10 Things to Do in Boston in April

Boston is both the oldest and one of the most modern cities in the United States. It is the birthplace of great historical moments, including the start of the Revolution and the War of Liberation.

If you visit Boston in April, you will find a great number of activities. During this month, spring arrives with an explosion of colour and the gift of an ideal climate for, for example, discovering its typical dishes or spotting marine animals. At this time of year, the city takes on a special charm and it is a good idea to take note of the things to see and do in Boston to make the most of your trip.

Regardless of whether you are going to participate or not, the Boston Marathon is an event not to be missed. The streets are filled with great enthusiasm and the energy is contagious. So much so, that you will certainly want to encourage the competitors to keep going with energy and reach the finish line.

This event has been going on year after year since 1897, with just 15 runners, until today, when 30,000 participants sign up.

It is usually planned for Patriot's Day as a way to honour the struggle for the liberation of the United States. The course is over 40 km long, allowing for a wide choice of selections to enjoy the race.

It's an event of great importance to the city, so if you happen to be there during April, you can take the opportunity to attend, even if only as a spectator, the oldest marathon in the world.

The route starts in Hopkinton and stretches 42.195km to Copley Square.
To register you need to take some time to complete a few formalities and pay a fee to take part.

Where to sign up and how much does it cost?

The price to participate in the Boston Marathon varies every year, with one fee for residents and another for tourists, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the official website if you want to take part.

In addition, it is necessary to meet a series of requirements and tests to qualify as a participant.

One thing you can't fail to celebrate in April is spring, and this comes with the traditional Easter egg hunt all over the city.

Traditionally, several locations are chosen for this family-friendly game and it's one of the best things to do with kids in Boston in April.

Eggs are hidden in businesses, markets and parks and participants are given a series of clues and a basket to store their loot. The event is free, but does require registration, which you'll need to do via the Eventbrite page, where information is posted as the date approaches.

There are often decorations and a huge Easter bunny to take photos and keep a special souvenir.

Every year, when spring arrives, Japan is filled with the colour of the cherry blossoms. Meanwhile, in Boston, the month of April brings other very different colours, but they inspire the resident Asian community to celebrate Matsuri, which is an open-air cultural festival held in Boston Common Park.

Admission is free and it is usually held near the end of April, on the weekend, although as with most dates in Asian tradition it is a moveable date.

During these weekend days it is possible to enjoy a magical cultural exchange, learning a little more about the customs, food and crafts of Japan. The celebration offers dance performances, music and entertainment ideal for sharing with family or friends.

The event is organised entirely by volunteers, who create an ideal environment for healthy recreation. In addition to the gastronomy, you will be able to admire and buy some traditional Japanese jewellery, among other curious objects that can become the most original souvenirs.

Interesting facts

• Place: Boston Common Park.
• Price: Free admission, you will only have to pay for what you consume or acquire at the fair.
• Date: Usually at the end of April, but the date is changeable.

Every year in April, around 1,500 canoes and kayaks gather for one of the Charles River' s traditional races. Spectators gather along the banks to watch what is one of the largest events of its kind.

The race starts at various locations, according to the different categories, and finishes at the Artesani Playground in Brighton, where a festival with live music, food, raffles and various curio vendors awaits.

If you want a good place to watch the boats and kayaks, it's right near this spot.

Thanks to the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), and thousands of volunteers, this tradition has been one of those responsible for the reclamation of the Charles River, making it one of the most beautiful recreational sites in the city.

While whale watching in Boston is an activity that can be possible throughout the year, April is one of the most recommended months for a truly unforgettable experience. It is perfect to enjoy with family or friends, especially for those who love marine life.

The reason why this activity is suitable for this time of the year is that there is a marine sanctuary in the city where whales and their calves come to feed and take advantage of the spring weather.

The activity is preferably done aboard a catamaran, some with two decks, where you can also enjoy the sea air, the warm weather and the spring sunshine. If you find a good spot, you'll get some great photos.

Seafood dishes are part of Boston's cuisine, and it's not hard to find a good restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious lobster roll, prepared with local recipes.

