As the snow finally melts from Prez Lawn and the sun peeks out above the Hill, we at the Editorial Board think it’s time for all of us at Tufts to start spending some more time outside in our nearby neighborhoods. From Davis Square to downtown Boston, the area is full of unique neighborhoods with exciting upcoming spring events and activities that we recommend taking advantage of — not to mention the spring activities Tufts itself has to offer.
Few times in your life will you have convenient access to a plethora of nearby town squares via the university shuttle or to lush green quads on which to study, nap or pretend to make some progress on your assigned reading. While it’s still slightly gloomy out, that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your April and May activities to get through the next few rainy weeks.
- Mark your calendars for PorchFest on May 9 — just in time for the end of the reading period. PorchFest, an annual Somerville music festival, invites neighborhood musicians and bands to play on porches across Davis Square, Central Square and even the Tufts campus. PorchFest is the perfect way to spend time outside, support local musicians and celebrate the end of finals!
- Studying on Prez Lawn is already a favorite activity of Tufts students, but a reminder to cherish the sunlight while it’s here never hurts. We’ve already had a few sunny days, and there has been no shortage of students soaking up the sun and lounging on Adirondack chairs and leftover bales of hay. While studying outdoors might not always be conducive to productivity, make sure to have at least one outdoor study session to welcome the new season.
- Whether you’re on a reduced meal plan or looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, the Medford Farmers Market presents the perfect opportunity to pick up some fresh groceries. The Winter Market, which runs from Jan. 13 to April 14 every Tuesday from 3–7 p.m., sells everything from honey to produce to apple cider. Take advantage of community resources and celebrate the springtime by picking up some seasonal items!
- The Brooks Estate in Medford, about a 15-minute bike ride from Tufts, has several trails and a pond nestled within 50 acres of maple and oak trees. As the trees begin to regrow their leaves, this is a great place to reconnect with nature and breathe fresh air away from the library or your dorm. If you’re lucky, you may find the turtles that live in the pond.
- While available year-round, spring is the perfect time to take a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo. There, as the leaves turn green and we get out of the winter slumber, you can find all sorts of animals up and about. It’s a great place to wander aimlessly for a few hours and enjoy the comfort that a few furry friends might be able to bring you.
- If you’re looking for a scenic walk or bike ride, the newly opened Clippership Connector now allows for several miles of continuous strolling along the Mystic River. On the topic of scenic pathways, another option is the Somerville Community Path, which offers a chance to explore the Green Line Extension area without worrying about train delays. Train enthusiasts can also take advantage of Green Line, commuter rail and Amtrak trains passing along at varying speeds.
- Tufts students and faculty have also had access to the Harvard museums since March 2025! Some were already free, but Tufts community members can now visit four additional museums free of charge: the Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.
- As the weather begins to warm, especially when one of those early ‘summer’ days rolls in, take the opportunity to explore beaches around Boston. Revere Beach is easily accessible from Tufts via the Green Line and a transfer to the Blue Line, while Carson Beach can be reached via the Green Line and Red Line. Farther east, Castle Island offers an ideal destination for a full, sun-filled day by the water.
Spring is the perfect time to explore the neighborhoods surrounding Tufts and try new Boston activities before the semester wraps up. The Editorial Board hopes this list offers some ideas for how to spend the remaining weeks of the semester!
