Note: The following travel post includes special promotional content. Summertime is usually all about escaping the city and heading to the coast or into the mountains. But you don’t need to travel to have fun in the sun: There are plenty of summer activities right in Boston that will have you forgetting all about the heat and the crowds. From cooling off with a scoop of gourmet ice cream to singing “Sweet Caroline” (Fenway frank in hand, of course) at a Red Sox game, here are some great things to do in Boston.

SUMMER IN THE CITY | THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON

Watch a game at Fenway Park

Sing along to “Sweet Caroline,” munch on a Fenway frank, take a photo with Wally the Green Monster, and revel in Boston tradition while watching America’s pastime. Even if baseball isn’t your favorite sport, there’s something magical about being at Fenway on a warm summer evening, the park all lit up, hearing the crack of the bat, and watching the ball soar toward the Green Monster. See more: 10 Tips for a Home-Run Visit to Fenway Park

Sample the best lobster rolls

Warm weather often has many New Englanders craving a fresh lobster roll. But why trek to coastal Maine or Cape Cod, when Boston’s oceanside location means a great lobster roll is never far away? Yankee senior food editor Amy Traverso recently tracked down the city’s best examples of this classic dish, including the delectable version from Row 34 that’s shown below. See more: Where to Find the Best Lobster Roll in Boston

Set sail with Community Boating

On a hot day, the best breezes can be found out on the water. The nation’s oldest continuously running public sailing center is located right in Boston, and offers access to sailing and other water sports to people of all ages and abilities. From the Community Boating Inc. headquarters on the Charles River Esplanade, you can set out to enjoy a little time on the water, with the beautiful city skyline in view. New to sailing? Take a class and utilize the rentals available here. See more: Kayaking Boston | A Get-Started Guide

Get picnic-ready at the Copley Square Farmers’ Market

Now celebrating its 40th year, the Copley Square Farmers’ Market is the ideal city destination for fresh local produce, meat, fruit, and plants. With long hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays) and a central location in the Back Bay commercial and cultural hub, Boston’s biggest and busiest market calls to shoppers looking for the week’s groceries, a snack, or some picnic food. See more: The Can’t-Miss Farmers Market in Every New England State

Cool off with gourmet ice cream

It’s not summertime without a cone or bowl of ice cream. In Boston, there’s no shortage of places to get a sweet treat — from longtime favorites like Toscanini’s and Picco to relative newcomers like Morano Gelato and Gracie’s. Try them all before the warm weather fades! See more: Finding the Best Ice Cream in Boston

Hop aboard a ferry to Georges Island

There’s no need to plan a big vacation to escape the city — just seven miles away is Georges Island, the most popular of the 34 Boston Harbor Islands. Discover history (Fort Warren, a Civil War–era fort, and a museum), entertainment (a gift shop and a bookstore), food at the café, plenty of open space for a picnic (grills are available, too), and views of the surrounding islands and Boston Light. A ferry to the island is available from May to Columbus Day. See more: Boston Harbor Islands Ferry Schedule

Enjoy the shade of an outdoor patio

Sip an icy drink under the shade of a patio umbrella at restaurants and cafés throughout the city. At Oak Long Bar + Kitchen’s outdoor lounge at Fairmont Copley Plaza, you’ll find snacks and refreshing libations of all kinds, plus a great view of Copley Square. Did we mention it’s dog-friendly? (Carly Copley, one of New England’s most adoptable ambassadors, may even stop by.) See more: Best of Boston & Cambridge | 2018 Editors’ Choice Awards

What are your favorite summertime things to do in Boston? Let us know!