Harvard Museum of Natural History

10+ Things to Do in Boston When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

A fun-filled indoorsy itinerary.
By Casey Makovich

Boston is known for its changeable weather, so it's always helpful to have some activities up your (rain jacket) sleeve for surprise showers.

Any true Bostonian will tell you that ‘weather’ is an unacceptable excuse to not do something. Especially when some of the best places to visit in Boston are indoors. So grab your umbrella, zip up your rain jacket, and make the most of your visit. Here are our favorite things to do in Boston when it rains, including...

  • New England Aquarium - must visit!
  • Museum of Fine Art
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
  • and many more!

New England Aquarium

african-penguin-swimming-new-england-aquarium

Get a dose of the outdoors, indoors at the New England Aquarium to learn all about marine life and get up close to all your favorite marine animals. Featured exhibits include Science of Sharks, Amazon Rainforest, Gulf of Maine, and Seadragon Exhibit.  Some of the most popular areas showcase their playful penguins and fascinating jellies. You'll also get the chance to get up close and personal with some of the sea life at the Aquarium's Shark and Ray Touch Tank exhibit.

Getting in: New England Aquarium tickets and a discount on the nearby IMAX are included on all Boston passes.

Rainy day museum-hopping

There’s no better time to go museum-hopping in Boston than when it rains. Get caught up on new exhibits at your favorite museums or finally get around to visiting ones you’ve been meaning to, but haven’t. Museums get you indoors and out of the rain and no matter your interests, there’s a Boston museum to keep you entertained for the day.

Museum of Fine Arts

boston-museum-fine-arts-465-huntington

Swing by the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and take a stroll through galleries featuring works of art ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary with a strong emphasis on Art of the Americas. You’ll see lots of famous works by artists like John Singer Sargent, Degas, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and more.

Getting in: Museum of Fine Arts tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Glass flowers Boston

Visit three museums in one: a Comparative Zoology Museum, a Herbaria Museum, and a Mineralogical and Geological Museum at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. You’ll get to see various natural phenomena from around the world, including large whale skeletons, to a 1,642-pound amethyst geode. You can even touch meteorites from outer space.

A favorite feature of this museum is the "Glass Flowers," a collection of exquisitely crafted glass models of individual flora from around the globe. They're incredibly realistic and truly beautiful.

Getting in: Harvard Museum of Natural History tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Museum of Science

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a day at the Museum of Science. It's one of the world’s largest science centers and Boston’s most visited cultural institution. There are more than 70 hands-on exhibits that explore fascinating topics, such as electricity, physics, biology, astronomy, and more. Their Hall of Human Life is a big hit with visitors and features exhibitions that explore the wonder of the human body.

Getting in: Boston Museum of Science tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Boston Children’s Museum

Boston Children's Museum

Exploring Boston with kids and looking for some family-friendly indoor activities? Visit the Boston Children’s Museum, which has heaps of exhibits geared toward engaging kids and getting them interested in a range of science, culture, environmental awareness, health, and fitness topics.

Getting in: Boston Children’s Museum tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Institute of Contemporary Art

ying-yang-bostons-institute-contemporary-art

Explore what’s new and exciting on the art scene at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), right on the water in the Seaport District. Featuring installations from the hottest contemporary artists, the ICA is at the heart of a flourishing arts scene in Boston. You’ll get to see art in a range of mediums that go beyond typical visual art exhibitions, including music, film, performance, and more.

Getting in: Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

boston-massachusetts-usa-isabella-sewart-garden

Visit the site of the infamous Boston art heist — a crime that remains unsolved — and the home of hundreds of important works of art, ranging from European to Asian and American art. Designed in the style of a 15th-century Venetian palace, the museum itself is considered a work of art worth visiting. You'll also enjoy peering through the windows at their charming gardens (some of which are covered!) to get the full experience.

Getting in: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Peabody Essex Museum

Boston's maritime history is brought to life at the fantastic Peabody Essex Museum, where you'll get the chance to peruse a selection of curiosites collected from foreign lands and brought to America in grand wooden sailing ships.

There are one million works to discover, including manuscripts, shipboard logs, books, and artwork from all over the world, as well as temporary exhibitions and the museum's most famous permanent fixture: an 18th-century Chinese merchant's house transported from China and reassembled in the US.

Founded in 1799, this is America's oldest continuously operating museum and a must-see whether it's rain or shine over Boston.

Getting in: Peabody Essex Museum tickets are included on all Boston passes.

