With universities such as Harvard, MIT, Tufts, and Northeastern, Massachusetts is filled with college students. And luckily, there’s no shortage of things to see and do for such active young minds. The only downside of living near a city as great as Boston is that going out and having a good time can cost a pretty penny!
At Keolis massAdventures, we make use of Massachusetts’ affordable and sustainable Commuter Rail system to offer Fun Day Trips Near Boston. We’re experts in creating accessible itineraries for Boston locals, including students! That’s why we’ve created this blog answering the question: what are the best things to do on weekends for college students near Boston? Keep reading to find out our top suggestions!
Embrace Fall in New England at Massachusetts’ Largest Corn Maze!
Fall in New England is a beautiful time, and what better way to kick off the season than an adventure to a local farm! Grab a flannel, invite some friends and see who is up for the challenge of making it through the corn maze at Sauchuk Farm! Afterwards, unwind with farm games, sip on fresh apple cider and enjoy a warm apple cider donut. Don’t miss out on the one-of-a-kind apple cider slushie. Make a day of it with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins!*
Our Fall Farm Day at Sachuk Farm includes your transportation from Boston to the farm and back, your ticket to the corn maze, plus the Commuter Rail Weekend Pass you can use all weekend long to explore more places along the Commuter Rail network!
*Pick-Your-Own are subject to growing conditions and availability. Food, drinks and Pick-Your-Own are not included in your ticket. Pick-your-own apple bags are 20% off when you book your visit to the farm with Keolis massAdventures!
Go Hiking in the Hills Outside Boston
All around Boston you can find tranquil green spaces, from the Middlesex Fells Reservation to the Lynn Woods Reservation and Blue Hills Reservation. These parks offer myriad trails ranging in length and difficulty, allowing you to get some fresh air and reconnect with nature. Free to access and just a train ride away, there’s no reason not to lace up your boots!
One real gem near Boston is World’s End. This 251-acre park in Hingham offers emerald trails and beautiful vistas of the Boston skyline. Our Self-Guided Nature Walk at World’s End includes your transportation to the park, where you can enjoy hours of walking and exploring.
Visit DeCordova Sculpture Park
Giant black hearts, teetering houses, singing sculptures — you can find all this and more at the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. This one-of-a-kind park offers the perfect day out for culture vultures, with over 30 acres of open space to explore and 60 sculptures to admire.
Located just over half an hour from Boston, a visit to this park is made seamless with our DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum Day Trip from Boston. Including your Commuter Rail ticket, entry ticket, and a guided tour, you can easily explore this intriguing destination at your leisure.
Pick Fruits and Flowers Outside Boston
There are a number of idyllic farms outside of Boston where you can pick fruits and flowers to your heart’s content! At Lookout Farm in Natick you can stroll through the orchards and choose some of the best quality apples, pears, and peaches. Afterwards, stop by the taproom for a taste of their cider.
If you want some beautiful flowers, you can go tulip picking at Wards Berry Farm in Sharon. Our Pick-Your-Own Tulips Adventure is available in the spring, a perfect time to celebrate the blooms of the season!
Explore the Massachusetts Breweries
If you get tired of the same old bars in Boston, there are over 130 craft breweries in Massachusetts that will whet your whistle! The Trillium Brewery in Canton has a great selection of IPAs, pilsners, and lagers served in their taproom and their outdoor patio. At Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, you’ll find a family-run brewery with a passion for brewing award-winning lagers.
For unbeatable vibes, head to Night Shift Brewing in Everett. With outdoor space, food trucks, a range of craft beers and plenty of other drinks on offer, this is a venue that will please everyone’s palate.
Discover the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum exhibits an incredible variety of artworks from the private collection of the philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner. Just a short train ride from Boston and offering discounted tickets for students, the museum makes for an ideal day trip. Not only is the artwork breathtaking, with pieces by artists from Rembrandt to Titian on display, the museum itself is a sight to behold. Inspired by Gardner’s travels in Venice, the building features numerous architectural styles as well as tranquil gardens.
Uncover the History of Salem
History buffs will not want to miss out on a trip to Salem. This town is infamous for its 1692 witch trials, the history of which you can explore at the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House, the former home of one of the judges who presided over the trials.
If witches aren’t up your alley, Salem has numerous other attractions, including the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables, the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s eponymous novel. Just a half-hour train ride from Boston, Salem is a must-visit when you’re in Massachusetts!
Hit the Beaches Near Boston
When the sun is shining in Massachusetts, you’ll want to make the most of it by going to the beach! There are a number of beaches you can reach outside the city by using the train, making this an affordable day out.
Nahant Beach is one of the most popular beaches outside Boston, thanks to its long stretch of soft sands and cleanliness. Bring a picnic and lounge around in the sun. The water’s great for swimming if you don’t mind the cold!
South of Boston, Nantasket Beach offers a sublime escape from the stress of studies. Nearby restaurants and cafes mean you can grab a pizza or an ice cream before enjoying a stroll on the picturesque shoreline. If you’re looking for more ideas on the Best Way to Spend a Sunny Day Near Boston, have a look at our blog for inspiration!
See More Outside Boston with Keolis massAdventures
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to activities for college students outside Boston. Plenty more adventures await, from kayaking to rock climbing and history tours. Feel free to browse our range of Day Trips Near Boston for more inspiration or get in touch with us if you have any questions. Massachusetts awaits!
