We get that Boston’s cold weather and early sunsets make you want to stay inside every day watching Netflix reruns. However, taking care of your mental health during the winter is essential. The perfect remedy is to enjoy fun winter activities that will keep your mind distracted and give your body a boost of energy! Here are some of our favorites:
Ice Skating at the Boston Common
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Boston Common Frog Pond rink offers an incredible ice-skating experience. You can rent your skates for $15 and enjoy this winter-time marvel with friends or family. Finally, end your day with a delicious snack or hot chocolate at the nearby
Frog Pond Cafe. For those based in Cambridge and Brookline, Skate @ Canal District Kendall and the Jack Kirrane rink in Larz Anderson Park provide similar ice-skating options to the one in Downtown Boston.
Watching a Boston Celtics or Bruins Game
It’s sports season! Whether you’re a basketball or hockey fan, TD Garden hosts some of the best sporting events in the country. If you aren’t the biggest sports fan, the games are still worth experiencing for the exciting and memorable atmosphere alone. Plus, if you plan ahead, you can get your hands on affordable tickets!
Visiting Boston’s Museums
Boston is home to some of the best museums in the U.S., and lucky for you, Northeastern students get free or discounted admission. Whether you’re into contemporary or historic art, this is a great way to escape the cold. Not only do museums warm you indoors, they also offer you a unique visual and learning experience. Some of our favorite museums include: the ICA, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Museum, and the Boston Tea Party Museum.
Walking the Freedom Trail
For those who enjoy the cold weather and like to go outdoors, we suggest walking through the brick line that marks the famous Freedom Trail. One of the best ways to get to know a city is by walking around and taking in its history and architectural gems. The trail passes through 16 main historical sites around Boston, which can be challenging to follow in the snow but still fun to follow!
Drinking some Hot Chocolate
There is absolutely nothing better than getting hot chocolate on a winter day. It’s something that warms your body and your heart! Some studies even show that chocolate has mood-enhancing effects. We recommend L.A. Burdick, Cafe Bonjour, Cafe Vittoria, and Stephanie’s on Newbury for excellent hot chocolate. We promise that even on the darkest of days, hot chocolate will make your day lighter and happier!
Attending a live show
What can be a more fitting choice for a chilly winter evening than dressing up and attending a performance at a world-renowned art venue? Located at 539 Washington St and opened in 1927, Boston Opera House boasts elegant Belle Epoque-inspired interiors and a definitive cultural program, including favorites like Hamilton. Boston Ballet also calls it home! If you’re not in for a full-scale performance, check out the special historical tour organized by the Opera, giving you an insider look into an exciting story of the venue.
Visiting Wachusett Mountain
Are you looking for a fun winter getaway? Meet Wachusett Mountain, the closest ski mountain to Boston. You can get there by taking a train and a bus that will take you directly to the lodge house. There are 25 different skiing trails, divided by experience level, and skiing equipment is available to rent. Once you reach the summit of Wachusett Mountain, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Boston skyline.