Are you pregnant and don’t know what to do for fun in Boston? Looking for a date night idea? Luckily, we live in a vibrant city that offers low-impact and relaxing activities no matter what season or state of your pregnancy. Below is a list of 20 activities ranging from taking in some culture to unwinding while pregnant and even during your maternity leave with your little one!

1. Visit a Boston Museum

Walking in a museum is a fun and interactive way to exercise and learn something new. There are a plethora of museums in Boston that can fulfill any interest. Below is a list of my favorites.

• The Museum of Fine Arts – fuel your curiosity in one of the largest art museums in the world.

• The Museum of Science – enjoy interactive exhibits & fascinating exhibits. Don’t forget the only domed theater in New England.

• Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) – get inspired by modern art and innovation.

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – featuring American, Asian, and European artists with the most amazing indoor courtyard garden

• Boston Tea Party Ship Museum – learn about the Revolutionary War in this interactive boat museum.

Bonus tip: all these museums are near beautiful, walkable waterways such as the Boston Harbor and the Charles River.

2. Feed those cravings and visit a food hall

Boston is known for its diverse food scene. There are walking food tours where you can also learn the history and culture of our famous dishes. If you feel like going at your own pace and want to fulfill all your food cravings? Check out the eateries at famous Boston landmarks: Faneuil Hall Market Place, Boston Public Market, Eataly Boston, and Time Out Market.

Bonus tip: no foodie tour is complete without a stroll in the North End for the city’s best Italian food and desserts.

3. Take a class

Learn a new skill and change up your routine by taking a class. There are different classes (paid and free) in and around Boston that can pique your interest. Classes can range from photography to cooking to art classes. These classes can last 1-2 hours and may inspire a new hobby. Check out Eventbrite, the City of Boston website, and the Boston Public Library branches to learn more about the classes and workshops offered.

Bonus tip: make new friends with other pregnant women/couples at a parenting or prenatal yoga class.

4. Go for a walk

Boston is a very walkable city with a variety of landscapes. There are walking paths with plenty of places to take a break and enjoy the scene. Below are some of my favorite pathways in the city; they are all paved and flat, making it accessible to all fitness levels.

• The Freedom Trail – Boston’s jewel! This 2.5. mile trail will lead you through 16 Revolutionary War historical sites. Learn more about the birth of America on this trail at your own pace or on a tour.

• Rose Kennedy Greenway – This 1.5-mile path in the heart of the city features outdoor exhibits and beautiful landscaped gardens.

• Harborwalk (in the Seaport) – the Harborwalk is over 45 miles! However, the most scenic section is at the Seaport, which features the most iconic view of the city skyline and the Boston Harbor.

Bonus tip: Pair your walk with free online guided tours for added historical facts.

5. Visit the New England Aquarium

Visiting the New England Aquarium is one of the most unique and relaxing experiences. Sitting and watching aquatic exhibits featuring fish, turtles, and penguins can be extremely soothing. With interactive exhibits and plenty of places to sit, the aquarium is the perfect spot to visit, especially if the weather is not ideal.

Bonus tip: Feeling hungry? The aquarium is a short walk to Boston’s North End or Faneuil Hall and their delicious eats.

6. Stroll through the Boston Public Garden

Visit one of Boston’s most iconic landmarks: the Public Garden. It’s the first botanical public garden in the US featuring a lagoon, fountains, and monuments. In the summer, enjoy a ride on the swan boats.

Bonus tip: Take a short walk over to historic Beacon Hill. Enjoy its cobblestone and federal-style row house. Don’t forget to take a picture on Acorn Street, the most photographed street in the US!

7. Go on a harbor cruise

Explore the city (and its local harbor islands) from a different perspective on a harbor cruise. The relaxing and scenic boat rides offer unforgettable views and are not physically demanding. There are a variety of cruises such as sightseeing and dinner cruises to meet your needs.

Bonus tip: Feel like taking a short ride? Take a commuter ferry between Downtown Boston to a nearby stop. Make it even more epic by picking a boat ride during sunset.

8. Attend a show

Attending a performance can be a fun experience and does not require much exertion. There are free and paid shows throughout the city. Some of the more popular venues include the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Theater.

Bonus tip: Check out musicals/plays offered by the local high school or artist group. I attended the most moving performances of Les Miserable at a local high school!

9. Explore the Esplanade

There have been songs written about the Esplanade and the Charles River… “because I love that dirty water!” (Dirty Water by the Standells). The Esplanade is a park that runs along the Charles River. It’s a vibrant park where one can walk, bike, or sit on a bench and enjoy as the sailboats blaze into the sunset.

Bonus tip: During warm weather, there are also free events like movie night and concerts at the Hatch Shell.