JFK Presidential Library and Museum

presidential-library-boston-sailboat-nearby

Immerse yourself in all aspects of JFK’s presidency. One of America's most iconic leaders, JFK, and his legacy attracts visitors from all over the world. See everything from rare family photos to then-Senator Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign, clips of press interviews, historic artifacts, and more. 

Getting in: JFK Presidential Library and Museum is included on all passes.

Old State House

Old State House

This Boston icon offers visitors an interactive way to explore and experience Boston’s Revolutionary history. With tours and performances occurring every half hour and multi-sensory exhibits in historic period rooms, there’s lots to discover at the Old State House.

Getting in: Old State House tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Get an inside look at the daily operations of the U.S. Senate at this engaging, state-of-the-art exhibition where you can explore topics like how a bill becomes a law, U.S. Senate history, and more. Your visit will leave you with a renewed appreciation and a better understanding of the U.S. political system.

Getting in: Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is separately ticketed.

Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium

Take a walk through the globe and see a rare 1611 edition of the King James Bible at the Mapparium, a unique, three-story, painted-glass globe and museum. It's an especially nice place for families with children, as it focuses on engaging the active mind and encouraging learning.

Getting in: Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium tickets are included on all Boston passes.

More Indoor Activities in Boston LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

A must-see for LEGO® fans aged 3-10, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center features lots of entertaining indoor fun for a rainy day in Boston. Choose from entertaining LEGO®-themed amusements, like the center’s two interactive LEGO® rides, featured films in the 4D cinema, the LEGO® Fire Academy Soft Play Area, and more.

Getting in: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Sam Adams Brewery Tour

portrait-bearded-man-working-brewery-checking

If you love craft beer, Boston is the town for you. Learn about the entire brewing process and see it in action, from start to finish at the Sam Adams Brewery. Visitors over 21 can sample beer after the tour and can receive a complimentary piece of glassware – the perfect souvenir for your trip to Boston.

Another hot spot is the Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall, which is right by the ICA. If you're willing to drive, Night Shift (in Everett) is immensely popular, too.

Getting in: Sam Adams Brewery Tours are free to the public.

Shop at CambridgeSide Galleria

Located in Cambridge, near the Museum of Science, the CambridgeSide Galleria offers over 120 shops ranging from top name-brands to boutiques. A rainy day in Boston is one of the best reasons to spend a little time poking around the shops. There are plenty of dining options in the mall, too, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat during a busy day of sightseeing.

The Shops at Prudential Center

Prudential Center

Located right in Back Bay, The Shops at Prudential Center is one of Boston’s top shopping destinations. You’ll find over 75 shops and restaurants, including Lord & Taylor, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.

Visit Cheers the Bar

Visiting Cheers, the bar featured in the American TV classic Cheers is a Boston must. The Cheers Beacon Hill location has the famous façade of the bar featured in the show while the Cheers Faneuil Hall location is home to an authentic replica of the TV set’s bar interior.

There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing

The city’s history, colonial architecture, and world-famous attractions all make Boston famous. You are sure to find fun and interesting attractions in Boston that are perfect for a rainy day. 

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more. 

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

So grab whichever Boston attraction pass suits you best, and get out there and explore the city's best bits!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

