(844) 909 2560
Available 24x7, Toll-Free
July 24, 2022

10 Sober Summer Activities In The Boston Area

One of the hardest parts about being newly sober is that many of the places you once enjoyed may now become triggers that compel you to drink. The good news is that living sober doesn’t have to be boring. There are a lot of fun and exciting activities you can do in Boston without drinking alcohol. This is especially true when the weather warms up. During the summer months, you can take advantage of Boston’s sunny days, warm nights, and the city’s prime waterfront location. Whether you’re into sports, culture, or outdoor adventures, the city has a wide variety of summer activities to enjoy on land and water.

Fun Sober Things to Do in Boston This Summer

There’s a reason why The Fix named Boston their number one city for sober living. Here are 10 sober activities in the Boston area you can consider experiencing while the weather’s warm.

1. Go See A Red Sox Game Or Concert At Fenway Park

Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the major league. Seeing a game at this historic ballpark is a rite of passage for people living in Boston. Tickets can be hard to come by for big games, but you can plan ahead by checking out the current Red Sox schedule. You can also experience the excitement of Fenway Park by booking a public tour.

If you aren’t a big baseball fan, you can attend a concert at Fenway Park instead. The stadium, which is located right on the waterfront in the Seaport District, features mainstream rock, pop, and R&B acts in the summer. The Plainridge Park Casino Fenway Concert Series has an iconic don’t-miss lineup starting on August 3rd with Guns N’Roses and culminating with the Jonas Brothers on October 1st. Summer is a great time to see a show.

2. Shakespeare On The Common

This year, Boston’s Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will present The Tempest from July 21st through August 8th. Although the production will remain free, the show will have some capacity constraints, so do register ahead of time if you’re interested.

If you enjoy literature, history, or live plays, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Shakespearean performance about magic, betrayal, revenge, and family loyalties, performed under the stars on a balmy summer evening. In addition to being entertained, you’ll have your thinking challenged in new ways as you listen to the important but comic life lessons that are as meaningful today as they were when Shakespeare wrote the play 4 centuries ago.

Be sure to bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on.

3. Paddle Along The Charles River

The Charles River is a perfect place to enjoy water activities during the summer months. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and wind your way along the river. At Paddle Boston, a single kayak only costs $15 per hour or $60 per day. Whatever water activity you choose, being out on the water and soaking up the Boston sun is a great way to relax, relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and gain a new perspective on life. Besides, there’s something incredibly calming about floating through a city you’ve come to know and love.

4. Visit The New England Aquarium

The aquarium is a classic destination that reminds us of the beauty of the world. The New England Aquarium is especially known for its ocean exhibits and marine conservation efforts. The aquarium’s current Indo-Pacific coral reef exhibit is a 9,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling concave that showcases a wide array of marine animals such as the tomato clownfish (aka Nemo), longnose butterflyfish, and orange spine unicornfish. You can also explore the sea dragon exhibit, watch whales, and get up close and personal with stingrays and sharks in the touch tank. You can also indulge your inner zoologist at the aquarium’s Simons Theater.

5. Go On A Boston Ghost & Graveyard Tour

Boston’s winters can be extremely frigid, so take advantage of the warmer weather and go on the “Trolley of the Doomed” tour during the summer. This tour allows you to explore Boston’s darker side. In addition to visiting the streets where the Boston Strangler once walked, you’ll hear local tales of mayhem, ghosts, and ghouls. You’ll also explore the gravesites of John Hancock, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and others. With this sober but thrilling adventure, you’ll:

  • Visit 2 of Boston’s ancient burial grounds — a historic graveyard and a haunted one
  • Hear about the Omni Parker House, the city’s most haunted hotel
  • Drive past places where strange and spooky sightings have been reported
6. Go On A Whale Watching Cruise

Boston’s whale watching cruises allow you to get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures: whales. You’ll have the opportunity to see humpbacks, minke whales, finbacks, dolphins, sea birds, and other aquatic life. You’ll also have a chance to see some of the Boston Harbor Islands and several historic lighthouses. In addition to seeing all the sights, being on a cruise can help ease your mind and remind you that simple activities like being outside can be fascinating and pleasurable.

7. Wander and Picnic at the Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden is America’s first botanical garden and a favorite spot in the city. On top of being gorgeous and peaceful, the garden is a lovely place to go for a stroll. The public garden is also a wonderful spot for a picnic. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and invite a friend to enjoy the picturesque scenery with you. You can also rent a swan-shaped paddleboat for $3 a ride and view the garden from the water.

8. Explore New England’s Swimming Holes

Massachusetts’ swimming holes are a hidden treasure. When you need to cool down but want to do so in a non-traditional way, a swimming hole is the way to go. In addition to helping you cool down, the crystal clear water is a perfect place to unleash your inner Indiana Jones. Whether you choose to dive, cannonball, or ease your way into the water, the Boston area’s swimming holes are a perfect sober summer activity.

9. Get Competitive at Volo

Volo is a great way to get fit, have fun, and make friends. You can play basketball, cornhole, flag football, kickball, soccer, softball, or volleyball. You can also sign up to join boot camp or a sports-inspired fitness camp. In addition to getting your body moving, playing sports can help:

  • Relieve stress
  • You sleep better
  • Boost your self-esteem
  • Improve your overall well being
10. Visit The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Watershed

ICA Watershed is a big warehouse-turned-art gallery that features video installations, events, and other unique art exhibits. The 15,000-square-foot gallery, located in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina, currently features an immersive exhibit that looks like oceanic ancient ruins. The installation, which includes a light show, has an expansive blue scene overhead and a soundscape featuring sounds of the sea. Whether you’re a fan of art or looking to experience something new, you can check out the calendar to see what kind of exhibits are currently on display.

Helping You Live A Thriving, Exciting Sober Life

Here at Meta, we’re proud to call Boston home. We know how challenging sobriety can be after overcoming addiction, especially when you’re living in a fun-filled city. But sobriety doesn’t have to be boring. The Boston area has many sober activities for you to enjoy. Live the thriving, exciting sober life you deserve.

If you or someone you know wants to become sober but needs some assistance, contact us. Our recovery experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.