10. Visit the Boston Public Library

The main branch of the Boston Public Library in Copley is one of the most beautiful places to sit down and leaf through some books and magazines. The branch has one of the largest reading rooms in the world. The architecture is exquisite from its grand staircase to cozy reading rooms to a hidden Renaissance courtyard… you can mentally whisk away to Europe.

Bonus tip: Check out the list of events and exhibits offered to add interest to your visit! Also, see below for an added tip.

11. Enjoy a relaxing hot beverage

There is nothing more relaxing than sipping on a tea or hot chocolate along with some people watching. There are some gems around Boston such as the Copley Library’s courtyard tea room (see above) and Beacon Hill Books & Cafe. For Boston’s best hot chocolate, check out L.A. Burdich Chocolates in the Back Bay.

Bonus tip: Prefer a coffee? Grab a traditional Italian coffee and a cannoli in one of the North End’s cafes.

12. Shop on Newbury Street

Take a still down Boston’s shopping mecca: Newbury Street. This stylish, upscale street is filled with boutique shopping and international dining options all set against the charm of historic brownstone buildings. It’s the perfect spot to shop, dine, and soak up Boston’s unique vibes.

Bonus tip: Shopping for maternity clothes? Check out Pea in a Pod and H&M located right on Newbury Street.

13. Take a prenatal yoga class

Reduce stress and anxiety by attending a yoga class focusing on prenatal needs. Classes with prenatal yoga classes will improve your posture and reduce discomfort with gentle and directed stretches and techniques.

Bonus tip: Pair this with a prenatal massage for the ultimate day of relaxation and self-care.

14. Visit a baby boutique in the South End

The South End, which is famous for its historian Victorian brownstones, has some of the best baby boutiques in Boston. Shop for your little one at shops like Tadpole, Kodomo, and UPPAbaby.

Bonus tip: Make it into a date night and visit one of the South End’s eclectic art studios and eateries!

15. Visit the Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Boston. With over 250 acres of land, this “museum of trees” has one of the most diverse flora in the US. Go for a walk and enjoy the diverse gardens throughout.

Bonus tip: Check out their events page to find out about art exhibits and tours.

16. Play tourist

Even as a lifetime resident of Boston, I find that playing tourist is a fun and unique way to explore familiar places. There are historical walking and trolley tours. Relaxing on a trolley tour while learning entertaining historical facts is a fun way to get a different perspective on the city.

Bonus tip: Pick a tour that piques your interest, such as a ghost, true crime, or even a movie tour of Boston!

17. Visit a sports event

Boston is the home of champions! We are lucky to be about to attend a Bruins, Celtics, or Rox Sox game right in the city. Or you can take a short drive to Foxborough to watch the New England Patriots. Catching a game is an exciting way to feel the city’s spirit and enjoy a fantastic night out. Not into sporting events? You can still get in on the action with a behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway Park, TD Garden, or Gillette Stadium and explore their museums to dive into the history of your favorite teams.

Bonus tip: Love going to sporting events, but don’t enjoy the crowds? Check out college or minor league games. I have cheered on the Providence Bruins and BU Terriers with my family; these events were less crowded and more low-key.

18. Spa

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at the spa. Many spas have treatments that specifically treat the typical discomforts of being pregnant such as lower back pain, hormonal acne, and water retention. Don’t forget regular self-care appointments such as manicures and pedicures.

Bonus tip: Be sure to chat with your doctor to confirm that any treatments are safe for you and your baby during pregnancy.

19. Visit a seaside town

Set sail on a relaxing ferry from Boston some of the most charming seaside towns. Hop a ferry from Boston to Salem, Hingham, or Provincetown. Explode their picturesque waterfronts, adorable boutiques, and delicious restaurants. Each destination is a short ferry ride away.

Bonus tip: Make it a baby moon: with just a short drive to Hyannis, you can take a ferry to the beautiful islands of Nantucket and/or Martha’s Vineyard for a true New England experience.

20. Book a maternity photoshoot!

What a perfect way to celebrate the journey of pregnancy and capture the love and anticipation as you await your little one.

Bonus tip: Book your maternity session with me! I offer both mini and full shoots at Boston’s most iconic spots, perfect for capturing this special time. Every mom gets the celebrity treatment with access to my studio dresses, styling tips, and natural, relaxed posing. To make sure these memories last a lifetime, I’ll help you design beautiful albums and frames to treasure forever!

Maternity Photos in Boston

I’m Isabel Sweet, a maternity and newborn photographer in Boston. I am happy to provide boutique photography services to the South End, Back Bay, Fenway, Brookline, Cambridge, South Boston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Needham, Beacon Hill, Newton, and beyond!  All sessions take place in the comfort of your own home or favorite location. Contact me now to book a photo shoot!