With only a few short weeks (and several finals) standing in the way of sweet freedom , you may be scrambling to think of fun things to do this summer. Don't think that you will be bored out of your mind just because you're in the same state you're always in. There are countless activities and places in Massachusetts that you can venture off to, so hop in your car and explore!
1. Go visit the Islands
People travel from all over the country to visit Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and both are just a ferry ride away from Plymouth Harbor. With the two beautiful islands just off the coast off the Bay State, take advantage and go down there for a day, or even a weekend. You can jump off the infamous Jaws bridge, snag rings from the Flying Horses Carousel, go swimming, see the famous gingerbread houses, ride your bike, or even just explore!
2. Visit the Castles.
3. Six Flags New England!!!
New England's most beloved theme park resides in Agawam, right here in Massachusetts. It may be a few hours drive, depending on which part of the state you live in, but the short travel is worth it for all the roller coasters, rides, and shows you can experience here! So gather up a few friends and take a day off to enjoy this park!
4. Visit a park.
Massachusetts is home to a countless number of beautiful parks. All over the state, and probably even in your own town, plots of land have been set aside and preserved. Whether you want to go for a walk, a hike, take pictures, go on a picnic, or swim, plenty of these parks exist and are open to the public. Mass.gov has an entire list of parks in the state, so go check them out and see which ones are of interest to you!
5. Tour the Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory.
Cape Cod potato chips are the best potato chips. End of story. These wonderful chips are made right in Hyannis, and every Monday through Friday you can take a free self-guided tour.
6. Vans Warped Tour
Vans Warped Tour is an annual traveling rock festival. This year featured bands include: 3OH!3, Chelsea Grin, Falling in Reverse, Good Charlotte, Hail the Sun, Mayday Parade, Sleeping with Sirens, We the Kings, Yellowcard, and more. The tour's date for the Xfinity Center in Mansfield is on July 13.
7. Walk the Freedom Trail.
If you ever find yourself in Downtown Boston, you might notice that you've been walking along a red line inlaid in the sidewalks. The Freedom Trail extends from Boston Common to the USS Constitution, passing through 16 historic sites in between. The trail is only 2.5 miles long, and as you walk along it you can trail off to the various shops and areas it goes through, including Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
8. Attend The Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl.
9. Go on one of Boston's Food Tours.
Boston has a very extensive list of food tours. Regardless of whether your interest is in chocolate, cupcakes, lobster, pizza, beer, or wine, Boston has a food tour that will satisfy you and your taste buds, taking you through the city to explore and sample different varieties of food.
10. Visit the Lizzie Borden B&B.
Lizzie Borden took an axe... And wants you to visit her home and relax!!! Lizzie Borden, infamous for being tried and acquitted for the murder of her father and step-mother, lived in Fall River, Massachusetts. Today, you can tour her home, and, if you're daring, even stay a night at the Bed & Breakfast.
11. Broadway in Boston.
Boston's Theatre district has a wide range of spectacular shows every season, including traveling national tours of popular Broadway musicals. This summer, the shows include: The King & I, Wicked, and Finding Neverland.
12. Run a 5k.
Massachusetts has both countless fun runs and races for charity during the summer. Whether or not you're an athlete, these races are a fun experience to do alone, with friends, or simply as a way to get more exercise.
13. Explore the Purgatory Chasm.
14. Visit a museum.
Massachusetts is home to hundreds of historic, educational, amusing, and artistic museums. If you're interested in science, Boston's Museum of Science is the place you want to go. If you're interested in maritime activities, you may want to visit Hart Nautical Museum in Cambridge. From the most western part of the state to the arm of the Cape, you'll discover museums for all sorts of interests and subjects.
15. Shop at Cape Kaleidoscopes.
If you find yourself wanting to see the world in a little more color, take a trip down to Mashpee to view the Northeast's largest selection of both toy and hand-crafted kaleidoscopes. Regardless of the last time you peered into the colorful beaded vision of a kaleidoscope, a visit to Cape Kaleidoscopes would certainly be a unique a fun trip!
