10 Things to Do in Boston When it Rains

If you’ve ever wanted to touch a shark, the New England Aquarium can make it happen. The aquarium has a touch tank and encourages everyone to gently touch epaulette sharks and Atlantic and cownose rays.

What better way to spend a rainy day than hanging out with harbour seals and penguins? The New England Aquarium also takes you around the globe, from the Amazon rainforest to exotic coral reefs. The aquarium also has a 5-story cinema where the 3-D images make you feel like you are part of the film.

The Museum of Science is another great rainy-day destination, especially if you’ve got some budding young scientists to entertain. The museum has everything science and even has a Live Animal Care Centre and Insect Zoo & Garden Walk. The museum hosts regular live animal storey time, geared towards the littlest scientists.

In addition to rotating, themed exhibits, the permanent collection features hands-on science activities about wide-ranging topics. Visitors can learn about everything from dinosaurs, human life, and vaccines to exploring the Arctic, artificial intelligence, and the science of colour and light. There is a café on site and some food stations throughout the museum.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Art has more than 100 galleries to peruse and is a great way to spend a quiet day. The renowned collection includes thousands of works of American, Asian, and European Art from ancient to modern times.

Artists represented in the museum’s permanent collection include works by: Georgia O’Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Winslow Homer, and Jackson Pollack, as well as Renoir, Matisse, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. In addition to the fantastic collection, the museum regularly hosts programming like lectures, films, and music, and often has programmes specifically for children and teens.

Boston Public Market is an indoor food market featuring local artisans. It’s definitely a destination for foodies and might be the perfect place to grab lunch if you are in a group of people with different tastes in food. Everything you can buy at the market is sourced directly from New England states.

The indoor food market is open year-round and has samplings of the finest local food in New England. Think fresh seafood and prepared meals, with seasonal and local ingredients. There are 30 New England artisans and food producers on site with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique space that is the result of 1 woman’s vision to create a space for the public to enjoy. The unique space offers music, dance, and contemporary art. It has a sprawling garden courtyard to stroll or find a quiet spot to enjoy the greenery.

You will be delighted at the variety of artwork at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, from European and Asian to American art. You’ll enjoy the cosy space as you view paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and stunning decorative arts.

If it’s the charm of Old Boston you are looking for, City centre Crossing is a shopping district with historic buildings as the backdrop. This pedestrian shopping area is located at the crossroads of Washington, Winter, and Summer streets and is easy to get to by public transit.

City centre Crossing boasts hundreds of retailers and independent jewellers in the historic shopping district. There are major department stores as well as souvenir shops. And if all that shopping makes you hungry, there are many food vendors to sample as you shop.

The Patriots Hall of Fame is a must-see destination if you’ve got a sports fan in your group. Located in Gillette Stadium above the pro shop, the Patriots Hall of Fame is a mini museum to celebrate the championship football team.

This museum is an interactive one, so you’ll get to experience what it feels like to win the Super Bowl; the Super Bowl Experience takes you right inside the Patriots’ 6 championship wins. The Patriots Hall of Fame is open daily and is a great way to spend a rainy day.

The LEGO Discovery Centre is the place to go where kids (of all ages) can interact and play with LEGOs. The LEGO Discovery Centre is in Somerville and recently underwent a renovation to level up the LEGO experience.

Featuring more than 2 million bricks, the LEGO Discovery Centre is a place where you can let your imagination take over to build whatever you can dream. There are themed spaces inside, include a Hero Zone and an area where you can build cars and launch them from ramps. There’s also a store on-site and a café if you need to grab a bite to eat.

Legend has it that Paul Revere was hanging out at this now-famous Revolutionary-era pub when he overheard a plan for the British to invade. The Green Dragon Tavern was established in 1654 and has been a celebrated watering hole ever since. After his infamous eavesdropping here, Paul Revere set out on his legendary ride to warn of the plans to invade nearby Lexington and Concord, the event that started the Revolutionary War.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Green Dragon Tavern regularly hosts live music and comedy. They have a full lunch and dinner menu and plenty of drinks. Eavesdropping is discouraged these days.

If you or a member of your group is looking for some exercise on a rainy day, then the indoor rock-climbing compound at the Boston Bouldering Project might be the perfect spot. In addition to climbing walls and instruction, the indoor rock-climbing gym also has regular yoga and fitness programmes.

The Boston Bouldering Project operates on mostly a membership basis, but there are day-use options if you want to check it out to see if you like climbing. You can rent shoes and gear on site, too.