19 Unique Indoor Activities In Boston To Try Next Time It Rains (2024)
- Date: April 4, 2024
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Nina Gunther-Segal
Source: Peerspace
Residents of—and visitors to—Boston: please don’t despair when the weather turns gray! You might have been looking forward to enjoying Boston’s outdoor attractions, and we don’t blame you, but the variety of indoor activities in Boston that you have to choose from are equally awesome.
Keep reading and our list of 19 suggestions for indoor activities in Boston will ensure you stay occupied and entertained on your next rainy day, no matter your budget or preferences.
1. Gaze at marine life at the New England Aquarium
This is an incredibly popular indoor activity in Boston. So our first recommendation is to buy tickets to the New England Aquarium in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. If you do choose to go here when the weather is inclement, you’ll see penguins, seals, sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, octopuses, and of course, countless species of fish.
2. Learn something new at the Boston Museum of Science
At the Boston Museum of Science, the list of exhibits can include everything from a deep dive into artificial intelligence to an “insect zoo” where you can warm up while examining fascinating insects and plants from around the world.
3. Throw a spontaneous party at a Peerspace venue in Boston
We believe that you don’t need an excuse to throw a party! The simple fact that you want to have fun with a group of friends and loved ones is enough of a reason in and of itself. If you agree with us, consider throwing a party—on a unique theme of your choice, or with no particular theme at all—at a Peerspace venue in Boston.
Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly event venue rentals and is by far the best platform for discovering amazing private spaces in Boston where you might want to host a party.
Here are several great examples of event spaces in Boston that are available for rental through Peerspace:
- It’s hard to imagine a better place to hang out than this modern club room in South Boston. The space even comes with a kitchen, in case you and your friends plan on preparing any food or drinks during your party. There’s also a pool table and two 55-inch HD TVs, ensuring you won’t run out of activities during your gathering. And for those truly cozy rainy day vibes, the fireplace is an especially lovely touch!
- This contemporary rooftop lounge and deck offers sweeping views of Boston. Although you may not want to spend time on the deck, you’re sure to appreciate the views regardless of the weather. And the comfy, flexible seating is an excellent addition, with couches, club chairs, and tables to choose from. The wet bar with a wine fridge, warming drawers, and other features is also super useful for parties.
- This event space near Logan Airport is an ideal venue for gatherings of up to 75 people. It’s roughly 1,100 square feet of space containing an open cafe-style space in the front with bar and countertops as well as a lounge in the back with couches and fireplaces.
Ready to search for Boston venues on Peerspace yourself? Once you’ve made your initial search, filter the search results based on the criteria that matter to you, whether that’s hourly price, number of party guests, the aesthetic of the space, date and time of the party, etc.). This ensures you only see venues that’ll actually work for your event needs.
4. Buy a book at one of the oldest used bookstores in the country
The Brattle Book Shop is one of the oldest and largest antiquarian bookshops in the United States, having been established in 1825 and boasting three floors of books to explore as well as an outside sale lot. Book lovers will adore visiting this historic destination!
5. Get delicious dim sum in a unique location at Empire Garden Restaurant
Empire Garden Restaurant serves delicious dim sum in a former movie theater with soaring ceilings and a unique ambiance. It’s an indoor activity in Boston that’s definitely worth the trip.
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6. Explore a lesser-known side of Boston history at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum
Anyone with an interest in history, engineering, architecture, or public health will appreciate a visit to the Waterworks Museum. It’s at the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir, which was Boston’s water source until the 1970s.
7. Have a blast at South Boston Candlepins
Have you ever heard of candlepin bowling? It’s a form of bowling that’s popular in New England, so it’s especially worth trying if you’re visiting from another region. Interestingly, candlepin bowling is harder than regular (tenpin) bowling. So if you like a challenge, you’ll especially appreciate this indoor activity in Boston. South Boston Candlepins is the highest-rated bowling alley in Boston, with friendly service and a traditional feel.
8. Experience a unique form of mini golf at Project: PUTT!
The creators of Project: PUTT! Describe it as a place “where mad science meets minigolf.” If this sounds cool to you, visit their twelve-hole mini-golf course for some mind-boggling challenges.
9. See stunning works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts is widely considered to be one of the most impressive art museums in the world. With almost 500,000 works of art across more than 100 galleries, you definitely won’t run out of things to see when you choose this indoor activity in Boston.
10. Visit the beautiful and historic Boston Public Library
The Boston Library was the country’s first free library funded by the government and is significant enough to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are more than 20 million items here, and it’s free to visit, so it’s a great choice for a rainy day.
11. Buy local goods at the Boston Public Market
Perhaps you were hoping to go to a farmers market, but the idea is less appealing now that the weather has turned rainy. If so, head to the Boston Public Market instead to peruse the local food, meals, crafts, and more offered at the 35 stands here. Everything at the market is sourced from New England, so you can be sure it’s fresh and didn’t travel far to get to you.
12. See a stunning performance at the Boston Ballet
To see talented ballet dancers perform incredible choreography, buy tickets to one of the Boston Ballet’s upcoming performances on their website here.
13. Grab a drink at the Boston Harbor Distillery
Head to Boston’s waterfront to visit the Boston Harbor Distillery, where you can choose from drinks made at the distillery: whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, and distilled beer. They also offer tours and live music, especially on the weekends.
14. Or taste a variety of wines at the Boston Winery
Perhaps you’re more of an oenophile than a lover of spirits like whiskey and rum. In that case, you might want to spend the day at the Boston Winery, where you can taste award-winning wines made with grapes sourced from around the world. They even offer classes on making your own wine!
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15. Treat yourself to some luxury goods at Copley Place
Love shopping for luxury goods from Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and other designer brands? You’ll have 50 luxury brands to choose from at Copley Place, which is also conveniently situated in the Back Bay near tons of other restaurants and destinations. Here’s a full list of all the stores at Copley Place to help you decide whether it’s worth a visit.
16. Laugh your butt off at Improv Asylum
Love watching improvisational and sketch comedy like Whose Line Is It Anyway and Saturday Night Live? Then you’ll probably get a real kick out of seeing a show at Improv Asylum, one of Boston’s top comedy theaters. It’s the perfect way to cheer yourself up when the weather is glum and uninspiring!
17. Get dinner and a movie all at once at Alamo Drafthouse Boston
Never been to one of their locations? The great thing about Alamo Drafthouse is that they serve drinks, cocktails, and delicious meals right to your seat while you watch that movie you’ve been dying to see in theaters. They offer popular movies as well as indie films to choose from.
18. Jump into virtual reality at Key to Amaze VR
Have you ever experienced virtual reality before? Whether or not you have, we’re willing to bet you haven’t experienced it like this. Choose from dozens of cool thematic experiences at Key to Amaze VR, from immersive mini golf to potentially terrifying zombie shooter games.
19. Unwind at the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Back Bay
Ready to spend a full day at the spa enjoying massages, facials, and other deeply relaxing spa treatments? The vast majority of spa-going Bostonians agree that the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Back Bay is the best place to do so.
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