Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!
Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.
See the Winterlights
It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!
Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill
Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow!
Read Stories in the Red Barn
Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!
Visit Chestnut Hill Farm
Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.
Take a Night Hike
World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.
Go Ice Skating
Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.
Make a New Farmyard Friend
Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.
Explore Outdoor Art
The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.
—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth
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