10 Ways to play outside in Boston

Stroll Memorial Drive on a Sunday
Celebrate your right to blithely cruise down the double yellow on your in-line skates. Every summer, Cambridge poses the question, “Why don’t we do it in the road?” The city blocks off a stretch of Memorial Drive to automobile traffic along the Charles River on Sundays, freeing up the highway for pedestrians, bikers, lovers and Frisbee enthusiasts. And every summer, scores of distraught motorists forget this fact and pull up to the police barriers fuming audibly, which is all part of the fun—unless it’s you in the car. Memorial Drive between Mount Auburn St and Western Ave, Cambridge. Apr–Nov

Outdoor films
The best way to experience the outdoors without losing that secure sense of being indoors: Go see an open-air movie. It’s just like the cinemaplex experience, except with mosquitoes and without plush seating. But hey, it’s free—and we’ll take grass over those sissy reclining seats any day. This summer, go to The Hatch Shell on Fridays (celebrateboston.com/free-friday-flicks.htm) for family-friendly hits including Kung Fu Panda 2, Cars 2 and Happy Feet Two. If CGI sequels aren’t your thing, head over to the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, which shows classic films every Friday night (June 15–Aug 31, bhh.com); selections range from An American in Paris (July 13) and Jaws (July 27) to The Princess Bride (Aug 3) and Dirty Dancing (Aug 24). Finally—and awesomely—Films At the Gate will be showing their outdoor kung fu extravaganza in a lot near the Chinatown Gate on Hudson Street over the course of four TBA days in August (filmsatthegate.org).

Take the T to the beach
Don't fret about shelling out for a Zipcar: Did you know that there are a number of killer beaches just a short train ride away from Boston? Crane Beach provides a shuttle bus from the commuter rail station throughout the summer, and also boasts some of the best salt marshes around, so you can take in some nature while getting some sun. Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea (119 Beach St), Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester (Thatcher Rd at Barn Ln) and numerous other playas on the North Shore’s Cape Ann are all accessible by public transportation. If you’re not content with merely relaxing by the waves, hop a train to Plum Island, where you can lie on the beach and also explore the quaint seaside town of Newburyport all in one day—just keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss that last ride home. (mbta.com)

Summertime harvest festivals
Get excited, locavores—summer is the perfect time to celebrate fresh, regional and seasonal goods, and Verrill Farm in nearby Concord is getting in on the fun with interactive festivals: strawberries (June 23), blueberries (July 21), and corn and tomatoes (Aug 18). These family-friendly events include live music, recipe contests, hayrides and the oh-so-awesome pick-your-own opportunities. Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd, Concord (978-369-4494, verrillfarm.com). Free

Neighborhood walking tours
Explore some of Boston’s swankiest and/or most interesting neighborhoods in June with the Boston Center for Adult Education’s Neighborhood Walking Tours series. Sign up for informative, two-hour jaunts through the South End (June 12), Bay Village and the Theater District (June 19) or Fort Point (June 28). After you’re done soaking up the fascinating facts about these historical neighborhoods, you’re invited to explore 'hood-defining restaurants such as Stephi’s on Tremont, Jacob Wirth and the 21st Amendment. Various locations; check website for details (617-267-4430, bcae.org). Tours run 6–8pm; $20 per tour