Looking for indoor activities in Boston on a rainy or cold day? Luckily, the city has plenty of fun and unique things to do. This is the complete local’s guide to the best 25+ indoor Boston activities, from painting classes to distillery tours.
Travel Tip: If visiting multiple Boston museums, I recommend getting an all-inclusive Boston Go-City Pass (40+ attractions from $69) to save money on entry fees.
Last updated: January 21st, 2024
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.
Fun Indoor Activities in Boston
Visit a Board Game Cafe
Challenge your friends to some board games while sipping on a coffee at Knight Moves. The board game cafe has over 2,000 different board games to choose from, so you’re bound to find something that you love.
The entry fee at Knight Moves is currently only $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends for an unlimited day pass to the cafe. You can even leave and come back to play more games later. They also let you BYOB for an extra $5 charge.
Even if you’re not interested in playing games, you can order from the cafe’s drink and pastry menu.
Test Your Strength Rock Climbing
Second on the indoor activities in Boston list is indoor rock climbing. Many of the rock climbing gyms in Boston have both belaying and bouldering options. Belaying is climbing a high wall with gear on, while bouldering is a form of free climbing without ropes.
These are two popular rock climbing gyms in Boston:
- Rockspot → located in South Boston & Malden and is $32 for an adult day pass with shoe rental
- Central Rock Gym → located in West End, $35 for an adult day pass with shoe rental (bouldering only)
Challenge Your Friends at a Darts Bar
Grab your most competitive friends and head to Flight Club in Seaport for a unique darts experience. In all honesty, I was expecting it to be super boring when I first went. However, the venue has modernized the sport well and makes it a fun, fast-paced experience for all ages!
The social darts bar has 6 easy-to-learn mini-games for up to 12 guests simultaneously. The bar has a fun drink selection and shareable platters like mini poke tacos, kung pao cauliflower, and yuzu guacamole.
I went with a large group and everyone’s favorite game was the “Killer”. Each player is randomly assigned a number and you have to take down your opponents by hitting theirs.
It’s also a great date idea in Boston.
Further Reading: 25 Fun Things To Do in Boston for Young Adults
Check Out a Boston Museum
One of my favorite indoor activities in Boston is wandering through one of the city’s many museums. I HIGHLY recommend getting a Boston Go-City pass (from $69) if you’re visiting multiple museums. Almost all of these museums are available on the pass and it saves money on entry.
Must-see Boston museums:
- Museum of Fine Arts – admission is $27 for adults, $10 for youths aged 7-17, and youths 0-6 free.
- Museum of Science – admission is $29 for adults, $24 for children aged 3-11, and children under 3 are free, and seniors 60+ are $25.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 65+, students $13, and members & children under 18 are free.
- Harvard Museum of Natural History – $15 for adults, Harvard ID holders plus a guest is free, non-Harvard students with ID is $10, youths 3-18 are $10, and youths under 3 are free.
- Institute of Contemporary Art – $15 for students with an ID, nonmembers, & seniors 60+, MTA Cardholders $8, Library Pass Coupon $5, youths under 18 free. Every Thursday evening is free!
- Boston Children’s Museum – $20 general admission (everyone above the age of 1), infants are free.
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – from $32. I recommend booking their interactive tour, where you can throw tea over the harbor!
For first-time visitors to Boston, see the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
First off, the Museum of Fine Arts is huge. With over 100 galleries and over 450,000 art pieces, you can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Popular exhibits include the Monet paintings, the mummies (my favorite), and the art of the Italian Renaissance.
Another must-see is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The collection is comprised of over 7,500 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, etc. It’s famous for a 1902 heist, where 13 pieces of artwork were stolen and still haven’t been found.
Another big selling point is the museum’s courtyard. It’s covered in lush greenery, Roman sculptures, & Venetian architecture. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Boston (and most Instagram-worthy!).
Further Reading: 39+ Best Free Things to Do in Boston
Visit the Aquarium
The New England Aquarium on Boston’s Waterfront is a perfect alternative to a museum. It boasts one of the largest shark tanks on the East Coast, a tank to touch stingrays, and a 4-story coral reef with plenty of sea animals (the aquarium has around 20,000!)
