10+ Things to Do in Boston in Spring

Boston in spring

Boston really comes alive in the spring. As Bostonians shake off the chill of winter, the city is more than ready to offer fresh air, beautiful flowers, and amazing special events to visitors and locals alike. If you’re coming to Beantown this spring but aren’t set on what to see, check out our list of things to do in Boston in spring for some inspiration, including...

  • New England Aquarium Whale Watch
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour
  • Museum of Science
  • Fenway Park Tours
  • Swan Boat Ride
  • Patriots Day / Marathon Monday Events
  • and more!

Visit the New England Aquarium

A fun option for the kids is the perennially popular New England Aquarium, beloved by all. It’s one of the area’s most beloved attractions and it has a ton to offer new and returning visitors alike. From sharks to stingrays and everything in between, there are so many animals for you to marvel at in this modern aquarium.

Spring also marks the return of the Atlantic whale-watching season, so consider hopping aboard the New England Aquarium’s whale watch.

New England Aquarium

Tour the city in style

Now that the weather has warmed up, it's a great opportunity to explore this lovely city. Take a charming Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour that will escort you around while highlighting major landmarks and neighborhoods with maximum flexibility.

Plus, with this weather, we're sure you'll be tempted to jump off and explore on your own at least once or twice! Some of the major highlights you'll see along this tour include the New England Aquarium, Old North Church, Boston's North End, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and many more.

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Visitors flock to the wonderful Museum of Fine Arts year-round, but their fine collection of special exhibits in the spring months makes it especially worth a visit. Take a look at the current exhibitions on display at the MFA. This exceptional museum has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world, featuring over 500,000 objects and works of art.

Museum of Fine arts

Explore the wonders of the Museum of Science

Another iconic Boston attraction, the Museum of Science is somewhere the whole family can enjoy. Explore the astonishing and inspiring world of STEM as you wander through dozens of interactive exhibits.

Some top attractions at this museum include the Hall of Human Life, which is an in-depth look at the complexities of the human body, and the Theater of Electricity, which contains the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator.

Little ones will love its "Hands-on Laboratory - where you become the scientist" and everyone will be fascinated by "Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature," which showcases elaborate numerical patterns that exist in nature. You can also visit the Butterfly Exhibit and the Planetarium for small upgrade fees.

Museum of Science

Root for the home team

Spring often means one thing for Boston sports fans – the start of Red Sox season! If you’re a fan of the great game, why not snag a ticket and sit back to enjoy America's favorite pastime? Don’t forget to grab a few Fenway Franks!

For additional baseball fun, take a tour of iconic Fenway Park.

Picnic on the Boston Common

Although Boston isn’t quite the warmest spring destination on the books, it is a charming place. With spring comes the return of the many flowers and trees in the Boston Common and in the Boston Public Garden, both of which make for some excellent warm weather strolling. If the ground is dry enough, grab some supplies and make a picnic day out of it (otherwise, grab one of the tables by the fountain on the Common to avoid the rain).

While you’re in the park, why not take a ride on the historic Swan Boats?

Boston Common

Irish Film Festival, Boston

Given Boston’s proud Irish heritage, it’s no surprise that Irish filmography is a big deal in this city. The Irish Film Festival, Boston features an exciting lineup of Irish films straight from the motherland, many of which are new to the U.S.

This is the biggest Irish film festival outside of Ireland, so you know it’s filled with authentic films that are must-sees for any cinephile. You’ll also get to enjoy behind-the-scenes commentary, Q&As, and other special events.

Boston Flower & Garden Show

Each year of this eagerly anticipated takes on a new theme. You’ll get to enjoy everything from stunning plant life displays to planting demonstrations, take in professional lectures, and learn how to develop your growing skills.

Learn about adopting sustainable gardening practices and air-cleansing indoor plants. What's more, there will also be outside spaces dedicated to relaxing with pets!

Boston Flower Show

Patriots Day / Marathon Monday

This is one of the city's favorite holidays – Patriots Day, aka Marathon Monday. Officially designated to honor the start of the American Revolution, it's also always the date of the inimitable Boston Marathon.

One of the world's best races, the Boston Marathon is a tradition in the city. Come here to enjoy the festive atmosphere, get caught up in the surge of adrenaline that the whole crowd is feeling, and cheer on the runners. Just keep in mind that restaurants will be busier and the T more crowded than usual.

Of course, there will also be plenty of events celebrating Patriots Day, too, including reenactments, talks, and exhibits. Check out historical attractions like the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and many more. Or, you could take a quick detour to Lexington and Concord to check out events there

Boston International Film Festival

Film buffs will find much to love in Boston in April. Enjoy a wide selection of experimental and innovative films – both foreign and local – right in the heart of Boston. This five-day festival features a diversity of genres: you'll likely find a little bit of everything at this event! Tickets for individual showings start at around $12, and multi-day and full event passes are available as well.

 

Paramount Theater Boston

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Little Women Filming Locations in Boston

Little Women is a classic American novel written by Boston author Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of four sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War in Boston. There are already TV, film, and theater versions of the novel, but another adaptation will hit the big screen in 2019. Greta Gerwig’s remake of Little Women could be one of the most authentic retellings, as they filmed in Boston and the surrounding areas. Check out the Little Women filming locations in Boston below, including... Harvard Town Hall Louisa May Alcott’s House, Fairmont Copley Plaza Arnold Arboretum And more Save on admission Admission to many popular Boston attractions that appear in Little Women is included in the Go Boston pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.  Who wrote Little Women ? The original Little Women novel was written by author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott published the novel in 1968 in two volumes. It was very popular, so as a result, Alcott wrote two sequels to Little Women called Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Who’s in Little Women (2019)? Little Women (2019) is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth. Timothée Chalamet plays Laurie, Meryl Streep plays Aunt March, and Laura Dern plays Mary March. Where was Little Women filmed? Little Women (2019) was filmed in Boston and the surrounding area. Gerwig wanted the film to be authentic, so she shot on location in Massachusetts. Take a look at the Little Women filming locations below... Harvard Fairmont Copley Plaza in Back Bay   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston (@fairmontcopley) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:38pm PDT You can see the beautiful ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza in the Little Women trailer. Plus, additional filming took place in the surrounding Back Bay area. Coincidentally, if you’re visiting the Plaza or the Back Bay, you’re near the start of the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. See where famous films like Ally McBeal, Ted, Good Will Hunting, and The Departed were filmed. We’re sure Little Women will soon be added to this list. This is a must for movie fans visiting Boston. Arnold Arboretum Louisa May Alcott House View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amber (@amberjanice79) on Sep 4, 2019 at 9:27am PDT Little Women fans can’t visit Boston and not visit the Louisa May Alcott House in Concord. Explore Alcott’s home, complete with artifacts like her writing desk. See the house that inspired the setting of Little Women, and where the novel was written. An expert guide will take you from room to room, telling you everything you ever wanted to know about the famous author and her family. Areas outside of Boston Many scenes were filmed just outside of Boston, in towns such as Concord, Lawrence, Stoughton, Ipswich, and Lancaster. All of these towns are an hour or less by driving away from Boston, so are great day trip destinations. Visit these towns to see more of Massachusettes and for a wider understanding of Little Women’s setting. Additionally, they could be ideal spots of some fall-time leaf-peeping! In summary Little Women was filmed in key sites across Boston and the surrounding area. More importantly, many of these locations are public, so you can see them for yourself. Anyone whose favorite book is Little Women has to visit these filming spots on their next Boston vacation. Save on admission The Go Boston pass includes admission to many popular Boston attractions and Little Women filming locations. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. Share your trip with us Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your Little Women adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!
Seren Morris

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