Lately I am starting to feel like the walls are closing in on me as I think about the months ahead. With the hours of daylight getting fewer, and the weather getting colder—I can’t help but feel a little trapped. I don’t normally feel this way when fall approaches and we get a couple of really cold days that remind me winter isn’t too far away. However, this year I think idea of “hibernating” for winter feels more real as we approach it amid a pandemic for the first time. Over the weekend I was thinking about how when COVID first started back in late February, people started getting creative during quarantine when everything was closed. Then summer hit and people got creative with ways to have fun while social distancing and being safe. With options being more limited this summer in terms of things to do, I really appreciated how inventive people were. From having picnics on the Esplanade with friends to going hiking as a first date, it’s kind of made me realize there are a lot of other things we can do besides sitting at a Red Sox game or going to the bars.
Similarly, to the creativity I observed and partook in this summer with ways to have fun during a pandemic, I wanted to create a list of ideas to keep the ball rolling through fall and winter. I think the reason I am starting to feel cooped up thinking about the winter ahead, is because a lot of the new activities I took up this summer were mostly outside. When winter comes and outdoor options become fewer (especially restaurants), I want to have a plan of how I can stay active, busy, and entertained. So whether you need ideas for yourself, spending time with friends, seeing family, or dates, here is my list of ideas to keep ourselves occupied this fall and winter—pandemic edition.
Beer Gardens
This is a great outdoor fall activity, especially in Boston. There are still a lot of beer gardens open through late fall in the city. One of my favorites is Owl’s Nest Night Shift on the Esplanade in Boston. This location has incredible views of the city and the Charles River. They also have another location also on the Charles, but in Allston, MA. Nigh Shift has their beer gardens open through the month of October, so this is a great activity to jump into Fall with. Another great pop up in the city is the Trillium Garden on The Greenway, this location also is typically open through the end of October as well. Another popular beer garden is the Cisco Brewers pop up in the Seaport. This location is great but typically has the longest wait of the three. Given the pandemic restrictions, I would recommend reserving ahead, which some of them do allow, that way you avoid having to wait in line. All three gardens usually have their last open day on or around November 1st. However, the breweries themselves are open all year round at their main locations. Large breweries that can accommodate for socially distanced groups are also a great activity throughout the winter. Speaking of which, Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport holds movie viewings. This year they are playing Hocus Pocus in the Beer Hall on October 25th. Last year they did a viewing of Elf around the Holidays. Additionally, they’re holding a pumpkin carving event outdoors this year on October 29th.
Book Club
With all the reading I am doing this year, I’m starting to think I actually should start a book club. Book clubs are a great excuse to get together with a small group of friends on a regular basis and not only talk books, but just socialize. This could be a really easy way to stay connected with friends if you create a group small enough that you could all comfortably visit at each other’s homes, apartments, or a local coffee shop. The great thing about a book club is that you can really keep it going all throughout the winter months and this is something you could always have to look forward to, whether you choose to meet once a month or every week, this is always a great option!
Libraries
Speaking of book club, libraries are another winter activity that flies under the radar. If you’re in a city, some of your local libraries are absolutely breathtaking. Depending on your local COVID-19 restrictions, libraries are a great place to meet up with a few friends, co-workers, or family and have coffee and catch up. This might sound lame, but there really is something about the vibe in huge library that makes you feel so cozy and relaxed. It’s also something different! I personally don’t frequent libraries now that I am out of college, but I have been on a tour of the Central Library and it’s gorgeous. The Central Library in Copley Square also has multiple Cafes in the library including the Courtyard Tea Room and The Map Room Tea Lounge. There are a lot of cute and fun events that are held through the Cafes as well, although the Tea Rooms are currently closed due to COVID, this is something to keep in the back of your mind for the future! I have never been to one of their tea parties, but they look amazing! There are multiple tours that go on at the library, including the Art and Architecture points of interest in the Central Library, these are currently ongoing in small groups. Additionally, there are a ton of events that the library puts on. They have everything from kids’ events, to Halloween Mystery Nights, to Author talks and business seminars. All events are still ongoing right now; however, they are being offered as online events only. Overall, spending time at a library is an idea that I will definitely use this winter when I need a change of scenery to write, work on the blog, read, and even catch up with work tasks. Additionally, this would be a great place to hold your book club every once in a while.
