Don't let a little rain dampen your spirits on your Boston vacation! The city offers a whole host of indoor activities perfect for a rainy day, from museums to nightlife, shopping to kid-friendly fun, and much more. Or, for the more intrepid, there are outdoor activities that don’t need to be rained off. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, there are plenty of things to do in Boston on a rainy day.
Museum Hopping
No list of rainy day activities in Boston would be complete without our world-class museums. Art lovers can lose themselves in the Museum of Fine Arts' vast collection of over 450,000 works, spanning centuries and continents. The Museum of Science is a hit with families, offering interactive exhibits, including a planetarium and a complete triceratops skeleton. For something a little different, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, housed in a stunning Venetian-style palace, showcases a unique collection of European and American art.
Performing Arts & Entertainment
When the rain starts to fall, the curtain goes up in Boston's theater district. From the glitz and glamour of the Citizen’s Bank Opera House to the old-world elegance of the Emerson Colonial Theatre, there’s a night out or matinee to help you embrace your inner culture vulture. Or, if you prefer to watch the action unfold on the big screen, grab some popcorn and head to the Somerville Theatre, a charming independent cinema in Somerville. Browse upcoming performances here!
Retail Therapy & Shopping
Rainy days are also a great time to indulge in some retail therapy from the comfort of a dry and toasty mall. Explore the chic boutiques in Copley Place, a mecca for the discerning fashionista, or, for a classic old-school Boston shopping experience, head to the Prudential Center. Housed under an impressive glass atrium, this mall features an upscale food hall that’s a feast for the eyes. If you’re willing to brave the elements, the SoWa Vintage Market is a treasure trove of unique finds that happens ever Sunday, rain, snow, or shine.
Family Fun & Kid-Friendly Activities
If you're traveling with kids, Boston has plenty of options to keep them entertained on a rainy day. Let their imaginations run wild at the Boston Children's Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and play areas, or catch a live performance or workshop at the Boston Center for the Arts. The New England Aquarium is also a great place to learn about marine life, with fascinating exhibits and educational programs. A particular highlight is the penguin pen—how can the rain get you down watching those little fellas hop around on the rocks?
Nightlife & Restaurants
For adults without children, hop in a taxi and explore the trendy bars and pubs in neighborhoods like the North End, Seaport, and the Back Bay. Cozy up in a dimly lit jazz club or blues bar, or enjoy a candle-lit supper alongside Boston’s world-class seafood. One of our favorite haunts is the Beehive Restaurant, where you can soak up the old Boston ambiance over a dry martini and a live band.
Braving the Elements
Let’s face it: this is New England—and sunshine can’t always be guaranteed! But don’t let that stop you from missing some of Boston’s outdoor highlights, which are more than doable with an umbrella. Take a stroll along the scenic Freedom Trail®, a red-bricked path that winds through historic sites related to the American Revolution. Alternatively, you can get a unique perspective on one of America’s most historic cities with Boston Harbor Cruises, which go ahead no matter the weather.
For the most up-to-date forecasts and other helpful information, visit our Boston Weather page.
