Summers in Boston are fantastic, but there is no doubt that tons of people are excited for the fall, which officially starts September 22nd. While the weather cools off, the number of fun outdoor options heats up. The blistering heat subsides, allowing you to be comfortable while you check out these 10 fun fall activities in Boston!
Check Out These Fall Activities in Boston
1. Go see a Patriots game
While Boston is one of the best sports cities on the planet, one team sticks out above the rest: the New England Patriots. They are the most recent NFL champions and have sold out every game since moving to the stadium in 2002. The atmosphere is simply electric, and you can’t help but become a part of it once you step foot in the stadium. Also, with this being one of Tom Brady’s final years in the NFL, there is no better time to head out to Gillette Stadium than now. The stadium is located in the small town of Foxborough, in the greater Boston area.
2. Watch the Head of the Charles Regatta
Rowing is a sport that requires intense training and physique to perfect. One of the premier rowing races in the country is the Head of the Charles Regatta, which takes place in Boston. Thankfully, watching it is as easy as showing up and cheering on the 10,000+ racers as they compete in dozens of events and races. This event takes place on October 21st and 22nd on the Charles River near the Cambridge neighborhood.
3. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Heading out to a local farmer’s market gets you access to cheap produce, foods, art and crafts, while getting some exercise at the same time. These markets are a staple in the fall in cities like Boston and many others across the country. There are a number of great farmers markets in Boston that run all fall that you could check out, with two of the best being the Haymarket (in the Faneuil Hall/North End neighborhoods) and the Union Square Farmers Market (in Allston).
4. Check out the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
If you don’t want to wait until Halloween night to get your fix of fright, be sure to check out the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour in Boston. The tour will teach you all about the dark and mysterious side of Boston you might not know, and introduce you to some characters as well! So not only is it a tour, but it is also like a show/performance at the same time, happening all around you. It is a very worthwhile experience and you hear great things from the people who have gone on it.
5. See the Change in Foliage at the Boston Public Garden
The most obvious sign that Fall is here or is coming is the changing of the colors of the leaves. While that can be observed in numerous locations in Boston, nowhere is the change more clear or obvious than at the Boston Public Garden. The garden is 24 acres in size and has a ton of different trees, plants and statues to check out. This garden is located near the Beacon Hill, Downtown, and Back Bay neighborhoods and can be visited anytime.
6. Make Your Way to Plymouth Plantation
Founded back in 1947, the Plymouth Plantation sought to replicate the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony. There are so many different sites in this living history museum. It is like taking a step into a time machine and going back hundreds of years. It is fun, educational and perfect for all ages. Despite the fact that it is nearly an hour drive south from the heart of Boston (in Plymouth), this living history museum is very worth the drive.
7. Get Scared at the Fright Fest at Six Flags New England
If your goal is to get scared out of your mind this fall, there is no better place to go near Boston than Six Flags New England (located west of Boston in Springfield). That is because they have Fright Fest going on from September 23rd to October 29th. Fright Fest is full of haunted houses, scare zones and a variety of other haunted entertainment and attractions. These are sure to scare you and because there is so much to do and see, we recommend going to check it out more than once.
8. Walk the Freedom Trail
This is one of the fall activities in Boston that you can do any time of year. However, fall is the perfect time to check out the Freedom Trail out due to the calmer weather and the beautiful fall colors at every turn. For those unfamiliar, the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile path that passes by 16 different historic sites in Downtown Boston that are significant to the American Revolution. You can sign up to take a tour with a costumed guide, or walk the trail at your own pace.
9. Visit the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival
If you are a big fan of music (especially jazz music), you need to make an appearance at the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival. Think of this like a giant block party that takes place on September 30th 2017. Musicians, artists, businesses and food vendors all come together along with thousands of guests to have a great time. The event is completely free and is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors. This festival takes place on Columbus Avenue, near the Lower Roxbury and South End neighborhoods.
10. See the Franklin Park Zoo
If you want to get out and see the animals before the cold winds of winter begin to hit, visit the Franklin Park Zoo. This is one of the fall activities in Boston where you can see 1000 different animals from over 200 different species. The zoo is 72 acres and has animals of all different types from all over the world. Stop by to visit the gorillas, lions, kangaroos, and giraffes. The zoo is located near Dorchester and Roxbury, just a little bit south of the heart of Boston.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
