The best indoor and outdoor winter activities in Boston: Hot chocolate, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and indoor adventures.
Topics Covered:
Best hot chocolate in Boston
Best indoor adventures in Boston: Boda Borg in Malden
Top interactive entertainment in Boston: Level99 at Natick Mall
Boston’s iconic winter spot: Ice skating in Frog Pond
Best place to snowshoe in Boston: Arnold Arboretum
Boston’s best hill for sledding: Flagstaff Hill
When winter blankets Boston it is nothing short of magical. The city transforms into a wonderland filled with sparking ice rinks, snow-covered parks, and cozy cafes serving the richest hot chocolate. But that's just the beginning - Boston's winter activities go beyond the outdoors with thrilling indoor adventures like Boda Borg and Level99, where excitement and challenges await. Whether you're looking to embrace the chill or escape it, there is no shortage of ways to make the season unforgettable. Boston’s winter activities are sure to make lasting memories. Ready to explore the best winter activities in Boston? Keep reading to find out more!
Best Hot Chocolate in Boston: Must-try cozy cafés
No winter in Boston is complete without indulging in a hot chocolate crawl. The city is brimming with charming cafés, each offering its own unique spin on this comforting winter drink. From the rich, velvety hot chocolate in the North End that feels like a warm hug in a cup, to creative twists like salted caramel and peppermint in Back Bay, there's a flavor to delight every palate. Whether you prefer your chocolate dark, milk, or with an extra shot of flavor, you'll find the perfect cozy treat. Grab a friend, bundle up, and make an afternoon of it—there’s no better way to savor the cold Boston weather while warming up from the inside out.
Best time to visit: Any winter afternoon is perfect for this sweet adventure, especially on chilly afternoons.
Location & Access: Various locations across Boston, including North End and Back Bay. Easily accessible by public transport.
Cost: Varies by location; expect to spend around $5-$8 per drink.
Recommendations:
L.A. Burdick Chocolates (Cambridge) - This place is a chocolate lover’s dream! Their hot chocolate is super rich and velvety, made with high-quality cocoa. Plus, you can pick your favorite chocolate type—dark, milk, or white!
Caffe Vittoria (North End) - A North End classic! Their Italian-style hot chocolate is rich, thick, and perfect for a cozy winter treat. Grab a seat, sip, and soak in the charm of this iconic café.
Cacao (Back Bay) - A cute spot in Back Bay for gourmet hot chocolate made with top-notch cocoa. The drinks are creamy and decadent, and you can even jazz them up with flavors like caramel or mint.
More Information: Check local food blogs or influencers for the latest recommendations.
Indoor Adventures in Boston: Boda Borg
When the winter chill has you looking for a unique adventure indoors, Boda Borg in Malden is the place to be. This interactive experience challenges your mind and body with a series of themed rooms filled with puzzles, riddles, and physical tasks. It’s all about teamwork—perfect for a group of friends or family looking for a fun way to spend a winter day. With a variety of challenges that will have you thinking, running, and solving, Boda Borg turns a cold day into an exciting, unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit: perfect for those cold winter days when you're seeking excitement indoors!
Location & Access: Boda Borg is located in Maden, just a short drive from Boston, easily accessible by car or public transport
Cost:
2-Hour Quest: $28
4-Hour Quest: $40
Recommendations:
Gather a team of 3-5 people for the best experience.
Don’t worry if you don’t solve every room—you’ll want to come back and try again!
Wear comfortable clothing, as you’ll be moving around and solving physical puzzles.
More information: Visit Boda Borg's website for booking info, current activities, and updates.
Top Interactive entertainment in Boston: Level99 at Natick Mall
If you're looking for a thrilling, interactive experience this winter, look no further than Level99 at the Natick Mall. This high-tech, gaming-inspired adventure park combines physical challenges, immersive escape rooms, and a huge arcade with over 99 interactive rooms. Whether you’re solving puzzles, testing your agility, or competing against friends in unique challenges, Level99 brings the excitement indoors and keeps the adrenaline pumping. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy winter with a little competition and a lot of fun.
Best time to visit: Anytime you’re craving excitement and need to escape the cold
Location & Access: Conveniently located in the Natick Mall, easily accessible by car or public transport.
Cost:
2-Hour Ticket: $29.99 per person
4-Hour Ticket: $39.99 per person
All-Day Ticket: $49.99 per person
Recommendations:
Perfect for friends, families, or even corporate team-building events.
Don’t miss their themed rooms for a fully immersive experience.
After your adventure, check out the mall for a bite to eat or some shopping.
More Information: Visit Level99’s website for details on booking, activities, and the latest promotions.
Best Place to Ice Skate in Boston: Experience Frog Pond
There’s truly no better way to embrace winter in Boston than by skating on the iconic Frog Pond in Boston Common. Nestled in the heart of the park and surrounded by trees and historic buildings, this picturesque rink offers a cozy, festive atmosphere that embodies the magic of the season. Whether you're gliding gracefully on skates or wobbling your way around for the first time, Frog Pond welcomes skaters of all levels. After a few laps, warm up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate from the nearby café and savor the peaceful, snowy scene around you. It's a quintessential Boston winter experience that promises lasting memories.
Best time to visit: Late November through early March, especially in the early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.
Location & Access: in the Boston Common, easily accessible by public transport (Park Street Station)
Cost: Based on the skater's height, - $10 for those 58 inches and over, and free for those under 58 inches. For skate rentals and additional amenities, check here.
Recommendations:
For a magical winter experience, try skating at night when the rink is beautifully lit up, and the city’s skyline adds a festive touch.
While skate rentals are available, bringing your skates can be more comfortable and ensure a better fit. Plus, you'll save on rental costs!
More Information: Visit the Boston Frog Pond official website or Instagram for events, schedules, and more
Snowshoeing in Boston: Explore Arnold Arboretum’s winter trails
If you’re craving a peaceful winter escape, the Arnold Arboretum is the perfect place to unwind. With its winding trails, towering trees, and snow-covered landscapes, it's easy to forget you're just minutes from the bustling city. Snowshoeing here offers an intimate experience with nature’s serene beauty, as you trek through this expansive winter wonderland. Whether you’re soaking in the stillness of snow-dusted trees or catching glimpses of local wildlife, every step feels like a new adventure.
Best time to visit: After a fresh snowfall between December and February.
Location & Access: Located at 125 Arborway, Boston. Accessible by public transport (Forest Hills Station) and parking is available.
Cost: The Arboretum landscape is free and open every day.
Recommendations: Check the Arboretum's event calendar for guided tours.
More Information: Visit the Arnold Arboretum website.
Where to Go Sledding in Boston: Flagstaff Hill adventures
Flagstaff Hill in Boston Common is where the fun and laughter of sledding truly come alive. This gentle hill is perfect for families, with easy slopes for kids to enjoy and steeper sections that offer a thrilling ride for adults seeking a bit more excitement. Whether you're zipping down with the wind in your hair or watching snowflakes fall while waiting your turn, Flagstaff Hill delivers a memorable experience for all ages. Grab your sled, race to the top, and let gravity do the rest—there’s nothing quite like the joy of sledding with friends and family on a crisp, snowy day. It's the kind of winter fun that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Best time to visit: After a heavy snowfall in January or February.
Location & Access: Located in Boston Common, near the Beacon Hill area. Accessible by public transport (Park Street Station).
Cost: Free!
Recommendations: Bring your sled and enjoy the hill early in the day for the best snow conditions.
More Information: Visit the Boston Parks & Recreation Department for events and more.
