Ultimate Guide to Winter Fun in and around Boston
Our curated list of Boston’s best winter activities!
The Ultimate Guide to Winter Fun in and Around Boston
Winter in Boston brings with it a mix of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor activities perfect for families. Whether you're looking to hit the slopes, explore museums, or enjoy holiday events, BostonCentral has compiled the ultimate guide to help you and your family make the most of the season.
From snow-filled fun to festive performances, check out our curated list of Boston’s best winter activities!
1. Snow Tubing Near Boston
Want to enjoy some high-speed winter thrills? Boston is surrounded by fun snow tubing locations, perfect for a winter adventure with kids or friends. Check out our guide to snow tubing near Boston for details on local tubing parks, including Nashoba Valley and Ski Ward, where you can fly down the slopes on an inflatable tube.
- Top Spots: Explore spots like Nashoba Valley and Ski Ward for exciting snow tubing fun.
photo: Nashoba Valley Ski Area
2. Boston Sledding Hills
For a classic winter activity, grab your sled and hit one of Boston’s best sledding hills. Our sledding guide features top locations for sledding, from Boston Common to Larz Anderson Park, ensuring a great time for all ages.
- Best Hills: Boston Common, Larz Anderson Park, and more.
3. Skiing Near Boston
If skiing is more your style, we’ve got you covered with our guide to skiing near Boston. Explore nearby resorts like Wachusett Mountain, Blue Hills, and other family-friendly destinations for skiing and snowboarding.
- Top Resorts: Wachusett Mountain, Blue Hills Ski Area.
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4. Cross-Country Skiing Near Boston
For those who prefer a peaceful glide through nature, cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter landscape. Our guide will show you the best trails in and around Boston, with options for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
- Best Trails: Weston Ski Track, Great Brook Farm State Park.
photo: Weston Ski Track
5. Ice Skating in Boston
Embrace the chill of winter by hitting one of Boston’s iconic ice skating rinks! Whether you prefer skating under the twinkling lights of the Boston Common Frog Pond or exploring the newer Rink at 401 Park, our guide to ice skating in Boston has all the best spots for family fun on the ice. Don’t forget to check for special events like skating shows or themed nights throughout the season.
- Top Rinks: Boston Common Frog Pond, Kendall Square, and Rink at 401 Park.
6. Holiday Light Displays near Boston
One of the most magical parts of winter is the stunning array of holiday lights in and around Boston. From the festive trees at Faneuil Hall to the elaborate light shows at Boston Seaport, this guide showcases the best places to see dazzling displays, perfect for a cozy winter evening with family.
- Top Displays: ZooLights at Stone Zoo, Blink! at Faneuil Hall, and Boston Seaport Tree Lighting.
photo: Commonwealth Avenue Winter Lights
7. Indoor Adventures: Museums, Bowling, and More
If the cold drives you indoors, don’t worry—there’s plenty to do! Check out our Boston museums guide for family-friendly exhibits, from hands-on science to world-class art. Or, try some fun indoor activities like bowling or hitting up one of Boston’s indoor golf simulators.
- Top Spots: Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museums, MIT Museum, Kings Bowling, X-Golf Boston.
8. Rock Climbing and Indoor Fun
Looking for a more active indoor adventure? Head to one of Boston’s indoor rock climbing gyms for a great physical challenge that the whole family can enjoy.
- Top Gyms: Central Rock Gym, Rock Spot Climbing.
9. Holiday Shows and Performances
Winter in Boston wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the city’s magical holiday performances. From ballet to light shows, our guide to holiday events showcases the best seasonal entertainment.
- Top Picks: The Nutcracker, Holiday Pops, and more.
10. Winter Events by Month
Keep the fun going all season long with our month-by-month guides to events happening in Boston:
- December Events: Holiday festivals, ice skating, and more.
- January Events: New Year’s celebrations, winter markets.
- February Events: Valentine’s Day fun, winter sports.
- March Events: Early spring events, indoor activities.
10. Scavenger Hunts for Kids
If you're looking for a fun and educational activity, try a scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained. Whether indoors or outside, scavenger hunts are a fantastic way to engage kids during the winter months. Make up your own and offer a fun reward at the end.
- Best For: Indoor and outdoor fun with the family.
Plan Your Perfect Winter Day
Whether you prefer the outdoors or indoor comfort, this guide has everything you need to plan a season full of family fun. Don’t forget to check our daily events calendar for up-to-date happenings and sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed on Boston’s best winter activities!
There is certainly so much more to explore - so be sure to check out our guide to Free things to Do in Boston here, or our Rainy Day in Boston guide.
We also have a number of popular guides ranging from Boston Outdoor Activities, and you can find lots more ideas for fall family fun in our December, January, February & March activities guides. There are so many ways to enjoy the fall in Boston!
In addition, you can find family-friendly events near Boston each week on the BostonCentral calendar, and in our our popular things to do this week newsletter.
Make Winter Fun Easy with Our Newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best family-friendly activities in and around Boston by subscribing to the BostonCentral Newsletter. Get weekly updates on events, activities, and hidden gems delivered straight to your inbox!
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for well over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.