How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2 [03/08/24]

You didn’t think we were done yet, did you? We are back for How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2 for your guide to bonding with strangers and connecting with people in our city.

By Yelena Nicolle Salvador

See How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 1

1) Getting to know nature with new friends

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors with friends and nature enthusiasts. There will always be things to talk about and you’ll be able to get your steps in while adventuring around Boston.

For those new to bird watching and those who have loved this hobby for many years, birding groups can be a nice way to meet folks and go on a bird scavenger hunt. Take a look at the Brookline Bird Club and the Feminist Bird Club for fellow women, BIPOC, and queer folks.
Nature walks are also a great way to meet people and take in scenery. The Mass Audubon Boston hosts lots of nature events such as BIPOC hikes, bird watching, and more!
Other groups, like Boston’s Appalachian Mountain Club, encourage people to go outdoors and participate in conservation through hikes along the Charles, kayaking, and skiing.

2) Forming connections through fitness and sports

Sometimes, the best way to make friends is to feel the burn together as you sweat it out. Accountability partners and running/gym buddies are the perfect ways for friendships to blossom.

Looking to get into running? Want to train for a 5k, a half marathon, or even a full? Well, tie your sneakers and join these running clubs that have weekly practice 5k runs, and fun events. Get to these running events early for some chats with others or stay after where most groups go for a coffee or a brew.

The Public Tavern has the Freedom Runners group.
Jamaica Plain and Cambridge host weekly parkruns.
The November Project will keep you on your toes.
Even Notch Brewery has the Meters for Liters group that welcomes dogs too! And we all know doggoes can be the best way to strike up a convo, so bring your pups!

And for my femme folks and women who are looking for a supportive fitness community, try the TrailblazHers group and Boston Girls Who Walk.

Bouldering and climbing provide fun, supportive communities who will help you problem solve and cheer you on as you make your ascents.
QuICK Boston is specifically focused on building a community of queer climbers.
Other groups like the Adaptive Climbing Group help make climbing accessible to those with disabilities.
And AMC Boston Climbers and the Bouldering Project hosts plenty of events for all!
Try playing pickleball and join a league. It’s the new hype sport for a reason, so find a new team or make one with this hobby.
Finally, the best of gym class and intramural sports does not have to be left in the past. Join a VOLO team and get your blood pumpin’ as you enjoy different sports — pickleball, dodgeball, bowling, and basketball are all available, plus more!

3) For building a team of new friends through gaming

Board games, e-sports, and role-playing games are the perfect ways to meet others. Team up with strangers, form alliances, defeat your opponents – all who can be future pals!

Grab a coffee or tea (or if you drop by later at night, there are cocktails too) and relax at one of the Tavern of Tales and Knight Moves Cafe. There are plenty of two-player board games, so you can bring a friend. But if you’re looking to meet more people, there are plenty of games that need 3+, so cozy up, get chatting, and game away.
These cafes also have weekly events that have designated drop-in hours for board game meetups, D&D campaigns, and more. In fact, Pandemonium Books & Games have intro workshops for those who are just getting into the gaming sphere! Try it for an imaginative way of storytelling with friends.
Gaming doesn’t just mean board games. If you love video games and are interested in joining tournaments, meeting other gamers, or just having fun with Smash Bros, check out Balance Patch – Boston’s first Esports center and video game cafe.
Ah. But there are even more games under the sun. I haven’t forgotten arcade games! Try out Versus, an arcade bar that hosts weekly events for gamers alike, as well as special meet ups like a National Pokemon Day Celebration.
You can also join a pinball league to meet others who love the game.
And the all-time classic: skeeball. You’re never too old for it. In fact, you can even play competitively or join a team with Boston’s own Skeeball League.

It’s never too late to try something new. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, all while discovering a new hobby or passion. Check back soon for How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 3. Happy friend making!

Photo by @boston_commoner

How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2

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