10 Indoor Activities You Can Do On A Rainy Day In Boston
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A rainy day in Boston can seem like such a downer, especially if you have been planning your trip into this historic city for a long time. However, there are still some ways you can enjoy Boston while avoiding the rainy day weather. Boston has so much to offer indoors with museums, restaurants, cafes and so much more. Here are some indoor activities you can do in Boston on a rainy day to keep yourself nice and dry while still enjoying the city.
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is a perfect place to chill for a while if you’re looking for something out of the hustle and bustle of the city. The Boston Public Library is an incredibly historic location in Boston that is often overlooked, and it is the second largest library in the country, behind the Library of Congress. With its stunning architecture and large collection of books and films, the Boston Public Library offers a ton for you to do as you wait out the rain. You can simply wander the halls and look at all of the art, or even attend one of the Library’s events. The Library also has a cafe so you can snag a snack and warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Museum of Science
This museum is a fun trip for people of all ages, and is a perfect place to get out of the rain for a bit. The Museum of Science is constantly offering unique and fun temporary exhibitions with artifacts from all over the world. Some previous exhibitions include “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” and “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” The museum also holds numerous fun and fascinating permanent exhibits and features a planetarium, a butterfly garden and an Omni theater. However you decide to spend your day at the Museum of Science, you’ll be sure to be entertained as you stay dry on a rainy day.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
While this museum might not look too pretty from the outside, the inside of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is stunning and rich with history. This museum is famous for the theft in 1990, where 13 pieces were stolen, and the frames remain empty on the walls. The paintings in this museum are breathtaking, with gorgeous landscape paintings and more abstract pieces. There are also some fascinating and detailed statues throughout the museum. One of the museum’s biggest draws is its stunning courtyard, which is filled with a luscious garden and beautiful landscaping. If you’re looking for simply a beautiful place to spend your day in Boston while staying dry, check this museum out.
Prudential Center
If you’re looking to get some shopping done but want to stay in the downtown area, the prudential center is the perfect place to be. Whether you’re in the mood to shop for clothes, makeup, books or accessories, the Prudential Center will have a shop for you. Most of the stores in this shopping center are mid-range in price, so you won’t be spending too much when shopping here. Even if you aren’t looking to make any purchases, you can simply browse over 75 stores in the mall. There are also multiple restaurants for you to choose from, including the Cheesecake Factory or Eataly. If you want a view of the Boston skyline, the Prudential Center Observatory offers gorgeous views of the city, even in the rain. If you’re looking for a place to spend your entire rainy day in Boston, give the Prudential Center a try.
New England Aquarium
If you’re looking for an aquatic experience without getting wet, the New England Aquarium is an excellent place to stop by. The center of the aquarium holds a cylindrical fish tank that contains over 200,000 gallons of saltwater and over 1,000 animals. There is a pathway that leads around the tank and takes you all the way to the top, where you can sometimes spot employees feeding the fish and turtles. At the base of the tank, there’s a penguin exhibit with two different species of penguins. There’s a lot of fascinating animals to see and tons of great photo opportunities by the fish tanks.
Boston Public Market
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the Boston Public Market. Located right near Quincy Market and the North End, this indoor marketplace features 30 vendors that offer fresh food, prepared meals, and crafts. Every vendor is from the New England area, and you can find places that sell fish, pastries, crepes, pasta, bagels and more. If you want to support local New England businesses and have a satisfying meal away from the rain, check out this unique marketplace.
Museum of Fine Arts
One of Boston’s more well-known museums, the Museum of Fine Arts carries over 500,000 pieces of art and features well known artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. The MFA also offers five different dining options and a gift shop with a variety of items to take home with you. With so many incredible exhibitions and collections to check out, you can spend your entire rainy day wandering the halls of this beautiful museum.
Seaport Restaurants
If you’re looking for a short term option to get out of the rain, or are heading into the city for the evening, option for a restaurant in the trending Seaport district is an excellent option. Whether you want to restaurant hop or stay at one place for a while and grab a few drinks, there are plenty of restaurants to try out. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, Pink Taco is an excellent choice. If you’re going for Italian food, Tuscan Kitchen will hit the spot. There are so many incredible, newly opened restaurants to choose from to keep you out of the rain.
Sam Adams Boston Brewery
If you love a good pint of beer, then check out the tours at Sam Adams Brewery. On this tour, you’ll learn about this history of beer in Boston, the progression of the Sam Adams brand, and how the Sam Adams beer is made. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to sample drinks from the Boston Beer company. Additionally, you can check out the Boston Brewery Beer Garden, where you can try dozens of different beers and ciders.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
If you love American history, this architecturally gorgeous museum and library is an excellent place to drop by. This museum dives deep into the life of John F. Kennedy and his family, and offer beautiful views of the Boston Harbor. There are also several media galleries and interactive experiences you can take a look at. If you need a bite to eat during your visit, you can check out the JFK Cafe, which gives you a stunning view of the city’s skyline and harbor.
Although rainy days in Boston might seem like they’ll be a bummer, there are still plenty of things that the city has to offer. Hopefully this list helps you prepare for you next trip to Boston or helps you with any last minute changes.
Lara Hill is a senior Public Relations major at Emerson College from Groton, Massachusetts. She has contributed to several college publications, holding multiple editing positions and focusing mainly on sports journalism. When she is not in class or writing, she loves to sail, watch sports with her friends and family, sing with her sisters, and play with her dog, Cassie.