Ice Skating/Snowshoeing/Tubing
Ice skating is one of the most classic winter activities to do outdoors and sometimes I don’t make the time to go every year. There are plenty of places to ice skate in and around Boston. My favorite spot will always be the Boston Common Frog Pond, it’s the best skating day or night. They haven’t released what their plan is this year that I can find, so I will definitely be keeping my eye on that. Snowshoeing is another great activity to get you outdoors in the winter months, it’s also a killer workout! There are plenty of great areas in and around Boston to snowshoe. Boston Magazine noted a ton of great places to snowshoe in the area including Arnold Arboretum, Blue Hills Reservation, and Boston Nature Center, to name a few! Based on how much I hiked this summer due to the pandemic, I am thinking about investing in some snowshoes so I can have a go-to outdoor activity this winter! You can find some for anywhere between $50-$80 which I think is totally reasonable! Skiing and snowboarding are always options but if things shut down again, snowshoeing is a great alternative/backup plan! As for tubing, if places open for that this year, it’s always easy to find a local spot online. Tubing is always a great time and could be fun on a Friday night to change things up!
Museums
The Boston Museum of Science is currently open for visitors and this is a great weekend activity for any age! I went to the Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Exhibit last Fall when it was being shown in Boston and it was amazing. Being in the Museum of Science for the first time as an adult definitely made me want to go back to check out the rest of the exhibits. I plan to save this event for a cold day this winter and take my time going through! The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is also open to visitors as long as you reserve a spot ahead of time. Another great way to get out and do something new this Winter! There are a ton of other museums in Boston that would be great to visit throughout the Winter months—maybe you can try checking them all off your list!
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are number one on my personal list for this Winter! There are a ton of local cooking classes and events that range in all types of cuisines as well as private classes or with small groups. It’s super easy to look up different classes near you and pick what type of cuisine and setting you’re interested in. I think this is a great way to spend time with friends or it could be a great date idea! This is a perfect example of doing something pandemic friendly that you may not normally do. There are multiple events scheduled through October, November, and December in and around Boston. Another option could always be to look into online cooking classes when and if we go back into quarantine. This would be a great thing to do with your significant other or roommates!
Comedy
Comedy events are always fun! There are currently some small comedy events going on in Boston at different restaurants. Another activity that is different and fun! If you look up different comedy events, you’ll find ones that you can reserve tickets for. Currently it appears that they’re being held at really small capacities which is a plus not only for social distancing but also lends itself to a more intimate show. My favorite comedy club of all time is Improv Asylum Boston. If you haven’t been, add it to your list the minute they re-open. Unfortunately, they closed during COVID and there is no word regarding re-opening dates. If they are able to open soon, I will be front and center at every show this Winter—hands down my favorite place to go in the city.
Enclosed Botanical Gardens
This is something that is definitely more on the creative side of how to stay busy with activities in the winter months. Boston actually has a lot of options to be able to enjoy indoor gardens to escape the cold of winter for a little bit. My mom is actually the one who gave me the idea. At first I figured it would be good to write about because someone would be interested in this, even if I wasn’t. However, after doing some research on places right in my backyard, I definitely plan to add this to my winter bucket list! The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston has many art galleries as well as an enclosed greenhouse called the Dorothy McGee Greenhouse. Their website states that children under 18 are free, so that’s an added bonus! Another fun option would be the Tropical Forest and Bird World at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. I think Zoos are mostly associated with summer months in New England, however, you can enjoy both of these attractions all year round as these areas are set at a constant 72 degrees for the tropical forest features. Lastly, Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston. is another great option for winter entertainment. They have an annual Holiday Light Display which looks beautiful. In the winter months, they recommend you go to The Orangerie, an 18th century style greenhouse which features winter blooming, temperature and subtropical plants from October through May.
Driving Adventures
If you’re anything like me, getting out and going for a drive felt especially good after weeks and months in quarantine. I felt safe enough that I was within the confines of my own car but felt like I was getting out and exploring a little bit. A few ideas for the Winter months that involving getting out and driving around is looking at Christmas lights. This is an annual tradition for a lot of people, so I figured this could be something to add to the list. Grab some hot cocoa (spiked for the passengers), get in comfy clothes, and drive around looking at Christmas lights of residential areas or the city! Sometimes it feels good to just get out. Another idea for people who are craving a cruise is checking off state attractions. One idea that I saw recently was traveling to different areas in New Hampshire to visit the many covered bridges the state has. Each weekend you can pick a location and work towards hitting all 55 covered bridges off your list! This would be a great activity especially in the winter months when the views are to die for in New Hampshire.