It takes around 2 hours to fully explore the aquarium’s exhibits and touch tanks, but allot more time if checking out the aquarium’s add-ons. These include seeing a 30-45 minute IMAX movie or attending a 3-4 hour whale watch tour.
Admission: $34 for adults (you can get a skip-the-line ticket at no extra charge to avoid wait times), $25 for children 3-11, $32 for seniors 60+, and free for children & aquarium members. It’s also available on the Boston Go-City Pass.
Shop at the Prudential
The Prudential & Copley Place are the ideal shopping malls for a rainy day in Boston. The Prudential has plenty of chain stores including Sephora, Madewell, Lululemon, & Saks Fifth Avenue. When you cross the indoor terminal to Copley Place, you’ll find more high-end brands including Dior, Balenciaga, & Louis Vuitton.
For dining, I recommend Earls Kitchen or Eataly. Earls is a New American restaurant chain. I recommend their truffle fries (so addicting), street tacos, & ribs + cajun chicken combo.
Eataly is an Italian market with groceries & pre-made foods including pastries, pizzas, & breads. The market also has two full-service restaurants. After, have a gelato at the market’s gelato shop (to my surprise, it’s some of the best in the city).
Treasure Hunt at a Thrift Store
Another fun shopping idea is to spend hours in a vintage/thrift store. In Boston, 40 South Street Vintage in Jamaica Plain is great for punk, alternative-style clothing. Boomerangs in Allston is a popular thrift chain.
Head to Cambridge for one of the best Boston-area thrift stores, the Garment District. The two-story vintage department store is HUGE with over 40,000 items! You’ll find clothing from every decade, including Halloween costumes and fun accessories. It’s one of the ideal indoor activities in Boston since you can spend hours there!
Explore the Boston Public Library
Did you know that the Boston Public Library in Copley is the country’s first public library? Not only that, it’s the 3rd largest public library in the United States with over 24 million items. Its rich history makes it a Boston must-see attraction for any visitor.
The inside of the library is very beautiful. It feels like you’re in a museum rather than a library with its beaux-arts architecture, lion sculptures, and paintings. You’ll also want to visit the famous Bates Hall, the library’s main reading room. Given the library’s central location in Copley and cozy atmosphere, this is one of the best indoor activities in Boston for me.
While you explore the BPL, enjoy some afternoon tea at the Courtyard Tea Room. It’s one of the only high tea places in Boston. You choose from a selection of loose-leaf teas and tiered platters of food, including small sandwiches and cookies.
Tip: When you make your reservation, ask for a seat overlooking the outdoor library courtyard!
Admission to Library: Free
See the Mapparium
The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library is one of the coolest sights in Boston. It’s a giant, inside-out glass globe that was built in 1935. You can walk through the globe, which is three stories tall and is brightly illuminated by LED lights. Admission is only $6 and the attraction doesn’t get much foot traffic, so it’ll feel like you have the place to yourself.
I do want to note that photography inside is not permitted.
Try Unique Arts & Crafts
Crafts Zone Studio is a new addition to the list of best indoor activities in Boston! The Brookline studio has unique crafting activities not found elsewhere. Crafting projects include glass painting, tufting, designing a phone case or canvas bag, fluid art, and more.
The most recommended activity is designing your own Decoden iPhone case for $49.99. They give you a set of charms to design the case and a cream for it to stick on.
Another popular craft here is fluid art. You throw paint over a figurine or painting, creating a fluid, abstract design. The price ranges between $20 to $100 depending on what art piece you design.
Learn more on the Crafts Zone site.
Take a Painting Class (with wine)
Tap into your creative side at Muse PaintBar. They have painting classes open to all experience levels, led by local artists. All you have to do is register on their website for a class. Once you arrive, all your painting materials are already set up for you.
While you paint, you have the option to purchase alcohol or food (to get your creativity flowing).
