Winter is a beautiful time in New England, but if you’re planning a company meeting or conference in the city of Boston, cold temperatures and unpredictable weather can make providing ideas for things to do outside the workday or group excursions quite difficult. At The Catered Affair, our staff has seen many winters, and while hunkering down indoors can be tempting, we suggest making like a hardy Bostonian and encouraging your conference or meeting attendees to get out and experience the best that Boston has to offer in the wintertime.

If you’re stumped for ideas, we’ve put together a guide to both “on your own” trips for attendees’ free time and group excursions during the winter in Boston.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: New England is full of mountains to enjoy winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to the simple joy of snow tubing. This is a perfect group excursion or daytrip option for those staying additional time before or after the meeting or for companies looking to treat employees to a teambuilding experience. Check out nearby mountains like Mount Snow and Wachusett, and companies like the Boston Ski & Sports Club will coordinate group trips for you!
• College or Professional Sports Games: Boston is the perfect place for sports fans. Winter means the Bruins and the Celticsare playing at the centrally-located TD Bank Garden, and if you’d prefer a smaller venue, check out some of the great hockey teams at Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University and Northeastern University, to name a few. A trip to a game is the perfect small group excursion or suggestion for after-work events, and a great way to impress clients as well.
• Art Museums: Boston’s art scene has something for everyone. From the ICA with its modern, waterfront setting to the Museum of Fine Art’s more classic pieces, the city is well known for the artwork it showcases. A lesser-known but equally interesting museum is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
• The New England Aquarium: The New England Aquarium isn’t just for kids, though it’s a great spot to recommend to those who are coming into town with their families. Check out penguins, touch sharks and rays and see the highly entertaining seal show at the aquarium.
• Ice Skating on Frong Pond: Skating on the Boston Common’s Frog Pond is one of those quintessential “winter in Boston” experiences. It’s inexpensive, has amazing scenery, and is the perfect antidote to being stuck inside in meetings and workshops all day. Include it in your suggested itinerary for your attendees and it’s sure to be a hit.
• Food & Wine Tours: Boston has an exceptional food and wine scene that’s lots of fun to explore on your own. But if you’re looking for guidance from the experts, there are a plethora of food and wine tours in the city that will keep you cozy, indoors and full of tasty snacks and delightful drinks. Whether seeking options for a group excursion or just providing recommendations to attendees, check out City Wine Tours, Boston Foodie Tours or, for a sweet option, Boston Chocolate Tours.
• Explore the Boston Public Library: We’d be remiss to leave out our very own home in a list of the perfect things to do on a cold winter’s day. The Boston Public Library’s Central Branch in Copley Square provides a warm, cozy spot to tour during time off from meetings and events. From stunning architecture to rotating exhibits, the library has something to offer to everyone. Stop into The Courtyard Restaurant for an upscale lunch or tea while you’re in the area.

Planning a convention in Boston during the winter can be a winning proposition if you know the right ways to engage your audience outside of the convention or meeting. Despite chilly temperatures, there are lots of amazing options for Boston convention and meeting planners to suggest to attendees or plan group excursions!