everyone.
Enjoy Indoor Skydiving at iFly Boston Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFly Boston. The indoor skydiving facility uses a vertical wind tunnel to simulate freefall, making it a safe and exhilarating activity.
History and Culture
Visit the Boston Common and Public Garden While typically outdoor attractions, the visitor centers and historic monuments within the Boston Common and Public Garden offer interesting insights into Boston’s history and are worth exploring.
Explore the Charles River Esplanade The Esplanade is another primarily outdoor attraction, but the nearby Hatch Shell hosts indoor events and concerts, providing entertainment even when the weather isn’t perfect.
Visit the Freedom Trail The Freedom Trail’s indoor sites, such as the Old State House and the Old North Church, are rich in history and provide a fascinating look at the American Revolution.
Explore the Christian Science Plaza and Mother Church The Christian Science Plaza and its beautiful Mother Church offer guided tours and an impressive collection of religious texts and artifacts.
Visit Copley Square Copley Square is surrounded by architectural marvels like the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church. These buildings are not only stunning but also offer interesting tours and exhibits.
Visit Fenway Park Take a tour of Fenway Park, one of the oldest and most iconic baseball stadiums in America. The guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the Boston Red Sox.
Visit TD Garden In addition to sports games, TD Garden offers tours that showcase the history and facilities of this multi-purpose arena.
Visit Trinity Church Located in Copley Square, Trinity Church is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. The church offers guided tours that delve into its history and design.
Visit the Samuel Adams Brewery Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery. Learn about the brewing process and sample some of their famous beers.
Education and Learning
Attend a Cooking Class at Eataly Eataly Boston’s cooking classes are a fun way to learn new culinary skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, there’s a class for you.
Libraries and Reading
Explore the Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It offers beautiful reading rooms, art exhibits, and educational programs.
Other
Watch Improv Comedy Boston’s improv comedy scene is lively and entertaining. Check out shows at ImprovBoston or The Comedy Studio for a night of laughter.
Play with Legos at the Lego Discovery Center The Lego Discovery Center is a fun indoor attraction for families. It features interactive Lego exhibits, building workshops, and play areas.
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Relive a pivotal moment in American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The interactive exhibits and live reenactments make it an engaging experience for all ages.
Boston’s indoor attractions ensure that a little rain won’t dampen your plans. From cultural institutions to fun-filled activities, there’s always something to explore and enjoy indoors in this vibrant city.