Prices range from $30-60, depending on what paint design you choose.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Another creative, relaxing indoor Boston activity is to throw and paint your own pottery at a studio. One of the best pottery studios in the area is The Clayroom in Brookline. They have pottery painting from $20 (the most popular option), a private class to throw your own pottery for $35, and a summer pottery program for children.
The Clayroom has a wide selection of pottery pieces to paint, and over 50 paints and stencils. Once you’re done, they fire and glaze the pottery for you. After 5 days, you can bring your new art piece home!
Watch a Broadway Show
For theater lovers, visiting the Boston’s Theater District to see a musical or ballet is a fantastic option for indoor activities in Boston. I especially recommend seeing a show at the Citizens Bank Opera House (previously known as the Boston Opera House). Many big-name musicals tour here including Hamilton, Wicked, Mamma Mia, and The Lion King. During the holidays, catch a viewing of The Nutcracker or Boston Ballet.
The interior of the opera house is just as captivating as the shows with its grand chandeliers, marble columns, and paintings.
Depending on the show, the ticket costs can range from $100 to over $1,000. The closer you are to the stage, the more expensive it gets…
Here’s my #1 tip to get CHEAP tickets! Order restricted-view tickets in the Orchestra Left Box or Orchestra Right Box. Ideally, get tickets far back in these sections.
These seats are only $50 because it’s labeled as a restricted view, but I promise you’ll be able to see 95% of the stage. I’ve been to plenty of restricted-view musicals and have never felt like I missed any crucial plot details due to the seats.
Have a Laugh at a Comedy Show
Located in Boston’s Little Italy neighborhood, Improv Asylum is one of the leading comedy clubs. Their award-winning “Main Stage Show” is a 90-minute performance including fast-paced comedy skits and improv. Tickets are $35 per person but are only $32 per person if you have a group of 20 or more.
See an Indie Movie
Located in Brookline, the Coolidge Corner Theater is an independent cinema. You’ll find all types of indie films here not available elsewhere, including international and animated films. The theater has an old-school design with 400 seats in the main theater and around 20 seats in the smaller theaters.
Admission: $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for students, and $13.50 for children & seniors.
Visit a Recreational Sports Bar
Boston has some fun, activity-centered bars. SPIN Boston is a ping pong social club with ping pong tables and a full-service restaurant and bar. It’s a great spot for a team bonding event or just drinks & games with friends.
Another option is the newly opened Puttshack in Boston’s Seaport district. It combines an inventive mini golf course with a bar. Tip: Go on an off-hour to avoid being rushed on the golf courses.
Game at a PC Cafe
For those who prefer video games over physical activities, Balance Patch in Allston is one of the city’s only PC cafes. It’s one of the ideal indoor activities in Boston to go solo or with a couple of friends.
There are 43 PC set-up seats, VR games, gaming booths, and couches for console games. In the console area, they have Nintendo Switch, Xbox, & Nintendo 64 console setups among others.
Balance Patch also has an in-house eatery serving sandwiches, wraps, fries, etc.
Every Monday they have a special Infinity Pass, where you can use a solo console/PC for the whole day for only $20. The rest of the pricing can be found on the Balance Patch website.
Visit a Barcade
Drink some cocktails while playing some retro arcade games at one of Boston’s top barcades. I recommend VERSUS in Boston’s Downtown. The barcade has all your typical arcade games like PacMan, pinball machines, & skeeball machines.
It’s only $5 for cover, an amazing deal for unlimited gameplay. Depending on the day of the week, Versus hosts certain events like Smash Tournament Sundays & Free Play Fridays (free entry!)
Further Reading: 17+ Best Boston’s unique restaurants & bars!
Go Bowling
Gather some friends and go for some bowling and billiards. Popular bowling alleys in Boston include Boston Bowl in Dorchester and the Lucky Strike in Fenway. Both places have a designated area for arcade games (with prizes), as well. If you decide to go for arcade games, go to Lucky Strike. It’s much bigger!
