As I've been thinking about content for this summer, I wanted to incorporate activities outside museums.
I know how enticing being outside is when the sun is finally here — and I know that spending time inside a gallery on a sunny summer day can feel like you're not making the most of the weather.
First, I hope you know a museum is always a good idea! You can check out my summer museum tips here.
And an easy option is to always pair your museum outing with a snack or drink al fresco before or after you see the art.
Before you head to a museum, see if there's a bar nearby that has patio seating!
But, there are plenty of other activities (more or less still culture-related) that you can do in the summer besides going to a museum:
Visit a Sculpture Garden
While a sculpture garden may be attached to a museum, or may be the grounds of a museum — it's a great way to combine art and the outdoors!
2018 Autumn Nothing Personal light sculpture installation in Harvard Yard
Boston area: Check out deCordova sculpture garden, which is a few miles west of the city. You can also walk among sculptures and art installations along the Rose Kennedy Greenway and around Boston or Cambridge in general!
Check out a local arts festival
Neighborhoods and small towns often have arts and crafts fairs in the summers.
You might even be able to pop by the homewares section of your local farmers market to see your local artisans' work.
Boston area: SoWA Boston is a great food, houseware, and art market to spend a summer day in the city!
Shakespeare or concert in the park
Even if you aren't the biggest Shakespeare or play fan, chances are that some of your friend group would really enjoy going — and plenty of musicians play outdoors in the spring and summer (your favorite local bar or restaurant might even have a patio lineup of live music).
Musicians in the Isabella Stewart Gardner courtyard
See if there's a local theater company or music group that performs in the summer in an open-air or outdoor theater, pack a snack, and enjoy the show!
Boston area: Check out Free Shakespeare on the Common
Old fashioned picnic
Which brings me to this last one, pack yourself a good 'ol fashioned picnic and find a good spot in your local park.
*Bonus: enjoy your basket lunch by a body of water
My final tip: just keep an eye on local summer activities in the paper or online and I'm sure they'll have a few great events you'll want to go to!
What else would you add to this list?