20 Fun Things To Do During The Winter

The winter is a beautiful season. The sparkling, white snow, icicles shimmering on tree branches, and frost blanketing mountains and valleys. There is something about winter that feels magical, crisp and cozy all at once. The winter naturally feels like a season to hunker down, rest and become more introspective. The snow also creates opportunity for getting outside and enjoying cold weather outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, fat biking and so much more.

Winter can also feel like a dark time for many. With less sunlight in the day, it can lead to seasonal depression and an overall sense of dread. Getting outside and exploring or staying in and doing something creative or fun can help beat these feelings of doom and gloom. Whether you are more likely to enjoy cozy indoor activities during the winter or enjoy adventuring out into the cold, there are so many ways to enjoy winter. Here are some fun ideas for things to do both indoors and outdoors this winter!

20 Fun Things To Do During The Winter

Indoor Activities

Read a Book

I find that I read so many more books during the winter, because there are so many more opportunities to be quiet and hunker down. I love curling up with a fiction novel on the couch under a cozy blanket with a fire crackling nearby. If you are looking for your next favorite read, check out our round up of The Best Books You Read In 2022. So many great reads to choose from!

Host A Girls Night

There is nothing better to get you out of a winter slump than a little time with your girlfriends. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just invite a few close girlfriends over for some light appetizers and drinks. You will be so happy to connect with friends and laugh. Those dark days always feel a little bit brighter with the good company of friends.

Watch Movies and Shows

I definitely indulge in more TV during the winter as well. If you have a list of shows and movies to catch up on, the winter is the perfect time to settle in and binge. Whether it’s on a snowy Sunday or when it begins to get dark around 4:30pm– watching some good movies and shows are always a fun way to relax during the winter.

Journal or Write

Winter is the season of introspection and journaling or writing are the perfect ways to embrace this. You could journal about your creative ideas or try writing different genres to explore new types of writing styles. There are so many fun ways to journal or write and bring out all of those beautiful ideas from within.

Paint or Draw

I am not very artistic myself, but I love the idea of sitting in front of a blank easel and creating something beautiful. Maybe you are already an artist, but have fallen out of your craft and want to get back into it. Or maybe it has always been something you’ve wanted to explore. Either way, get out your paints or pencils and see what comes up! Maybe take a class or buy a book to help inspire your inner artist.

Plan a Date Night

Date nights are such a lovely way to connect with our partners or friends. I always feel like conversations with my husband are so much deeper and richer while at a restaurant when we are away from all of the stresses and responsibilities we feel at home. It’s so nice to eat a meal we didn’t have to cook and drink a drink someone has poured or made especially for us. Dining out is such a treat and can be so nice during the cold winter months when we may need to be pampered and get out of the house.

Learn to Sew

I’ve always wanted to learn to sew and have a few friends who sew and love it. It’s such a satisfying hobby to be able to create a beautiful product that you can either wear yourself or gift to someone you love. Again you may want to sign up for a class or purchase a book to get started. Have fun with it and start with small projects if you are a beginner. It will be exciting to see your progress!

Take a Clay Class

I’ve been wanting to take a clay class for a while now. It seems like such a meditative and relaxing, yet challenging hobby and craft. I love all of the pottery in our home and always feel so special sipping my coffee and tea from mugs made with love and attention. Take a clay class and learn this beautiful art for yourself!

Sign Up For A Dance Class

If you love dancing and have always wanted to take a class why not try now! You could sign up for your favorite style of dance or try something new. There are so many different dance styles to choose from– ballet, hip hop, jazz, belly dance and more. See what is available in your area and try it out!

Do A Puzzle

Puzzles are such a fun winter past-time. Pull out any old puzzles you have and choose a big table in your house to set it up. The issue with puzzles is they do take up a considerable amount of space and they take time. So make sure it’s a space that can be occupied for a while. I love doing a winter themed puzzle and working on it a little bit each day. It always makes me feel calm and clear headed.

Play Board Games

Board games are a great way to pass the time with family, friends and partners. Have a family game night or play a favorite board game with your partner. Some of our favorite board games are Catan, Cribbage, Yahtzee and Clue.

build a fire

The ritual of building a fire can feel so meditative and relaxing during the cold winter months. If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, set aside some time in the early morning to build a fire and then relax in front of the warm flames for a bit. If you have an outdoor fire pit, build a fire outdoors, bundle up and enjoy the warmth of a fire on a cold night (one of our favorite things to do for girls nights!).

Listen to Music

Music is such a great way to get out of a funk. I love making playlists to suite my mood and taste. Make a playlist and dance in the kitchen or to belt out while driving in the car. Music is a beautiful way to feel alive and connected during a time that can feel lonely for so many.

Outdoor Activities

Ski, Snowboard or Skin

Skiing, snowboarding and skinning are SUCH fun winter activities. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy the beauty of winter and there is something truly exhilarating about cruising down the mountain. The speed and sweeping views, it feels so rejuvenating! It’s also a great way to spend many hours outside and feel that true exhaustion from being in the open air all day. If you are new to the sport rent equipment and take a lesson. Start on the bunny hill and go easy on yourself.

Snowshoe

If you aren’t into the downhill part of skiing but still love being outside in the snow, snowshoeing is such a great way to enjoy the outdoors. There is nothing better than a snowshoe after a fresh snowstorm. The trees are covered in beautiful white snow and the snowshoes allow you to venture out into the forest or any other favorite trails in your area.

Cross Country Ski

Cross country skiing is one of my favorite winter activities. I love that you get the same exhilaration of downhill skiing on the small hills, but you can also get a nice sweaty workout in on the flats and uphills. If you haven’t already been, give it a try this winter!

Hike

We are so lucky to have so many great hiking trails locally that are accessible even during the winter months. Depending on the weather make sure to have the proper footwear, we often need spikes or some other sort of traction to add to winter hiking boots if the conditions are icy or slippery. A winter hike is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful, crisp, air and views!

Fat Bike

Fat biking has become very popular over the last few years. These fat bikes are off road bicycles with oversized tires. For biking enthusiasts it’s a great way to allow you to bike all year long! You can rent fat bikes and explore local trails or invest in your own.

Ice Skating

There is nothing more magical than ice skating on a frozen pond, lake or river in the winter. The feel of the crisp cool air on your face as you glide along is so lovely. Depending on where you live, there are both outdoor and indoor options for ice skating and this is such a fun winter activity to do with friends, family or even by yourself.

Play in the Snow

As adults we often forget about simply playing in the snow! My appreciation for this has grown over the last year through my 19-month old. It is still so fun to build a snowman, go sledding and simply just wade through the snow making snow angels and feeling the fresh flakes fall on your eyelashes and tongue. So head out into that beautiful snow and enjoy it just like you did as a kid!

What do you like to do during the colder winter months? Let us know in the comments below.