Take a Workout Class
For anyone looking to exercise, the city has a wide range of classes for all fitness levels and interests. Here are some popular options that I tried myself and found super fun:
- Title Kickboxing (Kickboxing class)
- SolidCore (Pilates)
- Barry’s Bootcamp (Strength Training)
- Rev’d Indoor Cycling or Soul Cycle (Cycling Class)
- Exhale (Yoga)
I used ClassPass to get all these classes done on a budget. I appreciate that they have a free trial so you get to do your first few workout classes for free! The classes also allow you to go at your own pace, making it one of the best indoor activities in Boston for all fitness levels.
See a Sports Game
Boston is a big sports city, and there’s no better way to spend a rainy evening than a Bruins or Celtics game at the TD Garden arena.
Do an Escape Room
A great way to spend an hour indoors is to solve an escape room with friends. For anyone unfamiliar with them, you are “trapped” in a room and have a certain amount of time to solve puzzles to accomplish a goal (usually to find the key to get out). They often have dark themes and storylines, making it one of the more fun and exhilarating indoor activities in Boston. Some escape rooms in Downtown Boston include Escape The Room Boston and Trapology Boston.
Foodie Indoor Activities in Boston
Drink at a Boston Brewery/Distillery
A perfect indoor activity in Boston for adults is visiting one of the city’s breweries. A famous one is the Sam Adams Brewery in Boston’s Jamaica Plain. They have brewery tours, tasting rooms, and a gift shop.
A note-worthy distillery is Bully Boy Distillers in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. It’s in an industrial area of town, so it’s quite easy to miss. Their Tasting Room is intimate and cozy. All their cocktails are creative and taste great — I recommend the Collins.
Support Local at the Boston Public Market
Support local Boston businesses by sampling some incredible food at the Boston Public Market in Haymarket (not the Quincy Public Market). Some of my favorite stalls are George Howell for coffee, Mother Juice for healthy foods like acai bowls and salads, Crescent Ridge for ice cream, and the Popover Lady for popovers.
You can also get locally-made goods like honey, fruits/vegetables, and cutlery.
Other fun indoor Boston markets include Time Out Market in Fenway, Hub Hall at Boston’s North Station, and High Street Place in Boston’s Downtown.
Sip Coffee at a Cafe
Coffee shops are the perfect place to spend hours inside when it rains in Boston. I can easily spend hours reading, chatting with friends, and writing these articles. To enjoy coffee with a book, I recommend Trident Booksellers Cafe in Boston’s Back Bay. George Howell (pictured) and Ogawa Coffee are perfect for a cozy vibe and WiFi to work. Tatte is perfect for a catch-up with friends or a date over some pastries.
Further Reading: 15 of Boston’s Best Coffee Shops
Eat a Good Meal
Another great indoor activity in Boston is to have a meal at one of Boston’s best restaurants. There are SO MANY to choose from, which I narrowed down for you in my Boston food bucket list.
One of my favorite rainy-day activities in Boston is eating hot pot. It’s a comforting meal of meats and veggies in a simmering broth. Spring Shabu-Shabu in Boston’s Allston is one of the best restaurants for it. You get your own personal broth, which can be filled with your choice of vegetables, noodles, meats, fish cakes, etc.
This is an ideal restaurant for vegetarians because it’s AYCE veggies! There’s also a sauce station where you make your sauce.
Best Indoor Activities Near Boston
Beat Challenges at Level 99
For adventure-seekers, Level 99 in Natick is a unique and fun recreational activity. There are over 40 rooms of physical and mental challenges to go through. The challenge rooms fit up to 2-6 players, so it’s an ideal activity with a small group of friends.
While you’re there, you can enjoy some food and drink at their bar.
Admission prices can be found on the Level 99 website.
Race Your Friends in Go-Karting
Last on the Boston indoor activities list is karting. Located in Wrentham, Supercharged is the world’s largest multi-level indoor go-karting track! The giant recreational area also has a “Ninja Wipeout” similar to the American television show America Ninja Warrior, trampolines, bumper cars, and an arcade.
Pricing and more details can be found on the Supercharged website.
Wrapping Up: Indoor Activities in Boston
That wraps up my ultimate list of indoor activities in Boston! Given Boston’s harsh winters and humid summers, the last thing you want is to be outside.
More Boston things to do:
After you read this Boston indoor activities list, check out my other city guides:
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