Don't let rain dampen your weekend plans! Our list of best Boston activities for rainy days will get you happily through the wettest weather. This list of the 9 best Boston activities for rainy days will give you plenty of suggestions so that drizzles or downpours won't turn your weekend in the city into a wash-out.
1. Spend a day at a museum
Spending a day in a museum is a time-honored way of avoiding bad weather - rainy days, steamy days, snowy days. With over 30 museums to choose from, finding one to fit your interests shouldn't be a problem. If the kids are coming along, head to the Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium, or Museum of Science.
If it’s just the teens and adults, try the Museum of Fine Arts. The Boston Public Library, although technically not a museum, overflows with museum-quality art and artifacts and offers the additional advantage of being free.
2. Get some indoor exercise
One of Boston's best-kept secrets are our bowling alleys. Easiest to get to by T in the rain is Kings (50 Dalton St), close to Prudential Center in Back Bay. Great for family fun before 6pm (and for 21+ after.) The big screens, drinks, and food will add to your enjoyment.
3. Go to a movie
Even if you're normally addicted to Netflix when you're at home, going to a movie and grabbing a bite to eat on a rainy day can be a lot of fun. For movie theaters showing first run commercial films, check Loew's Boston Common 19 or Fenway Regal Theatre. For indie films, foreign films, and repertory film series that defy description, see what's playing at the Brattle Theatre near the Harvard Square T station in Cambridge.
4. Watch a game or concert at the Garden . . .
TD Garden, home to the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, and frequent site of star-studded concerts, ice shows, and occasionally even the circus, is right next to North Station (Orange and Green T lines). Check Ace Tickets to find out what's scheduled and get tickets.
5. . . . or go to the theater or a comedy show
Boston theaters present everything from Broadway musicals to cutting edge drama. Going to a show is a favorite Boston activity - you'll find a huge number of choices! The most convenient locations for staying dry in the rain are the downtown Theatre District and the Huntington Theatre in Fenway. Check Ticketmaster to find out what's showing!
6. Try a rainy day walk to explore and shop in the heart of Downtown Boston
A walk on a rainy day gives you the chance to see the city from a new perspective. Start at beautiful Boston Common, then walk along the Freedom Trail - end at the Downtown Crossing shopping area where you'll find fascinating small shops as well as a huge Macy's. This route covers less than a mile so you won't actually be in the rain very long - plus you can always pop into a store, coffee bar, or restaurant along the way if the rain gets harder.
7. Follow in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes
Hang out at one of the historic Boston bars where the Sons of Liberty plotted their tea party and dreamed of revolution. Or enjoy a leisurely meal in one of Boston's historic restaurants such as Durgin Park and the Union Oyster House, where generations of Bostonians have eaten basically the same traditional New England dishes that you'll be served.
All of these places are very close to Faneuil Hall / Quincy Marketplace and several T stops.
8. Enjoy sweeping views of Boston
Well, the views may not be "sweeping" if the rain is heavy. On a blue-sky day, you might want to experience the panoramic views of the city from the Prudential Skywalk. But don't pay out good money for Skywalk Observatory tickets on a dismal day! Instead, head up to the Top of the Hub. Sit in the bar or lounge and order one of the specialty cocktails for about the same money you might have spent on Skywalk tickets.You'll still be able to see some of the city unless the rain turned into a nor'easter. If that happens, order another drink. If you stay long enough, you can enjoy the live jazz which begins on most nights after 8pm.
9. Shop
Shopping can be lots of fun on bad weather days. Remember! you don't have to pay sales tax in Massachusetts for clothing costing under $175. Three Boston shopping malls are easily reachable by T or on foot - Prudential Center, Copley Place, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace (aka Quincy Market). Or consider Assembly Row factory stores - only 5 minutes from Downtown by T (subway).
