Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Is Showing at Fenway Park

That made us wonder: What's the best way to play hooky in Boston?

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Matthew Broderick, 1986, (c) Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. / Paramount Pictures

Movie night is returning to Fenway Park this summer with a screening of the ’80s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The John Hughes movie follows a teen who schemes an elaborate ploy to skip school, bringing along his girlfriend and reluctant best friend as he parades through the streets of Chicago and learns some life lessons along the way. The film turns 30 this month, but remains the ultimate go-to ditch-day inspiration, which made us wonder: How could the best day ever be replicated in Boston?

Below are only a few activities you might try squeezing into a fantasy day of playing hooky. Of course, much like Bueller’s day off, this itinerary may be better suited to the movie world than reality.

Exterior-Hi-Res-Outside

Photo courtesy of Ken Rivard

10 A.M.
Brunch Your Heart Out at The Breakfast Club

Pay homage to another beloved John Hughes flick at this classic diner with a twist after successfully busting your squad out of school (or other commitments). Though it serves up the familiar, this brunch menu is anything but boring—try the Alexa omelette stuffed with locanico, spinach, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta, or the Chicken N’ Waffles drizzled in sriracha gravy.

Photo via iStock.com/Sean Pavone

Photo via iStock.com/Sean Pavone

11 A.M.
View the World Beneath You from the Prudential Skywalk Observatory

Pose as a tourist for a day and get one of the best views in the city of Boston’s world-famous skyline. The 749-foot skyscraper is the second tallest in Boston after 200 Clarendon, formerly known as the John Hancock building, and its observation deck on the 50th story is the highest in New England. The epic Instagram you’ll get to post will be the cherry on top of your journey into the clouds.

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Photo by Margaret Burdge

12 P.M.
Take a Joy Ride on Boston’s F1 Race Track

OK, so maybe Cameron’s dad’s red 1961 Ferrari is truly out of reach. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ride in style. Show up in time for one of F1 Boston’s arrive and drive sessions (booking a reservation ahead of time is recommended), and get your thrill fill for the day. The one catch: you need to be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license.

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THE GARDNER MUSEUM COURTYARD IN 2012. / PHOTO BY SIENA SCARFF PROVIDED

1 P.M.
Appreciate the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Looking for an untraditional museum experience yet craving classic art? The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum could be right up your alley. Whether you’ve visited before or not, the treasure trove left behind by the late Boston socialite never loses its charm. But beware, if you’re the Cameron of your crew, there’s a good chance getting lost in a painting could trigger a mild existential crisis. Remember: Admission is free if your name is Isabella.

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“Gondola.” / Photo by JayMc11, TripAdvisor

3 P.M.
Take a Gondola Ride

If you’re bringing the Sloane to your Ferris with you, what better way to spend some quality time than gliding down the Charles on a Venice-esque Gondola? Though the ride prices are steep, it’s worth a splurge if you’re looking for an intimate activity, especially considering some of the packages come with champagne, strawberries, and flowers.

4 P.M.
Stop by Fenway Park

Be sure to squeeze in a Sox game if there’s one happening during your ditch day (games usually at 1:30 or 7, but sometimes 4)—or stop by the park for a tour. Just be diligent about dodging the broadcasters to make sure your cover isn’t blown on screen. Dad could be watching.

Oysters

Island Creek Oyster Bar. / Photo by Michael Piazza

6 P.M.
Wine and Dine at Island Creek Oyster Bar

Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at Island Creek Oyster Bar. The menu includes bivalves from all over the east coast, and selections change daily. But please, don’t pull a Ferris and steal an important reservation…Or do—hey, if you can match the savvy-ness of that reckless teenager, odds are you can get away with anything.

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Salsa in the Park. / Photo courtesy of Meta Movements

8 P.M.
Salsa in the South End

Go out with a bang and end your day the Ferris way—with a good old-fashioned city-wide shindig. Held Monday nights in the summer at South End’s Blackstone Community Center, become the life of the party as you shimmy, twist, and sway through more than 500 people dancing at Salsa in the Park.

 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at Fenway Park: $5 for children, $10 for adults, Wednesday, June 29, 7 p.m., Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, mlb.com.