Fun Little Known Activities Around Boston This Summer for Wherever You Are Traveling on the T!

By: SSG Shayna Mandelbaum

Whether you are new to Boston or have been around for a year or two, there is always something new to explore in the city! From historical sites to parks or trails, there is truly something for everyone. But what if you are on the T, trying to pass some time before your next activity of the day? This unconventional list of Boston activities, full of hidden gems, is coded by MBTA stops so you can do something fun no matter where you are on the T!

Red Line

Alewife – You don’t even have to leave the station for this one. As part of the MBTA”s Art on the Line program, there are various art installations and murals throughout Alewife Station so take a moment to experience them while you are there!

Harvard – Hop on over to Cambridge and go to Harvard Square to explore the many art museums, restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops and more. Don’t miss the various artworks scattered throughout the square, from murals to sculptures.

Wollaston – Have you ever wondered why Northeastern has a grocery store called Wollaston’s? Well, it’s a neighborhood in Quincy! Enjoy the sandy shores and serene view of Wollaston Beach which offers the perfect spot for relaxation and unwinding.

Braintree – If you want to shop until you drop, the South Shore Plaza is the perfect place to be! It is the largest shopping mall in New England and one of the largest in the United States! If nature is more your speed, take in Sunset Lake Park or Blue Hills Reservation for nature trails and scenic views.

Cedar Grove – Check out Dorchester Park’s lush green spaces and walking paths in this hidden urban park.

Blue Line

Suffolk Downs – Check out the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, an urban nature preserve and public recreation area containing mostly coastal wetlands. It contained the largest remaining salt marsh in the Boston area.

Aquarium – Now this is one of the most obvious go-tos on the Blue Line, The New England Aquarium has a diverse collection of marine life including turtles, sharks, penguins and colorful fish! They also have a student discount program so be sure to take advantage of that,

Maverick – Immerse yourself in nature along the East Boston Greenway, offering a pathway through beautiful green spaces, waterfront views and community gardens. 

Bowdoin – Discover the history behind Boston’s West End at the West End Museum, which tells the story of this vibrant neighborhood, from immigrant communities to urban development.

Orange Line 

Malden Center – Visit the Malden Public Library with its beautiful architecture and extensive collection and the surrounding downtown area!

Assembly Square – Explore Assembly Row, a premier shopping and entertainment destination. There is also an impressive culinary scene as well as seasonal community events and activities throughout the year.

Chinatown – This vibrant neighborhood offers a myriad of Asian cuisine and also unique shops and markets. Enjoy the ornate gateways and cultural landmarks that add to the vibrancy of Chinatown. Don’t miss the beautiful Chinatown gate and the guardian lions!

Green Street – Visit the first JP Licks in Jamaica Plain (JP) and indulge in some delicious ice cream!

Green Line

Lechmere – Check out the Museum of Science and see the wonders of the natural world while engaging in hands-on activities. 

North Station – You may have heard of TD Garden or attended a game, but did you know that within North Station there is a Sports Museum with memorabilia, artifacts and exhibits about Boston sports history? It is definitely worth a visit!

Kenmore – Visit the iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and the oldest baseball park in the country. Fun fact: Northeastern used to be the site of where the Red Sox played prior to 1912 (There is a statue by Churchill Hall representing it!), called the Huntington Avenue Grounds. You can sign up for special student offers ($9 tickets!) so definitely take advantage!

Coolidge Corner – Visit Coolidge Corner and the general Brookline area, known for its independent shops, charming cafes and an art house cinema. You can also pop in and see President John F Kennedy’s Birthplace which is a National Historic Site.

Harvard Avenue –  Catch an intimate live music performance at Brighton Music Hall, a popular music venue in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. From local acts to emerging artists, this venue offers an up-close and personal experience for music lovers.

Silver Line 

Courthouse –  The Institute of Contemporary Art is a cutting edge museum with thought-provoking exhibitions. Explore a diverse range of visual arts, from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations and performance art.

Silver Line Way – Experience the vibrant and rapidly evolving Seaport District, a waterfront neighborhood that blends history, innovation, and entertainment. Stroll along the Harborwalk, enjoy panoramic views of Boston Harbor, and explore a plethora of dining options, trendy boutiques, and cultural venues. 

I hope this helped you find a new place to explore in Boston!