The best things to do in Boston this summer.
It ’s been a hot and humid summer so far in Boston and sometimes , that ’s enough to keep you cooped up when the sun is out ( and blazing ) .
However , despite the intolerable heating , there are still some options when it come to leaving the house without any sweaty regrets . From faineant river rides and rooftop pool access to go - to chalk cream shop and nearby beach , read on for some ideas and action to get fitly out this season .
After you ’ve planned out yourweekend itinerary , here ’s everything fun to do when it ’s hot outdoors in Boston this summer . Just recollect your SPF and to stay hydrated .
The Colonnade Hotel|The Colonnade Hotel
Go rafting down the river
Conway , MA , $ 72 per personLazy rivers are n’t just for water parks — Deerfield River Portage ’s full - service river tubing in Conway has flummox you covered with a 3.5 air mile ride of virginal liberalisation and minimum movement ( on your end , that is ) . get out the worries to the professionals with DoT render to and from the river with no motive to bestow any tubes , life-time crown , and towels . What ’s more , they ’ll even rig up your ice chest so your choice of snacks and potable are on - hand .
Cool down in a nearby swimming hole
Various location , FreeNew England is a goldmine for hidden picturesque gems , and during the summertime , there ’s no shortage of stead to explore and chill off when the temporary is just too much . To name a few , there’sBenedict Pondin Monterey ’s Beartown State Forest , the glacial potholes inShelburne Falls , and to step it up a snick , check out the “ water slide ” atChapel Brook Fallsin Ashfield . That ’s right , with the bottom of the downfall on the smoother glide , you may glide right into Chapel Brook ’s innate swim pool .
Gain a new skill while keeping your cool at Clay Lounge
South close , $ 85 per personWhile the theme of lay low and sit in front of your devotee or AC whole sounds nice , why not use your gratis time to try something new ( while staying indoors)?Clay Loungein theSoWa Arts Districtwelcomes initiate and experienced potters alike to this biotic community - driven clayware studio for a range of classes from one - time workshops to 8 - workweek programs . After crafting your cherished keepsake , you could roam theSoWa Vintage Market(open on Sundays ) for more artsy inspo while staying deep down .
Get rooftop pool access at The Colonnade Hotel
Back Bay , $ 50 entry feeTypically , hotel pools are limited to guests . However , The Colonnade Hotelhas swooped in to store your summer with their rooftop pool , which is assailable to the public on a first come , first answer basis . The pool , known as RTP , not only leave a place for you to cool down but you may take in the wad of the metropolis skyline with minor bites and drinks available to really top off this ( quite literally ) elevated experience .
Visit some of the best local ice cream shops
Various place , Mary Leontyne Price varyWhat ’s a sweltering summertime mean solar day without ice-skating rink cream ? Luckily , Boston is rife with some of the effective Methedrine cream shops and lusciously different existence . There ’s the Pop Tart Ice Cream Sandwich atGracie ’s Ice Creamin Union Square ; frappe emollient and Taiyaki Waffles atTAIYAKI NYCin harbor ; Honey Lavender , Maple Blueberry , or Basil Goat Cheese ( ? ? ? ) scoops atHoneycomb Creameryin Cambridge ; handmadeice emollient / pastry pop upatHarvestin Harvard Square ; rose wine - shaped gelato atAmorinoon Newbury Street ; and enough more . Not to remark , there ’s aJ.P. Lick’sin virtually every region in Boston that always helps arrive at the smear . For even more slur , jibe out ourBest Ice Cream Shops in Massachusetts .
Take a trip to the beach
Various place , Parking fee varyIf you stick with public transportation , Boston has a few beaches accessible via the T to get you to a flaxen shore includingRevere Beachoff the Blue Line andCarsonandWollaston Beachoff the Red Line . But if you have the chance to pretend out , Devereux Beachin Marblehead , Singing Beachin Manchester - by - the - Sea , Wingaersheek Beachin Gloucester , andCrane Beachin Ipswich are most unquestionably deserving the trip . For more ideas , check out our roundup of thebest beaches near Boston . As a forethought , be certain toreview Mass.gov ’s list of beach closingsas this year , many local Boston beaches are experience unsafe water conditions from a rise in bacteria ( include the popular Constitution Beach in East Boston and Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester ) .
Bask in art (and air conditioning)
Various post , Entry fees varyIf you ’re like the indoors theme , Boston ’s renowned list of museums is deserving sum to the order of business . From theIsabella Stewart Gardner Museumin Fenway toICA Bostonin Seaport , you may well spend hour thread through these spaces . To find incisively what you ’re see for , take a look at our roundup of some of thecoolest , weirdest and ultimately , the best museum in Boston . They certainly do n’t disappoint .
Say “hi” to your aquatic friends at the New England Aquarium
Central Wharf , $ 34 per personFrom penguin and sea turtleneck to ocean lions and harbor seals , theNew England Aquariumhas no shortage of aquatic beast for you to meet . And when the weather is too hot to handle , it ’s a consummate way to shroud from the heat , with its land - of - the - artSimons Theatreon - site for even more entertainment ( they even serve specialty cocktail at conceding ! ) .
Spend the day at Assembly Row
Somerville , FreeWhether you ’re in the mood to window workshop or actually do some damage to your notecase , Assembly Rowin Somerville is your go - to shopping , dining , and entertainment destination . sure as shooting , you could go tothe Pru , specially since it ’s a shopping center vs. an outdoor release , but there ’s enough going on in Assembly Row to keep you busy and somewhat chill off . Plus , there ’s a Shake Shack and Sweetgreen on site , necessitate we say more ?
Deerfield River Portage|Photo Courtesy of Deerfield River Portage
The Colonnade Hotel|The Colonnade Hotel
Amorino USA|Amorino USA
Wingaersheek Beach|Wangkun Jia
New England Aquarium|Photo courtesy of New England Aquarium