Happy Valentine's Day weekend! Boston and the surrounding areas have lots of ways to get outside despite the chill, from winter hikes to Lunar New Year celebrations. Don't miss the specialized guided tours at the Dillaway-Thomas House or the unique beaver walk near Concord.
See our top picks
Cabin Fever Ranger Hike
Gate 8 Sawyer's Bluff, Boylston
Free guided hike to spot winter wildlife near Boylston on Saturday morning.
Frostival Lodge in Copley Square
Copley Square
A cozy, free indoor spot in Back Bay to relax and recharge between activities.
StoryWalk® The Nest Robin Built
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Self-guided story reading along a short trail on Saturday.
· February 14
10FREE : Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a festive market featuring AAPI artists and vendors. This looks like a great spot for crafts and cultural performances if you are looking for an exciting Saturday activity.It’s a fantastic, specific cultural celebration happening right on Saturday.
FREE : Join the rangers for a hike to explore the winter woods and look for signs of wildlife in the watershed. The terrain is described as easy to moderate, so bundle up the kids and get some fresh air.A great structured outdoor activity right on Saturday morning to kick off the weekend.
FREE : Take a 30-minute guided tour focusing on the history of this circa 1750 house, which served as the Continental Army headquarters during the Siege of Boston. Great local history for older kids.Historical tour running both days, located right in Boston in Roxbury.
FROSTIVAL LODGE IN COPLEY SQUAREFREE : Need a cozy place to warm up? Settle into these winter wonderland furnishings for food, drinks, and ongoing events. Perfect for a quick break or hanging out near Copley.It's happening both days in a central location and provides a cozy indoor break from the cold.
ICE SKATING ON THE FROG POND AT BOSTON COMMON : A classic Boston winter activity! Head to the Frog Pond for some outdoor ice skating right on Boston Common.Classic Boston outdoor fun running all weekend.
LEGO WORLD: WONDERREALMS : This event focuses on LEGOs and runs through the end of the month, making it a great indoor option for Saturday if you want to explore slightly north of the city.LEGO events are almost always a guaranteed hit with school-aged kids, and this is a limited-run exhibit.
FREE : Combine LEGO fun with naval history down at the Charlestown Navy Yard. A great interactive choice for a Saturday morning.LEGOs combined with a museum visit makes for a solid, focused Saturday morning activity.
: Since it's Valentine's Day, treat the kids to a special Spa Day where they can make a love potion and get glittery nails and pink lips. Pre-registration is required for this Saturday morning treat.Perfectly themed for Valentine's Day Saturday morning pampering.
THE SEAL SENSATION STATIONFREE : Stop by the shore to look for harbor seals resting on the rocks and learn about them from park staff. A great Saturday afternoon outing near the water.Specific animal viewing opportunity on Saturday afternoon, perfect for an easy outdoor exploration.
STORYWALK® THE NEST ROBIN BUILTFREE : Enjoy a self-guided reading experience along a park trail where pages of the book 'The Nest Robin Built' are posted. This is a wonderful, low-pressure activity for young children on Saturday.StoryWalks are ideal for young walkers, and this is available all day Saturday.
· February 15
2FOR THE LOVE OF BIRDINGFREE : Join a leisurely 1.5-mile walk focused on spotting winter birds and ducks along the seashore. Get an early start on Sunday morning!An early Sunday activity focused on winter wildlife viewing at the coast.
FREE : Investigate what local amphibians and reptiles do to survive the winter chill. This is an educational station perfect for younger science enthusiasts on Sunday afternoon.Specific, science-based investigation station running on Sunday, aimed at ages 4+.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : Take a guided 1-mile walk to look for signs of resident beavers and learn how they impact the local ecology. This is a great nature activity slightly outside the city.Specific wildlife focus perfect for older kids interested in animals, located outside the immediate city.
FREE : Take a short walk to Thoreau's original house site and practice making observations about nature just like he did. A nice, gentle way to spend a Sunday afternoon outside.It's happening Sunday and encourages observational skills in a historic natural setting.
: Take a historical tour led by costumed guides focusing on Revolutionary War figures like Crispus Atticus and Phillis Wheatley. A fantastic way to engage older kids with Boston history on a Sunday morning.A focused, specific historical tour running on Sunday morning that connects directly to local Revolutionary War history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Boston this weekend?
There are several free options this weekend (Feb 14-15), including the Cabin Fever Ranger Hike (Sat), Winter Walk at Walden Pond (Sun), and the Seal Sensation Station (Sat). Check the Dillaway-Thomas House tours for free local history.
Are there any family events happening on Sunday, February 15th?
Yes! You can attend the Winter Walk at Walden Pond, go birding at Halibut Point State Park, join the African American Patriots® Tour, or check out the Amphibians and Reptiles investigation station.
What is there to do outdoors if we want to see nature?
Head out for the Cabin Fever Ranger Hike on Saturday, or try the specialized beaver walk at Walden Pond. If you are coastal, the Seal Sensation Station on Saturday afternoon is a great option.
