14 fun things to do in Boston

There's nothing like seeing a Red Sox game at America's oldest and most beloved ballpark with legions of dedicated fans both old and young. If you can't make it to a game, check out one of the concerts held in the park over the summer, or take a tour of the park any time of year.

In a city chock full of proud Irish expats and Irish-Americans, it’s little wonder Boston boasts an excess of authentic Irish pubs. To get the full experience, head in on a lively trivia night, or during an authentic Irish live music performance.

It's fun for your mouth! Fresh local lobster stuffed in a soft, toasted roll is perhaps the ultimate seafood treat. Found on menus across town, you can try traditional hot and cold versions (like the famed roll at Neptune Oyster) or more modern versions (like the brown-butter version at Eventide).

You can sample a wide range of beers and share insight with fellow beer afficionados at the best craft beer bars in Boston, but there's something about getting a pint fresh from the source. Boston’s local brewers are making some of the best beers around, and spending time at these breweries is a must for beer lovers. Newer upstarts are gaining attention by incorporating innovative ingredients (local herbs, rare fruits), historic techniques and funky experiments, while old standbys like Sam Adams and Harpoon remain popular and worth a visit.

While it’s not the original Boston Garden (a no-frills venue that hosted some of the most important cultural events in Boston history), the spirit of Boston sports runs deep throughout the venue. An assortment of fans—from intense locals whose season tickets go back decades to new-school supporters sporting the latest in merch and gear—scream and shout while supporting the Bruins or the Celtics.

Boston loves ice cream so much that it's still a popular treat in the dead of winter. The city has been a hotbed of ice cream innovation since the ’70s, when Steve Herrell began mixing Oreo shards into freshly churned batches in his (now-defunct) Somerville shop, Steve’s Ice Cream. Today, the best ice cream shops in Boston churn out classic flavors as well as innovative ones with unique ingredients like bay leaf, pumpkin, or whiskey.

This major outdoor venue is located on the waterfront in the ever-buzzing Seaport District. From May to October, shows feature mainstream rock, pop and R&B acts, with a sprinkling of contemporary newcomers. Summer is a great time to see a show, when warm weather and cool breezes from the water enhance the experience.

Of all the fantastic things to do in Boston, catching a game has got to be somewhere near the top of the list, whether it's hearing the roar of Red Sox fans at Fenway, braving the cold to cheer on the Patriots in Foxborough, or celebrating a Celtics or Bruins win at the Garden. If can't make it, these sports bars are the and the next best thing to being there. Good beer, lively company, and lots of screens make these bars a great alternative.

Join the hordes on the river in summer. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board to get out on the water. There are a few different rental and launch locations, check the website for more info.

For many people, visiting a museum is, yes, fun. Boston has a wealth of lauded museums, from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Institute of Contemporary Arts to the fun-for-all-ages Museum of Science. If you're not the type to spend a day looking at stuff, many of these museums host concerts and other events to up the fun level.

Whether you want to go for broke and make like a high roller or have a good time without gambling, Encore Boston Harbor has what you're looking for. The mega-casino resort cost nearly $3 billion and includes 15 dining and lounge venues; 671 guest rooms and suites; 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space; an ultra-premium spa; and a four-season, six-acre Harborwalk, featuring pedestrian and bike paths, picnic park, gazebo, viewing decks, waterfront dining, and lush green space with magnificent floral displays. In other words, a Vegas-like experience minus the cross-country travel.

Candlepin bowling is a uniquely New England quirk—the pins are tall and much thinner than those of standard ten-pin, and balls are closer to softball-sized. For those seeking this social, group-friendly activity, the lovingly maintained Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville (which dates back to 1939) is a local favorite. An eclectic mix waits for lanes to open up while nibbling on organic pizzas with eccentric toppings from Flatbread Company.

Some of America’s most popular contemporary comedians (e.g. Conan O’Brien, Amy Poehler, Denis Leary, Dane Cook) honed their craft in Greater Boston. In the Theater District, big name comedians hold court at a variety of venues. Spending your evening yucking it up is a great way to unwind and boost your mood.

Sure, it's touristy, but how can you not have fun quacking at pedestrians as you roll through the streets aboard a revamped, World War II-era amphibious vehicle manned by, yes, a "ConDUCKtour". The city’s most iconic tour lends both land and sea perspectives to Boston’s history and architecture, with sense of humor to spare.