7 Things To Do on a Warm Summer Day in Boston

The past few days have been really warm for Boston (not that I like it, given my preference for cooler weather). But since summer has finally shown its true colors, here are 7 activities that you should add to your Bostonian bucket list slash things-to-do (in no particular order). 

Picnic by the Charles with friends!

1. Picnic by the Charles River

Grab this great opportunity to picnic by the Charles River (I usually prefer the Cambridge side). While there are actually spots for sun bathing, you can also opt to find a nice shade along the banks. It's really up to you.

    It's gets even better when you tag some friends along and bring picnic treats (slices of watermelon, bread and jam, and potato bites), games (board games, Monopoly Deal or plain playing cards) and of course, a camera to capture these precious moments!

Couple by the Charles River

Charles River provides an excellent spot not only for friends to hang out, sometimes it gets pretty romantic as well. This spot is just a few blocks away from the Harvard T stop (along the red line), so you don't have an excuse since it's very accessible.

2. Refresh yourself in the Museum of Fine Arts 

Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) has been an institution that is highly renowned for its collections, exhibitions and programs. Currently, they are featuring the Alex Katz Prints exhibition, which the MFA describes as "bold, hard-edged figurative paintings and prints." 

The MFA's schedule and operating hours vary from day to day, which is why it would be wise to plan your visit(s) in advance. They also have different rates for different folks, although a lot of people could actually get in for FREE. 

Photo by wallyg

For Emerson College kids like me, and other college kids who're given the same access, do not miss out on this opportunity while we are still blessed to have this privilege! 

With a stop along the green line exactly spot on location, the MFA is a very accessible and truly worthwhile destination.

3. Plunge into the New England Aquarium

If that wasn't cool enough for you (although it definitely was), then here's a wetter experience!

Take the plunge (well, not literally) into the New England Aquarium! This Bostonian structure is a center of scientific research and 'public' education. What's really cool about this place is that it showcases a touch tank exhibit of sharks and rays, in addition to its marine life and species exhibits.

Similar to the MFA, it is also recommended to plan your visit ahead of time. They have different rates and ticket buying options for group visits, depending also on the set of activities that you plan to engage in, such as the regular aquarium tour, the IMAX experience and oh, did I mention whale watching? 

The aquarium is accessible via the Blue line on the Aquarium T stop, although it is really accessible in a lot of different ways.   

Boston Commons at the heart of the city. 

4. Bathe in the Boston Common

If you're thinking of sunbathing, river bathing (if you dare) or just hanging out by a really pretty scene, you should not miss out the Boston Common!

The Boston Common is similarly a central park at the heart of downtown - a patch of green within a busy Bostonian city. Amidst all the daily hustles and bustles, this park is a breath of fresh air, and it does look really beautiful during summer time, when the flowers and trees are in full bloom. 

The Common is the oldest park in the United States, and it plays a very significant role in American history.  It is very accessible by nature of all the green line trains pass by it (via Park Street or Boylston stop). 

Boston Common Duck Pond

On occasion, there are even duck/swan rides (I'm not sure which one it is) within this pond. However, the true beauty of the Common lies in its aesthetic appeal and presence of being a naturally alive and breathing space at the very heart of Boston. 

Oreo Cake Batter

5. Cool your tongue with J.P. Licks | Harvard Square  

We all know that ice cream is available almost anywhere in the world, but if there's one brand that's truly Boston, it's J.P. Licks! 

With its 10 branches all over the city, J.P. Licks has made itself a very accessible dessert place for every local and visitor. Personally, what I particularly liked about J.P. Licks is its huge selection of ice cream flavors (they also offer yogurts, pies, coffee, etc.) especially Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and Cake Batter. In fact, if you check out their website, they specifically indicate the available flavors for the month, which is fun to try out and experiment from time to time! 

In terms of branch preference, I would recommend the one on Harvard Square (since the one on Newbury Street closed). I often frequent this store while waiting for my bus or just for the sake of people watching, and on warm summer days like these, you're sure to find a lot of people. 

Photo credits to David Harmin

Given its location on Harvard Square, this J.P. Licks branch is accessible via the Red line on the T (Harvard Square stop) and a lot of buses. And just in case the lines get long, I assure you that it's worth the wait and definitely a summer treat you wouldn't want to miss.

SoWa Open Market

6. Exploring SoWa District | If New York City has a Soho, Boston has a SoWa. Sundays at the "South of Washington" (at the South End) became such a popular hot spot when the SoWa Markets began offering a unique and exciting shopping experience 9 years ago. 

       There's the SoWa Open Market. As Boston's original art and indie design market, you're sure to catch arts and crafts, and find fascination in their artistry. You could even tweet at them (@sowaopenmarket).

Then there's also the SoWa Farmer's Market as well as the SoWa Vintage Market, which have their own distinct offerings of food trucks and deli, as well as antiques and collectibles, respectively. Indeed, this district on Sundays becomes culturally hip and refreshing, in addition to its accessibility (via MBTA and bus lines). 

SOWA Vintage Market

Discover WERS 88.9

7. Discover WERS 88.9 FM

As Boston's discovery station, WERS 88.9 brings you new, independent and alternative music listening. This is a refreshing way to discover new music and new artists who will serenade your warm sunny afternoons! 

Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @WERS889FM, visit www.wers.org and tune in to 88.9, WERS!

In a city as beautiful and as charming as Boston, what other places can you think of for warm summer days like these? Let's hear those ideas and exciting activities!