There is plenty of cool indoor fun at the Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the Boston Children's Museum

Boston's Coolest Museums & Attractions for Hot Days

1. Visit the Children's Museum

A visit to the Boston Children's Museum is always a treat, with hands-on exhibits and plenty of air conditioning.

2. Admire some art at the MFA

Cool off in grand style with a Museum of Fine Arts day trip—it's spacious, quiet, and totally climate-controlled. 

3. Have a cool treat

Stop by one of our favorite ice cream spots for a frosty concoction.

4. See the sea life

The New England Aquarium will keep you entertained, enlightened, and very cool. Thanks touch-tank!

5. Swing by the Gardner Museum

The coolest heist story in Boston history will top off a fun day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

6. Stop by the MoS

Get some STEAM and AC at Boston's Museum of Science.

7. Get a new perspective on the world

See the world from a new perspective inside the 3-story stained glass Mapparium. 

Free & Low-Cost Indoor Activities with A/C in Boston

8. Catch a movie

Head to a cool, dark theater like AMC Assembly Row or Showcase SuperLux for kid-friendly films and comfy seats.

9. Visit the BPL

Boston Public Library’s Central Branch and many local libraries offer summer programming, storytimes, and plenty of cool reading nooks.

10. Children's Library at the Athanaeum

This children's library has kids' books and hands-on activities. It's one of our favorite free indoor play spaces in Boston.

 
Find cool activities on the water when the heat wave hits Boston! Photo courtesy of the New England Aquarium 

Beat the Heat in Boston - Outdoor Cool Fun

11. Go on a whale watch from the Aquarium

The New England Aquarium runs one of the best whale-watching cruises from the Boston area.

12. Take to the sea on a Duck Boat or Codzilla

Whales aside, Boston has amazing boat rides for kids that will beat the heat, like Duck Tours and Codzilla.

13. Stroll the Arnold Arboretum

Cool off in the shade of Boston's Arnold Arboretum.

14. See Old Ironsides

If the sea breeze doesn't take the edge off, the USS Constitution has an air-conditioned museum.

Splash and Play: The Best Splash Pads and Water Features in Boston

Take the little ones to the best sprinkler parks and splash pads in Boston. Here are a couple of our favorites:

15. Rose Kennedy Greenway

The splash pads and spray features on the Rose Kennedy Greenway keep kids cool in the heart of the city during a Boston heat wave.

16. Ryan Wading Pool and Playground

The water features at this Mattapan spot are both fun and extensive, with a wading pool and spray features in the shapes of animals. 

 
Roll with the fun in the air-conditioning Photo courtesy of Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough.

Stay Indoors – Indoor Activities with A/C in Greater Boston

17. Build some cool LEGO fun

Build rockets, race cars, and anything your mind can imagine at the LEGO Discovery Center.

18. Head to an indoor water park

Try one of the best indoor water parks in New England for easy family getaways.

19. Visit Worcester's Ecotarium

Explore, learn, and stay cool with our top 10 things to do at the Ecotarium in Worcester.

20. Get some fun in at Apex

Ride the go-karts, get in some bowling, and frolic in the arcade–all at Marlborough's Apex Entertainment Center.

21. Explore the Discovery Museum

Visit the Discovery Museum in Acton for some hands-on (and climate-controlled) fun!

22. Stay active indoors

Get some playtime in and stay cool at the indoor South Shore Sports Center.

23. Bounce away the hottest hours of the day

Head to a trampoline park in or around Boston for high-energy (and air-conditioned) jumping. 

24. Go ice skating

Skate your way through the heat at year-round indoor rinks like the Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton.

25. Play a round of indoor mini golf in Boston

Try your hand at neon-lit holes at Monster Mini Golf in Norwood or the high-tech Puttshack in the Seaport.

 
Nothing cools off a Boston heat wave like a dip in the ocean! Beach photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

Beat the Heat in Greater Boston - Outdoor Cool Fun

26. Get out for water park fun

Make a trip to one of New England's Water Parks for a cool day in the summer sun.

27. Take a refreshing plunge

Have a refreshing dip in one of these Swimming lakes near Boston you need to discover.

28. Enjoy a state park or forest

Get out of the city and explore one of these 10 State Parks and forests in Massachusetts.

29. Head up to the White Mountains

Escape to the cool air of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

30. Take a trip to Newburyport

Head up to Newburyport and Plum Island and cool off with the ocean breeze.

31. Cool down at the beach

Nothing cools you off like plunging into the waves of the best beaches near Boston.

32. Treat the family to a lobster roll

If you want the shore but not the sand, take a road trip to the best lobster shacks in New England.

 
Find some shade and a yummy treat or two at Boston's local farms! Photo courtesy of Parlee Farms

33. Pick blueberries

Find a shady spot while you go blueberry picking near Boston.

34. Fly through the treetops

 Ziplining is a cool (and thrilling) way to catch a breeze and cool off in the heat.

Stay Cool at Home – Low-Cost Hacks for Heat Wave Days

There are some great things to do to beat a Boston heat wave at home. Check out our guide to 35 Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long for some cool fun.

• DIY Backyard Car Wash: Grab sponges and water toys to wash bikes, scooters, or ride-ons.
   
• Frozen Toy Dig: Freeze small plastic toys in Tupperware—kids “excavate” with water.
   
• Fan + Ice = Homemade A/C: Set up a box fan with a frozen gallon jug of water in front.
   
• Cooling Towels: Wet and freeze small towels for neck wraps. Reusable and effective.

Pro Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat

• Avoid outdoor activity between 12–4pm
   
• Hydration tip: Freeze water bottles halfway and top off for cold all day
   
• Dress kids in light-colored, loose clothing
   
• Seek shade + water combo spots
   
• Check car seats before loading kids — buckles can burn!

FAQ – Heat Wave Tips for Parents in PLACE

Q: What’s the best time of day to go out during a heat wave in Boston?
A: Before 10am or after 5pm. Many parks and splash pads open early.

Q: Are there any free public indoor play spaces?
A: Yes – public libraries, some community centers, and select mall play areas like the Burlington Mall and South Shore Plaza.

Q: Can you get heat stroke indoors?
A: Yes, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Use fans and keep curtains closed during peak sun hours.