Go Out, Have Fun & Enjoy Boston in a Sober-Friendly Environment

 

There is plenty of fun to be had in recovery. Some of these activities can be enjoyed for free, but make sure to look for discounts and coupons to save money for those that come with a price! Here is a list of sober-friendly things to do in Boston. Click on the links below for more details and let us know if there is an alcohol-free option we should add to the list.

 

Adventure

  1. Ghost and Gravestones tour: Boston is a city filled with history, meaning it also has its fill of ghost stories. Check out Ghosts and Gravestones of Boston to find the spookiest ghost tours in the city.
  2. Boston Bike Tours by Urban AdvenTours: Take a fun and relaxing bike tour around Boston to explore the city and meet new people. This is a great way to stay active and spend time outside.
  3. Whale Watching Cruise: This four-hour cruise sets sail to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, which is filled with whales, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life.
  4. Key to Amaze: Key to Amaze’s Virtual Reality (VR) experience allows players to bring up to 12 family members or friends to play long and explore the world of VR.
  5. Stone Zoo or Franklin Park Zoo: Learn about different living animals and explore various ecosystems at the Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. Both zoos have a deep commitment to conserving and preserving the many living organisms they house.
  6. Paddle Boston: Journey down the Charles River by kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, paddle boating, rowing, and more.

 

Arts

  1. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Watershed: The ICA displays contemporary art in all media including visual art exhibitions, music, film, video, and performance. It also offers workshops.
  2. Boston Ballet: Attend a theatrical ballet show at the Boston Ballet. Most shows are seasonal but take place multiple nights of the week.
  3. Boston Symphony/Orchestra/ Boston Pops Symphony Hall: Established in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra reaches millions of listeners at their live concert performances, as well as through streaming on BSO NOW, educational programs, radio, recordings, and TV.
  4. ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage and on Screen: Emerson College’s professional presenting and producing organization that shares a selection of creative works, shows, and a play-book club.
  5. Museum of Fine Arts Boston: Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, this museum houses a renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works.

 

Food & Restaurants

  1. Off the Beaten Path Food Tours: Explore local food businesses and entrepreneurs; this food tour shows guests all the best restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, shops, and more.
  2. **Regina Pizzeria: This critically acclaimed pizzeria serves several different types of delicious pizza and allows you to build your own with a multitude of topping options.
  3. Mike’s City Diner: Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Mike’s City Diner. They serve a variety of great American cuisine for affordable prices.
  4. Flour Bakery + Café: Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, breakfast, lunch, or catering, Flour Bakery + Café has several options for you to choose.
  5. Sam LaGrassa’s: Enjoy in-store, take-out, or delivery from Sam LaGrassa’s. They are known for their delicious sandwich menu, but they also serve soups, chowder, pastrami, desserts, salads, and vegetarian options.

 

Museums

  1. Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame: Housed in the Wang Theatre, this museum is dedicated to honoring history, while also building the foundation of the next generation Folk, Americana, and Roots musicians. It features displays, memorabilia, artifacts, exhibits, events, lectures, concerts, and more.
  2. Museum of African American History: This museum is the largest museum in New England dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans during the 18th and 19th Explore exhibits, programs, and educational activities.
  3. Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum: Isabella Stewart Gardener is a historic Boston figure who traveled the world, collected artifacts, and loved learning. She opened this museum in 1903, which includes beautiful gardens, art conservation, musical performances, artifacts, and artistic workshops.
  4. Commonwealth Museum: Brings the history of Massachusetts from 1620 – present-day to life with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits including the “treasure gallery.”
  5. Harvard Museum of Natural History: This museum aims to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the human place in it. It features three different museums.
  6. Salem Witch Museum: Examines the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, allowing visitors to theatrically experience the drama of that dark time as they are led through the witch-hunt.
  8. Plimoth Patuxet Museums: The Plimoth Patuxet Museums include interactive historical reenactments of the beginning of America including the Mayflower II, Plimoth Grist Mill, a 17th century English village, and historical Patuxet prior to colonization.

 

Parks & Recreation

  1. The New England Aquarium: A global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, the New England Aquarium offers exhibits with several different aquatic animals from all over the world.
  2. Freedom Trail: This iconic trail is 2.5 miles long and leads to 16 nationally significant historical sites. It includes a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, cemeteries, parks, ships, and historical landmarks from the American Revolution.
  3. **Rose Kennedy Greenway: This park features various food trucks, a carousel, fountains to splash around in, and beautiful landscapes.
  4. Emerald Necklace Conservancy: Emerald Necklace is in the heart of Boston and extends to Brookline. It offers many experiences including hiking, sailing, golfing, and exploring botanical gardens.
  5. Boston Harbor: The Boston Harbor is filled with activities from taking various cruises, including sunset and whale watching cruises, exploring Boston historical sites, trying local pizzerias and seafood restaurants, or taking a relaxing walk or bike-ride along the harbor.
  6. Adams Historical Park: Adams Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesmen, philosophers…and learned women” whose ideas and actions helped transform the thirteen colonies into the US.
  7. Mystic Lakes: If you’re looking for swimming, fun on the water, or sunbathing, check out the Mystic Lakes in Medford. Activities include rowing, sailing, picnicking, grilling, swimming, and more.

 

BrightView wants to help connect people in recovery and help them enjoy life without drugs and alcohol. Contact us at 833.510.HELP for more information.

 

**PLEASE NOTE: This venue also serves beverages containing alcohol.
Photo: Adobe Stock Images