Outdoor Winter Activities Near Boston - Skiing and More

1. Have a Snowshoe Adventure

With these great places to snowshoe near Boston, you can enjoy the outdoors in a whole new winter way.

2. Put on Your Ice Skates

Get some fresh air, exercise, and loads of fun at some outdoor ice skating rinks in Boston and around the city.

3. Find the Best Sledding Hills

Throw the sleds in the car and head to one of these sledding hills—we promise, they're worth the drive.

Enjoy snow tubing near Boston, one of the top winter activities. Fruitlands snowtubing photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

4. Surprise the Family with Snow Tubing 

Step up your sledding game and hit one of these snow tubing spots for some extra fast fun!

5. Head up Hill

Take new skiers to the bunny hill at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and stop by to visit the otter and owls at the outdoor exhibits at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum.

6. Make That Family Ski Adventure Happen

If you're looking for a little more speed, sign your kids up to learn how to downhill ski (or snowboard) without even leaving the Boston area.

7. Skate the Charles

Discover the wintertime secrets of The Cove, which features the city's only skating area on Charles River.

8. Hike by Moonlight

Try a Wolf Moon Hike at Powisset Farm for some winter fun by moonlight!

More Outdoor Winter Activities Near Boston

9. Learn About the Science of Snow

Head to the Mass Audobon Society's Boston Nature Center to learn the Science of Snow and how animals survive in the winter.

 
There are so many beautiful sights on winter activities in Boston. Snowy Owl Prowl photo courtesy of The Trustees

10. Spot a Winter Visitor

Hike North Shore beaches in search of the wisest of birds on a guided Family Snowy Owl Prowl. 

11. Take a Stroll To Find Bald Eagles

Head to the Neponset River Greenway for a Bald Eagle Walk along the Neponset River.

12. Make the Winter Sweet

Head to one of the best spots around for Maple Sugaring with Boston Kids.

13. Visit the Animals

Bundle up and see lions, tigers, zebras, and more at the outdoor exhibits at Franklin Park, the Stone Zoo, and more.

Visit Two Big Black Hearts by Jim Dine at the De Cordova Sculpture Park. Photo courtesy of the park

14. Enjoy a Winter City Walk 

Pick one of these wonderful winter walks in one of Boston's beautiful outdoor parks.

15. Visit Snowport in the Seaport

Each year, Boston's waterfront hosts Snowport at Seaport, through February. Try your hand at outdoor winter fun, like curling!

16. Twirl in an Ice Castle

Pretend to be Elsa and visit a real ice castle opening January 22, just over the border in New Hampshire. 

17. Track Winter Birds

Join your neighbors and share your backyard birding sightings with the Great Backyard Bird Count (beginning mid-February). 

18. Follow the Freedom Trail

Boston's Freedom Trail is open year-round, and it's a fun way to explore the city in winter.

19. Explore Arnold Arboretum

Open year round, Arnold Arboretum has a special beauty in the winter.

Indoor Winter Activities Around Boston - Fun Centers and More

20. Play at the Arcade

These fun centers and old school arcades are perfect for a cold winter's day.

21. Spend the Day at an Indoor Water Park

Find a taste of summer fun all winter long at these local indoor water parks!

22. Train like a Ninja

A visit to ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour in Boston will make sure the kids are keeping active and having fun.

23. Bounce Away

Let your kids bounce out their energy at an indoor trampoline park.

24. Putt Like No One's Watching with Indoor Mini Golf

The family can enjoy indoor mini golf in Boston, regardless of the weather.

25. Have some extreme fun

Check out the indoor extreme sports, like indoor go karts, axe throwing, and more!

26. Get Rolling!

Have some traditional New England wintertime fun at the best places to go bowling with Boston kids.

27. Be a Brick Master

See how much fun you can build into one winter's day visiting LEGO Discovery Center Boston.

Indoor Winter Activities in Boston - Museums and More

 
Warm up in the greenhouse and take in all the lush greenery. Photo courtesy of Tower Hill Botanic Garden

28. Catch Warm Vibes Visiting a Conservatory

Check out Tower Hill Botanic Garden's spectacular 171-acres of outdoor gardens and lush indoor conservatories. They are accessible with advanced ticketing. Check the calendar for fun events like a Yeti Hunt, Snow Slime workshop, and more.

29. Have a different kind of Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are happy to support a revolutionary day of family fun and winter activities!

30. Visit the Museum of Science

Explore the excitement at Boston's Museum of Science, a Boston favorite for indoor fun that's been catering to kids for generations.

31. Spend a day at the Children's Museum

There's so much fun to be had at Boston Children's Museum (as well as nearby Martin's Park),

32. Head to the Aquarium

It's not a day at the beach, but that's for the best given the sharks! The New England Aquarium has enough exhibits to fill an entire day.

Originally published in December 2013

Updated January 2023, 2024; December 2024