10 Cool Activities to Do in Boston

Follow the intriguing 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that commemorates 16 locations significant to Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War. Start your tour at America’s oldest public park, Boston Common, and enjoy the vast expanses of greenery before moving on. Other sites include the Park Street Church, the Old Corner Bookstore, Faneuil Hall, and the U.S. Navy’s oldest warship, the USS Constitution, in Charlestown's Navy Yard.

Your tour will finish at the Bunker Hill monument, which has its own museum right across the street. Along the way you’ll encounter exhibits that’ll provide interesting information, and there’s an online brochure available.

Root for the home team, the Red Sox, at the nation’s most famous ballpark, Fenway Park, west of downtown Boston. The main season is March to September, and every game brings in thousands of sports-mad locals and visitors so book well in advance if you can.

If you can’t see a game, book a Fenway Park tour to learn about legendary players, victories, and the stadium’s rich history. Not only will you get to see behind-the-scenes, but guides will also show you the Living Museum collection, which includes prestigious artifacts and souvenirs.

Experience winter wonderland magic with a spin on Boston Common's icy Frog Pond. Open from mid-November to mid-March, this huge rink attracts skaters of all levels, from beginners to aspiring athletes. Don't worry if you don't have your own skates, as they're available to rent. Lessons are available too, in figure skating and ice hockey, by the Skating Academy.

The Frog Pond proudly hosts free figure skating shows if you'd prefer to watch rather than try it yourself. The charming café stays open until late, too, to keep you fueled while you skate, and you’ll find all the trees illuminated with colorful fairy lights after dark.

Discover Boston’s waterfront district along the Harborwalk, a winding pathway along Boston Harbor that connects 8 neighborhoods including Charlestown, North End, Seaport District, and Dorchester. It's near continuous for 43 miles and boasts a staggering 40 parks and 9 beaches. Countless trails are available for you to explore, and other sporting activities include swimming, beach volleyball, and cycling.

There are some spectacular waterfront views to enjoy too, whether you decide to take a stroll or energetic run day or night. You won’t need to look far if you’re in need of something to eat or drink either, as cafes and restaurants line most of the walkway.

The Boston Duck Tours are a huge favorite with tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. See Boston from a unique perspective by traveling through the city in a replica World War II amphibious landing vehicle, adorned with charming yellow ducks. Hear about Boston’s history from knowledgeable “Conducktors” as you pass by the golden-domed State House, Quincy Market, and more, before splashing into the Charles River for sweeping Boston views.

Tours depart from the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and the Prudential Center, all of which are situated close to public transport. If there’s a big group of you, consider purchasing a package in partnership with local restaurants and attractions.

Take to the sea around the Boston Harbor Islands with experienced park rangers on an ecofriendly kayak tour from Grape Island. Whether you’re at an advanced level or a complete beginner, everyone will enjoy a paddle through the locks and channels. Along the way, your ranger or guide will share stories about the local area and Boston’s history to really enrich the experience.

If the guided tour doesn’t interest you, rent a canoe from the marina and explore the water at your own pace. Glide among the islands, see surrounding bird life, and stop for picnics on route. It’s a fantastic way to see the sights from a new perspective.

Work up a sweat and see Boston's incredible sights on 2 wheels during an urban cycle tour. Many tour operators offer varied and customizable tours that allow you to see exactly what you want with top-of-the-range cycles. See Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, its vibrant harbor, and popular landmarks like Fenway Park and the Commons, either with an experienced guide or on a self-led tour.

For something truly special, join the Boston Bike Party, a mass bicycle ride through the streets on the second Friday evening of the month. Cyclists of all levels are free to join in and participants are encouraged to dress up and adorn their bikes with lights, which look awesome when night falls.

Support the Boston Celtics basketball team or the Boston Bruins ice-hockey team with sports-crazy Boston fans at the TD Garden arena, in downtown Boston near the North End. Enjoy intense games against rivals in this state-of-the-art 19,600 seater stadium.

Between games, pay a visit to the Sports Museum and the Boston Bruins Heritage Hall to learn about Boston's love of sports through specialist tours and exhibits. You might even get the chance to play on an interactive game table or test your slapshot on a hockey simulator. Remember that the arena accepts contactless payments only, but you can convert your cash to prepaid cards for buying snacks, drinks, and merch.

As spring arrives, the Swan Boats make their debut in the Boston Public Garden, a vast botanical garden on Charles Street. Operated for over 100 years by the same family, these unique vessels offer a gentle trip around the Public Garden Lagoon, gliding past flowering scenery and sculptures.

The grassy lawns make wonderful spots for a summer picnic but be sure to leave the frisbee and ball games for the Commons. You could take your dog for a relaxing stroll through the gardens, providing you keep them on a leash.

With time on your side, sneak in a day’s skiing on Loon Mountain in nearby New Hampshire, a 2-hour drive away. Enjoy the variety of runs at this family-friendly resort, which also has cross-country trails and a terrain park for snowboarders.

It’s not just about the winter sports, either. Test your stamina on the outdoor ninja course or traverse the 12.5 miles of bike trails. The glacial caves at the peak are a big highlight, as kids and adults love scrambling over the granite and exploring this Ice Age cavern. And don’t forget the reward that comes from a simple hike. The trails surrounding the resort provide stunning views of the White Mountains. Just don’t forget your comfy shoes.