Winter in Boston, Massachusetts can be, depending upon your perception, either a wonderful snowy wonderland or a barren Arctic tundra. The city, known for its history and legendary sports teams, is home to museums, parks, interesting boutiques and restaurants that can please any taste. It also has many options for families looking to relax on a winter's day, whether it be staying inside or frolicking outdoors.
Strap on your skates and hit the Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Rink, located in the heart of the city. Glide along the icy surface while enjoying the sights and sounds of the state capital. Visitors can rent skates for a fee and, if needed, store personal possessions in a rental locker. The rink at the common, the oldest public park in the country, is walking distance from many of the city's best shopping and dining destinations.
The rink opens daily at 10 a.m., but closing hours vary. Should the skating make you hungry, the Frog Pond Cafe has hot and cold snacks and beverages. Parking is available for a fee at the Boston Common Garage. Pedestrians can take the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway to either the Park Street stop on the Green Line or the Charles Street stop on the Red Line; both are a five minute walk from the rink.
Escape from the blustery winter chill and keep warm at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which is devoted to the preservation and discussion of contemporary art. Peruse the gallery and see the permanent collection which includes works by photographer Cindy Sherman and media artist Paul Chan. Families can attend conversations with artists, concerts and multi-media performances. The ICA offers many programs for younger kids such as film-making workshops and play dates where kids can make their own sculptures. Teenagers can partake in media classes, film screenings and workshops.
The ICA is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the on-site Water Cafe, which features meals by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Parking is available in several nearby paid lots as well as on-street. Pedestrians can either take the MBTA Silver Line to either the Courthouse or World Trade Center stations or the Rowes Wharf Water Transport ferry to the World Trade Center. Both destinations are a short walk from the ICA.
Kids of all ages will enjoy spending a cold winter's day at the Museum of Science (MOS). Investigate the exhibits and learn about nanotechnology, dinosaurs from the Mesozoic era and animal habitats found in New England. The Discovery Center, a hands-on play area is ideal for kids age 8 and under while older kids can discover science concepts first-hand at the Cabot Lab. MOS also features a planetarium and IMAX movies at the Mugar Omni Theater.
MOS is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except for Friday, which is open from 9 a.m. To 9 p.m. MOS has several options for hungry families such as burgers at The Grill or tacos at the Taqueria. Visitors can park at the on-site garage or take the MBTA Green line to Science Park station.