In April, the waters warm up with the spring-like weather that brings the winter to an end and the crustaceans come closer to shore.

Visitors to the city often sign up for one of the gastronomic tours to get the full experience and try as many fresh lobsters as possible.

With these activities it doesn't matter if some of the family members prefer something other than seafood, as menus with typical dishes abound and are all exquisite.

An ideal way to enjoy this activity is to plan it for the evening, closing the day after some sightseeing in Boston during the day.

Springtime brings colour to the city of Boston, which looks like it's all dressed up. From the emerald green of the leaves to the flowers decorating every corner, making the buildings and streets with their modern and antique airs look even more beautiful.

It's the perfect time to "enjoy the scenery" and fall in love. In the Boston Public Garden, the colours of the flowers are so bright and vivid that you'll feel like you're trapped inside a painting, in fact, this spot is considered one of the best for spring photography.

As you wander through, stop at the memorials and discover a little more about the history of the city and the United States.

Plan a nice picnic and you and the kids will have a fantastic time outdoors. The Boston Public Garden is definitely a must-see in April.

Practical Information

• Hours: The park is open all year round, every day, between the hours of 6:00 am and 11:00 pm.
• Location: 4 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116, right next to Boston Common Park.
• Price: Free admission, although it's a good idea to bring some money for the boat rides.

One of the events that takes place every year in the spring season is Boston Design Week. A display of creativity that is not to be missed and allows designers to demonstrate their skills and make a name for themselves.

In the meantime, you can enjoy a different and inspiring activity. Design shows include architecture, historic preservation, interior design, graphic and fashion design, among many others. How to visit a design fair!

Most of the programmes and exhibits are free, although in some cases you will need to book and RSVP, as many people travel to Boston in April to enjoy this event.

The date is moveable, so if you're interested in attending, it's a good idea to confirm your location on the calendar so you don't miss it for anything. In addition, every year the exhibitors are different, with interesting projects full of great futuristic and creative vision.

The seals are part of the marine fauna you can see at the Boston Aquarium. The exhibition that has these friendly characters as hosts takes place near the entrance, and one of the most exciting moments is when they escape and approach the public to greet and play.

In April, the spring weather takes some of the chill out of winter and gives the waters the warmth that these marine mammals enjoy, making it the best time of the year to enjoy this show offered by the New England Aquarium in Boston.

Ticket prices vary according to the seasons, but if you want to enjoy this fun experience for a little less, don't hesitate to purchase the Boston City Pass or the Go Boston Card.

With either of these Boston sightseeing passes, you'll find great discounts on both visits to the aquarium and other activities and tours in the city.

Boston cruises are one of the most recommended activities in the city, no matter what time of the year.

However, every season has its charm and April is no exception, with its spring-like weather, which warms and chases away the remaining chill of winter, without reaching the heat of summer.

You can choose the evening hours and enjoy a quiet dinner in the moonlight, rocked by the gentle waves, which is ideal if you are travelling as a couple or with your family. From these boats it is possible to enjoy a different view of the city, especially of its coasts and docks.

You can also book a boat tour during the day to bathe in the spring sunshine, indulge in the sea breeze and spot some marine animals. In fact, April is one of the best times of the year to enjoy these sea tours.

I advise you to get the Boston City Pass for incredible discounts so you don't miss out on this activity...

In addition to those already mentioned, here are some additional recommendations to complete your list of activities to enjoy in Boston if you decide to visit this city in April.

A Boston Celtics game

For basketball lovers, visiting Boston in April is an opportunity to enjoy a live game, where one of the best teams in NBA history will give its best on the court.

The adrenaline and excitement are contagious and even the least fanatical of fans end up cheering, immersed in the passion of the game.

Visit Faneuil Hall Market

This attractive market operates year-round. However, it is during the month of April and spring in general when the largest number of street performers, activities and events come together to make Faneuil Hall a must-see when visiting the city of Boston.

It's also home to the Easter Egg Hunt, as well as other family-friendly activities that kids will love, such as puppet shows, free art classes and storytelling.

Many companies take advantage of this market to offer free samples of their products and advertise. All this in wonderful weather and surrounded by the colours that dress the city in this season.