Fun Indoor Activities for Cold Winter Days

Does the chilly winter weather make you miss summer more with each passing day? Are you busy practicing your hibernation skills because you just don’t know what else to do to pass the time? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions, read on for some fun and low-cost ideas and activities you can do by yourself, or with loved ones.

 

PLAY GAMES

Playing a board game is a fun pastime that can create lasting memories with your friends and family. Invite guests over and make snacks or have a snack potluck. There are many different games to play depending on who’s playing and the players’ mood. There are board games like Monopoly, Clue, and Candy Land; card games like UNO, Spades, and Crazy Eights; and physical games like Twister, Sardines, and hide and seek. There are even games that encourage you to get creative, like Pictionary, What Do You Meme, and hangman. Whichever game you choose is bound to be an excellent start for a memorable time!

 

WATCH A MOVIE – WITH A TWIST!

Have you ever wanted to fight alongside your favorite heroes? You can try mimicking the actions of the characters! For example, a Harry Potter fan could go outside and find a wand that chooses them. Pick a stick off the ground and decorate it by dipping a colored string in glue and wrapping it around. If you don’t have colored yarn, you can also use plain string and stain it after the glue dries. This is an excellent project for kids as well.

Make it a costume party. Have everyone dress up as their favorite character, then take it a step further by interacting with each other in character. You can combine that with making themed meals or treats. For example, Lord of the Rings has lembas bread! Search for some movie-themed recipes on Google to help immerse yourself in your favorite stories on the silver screen.

Make movie night a bona fide experience by getting creative and designing your own movie tickets. Have assigned seats ready with goody boxes filled with popcorn, candy, and drinks. If you have a projector, now is the time to use it! You can project the movie on a wall that is big enough, or you can get a white bedsheet and use binder clips to secure the corners. Use command hooks so you don’t have to put nails in the wall.

 

 

START WORKING ON THAT “TO-READ” LIST

If you’re anything like me, you keep going to the bookstore and adding to your reading list, but somehow never make time to cross any titles off. One way to help you reach your reading goal is by sharing your passion with others! Gather with friends and family to discuss a book over coffee or tea. If you’d rather not get together in a big group, you can even do it virtually. Don’t have any friends or family that share your passion? MeetUp is a great place to find or make your own reading groups.

 

BUILD A PILLOW FORT

This can be a fun activity for kids, both big and small. Your little ones can let their imaginations run wild! Will they host you in their enchanted castle? A cabin in the woods? For yourself, why not make your own getaway? Turn your fort into a relaxing escape with complimentary Netflix and hot chocolate.

 

MAKE SOME HOT CHOCOLATE AND TELL STORIES

Make your holiday hot chocolate extra special by turning the experience into a “build-your-own” bar. Get toppings, like marshmallows and candy canes – or even some oddities like M&M’s, peanut butter cups, and pretzels. It can be whatever you like or want to try. Your flavorful imagination is the limit! Once everyone has had a chance to perfect their drink, gather by the fireplace with your loved ones. This is the perfect time to share fond memories you have of each other! Need an icebreaker question to get the conversation rolling? Try these:

• What is a fantastic adventure you have had, or one you would like to have someday?
• What was your favorite moment from the past year?
• If you could meet a famous person (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you ask them?
• If you were a type of chocolate bar, what type would you be?
• If you could go anywhere on earth right now, where would you go and why?
• What is the silliest haircut you ever got?

 

GET ACTIVE

Indoor exercise equipment sales soared during 2020 and 2021. If you have exercise equipment, look up some new routines and give it a go! Put on your favorite nature documentary on the treadmill and feel like you’re walking inside the beautiful scenery. Besides, the new year is always an enjoyable time to start working on new habits.

If you don’t have indoor equipment, plenty of YouTube videos offer instructions for exercise that don’t require a machine. From body weight exercises to yoga and Pilates, there is something for everyone to try. You can even make time with friends and schedule a virtual dance party!

 

BAKE SOMETHING

After all that dancing, you may work up an appetite, so why not try your hands at baking? There is no time like winter to warm up by the oven and bake some delicious treats. You can make them for yourself or share them with coworkers, neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Nothing is more special than sharing your work with others. Here are a few ideas for recipes that utilize many ingredients you already have in your kitchen:

• King Arthur Baking
• The Food Network
• All Recipes

 

No matter what you choose to do this winter, remember that keeping an open heart and spreading kindness to those around you is the best thing you can do to pass the time. Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas for how to do just that while making memories that last a lifetime.