the best outdoor activities in boston

If you’re taking a trip to New England, stop by The City on a Hill.

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by Michelle Gage

Stop by the city zoo, where their mission is to help inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations. This non-profit creates fun, interactive and engaging experiences that combine with wildlife and conservation programs, research and education. A yearly membership gets you through the gates for free.

Visit the Longfellow House, a national historic site in Massachusetts. This home once belonged to Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world’s foremost 19th century poets. It’s a great place to explore literature and arts of the time period. Enjoy the beautiful formal garden, while reciting the poem “Flowers” by Longfellow.

Castle Island, located in South Boston, is certainly a sight that can’t be missed. Not really an island, this spot is one to see while visiting this great state. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, make sure to fish from the pier. Summer is surely the time to take a trip, as Fort Independence is open to guided tours every Saturday and Sunday.

Take in a good concert with the family. The best part, they’re FREE! If loud music in open air isn’t your thing (who are you), might we suggest an outdoor movie playing on another night or a night of dancing. All this is happening over at The Hatch Memorial Shell.

Visit the Bunker Hill Monument. This massive structure, a 221 foot granite obelisk, marks the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. After a few iterations, this monument was completed in 1842 and dedicated the following year.

Visit the Boston Harbor Islands, the largest recreational open space in Easter Boston. This site is an important ecological habitat for wildlife and hosts over half a million visitors annually. Take a ferry over here to spend time hiking, camping or birdwatching.

Take a walk over to Brewer Fountain in Boston Commons. Gardner Brewer gifted this fountain to the city. At the base is Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. With Neptune is also Amphitrite, Acis and Galatea, all gods and goddesses of the water. Go to the commons to “sea” it all in person.

Take a charming ride on a swan boat any day of the week you wish! The ride takes a little less than fifteen minutes. Go for a leisurely ride after lunch for less than the price of a sandwich. This is a one of a kind experience. Check it off your summer buck list in only a matter of minutes.

While in town, stop by the Cambridge Farmers Market. Every day brings a new location, allowing you to change it up. You can munch on lunch at a new hot spot every day. Load up on god grub – fruits, veggies and fresh meats.

Listen to some good music, performed by some of the country’s most promising students. Berklee College of Music hosts nearly 200 concerts from May to September, leaving you without an excuse to miss out. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for some fun on the lawn.

You can’t go to Boston without visiting Fenway Park. Home of the Red Sox, this stadium is on every baseball enthusiast’s bucket list. Fenway Park has played host to ten World Series, with the Red Sox wining half of them. If you’re visiting when there is no game playing, take a tour of the stadium.

Take in a game while visiting fair city of Boston. Sure, you can just take the stadium tour, but if you can plan around a game, you won’t be disappointed! See the Sox play at Fenway Park. Take the whole family to a game, get a hot dog and sit through nine innings of fun and festivities. A sunny game day makes for the best summer day ever.

Take a highly recommended Duck Tour during your stay in Boston. The number one duck tour in the city is sure to fill your day with fun. Make many stops around the town, seeing all the sights. In just one 80 minute tour, you make over thirty stops.

Window shopping should be a sport. Stroll down Newbury Street, no wallet in hand. Get in a little cardio, while taking in the season’s new summer styles. Fashionistas get the best of both worlds – cardio and to keep their cash. Stick to walking outside and only peeking in the windows for a glimpse at what’s inside.

Go for a bike ride on the Charles River Path. If biking isn’t your thing, try skating or walking. Doing all of this cardio is made better by the beautiful view of the waterfront. It follows both shores of the Charles River from Boston to Norumbega Park in Newton.