How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2 

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 <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/how-to-make-friends-in-boston-part-1/449504" target="_blank">How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 1</a> 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.<ul><li>For those new to bird watching and those who have loved this hobby for many years, <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/birdwatching-in-boston" target="_blank">birding groups</a> can be a nice way to meet folks and go on a bird scavenger hunt. Take a look at the <a href="https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/" target="_blank">Brookline Bird Club</a> and the <a href="https://www.feministbirdclub.org/" target="_blank">Feminist Bird Club</a> for fellow women, BIPOC, and queer folks.</li><li>Nature walks are also a great way to meet people and take in scenery. The <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/user/11497" target="_blank">Mass Audubon Boston</a> hosts lots of nature events such as <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/bipoc-nature-walk--3/436711" target="_blank">BIPOC hikes</a>, bird watching, and more!</li><li>Other groups, like <a href="https://amcboston.org/" target="_blank">Boston’s Appalachian Mountain Club</a>, encourage people to go outdoors and participate in conservation through hikes along the Charles, kayaking, and skiing.&nbsp;</li></ul>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.&nbsp;Get to these running events early for some chats with others or stay after where most groups go for a coffee or a brew.<ul><li>The Public Tavern has the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/group-run-with-kbfr-at-public-tavern--9/442534" target="_blank">Freedom Runners</a> group.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/jamaica-pond-parkrun--86/389476" target="_blank">Jamaica Plain</a> and <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/danehy-park-parkrun--35/425744" target="_blank">Cambridge</a> host weekly parkruns.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/november-project-stair-workout-at-harvard-stadium--216/400368" target="_blank">November Project</a> will keep you on your toes.</li><li>Even Notch Brewery has the <a href="https://metersforliters.com/" target="_blank">Meters for Liters</a> group that welcomes dogs too! And we all know doggoes can be the best way to strike up a convo, so bring your pups!</li></ul>And for my femme folks and women who are looking for a supportive fitness community, try the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trailblazhersrunco/?hl=en" target="_blank">TrailblazHers</a> group and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bostongirlswhowalk/" target="_blank">Boston Girls Who Walk</a>.<ul><li>Bouldering and climbing provide fun, supportive communities who will help you problem solve and cheer you on as you make your ascents.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.quickboston.org/" target="_blank">QuICK Boston</a> is specifically focused on building a community of queer climbers.</li><li>Other groups like the <a href="https://www.adaptiveclimbinggroup.org/" target="_blank">Adaptive Climbing Group</a> help make climbing accessible to those with disabilities.&nbsp;</li><li>And <a href="https://www.amcbostonclimbers.com/" target="_blank">AMC Boston Climbers</a> and the <a href="https://boulderingproject.com/events/" target="_blank">Bouldering Project</a> hosts plenty of events for all!</li><li>Try playing <a href="https://playpkl.com/pickleball-events/" target="_blank">pickleball</a> and join a league. It’s the new hype sport for a reason, so find a new team or make one with this hobby.</li><li>Finally, the best of gym class and intramural sports does not have to be left in the past. Join a <a href="https://www.volosports.com/Boston?utm_term=volo%20sports&amp;utm_campaign=FALL+2021+-+BOS+-+GENERAL&amp;utm_source=adwords&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;hsa_acc=1151907345&amp;hsa_cam=15805800176&amp;hsa_grp=127066466770&amp;hsa_ad=573377280239&amp;hsa_src=g&amp;hsa_tgt=kwd-1428184565440&amp;hsa_kw=volo%20sports&amp;hsa_mt=b&amp;hsa_net=adwords&amp;hsa_ver=3&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T_yZctFjL4XwTQhF5BnXPFwLeYSZkvrUfhY6EXQboHIO4aTlPiVdfUaAi5HEALw_wcB" target="_blank">VOLO team</a> and get your blood pumpin’ as you enjoy different sports — pickleball, dodgeball, bowling, and basketball are all available, plus more!</li></ul>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!&nbsp;<ul><li>Grab a coffee or tea (or if you drop by later at night, there are cocktails too) and relax at one of the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/tavern-of-tales-game-bar/390353" target="_blank">Tavern of Tales</a> and <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/knight-moves-board-game-cafe-brookline/365039" target="_blank">Knight Moves Cafe</a>. 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.</li><li>These cafes also have weekly events that have designated drop-in hours for board game meetups, D&amp;D campaigns, and more. In fact, <a href="https://pandemoniumbooks.com/collections/events" target="_blank">Pandemonium Books &amp; Games</a> have intro workshops for those who are just getting into the gaming sphere! Try it for an imaginative way of storytelling with friends.</li><li>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 <a href="https://www.balancepatch.com/about" target="_blank">Balance Patch</a> – Boston’s first Esports center and video game cafe.&nbsp;</li><li>Ah. But there are even more games under the sun. I haven’t forgotten arcade games! Try out <a href="https://www.versusboston.com/home#details" target="_blank">Versus</a>, an arcade bar that hosts weekly events for gamers alike, as well as special meet ups like a National Pokemon Day Celebration.</li><li>You can also join a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pops_pinball/?hl=en" target="_blank">pinball league</a> to meet others who love the game.</li><li>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 <a href="https://skeeboston.com/" target="_blank">Skeeball League</a>.</li></ul>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! -- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3VGYGMs_vb/" target="_blank">Photo</a> by @boston_commoner

Boston

Etienne 

Manuela

Grace

Dean

Yana

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

How to Make Friends in Boston: Part 2

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