9 Surprising Things You Never Thought About Doing In Boston
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Juliet White
Author
Longtime Boston residents have often hit the tourist hotspots and explored our city’s well-promoted destinations. If you’re looking for a new adventure, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled some unexpected entertainment options that’ll break up your routine and give you an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
People visit the MFA or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to admire the art on display, but at the Museum of Bad Art, you flip that expectation on its head. Gawp at this tiny museum of "art too bad to be ignored," then catch a movie at the Somerville Theater (your movie ticket grants you free access to the museum). The MOBA is located at 55 Davis Square, Somerville Theatre Basement, Somerville.
This speed boat tour turns Boston Harbor into an extreme ride as you zip across the water at 40 miles per hour while the boat performs tight spins and turns. This is a seasonal attraction that operates between mid-May and mid-October. You’ll find Codzilla docked at 1 Long Wharf, Boston.
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Judging by the popularity of maps on Pinterest, I’m not the only one who’s a bit obsessed with them. At the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, you can see a map exhibition that easily beats any virtual viewing experience. You can tour the map center on the first Wednesday and third Friday of the month. Technically, anyone with a BPL card (all Massachusetts residents are eligible) can conduct research here, preferably by appointment. Boston Public Library is located at 700 Boylston Street, Boston.
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Maybe that sounds like a lot of effort in terms of planning but thankfully Watson Adventures has you covered. The folks here organize themed scavenger hunts for the public. All you need to do is purchase tickets and have one smartphone per team. One hunt sends you around the MFA in search of creepy clues, another leads you on a spooky tour of Salem, and you can even take a murder mystery scavenger hunt around the Science Museum.
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Did you want to be a firefighter when you grew up? If so, you’ll love this underrated museum located in a firehouse. Crammed with old equipment and retired fire engines, this is a hit with both kids and kids at heart. The Boston Fire Museum is open on Saturdays and can be found at 344 Congress Street, Boston.
Discover this relaxing pocket of nature that features two miles of trails leading through meadows and wetlands. Keep an eye out for the abundant birds and butterflies along the way. This pretty spot is free, although donations are appreciated. The Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 500 Walk Hill Street, Mattapan.
The Boston Society of Architects offers rotating exhibitions on design and architecture in a unique space that’s appealing to the public and pros alike. There’s no set admission charge, but this is a non-profit so donations are requested. The BSA Space is located at 290 Congress Street, Suite 200, Boston.
Admittedly, you won’t find cranberry bogs within the city limits, but there are three within a short drive of Boston that offer tours. Check out Mayflower Cranberries (located at 72 Brook Street, Plympton), A.D. Makepeace Company (located at 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham), or Flax Pond Farms (located at 58 Pond Street, Carver).
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How many people can say they know how to blow glass? At Luke Adams Glassblowing Studio, workshop participants can craft a small ornament or paperweight in a one-hour intro class! The studio is located at 416 Lenox Street, Suite 2, Norwood.
Which of these are you tempted to try? Do you have any other suggestions for unique activities in the Boston area? Let us know in the comments
You may also be interested in our past article: 9 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Boston Before You Die.
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