10 Ways to Get Outdoors This Spring

It’s been months of gray slush and never-ending wind in Cambridge—one storm, followed by another, followed by another. For the past few weeks, the occasional 60-degree day felt like an apology from the universe. But after months of watching the sunset at 4 p.m. longingly through the Lamont windows, spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to take advantage of the outdoors.

Here are ten ideas to get active outside before the summer humidity turns every walk into a full-body sweat:

1. Appreciate the Charles River

Yes, this may seem basic since the Charles is essentially in Harvard’s backyard—often forgotten in the colder months, especially since Cambridge is practically a popsicle starting in November. But by April, the path along the river becomes a great place to stroll, run, or bike, with bridges and loops that let you adjust your route midway when your calves start to burn. Try crossing the bridge into Boston if you are looking for an extra-long journey. Even if the winter slump has slowed down your mile time, you can still post your Strava with the caption “Easy Run” to make your pace look intentional.

2. Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

In Jamaica Plain, Harvard has a 281-acre museum of trees that most students spend four years without visiting (or even knowing it exists). It’s well worth the trek on the Orange Line, and as part of the University, admission is free! The arboretum is home to over 15,000 plants, with thousands of species from around the world. Take a guided tour, ranging from 0.25 miles to 2.5 miles, during which experts will show you trees with “snake bark,” colorful petals that guide pollination, and much more. If you prefer self-exploration, aimlessly roam the trails yourself and let the colorful leaves do for you what no amount of fluorescent lighting ever could.

3. Fresh Pond Reservoir

The Fresh Pond Reservoir in West Cambridge has a 2.25-mile loop around a gorgeous lake—perfect for a run, walk, or a view to accompany a good book. You can even rent a Bluebike and take it around for a spin. When the sun is out, you can admire the glistening lake and the trotting dogs basking in the warm air. For those in the Quad, it’s within walking distance. If not, it’s worth the short bus ride. Plus, you can make a quick pit stop at Trader Joe’s for Scandinavian Swimmers—fuel for your next lab report?

4. Pickleball at North Point Park

Cambridge has embraced the pickleball craze with open arms. North Point Park has two public courts with regular pickup games. The sport requires more reflexes than athleticism, making it extremely beginner-friendly. It’s a great way to socialize while getting in the sun—or get an excuse to trash-talk your friend who’s had it coming for a while. If you want more opportunities to get some touches, Harvard’s Pickleball Club meets weekly in the MAC and has open play opportunities for non-members—in addition to great merchandise for those wanting to boast their newfound athleticism.

5. Piers Park

A short walk from the Blue Line’s Maverick stop, Piers Park across the harbor in East Boston offers an easy trail with what some say is the greatest view of the Boston skyline. You’ll see the Financial District, Logan planes flying in overhead, and the harbor all at once. Bring that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with since January, grab a coffee, and enjoy some sun while walking. Watch your Sunday Scaries melt away while gazing at the harbor view.

6. Castle Island

A peninsula in South Boston on the shore of the Harbor, Castle Island has been a spot for fortifications since 1634, and is currently home to Fort Independence, which hosts free weekend tours if you feel historically inclined. The Castle Island loop around the structure is about 2.2 miles and is made even better by Sullivan’s, an institution that has offered concessions since 1951. If it’s warm enough, consider bringing a swimsuit and taking a dip in the nearby Pleasure Bay Beach, which is said to warm up earlier than the open ocean.

7. Harvard Square Chocolate Tour

The “bean to bar” Boston chocolate tour is a four-stop, mile-long tour through Harvard Square’s dessert scene. As you walk, you’ll learn about the history of the square and of cacao, and sample numerous chocolate treats. Past stops include chocolate ice cream from Lizzy’s, cacao juice samples from the rainforest, Flour Bakery’s hot chocolate, and chocolate gelato-covered waffles from Amorino. The ticket price is $50 per person, which may seem steep until you remember that it includes all the chocolate … and then it sounds like a bargain. After all, chocolate does seem to make everything better.

8. Open Nights at the Harvard Observatory

The Harvard University Observatory, located on Garden Street, holds public open nights every last Wednesday of the month for anyone interested in looking through telescopes and learning about what they see. The evenings include guest speaker presentations, and afterwards, guests are brought to the observatory rooftop, where astronomers walk visitors through the night sky. Past events have centered around topics such as black holes, stardust, and comets. These free nights are open to everyone and very popular, so check the HCO website and sign up when dates drop.

9. Take a Boston Ghost Tour

If you’re more of a night owl, take a guided walking tour following haunted houses and Revolutionary War-era locations across downtown Boston, including places such as the Boston Common, the Old State House, and the King’s Chapel Burial Ground. Most tours run about 90 minutes and cover roughly two miles, so you’re getting steps in as you learn. Even if you’re a skeptic, the stories are sure to entertain you and provide a new perspective on the city of Boston. 

10. Cop Slide

You may have seen the viral video of a cop tumbling down a treacherous playground slide. This slide and its associated risks are very real and are located about 20 minutes away from Harvard Square by public transit. The landmark is located in the City Hall Plaza at 5 Congress St., Boston, MA 02203. See the slide in all its glory, but make sure to practice caution—maybe bring a helmet? 

Spring is short. The window between sub-zero winters and the impending armpit stains of summer is narrower than you think. Enjoy it while you can.

Audrey Adam ’27 (audreyadam@college.harvard.edu) got sunburned on the first day of fool’s spring.