Boston Convention and Exhibition Center – Things To Do With Your Team

The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is a facility where the cutting edge meets the state-of-the-art, offering visitors a phenomenal convention center experience. Built in 2004, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is one of the most technologically-advanced convention centers in the world, boasting impressive features like free Wi-Fi access throughout, industry-leading digital displays, and more network bandwidth than any other convention center in the nation.

Even the appearance of the facility itself reflects its numerous high-tech features. Designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly and HNTB Architecture, the beauty and symbolism of the building’s modern, glass-lined interior is reflected throughout the more than two million square feet of space, which includes 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, over 80 meeting rooms, and a 41,000-square-foot ballroom that offers stunning waterfront views. Although the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is located in the Seaport District, a relatively remote area of Boston, that doesn’t mean you and your team will have to spend all of your free time wandering the convention center grounds. Boston is a city that’s meant to be explored on foot. So, in order to find the best of what the Seaport District has to offer, all that you and your team need are good walking shoes and a keen sense of adventure.

 

Things to Do

The Lawn On D

Turns out you don’t have to venture far from the convention center to find fun outdoor entertainment. Located on D Street next to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, The Lawn On D is a two and a half-acre outdoor space that’s open daily to the public during designated hours. The Lawn On D provides visitors with a colorful collection of seating, from lounge chairs to innovative, solar-powered LED-equipped swings known as Swing Time; as well as interactive art exhibitions; games like bocce and ping pong; and free Wi-Fi. With so much to see and do right next to the convention center at The Lawn On D, you and your team will definitely be wanting to spend a good portion of your free time there. 420 D St, Boston, MA 02210

 

Boston Children’s Museum

If you’ll be visiting the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center with a team of young children, the nearby Boston Children’s Museum is a must-see attraction. Established in 1913, the Boston Children’s Museum is the second oldest children’s museum in the United States and has remained a pacesetter for children’s exhibitions, educational programs, and curriculum for over a century. It is also one of the few children’s museums in the world to maintain a collection, with more than 50,000 items. There you and your team will discover exhibits focusing on a variety of topics, including science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness, and the arts. 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

 

Boston Fire Museum

Occupying Congress Street Fire Station, a historic fire station constructed in 1891, the Boston Fire Museum has provided visitors with an immersive look back at the history of fire fighting since it first opened in 1983. Considering that the Boston Fire Department is one of the oldest in the nation, there is plenty of history to look back on. The museum’s collection includes historic tools used to fight fires, fire engines dating back as far as the 18th century, and more. While you’re there, be sure to pay a visit to Sparky the Dalmatian, a real-life fire house dog that has been wagging his tail and greeting visitors at the Boston Fire Museum for years. 344 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston has served as the backdrop for countless historical events. One such event was the Boston Tea Party, a political protest that would spark the American Revolution. During your visit to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, you and your team can relive this pivotal moment in American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Located on the Congress Street Bridge approximately a mile away from the convention center, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive, high-tech, floating attraction unlike any other. This unique museum sits atop a barge in the Fort Point Channel and features interactive exhibits, restored 18th century sailing vessels, historic artifacts, dramatic reenactments by professional actors and historians, and “Let It Begin Here,” an award-winning, multisensory documentary. After embarking on an hour-long guided tour, compliment your experience with a keepsake from the museum’s gift shop or a visit to Abigail’s Tea Room, where you and your team can enjoy freshly-baked treats and savory lunch items, as well as literally taste history by sampling the five teas thrown overboard at the Boston Tea Party. 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

 

Boston Harborwalk

There’s no better way to explore the sights that line the Boston Harbor than via the Boston Harborwalk. The Boston Harborwalk is a public walkway that spans nearly 50 miles. It winds through eight distinct Boston neighborhoods, including Dorchester, Charleston, Deer Island, Downtown, the North End, South Boston, East Boston, and Fort Point Channel. Both Fort Point Channel and South Boston are the two neighborhoods nearest to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, with Fort Point Channel being the closer of the two. As you and your team stroll along the Harborwalk you’ll encounter various landmarks and attractions like the 40-foot-tall Hood Milk Bottle located outside of the aforementioned Boston Children’s Museum and the dazzling InterContinental Boston hotel situated on the city’s historic waterfront. Boston Wharf Rd, Boston, MA 02210

 

Places to Eat

Amrheins

Amrheins is a restaurant and bar that’s been a Boston tradition since 1890. In fact, Amrheins even boasts the distinction of being home to both the oldest hand-carved bar in America as well as the first draft beer pump in the country. For well over a century, hungry patrons from all over Boston have been welcomed into Amrheins where they can enjoy good food amongst good friends and neighbors. During your group’s visit to Amrheins you’ll get to dine like Boston locals have for over 100 years as you indulge in traditional dishes that have stood the test of time or new favorites like tacos and pizza. 80 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127

 

Capo Restaurant

Located on West Broadway in South Boston less than a half mile from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is Capo Restaurant, a rustic neighborhood eatery that serves delicious Italian food in a quaint, comfortable setting. Their inviting, open concept kitchen offers a carefully crafted menu featuring fresh, house-made pastas; smoky wood-fired pizzas topped with everything from summer squash, burrata, and basil pesto to corn, bacon, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes; and many more classic Italian dishes. 443 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

 

Papagayo

It’s no secret that pretty much everyone enjoys Mexican food. Papagayo is the place to go for great Mexican food while in Boston. From the décor to the food, Papagayo excels. The restaurant’s ambiance brings together the old and the new, with rustic wood and brick walls amplified by vibrant Mexican artwork. While the house specialty at Papagayo is their guacamole, made with hand-hacked Haas avocados and served with a side of carrots and celery, it’s only just the start to a great meal. The wide selection of entrées at Papagayo includes tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, and more. Even if there’s someone in your group who doesn’t like Mexican food they can still find something they’ll enjoy too, since the menu at Papagayo also features offerings that are perfect for picky eaters, like hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. 283 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

 

Barlow’s Restaurant

No matter where you’re visiting from, you’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite local restaurant as you enjoy a meal at Barlow’s Restaurant. Located on A Street just over a 10-minute walk away from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Barlow’s Restaurant serves up a unique mix of American dishes both classic and contemporary. On the menu you’ll find everything from a fried chicken sandwich topped with smoked Gouda, lettuce, tomato, onions, and “chef’s ultimate sauce,” on a Portuguese sweet roll to a pizza laden with Buffalo chicken, mozzarella, Applewood smoked bacon, and ranch dressing. 241 A St, Boston, MA 2210

 

Depending on your team’s schedule, you’ll likely be spending much if not all of your time in Boston in the Seaport District, a ways away from the city’s more tourist-friendly neighborhoods. However, as you can clearly see from all of the unique attractions and great restaurants that can be found in the Seaport District, fun can still be found no matter where you happen to be in Boston.