boston
Blog

Where To Stay in Boston

Heading to Boston for your vacation, but wondering which area to hoist your holiday flag? Never fear; we're here to give you the play-by-play on the best districts in the city. Read on, and learn where to stay in Boston! Including: Downtown North End & Waterfront Beacon Hill Seaport Back Bay and more! Downtown Arguably the most popular tourist destination in the city, Boston's Downtown district is also its financial hub. Within, you'll find the biggest collection of landmarks and hotspots, from the Freedom Trail to the Boston Harbor. Given its central position, it's also a great place to use as a home base, with plenty of travel opportunities to neighboring districts. Combine all that with a large number of bars, restaurants, and Independence-inspired attractions, and it's just about perfect for shorter or longer-term stays. If you're wondering where to stay in Boston, Downtown could be just the tip. Plus, given its proximity to the water, you'll also find the delightful New England Aquarium nearby. The perfect stop for kids big and small who love the exotic species that call our oceans home! North End & Waterfront Downtown might be the city's current midpoint, but North End is Boston's oldest district. Settled back in the 1630s, you'll feel the area's history as you walk its streets. There, you'll find the city's 'Little Italy', where many Italian immigrants settled over the years. That means plenty of charming pizzerias and cafes where you can pick up a slice or three. Attraction-wise, you'll find the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House, among many others. And, while you'll be sacrificing the travel connections of Downtown, you'll make up for it with fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay! Beacon Hill Another top tourist choice is Beacon Hill, which has a lot of history packed into its narrow streets. Back in the 19th-century, it was a thriving black community even before the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. As such, an absolute must-see is the Black Heritage Trail, which winds its way through the district. Other notable attractions include the Nicols House Museum and the Massachusetts State House. Alongside all the things to see, you'll find plenty to eat and drink too! There are plenty of places to eat on Charles St and Cambridge St, with a wide variety of globe-spanning cuisines available. You'll also be in sneezing distance of Boston Common, the city's biggest green space. It's the perfect place to go and unwind if your legs need a rest on your vacation. Seaport These days, Seaport is one of Boston's most attractive vacation destinations. Given its name, you can expect amazing views of the waterfront and a bevy of eateries, watering holes, and other tourist trappings. However, that wasn't always the case. Only ten years ago, it was a relatively barren area of car lots and the grizzled fishing docks. Modern Seaport has all the usual suspects you'd expect from a modern American city. You've got your craft beers at Harpoon Brewery, your prime seafood at Legal Sea Foods, and your upmarket steaks at Del Frisco's. For the little ones, there's Boston Children's Museum, and for the rest of us, there's a wealth of shops, snack bars, and The Lawn on D for fun and games! Back Bay Looking for the perfect mix of bustling Boston and the charming residential districts? Look no further than Back Bay. There, you'll find a wealth of shopping opportunities, from local boutiques to nationwide chains. This sophisticated area of the city also has plenty of cozy art galleries, hidden cafes, and great sea views. It also backs onto Boston Common, if you're looking for a big green space with plenty to do. As far as landmarks and attractions, you have to go and see Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, two of the city's most recognizable icons. And, if you want to see more of the city, it has great travel connections and is in walking distance of Downtown and Bay Village! South End Boston's own boho-chic location is undeniably South End. It's about as far removed from tourism as you can get, for better or worse. While that means there won't be as many attractions to see or landmarks to snap, it does mean you'll find an amazing selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Along Columbus Ave, you'll discover a boatload of cafes, taverns, and our pick, Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe. Great food in great time, head there early to sample one of their many delicious breakfast options! For a classier night on the town, check out Barcelona Wine Bar. Their menu is dripping with delicious New American dishes, and their wine selection is predictably sublime. And, on top of all that, there's a burgeoning art scene in SoWa, where you can find plenty of independent galleries and pick up a piece for your home, if you're in the market for some unique art! West End Unlike London's renowned district, Boston's West End is bereft of the arts. In fact, arguably its biggest landmark is Massachusetts General Hospital. However, while it might not have a lot going on within, it's a stone's throw from Downtown and North End, has a smattering of restaurants, and, perhaps best of all, it's relatively cheap. If that sounds good to you, head east, and you'll find most of the nightlife. The likes of Bodega Canal and Tavern in the Square have you sorted for good food and drinks, and West End Johnnie's does a mean burger. You may miss the variety present in other Boston districts, but you make up for it with affordable hotels and a range of decent to excellent Airbnbs at a reasonable price! Cambridge We may have cheated here, as Cambridge is its own city. And yes, you may have to cross the Charles River to actually get there from Boston proper. However, it's here that cultural powerhouses MIT and Harvard reside. Two of the world's best higher education institutions in one city. Not bad. Cambridge is massive, so you may need some wheels if you want to get about easily. If you do, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Art Museums. And, while you're there, why not take a tour of the university? And those are our recommendations for where to stay in Boston! Want more? Check out the city's best museums.
Dom Bewley
Boston
Blog

Top 10 Things to Do in Boston for First Time Visitors

Here are some of the most popular and top 10 things to do in Boston for first-time visitors. From cruises and tours to museums and historical sites, there’s something to appeal to every interest.
Katie Sagal
A snowy scene in Boston
Blog

