Any true Bostonian will tell you that "weather" is an unacceptable excuse for not doing something. Especially when some of the best places to visit in Boston are closed. So grab your umbrella, zip up your jacket, and make the most of your visit by checking out some of these ideas for things to do in Boston when it's raining.
Looking for fun things to do indoors?
Admission to many of the following activities is available on the Go Boston® Card. Choose from dozens of fun attractions on the fly and save up to 55% off combined admission when paying at the door.Some of the indoor activities available include…
- New England Aquarium - a must visit!
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
- And much more!
New England Aquarium
Enjoy nature indoors at the New England Aquarium to learn all about marine life and get up close and personal with all your favorite marine animals. Featured exhibits include "The Science of Sharks," "The Amazon Rainforest," "The Gulf of Maine," and "The Seadragon Exhibit." There are also areas with playful penguins and fascinating jellies - two of the most popular exhibits. You'll also have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the marine life at the Aquarium's Shark and Ray Touch Tank exhibit.
Going inside:New England Aquarium TicketsThe Go Boston pass includes a discount at the nearby IMAX.
Go to a museum on a rainy day
There's no better time to visit museums in Boston than when it's raining. Find out about new exhibitions in your favorite museums or finally visit the ones you intended to visit but didn't. Museums take you in and out of the rain, and the diverse offer of this city makes for a completely unique experience. Regardless of your interests, there is a museum that will keep you entertained all day.
Museum of Fine Arts
Walk through the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and stroll through galleries of art ranging from ancient Egyptian to modern, with a heavy emphasis on the art of the Americas. You will see many famous works by artists such as John Singer Sargent, Degas, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh and others. It was recently named one of the top 25 museums in the entire US according to a Tripadvisor poll, an impressive distinction!
Going inside:Tickets for the Museum of Fine Artsincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Visit three museums in one: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Herbarium Museum, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. You'll see a variety of natural phenomena from around the world, including large whale skeletons, to a 1,642-pound earthen amethyst, and you'll even touch meteorites from space.
A favorite feature of this museum is the "Glass Flowers", which is a collection of exquisitely crafted glass models of individual flora from around the world. They are incredibly realistic and really beautiful.
Going inside:Tickets Harvard Museum of Natural Historyincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Museum of Science
Kids and adults alike will enjoy a day at the Science Museum, one of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most visited cultural institution. Hands-on exhibits explore fascinating topics including electricity, physics, biology, astronomy and more. Their Hall of Human Life is a hit with visitors and features exhibits that explore the wonder of the human body. It contains more than 70 interactive elements and is worth about an hour of your time.
Going inside:Tickets to the Boston Museum of Scienceincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Boston Children's Museum
Exploring Boston with kids and looking for fun indoor activities? Visit the Boston Children's Museum, designed for kids and families with exhibits designed to engage children and encourage them to explore a range of topics related to science, culture, environmental awareness, health and the state of nature, and more.
Going inside:Tickets to the Children's Museum of Bostonincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Explore what's new and exciting on the art scene at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) located in the trendy Seaport district right on the waterfront. Featuring artworks and installations by the most popular contemporary artists, the ICA is at the heart of Boston's thriving art scene. You'll be able to see art in a range of media that go beyond the typical visual art exhibition, including music, film, performance and more.
Going inside:Tickets for the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).included in the Go Boston pass.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Visit the site of Boston's infamous art heist, a crime that remains unsolved and home to hundreds of important works of art, from European, Asian to American art. Designed in the style of the 15th centuryucentury Venetian palace, the museum itself is considered a work of art worth visiting. You'll also enjoy looking out the windows at their charming gardens (some of which are covered!) for the full experience.
Going inside:Tickets for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museumincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Peabody Essex Museum
Boston's maritime history comes to life at the fantastic Peabody Essex Museum, where you will have the opportunity to study [...] a selection of curiosities collected from foreign countries and transported to America on large wooden sailing ships.
There are a million works to discover, including manuscripts, ship hulls, books and works of art from around the world, as well as temporary exhibitions and the museum's most famous permanent exhibit: an 18th-century Chinese merchant's house transported from China and assembled back to MAS.
Founded in 1799, this is America's oldest continuously operating museum and a must-see rain or shine over Boston.
Some:Peabody Essex MuseumTickets are included in the Go Boston Pass.
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
Immerse yourself in all aspects of JFK's presidency. One of America's most famous leaders, JFK and his legacy attract visitors from all over the world. See everything from close-up views of rare family photos, to then-Senator Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign, press clippings, historical artifacts, and more. The JFK Presidential Library and Museum is a great activity to do in Boston on a rainy day.
Going inside:Tickets Presidential Library and JFK Museumincluded in the Go Boston pass.
The old state house
This Boston icon offers visitors an interactive way to explore and experience Boston's revolutionary history. With tours and shows every half hour and multi-sensory exhibits in the period rooms, there is much to discover at the Old State House.
Going inside:Old State House ticketsincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
Get a peek into the day-to-day operations of the US Senate in this fascinating, state-of-the-art exhibit where you can explore topics such as how a bill becomes law, the history of the US Senate, and more. A visit will allow you to re-appreciate and better understand the American political system.
Going inside:Edward M. Kennedy Institute for United States Senate Ticketsincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium
Take a world tour and see a rare 1611 edition of the King James Bible at the Mapparium, a unique three-story stained glass globe and museum. It is a particularly nice place for families with children because it focuses on engaging the active mind and encouraging learning.
Going inside:included in the Go Boston pass.
More indoor activities in Boston
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
A must-see for LEGO® fans ages 3 to 10, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center offers plenty of indoor fun for a rainy day in Boston. Choose from fun LEGO® themed entertainment such as two interactive LEGO® rides in the center, movie screenings in the 4D Cinema, LEGO® Fire Academy Soft Play Area and more.
Going inside:Ulaznice za LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bostonincluded in the Go Boston pass.
Sam Adams brewery tour
Learn more about the entire brewing process and see it in action, from start to finish at Sam Adams Brewery. Guests 21 and older can taste beer after the tour and receive a free piece of glassware - the perfect souvenir of your trip to Boston.
If you like craft beer, Boston is the city for you. Another popular spot is the Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall, located right next to the ICA. If you're willing to drive, Night Shift (in Everett) is also extremely popular.
Going inside: Sam Adams Brewery tours are free to the public.
Shop at CambridgeSide Gallery
CambridgeSide Galleria is located in Cambridge, near the Science Museum and offers over 120 shops, from high-end brands to boutiques. A rainy day in Boston is one of the best reasons to spend time shopping. There are also plenty of dining options in the mall, so it's a great place to grab a bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing.
Shops at Prudential Center
The shops at Prudential Center are located right in the Back Bay, one of the most important shopping destinations in Boston. You'll find more than 75 shops and restaurants, including Lord & Taylor, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Saks Fifth Avenue and more.
Posjetite Cheers the Bar
Visit Cheers, the bar featured on classic American televisionCheersit's a boston must. The Cheers Beacon Hill location features the famous front of the bar featured on the show, while the Cheers Faneuil Hall location features an authentic replica of the TV bar's interior.
A brief summary of a rainy day
I see? You can stay dry while having plenty of great options for things to do in Boston when it's raining. We hope these ideas inspire you to make a fun indoor track.
Save more with Go City®
The city's history, colonial architecture and world-famous attractions make Boston famous. You're sure to find fun and interesting attractions in Boston that are perfect for a rainy day. Experience everything the city has to offer for an exciting vacation and cultural trip. Remember, many of these popular Boston attractions are included in theBoston Pass. You will save a lot on the price of entrance through the door.