Rainy days in Boston don’t have to be dreary. The city is packed with fascinating indoor activities, from historical tours and museums to interactive experiences and cozy entertainment.
Whether you’re seeking culture, education, or a way to pass the time while staying dry, there’s something for everyone. Here are 35 fun indoor activities in Boston that will keep you entertained even on the rainiest days.
Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is one of Boston’s premier cultural institutions. With thousands of works spanning centuries, you can explore exhibits that include ancient artifacts, contemporary art, and everything in between.
Learn at the Boston Museum of Science
The Museum of Science is perfect for families and offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and even an IMAX theater. It’s a fantastic place to dive into the wonders of technology, biology, space, and more.
Visit the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a great place to marvel at marine life on a rainy day. Watch penguins, sea turtles, and thousands of fish swim in the massive ocean tank or catch a show at the aquarium’s IMAX theater.
Walk Through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
For art lovers, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum provides an intimate look at European, Asian, and American art collections housed in a Venetian-style palace. The museum itself is as much of a masterpiece as the art it holds.
Go to the Boston Children’s Museum
The Boston Children’s Museum is an interactive playground for young minds. It offers hands-on exhibits encouraging learning through play, making it an excellent option for families with kids.
Catch a Show at the Boston Opera House
The Boston Opera House is the perfect indoor escape if you love performing arts. The venue hosts performances in a beautiful, historic setting, from ballet to Broadway productions.
Explore the Boston Public Library
Take refuge in the stunning Boston Public Library. In addition to its extensive collection of books, the library offers art exhibits, author talks, and a tranquil reading room—perfect for escaping a rainy day.
Take a Tour of the Massachusetts State House
You can take a guided tour of the Massachusetts State House for free and learn about the state’s rich history. The tours also give you an inside look at the state’s legislative process and historic architecture.
Get Creative at the Clay Room
The Clay Room in Brookline offers a chance to channel your inner artist. Whether painting pottery or working with clay, this is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon creating something personal and unique.
See a Movie at Coolidge Corner Theatre
This independent movie theater in Brookline is perfect for cinephiles. Catch a classic film or the latest indie release in a cozy, art-deco setting ideal for a rainy day.
Enjoy the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library
Step inside a three-story, stained-glass globe at the Mapparium, where you can explore the world’s geography as it was in 1935. This unique attraction also offers insights into history, art, and science.
Browse Through the Harvard Museum of Natural History
A short trip across the river brings you to the Harvard Museum of Natural History. This museum offers a fascinating look at the natural world with exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites.
Take a Tour of Fenway Park
If you’re a baseball fan, don’t let the rain stop you from experiencing Fenway Park. Guided tours of this historic ballpark offer a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the Boston Red Sox, including its famous Green Monster.
Challenge Yourself at Boda Borg
Boda Borg in Malden is an interactive experience where you can work with friends to complete physical and mental challenges. It’s a fun and immersive indoor adventure with rooms ranging from puzzles to obstacle courses.
Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Dive into American history at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. This fascinating museum showcases artifacts, documents, and multimedia exhibits related to the life and presidency of JFK.
Spend Time at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Located just outside the city, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Somerville is a fantastic family spot. With LEGO building areas, rides, and a 4D cinema, it offers hours of creative indoor fun.
Go Ice Skating at Warrior Ice Arena
You can enjoy ice skating at Warrior Ice Arena even in the rain. Home to the Boston Bruins’ practice facility, the arena offers public skating sessions and skating lessons for all ages.
Check Out the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to relive a pivotal moment in American history. The interactive exhibits and live reenactments make this an educational and entertaining experience.
Relax at Eataly Boston
Located in the Prudential Center, Eataly is a massive Italian marketplace where you can shop for gourmet ingredients, enjoy a meal, or participate in a cooking class. It’s a great way to stay dry while indulging in delicious food.
Take a Cooking Class at Sur La Table
Sur La Table offers hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to prepare everything from pasta to pastries. It’s a fun way to improve your culinary skills while staying indoors.
Explore the Paul Revere House
Step back in time with a visit to the Paul Revere House, one of Boston’s oldest buildings. Learn about the life of the famous patriot and see what Boston looked like during the American Revolution.
Visit the Museum of African American History
Boston’s Museum of African American History provides a detailed look at the African American experience in New England. It features exhibits on abolitionism, the Civil Rights Movement, and influential African American figures.
Go Bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment
Kings is a popular spot in Boston for bowling, arcade games, and delicious food. It’s a lively indoor destination perfect for groups looking for fun and games on a rainy day.
Take a Yoga Class at YogaWorks
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, YogaWorks offers yoga classes for all skill levels. It’s a peaceful way to spend a rainy day focusing on mindfulness and fitness.
Explore the MIT Museum
The MIT Museum in Cambridge showcases cutting-edge innovations and technology through interactive exhibits. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the future, from robots to holograms.
Challenge Yourself at Escape the Room Boston
Gather a group of friends and try to solve the puzzles at Escape the Room Boston. With themed rooms and timed challenges, this is an exciting way to test your wits and work together.
Discover the Boston Fire Museum
The Boston Fire Museum offers exhibits on the history of firefighting in Boston. Visitors can see vintage fire trucks and old firefighting gear and learn about the city’s historic fires.
Attend a Performance at the Huntington Theatre
For theater lovers, the Huntington Theatre offers a range of performances, from classic plays to contemporary productions. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening of culture and entertainment.
Relax at Trident Booksellers & Café
Trident Booksellers & Café is an independent bookstore and café where you can browse books, enjoy a meal, and relax with a coffee. It’s the perfect spot for a rainy day retreat.
Visit the Old State House Museum
The Old State House Museum offers a look at Boston’s colonial history. Explore exhibits about the American Revolution and the building’s role in shaping the city’s identity.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel
Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon tea at the Boston Harbor Hotel. It’s a sophisticated and relaxing way to escape the rain and enjoy gourmet treats.
See the Stars at the Hayden Planetarium
Part of the Museum of Science, the Hayden Planetarium offers stunning shows about the cosmos. In this immersive indoor experience, watch as the universe unfolds before your eyes.
Try Virtual Reality at MindTrek VR
MindTrek VR in Woburn offers a cutting-edge virtual reality experience. It’s a thrilling indoor adventure for tech enthusiasts, where you can step into fully immersive worlds.
Visit the Boston Symphony Orchestra
For lovers of classical music, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a must-see. Attend a concert and enjoy the beautiful acoustics of Symphony Hall while escaping the rainy weather.
Check Out the Peabody Essex Museum
Located in nearby Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum features art and culture exhibits worldwide. It’s an excellent indoor option for art lovers and history buffs.
Rainy days in Boston don’t mean you have to stay inside feeling bored. The city offers many fun indoor activities that will keep you entertained, whether exploring world-class museums, catching a show, or indulging in gourmet treats. With so much to do, you’ll hardly notice the weather outside as you immerse yourself in Boston’s culture and entertainment.