Things to do in Boston in December

One of the oldest European settlements in North America, but no enemy of the contemporary, visits to the Massachusetts state capital marry revolutionary history with a great mix of modern sights. Not even wintry New England weather forecasts can dampen the gaiety of Boston in December. The chance of snowfall and its open-air ice rinks makes it one of the most festive destinations this side of Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. A great alternative to the crowded sidewalks of New York, Boston has no end of charm leading up to the festive and New Year celebrations. Not convinced December is a good time to visit Boston? Check out all the things to do in Boston in December right here. Check out the historic harbor If you’re looking for the heart and soul of Boston, you’ll want to turn your attention to its expansive harborside. Etched with creeks, rivers and wharves, its waters were the ignition point for the American Revolutionary War when protestors poured an entire shipment of tea into it – an extraordinary insult to any Englishman. Reenactments take place at Old South Meeting House on December 16. A different view of harbor life can be had at Boston’s New England Aquarium on Central Wharf. Spanning the globe’s seas and oceans, it’s home to a fascinating variety of life usually hidden beneath the waves, be that the sharks, turtles and corals of the magnificent 760,000 liter Caribbean habitat or the octopus of the Pacific Northwest tanks. Cross by the artworks dotting Rose Kennedy Greenway and you’re just a couple of streets away from Faneuil Hall Marketplace. A shopping precinct that has been serving Bostonians since 1743, it hosts a popular December holiday market, but is better known for its street performers. Do some last minute shopping Faneuil Hall certainly isn’t the only market in town, with options ranging from European-style Christmas markets serving up steaming mugs of mulled wine and gingerbread to authentic New England craft fairs where you’ll find knitted hats, gloves and other handicrafts. Out of the city center, Harvard Square Holiday Market in Cambridge and Kilroy Square Market in Quincy are ones to keep a close eye on. Swapping Cambridge Massachusetts for Boston’s Cambridge Street you’ll be only a few hundred meters from the Charles River Esplanade and the Cheers Bar. Used for the exterior shots of the 1980s sitcom, and containing a replica of the program’s bar, it also has a charming location overlooking the city’s Public Garden and Common. Fill up on Christmas cheer Right at the heart of Boston’s Christmas festivities, Boston Common is the location for the annual switch on of the city’s lights by its mayor, with a decorated Christmas tree forming the backdrop for the evening. Elsewhere in Boston the arching trellises of Christopher Columbus Park twinkle with fairy lights whilst Blink! back at Faneuil Hall Marketplace usually boasts the northeast’s largest Christmas tree. Around 24 m (or seven stories) tall, it sits alongside more than a quarter of a million individual LEDs. If that wasn’t enough, the common’s Frog Pond becomes something like a scene out of Frozen. Skaters can take a turn on the ice before cheering on the Bruins ice hockey team at The Garden Arena. And although it’s not baseball season, it’s still possible to take a tour of one of the most famous ballparks in America – the Red Sox’s Fenway Park. Line up the snow day activities The mildest month of the Boston winter, average temperatures are still less than balmy with highs of 5°C and overnight lows of -2°C. With rain, sleet and snow all possibilities, it’s wise to mix up any Boston December itinerary with indoor and outdoor alternatives. Thankfully, Boston has an extraordinary array of museums to lose a few hours – if not a few days – in. Top of the list has to be the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. One of the largest galleries in the world, its artworks are by greats from Claude Monet to Andy Warhol. History buffs won’t want to miss the historic ship USS Constitution and its next-door museum. Forming part of Boston’s Freedom Trail, the museum details the vital role the ship lovingly known as ‘Old Ironsides’ (despite having a wooden hull) played during the War of 1812 against the British. She technically remains on active service with the US Navy more than 200 years after her construction. Keep the kids entertained It’s multitude of waterways, parks and museums makes Christmas in Boston a perfect treat for the kids. The dinosaur skeletons and taxidermy animals at Harvard Museum of Natural History provide an excellent introduction to the natural world. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston will delight and inspire young minds whatever the weather may be doing outside. To give them a bird’s eye view of all the city has to offer, head to the observation deck on the 26th floor of the harborside Marriott Customs House Tower, or climb the 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. A Washington Monument in miniature, it was built to commemorate the first battle of America’s Revolutionary War. New Year Events in Boston As well as a whole host of Christmas events, Boston sees in the new year with equal amounts of aplomb. Known as First Night, the celebrations of December 31 include a mini-fireworks display at 7PM so younger children don’t have to miss out on the fun. This is followed by a grander display over the harbor at midnight, only rivalled by those of Independence Day on July 4. Copley Square hosts its own pyrotechnic display, and a People’s Procession takes place down Boylston Street from Copley Square to Boston Common from 6PM. Gala concerts take place in venues big and small to ensure the new year starts as it means to go on. Save on December Boston attraction admission No one wants to have to skimp when on vacation. There’s no worse feeling than wanting to do something but knowing you can’t really afford it. Explore with Go City and this feeling can be a thing of the past! How so? We work hard with attractions to allow you the freedom to do what you want, when you want, whilst making incredible savings.
Ian Packham

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon