40 Best Winter Activities to Do Indoors or Outside
Whether there's snow on the ground or not, there are a ton of fun things to do when it gets colder.
Even though I grew up in Buffalo, NY — best known for chicken wings and a lot of snow — I have always hated cold weather. Winter weather brings to mind short, bone-chilling days and long, dark nights, with the sun setting long before my 9-5 work day ends (if you're like me, maybe we both need to get inspired by these seasonal quotes). But this year, I've resolved to find cute date ideas and engaging activities that don't involve watching an endless stream of Netflix comedies huddled under my coziest blanket.
Science shows that keeping busy can help stave off the blues, because your brain can't dwell on the doldrums when it's distracted by something else. That's why we rounded up a selection of the best winter activities to keep you busy this season. Whether you see the snow start to fall and can't wait to grab your winter boots and get out there, or would rather hide from it all with some distracting indoor fun (like these cute indoor activities for kids), we've got something for you. Whether you're indoors or outside, don't forget to snap a few photos to pair with a great wintery Instagram caption.
And if we forgot some of your favorite techniques to make the most of one quarter of the seasons, let us know in the comments. Maybe you can convince me that winter weather isn't so bad after all.
Build a Snowman
Take a cue from Frozen and ask your kids, "do you wanna build a snowman?" For an extra element of fun, turn it into a competition to see who can construct the most creative Frosty.
Bake Bread
Remember when we were all baking bread in 2020? Throw it back and get a loaf in the oven. It'll make your house smell amazing, and there's nothing quite so magical as watching dough rise.
Plan a Vacation
When it's snowing outside, think ahead to summer by planning a warm-weather vacation. Even if it's pure fantasy, looking at beach houses, tropical getaways or faraway shores will put your brain in a sunnier spot.
RELATED: 38 Best Family Vacations That Everyone Will Love, From Babies and Toddlers to Teens
Take an Art Class
Paint and sip nights are popular for a reason: There's no feeling quite like creating your own masterpiece. If painting isn't your thing, give sculpting, sketching or pottery-throwing a shot.
Go See a Show
Hit up the cinema, a local theater company or musical performance to get out of the cold and get into some culture. If you don't have any near you or prefer to stay at home, stream a performance on YouTube instead.
Go Bowling
When was the last time you went bowling? It's retro chic, relatively inexpensive, you get to wear silly shoes and striking out is actually a good thing. We call that a win!
Visit an Escape Room
They may not be as trendy as a few years ago, but escape rooms are still a great way to engage your brain and build teamwork skills. Many of them have themes too, so you can pretend you're a part of your favorite fandom.
Make Fondue
You don't need a lot of fancy equipment to make fondue, but consider this your excuse to get a fondue pot if you've been looking for one. Slice up some fruit and crusty bread, grab some crackers or even veggies and cubed meat and get to dipping in your choice of cheese, chocolate or even hot oil.
RELATED: 8 Best Fondue Pots for 2022
Try Knitting or Crocheting
It's already scarf, hat and sweater weather, so you might as well learn to make them yourself. Even if you don't consider yourself crafty, knitting can be a fun activity to keep your hands busy.
Make Soup
Boiling up a pot of soup makes a great cold weather activity, not to mention a fantastic way to clear out your fridge or cabinets. Don't forget to grab some crusty bread for soaking up the broth.
RELATED: Soup Recipes to Keep You Cozy
Play Video Games
Move over, teenagers. Video games are fun for all ages. Whether you go down an RPG rabbit hole, engage in a little hand-to-hand combat or race around a track, some friendly competition can heat things up inside, no matter what the weather's doing.
Go Sledding
Sledding packs a wintery double whammy: Not only is sailing down a snowy hill the perfect blend of exciting and terrifying, but hiking back up to go another round is great cardio exercise. Don't forget to stop for cocoa to warm up afterward.
Build a Fort
All it takes is some sheets and blankets to create the ultimate fort. Get in touch with your inner child and realize how comforting and fun it can be to have a secret hideout with your kids.
Build a Fire
If you have a fireplace, get it started up and enjoy the one-of-a-kind smell that comes from a homemade fire. Under the right conditions, you'll be able to build one outside on a chilly night.
Try Ice Skating
The first date I ever went on was to a local ice skating rink, and I won't tell you the soundtrack, lest you learn just how long ago that was. Ice skating will help you work up a sweat and learn a new skill, even if you start out about as graceful as an elephant on ice.
Have a Snowball Fight
Make the most of the white stuff by bundling up and heading outside for a snowball fight. It's better exercise than you'd expect, and sure to end in giggles.
Make a Scrapbook
You don't need to be the craftiest person to display your treasured memories in a creative way. In this digital age, just printing out your favorite snapshots and putting them in an album feels special.
Camp in the Snow
While winter camping requires more gear than it does in warm weather, getting outdoors has its own rewards any time of year. Think sipping hot coffee by a roaring fire, cooking yummy camping meals and cuddling for warmth.
RELATED: 36 Coolest Camping Gifts for Your Outdoorsy Friends and Family
Drink Hot Cocoa
Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Turn it into an activity by setting up a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings and your favorite candies for topping.
Read a Good Book
Make yourself a cup of tea, grab a comfy blanket and cozy up with a good book. Escaping into another world feels especially great when there's a snowstorm roaring outside.
RELATED: The 50 Best New Books of 2022 That You Won't Be Able to Put Down
