The famous IVF “two week wait” (TWW) is agonizing. The minutes and hours slowly tick by, and it is hard to know what to do with yourself as you bide your time until your official fertility clinic pregnancy test.
7 (Mostly) Free Things to Do in Boston During Your TWW
Fortunately, Boston is full of things to do, making it one of the best places to spend a couple of weeks keeping yourself entertained and occupied for the next fourteen days. We’ve shared some ideas with you below. And, because we realize that fertility treatments can strain the budget, we’ve opted to share ideas that are free or very low cost.
1. Hang out on the Lawn on D
Also referred to as Boston’s “community backyard,” the Lawn on D is open to all and offers fun diversions, like their circular (glow-in-the-dark) swings, cornhole, an inflatable maze, ping pong, bocce, live music during the summer months, and more.
The Lawn on D is also a great place to hang out for a free date night with your partner to help you keep the romance alive in the midst of fertility treatments.
2. Ride the Carousel on The Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is managed by The Conservancy of Boston. It spans from Chinatown to the Bulfinch Triangle Historic District and the Northend, with plenty of waterfront viewing.
Between the ample greenspace, winding walking/jogging/biking paths, water features, food trucks, and the renowned carousel, The Rose Kennedy Greenway can help you wile away hours or an entire day.
3. Park a blanket in the Common
Boston’s version of Central Park, aka “The Boston Commons,” is an iconic space to spend a day. Bring a blanket, snacks, plenty of water, and then spend a day basking in the sunshine and people watching to your heart’s content. When you’ve soaked in the scene from your first location, pack it all up and re-park near the Frog Pond or treat yourself to a historic tour of the Commons famous statues. While you’re there, remember that you are sitting on more than 400 years of American history.
4. Grab something to eat or drink at Faneuil Hall
Speaking of U.S. and New England history, Faneuil Hall is a culmination of four historical places in one: Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market. You can spend as much or as little as you like on something to drink, a snack, or a meal – and then find a spot to sit down and watch the world go by. The central, cobblestone promenade almost always has something interesting to watch, be it a magician, juggler, musician, street artist, etc.
5. Stroll around the North End (Boston’s Little Italy)
Stepping into the North End still feels like you’re entering a different time and place, and the delicious smells of traditional Italian cooking and baking waft from every direction. If you happen to time an IVF cycle during August or September, you may even find yourself there during one of The North End’s annual festivals or feasts.
The majority of these are in honor of the Catholic calendars famous saints and celebrations, such as St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast, Fisherman’s Feast of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca, and the San Gennaro Feast.
6. Spend some time volunteering
There are few things more fulfilling than spending time serving others in need. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in and around the Boston area. We recommend connecting with Boston Cares. They are the largest volunteer agency in New England and can align your interests and skills with the right people or organization(s) in need. Connecting and serving others takes us outside of ourselves and connects us to the larger picture.
7. Hold yourself captive on Castle Island
Castle Island is now a peninsula off the shore of Boston Harbor. Prior to the installment of a small strip of land connecting Castle Island to the mainland, it really was an island and has served the New England coast as a fortification since the early 1600s. Today, it is home to Fort Independence.
Visitors can park for free in the lot near Fort Independence, after which you can walk around, tour the fort, stroll the boardwalk, or take in the view from the scenic overlook. If it’s warm enough, you can also swim at one of Castle Island’s multiple public beaches.
We hope that some of these things to do in Boston will help to keep your mind of the excruciating two week wait. And the team at Fertility Solutions wishes you a positive outcome when you’re finally able to take your pregnancy test.