52 Exciting Things to Do in Winter for Adults
Create your perfect winter bucket list with these fun activities and ideas for friends, couples, or solo.
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Winter is coming, or maybe it’s already here. The coldest season can also feel like the longest as the days drag on and the sun sets early. But you can make the most of the season by creating your own yearly winter bucket list filled with exciting things to do in winter, which will help you get through with fun activities to look forward to and keep you occupied.
As someone who thrives during summer and beach season, I struggle with the long winter months in the northeast. Creating a winter activity list helps me to enjoy this time and focus on the best possibilities for it.
Enjoying activities during the winter months is important for both physical and mental well-being. Staying active helps combat the winter blues by boosting mood and reducing stress levels. This list has great activities to do with friends in winter, activities that would be great for a date or as a couple, and ways to enjoy time by yourself.
Read through the list below of fun things to do in winter, and save the activities you like to your own list.
This list contains activities that are focused on the season of winter rather than the winter holidays.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Engaging in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or ice skating allows you to soak up fresh air and sunlight, which can be in short supply during the darker months. Outdoor winter activities also provide an opportunity to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, despite the colder weather.
1. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink
Feel the thrill of gliding across the ice and enjoy the crisp winter air with friends or loved ones.
2. Go skiing or snowboarding
Hit the slopes for a day of adventure and fresh mountain air with friends or solo. For some people, myself included, skiing or snowboarding can be the highlight of their entire winter season. If you’ve never tried it, you can take adult ski lessons to learn from an instructor before going out on your own.
3. Go on a scenic winter hike
Experience a winter wonderland with a scenic hike surrounded by snow-dusted trees. Even if it hasn’t snowed recently, you can enjoy new scenery and quiet trails. My favorite place to find hikes is the AllTrails app.
4. Go snowshoeing
Trek through snowy landscapes for a peaceful, scenic workout in nature. In some locations you can even find a snowshoeing guide to go out with.
5. Go snow tubing or sledding
It’s not just for kids! But you’ll sure feel like a kid again as you zoom down hills on a snow tube with your friends or significant other.
6. Go snowmobiling
Sign up for a guided snowmobile tour and explore snowy trails and scenery.
7. Build a snowman
Embrace your inner child and the magic of winter by building a snowman. Or get creative and build snow sculptures of animals or your pets.
Related: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas
Indoor Winter Activities, Outside of the Home
There are plenty of ways to get out of the house and enjoy new experiences while still staying cozy indoors. These indoor things to do in winter will give you the chance to get out and have fun while getting a change of scenery.
8. Go to a hockey game
Enjoy the action and excitement of a live hockey game with friends or family. Search online to view the game schedule for your local team.
9. Go to the theatre to see a play or musical
Enjoy a night of live theater for a fun and different experience.
10. Go to the movies
Get out of the house and escape into a new film at the movie theater for a relaxing night. Bonus if you have one of the fancy movie theaters near you that serves cocktails and snacks right to your seat!
11. Go out for hot chocolate
It’s cold outside, so warm up with a rich, delicious hot chocolate at a local café. Bring a book to read while you enjoy it, or take it with you on a relaxing walk.
12. Challenge yourself with a rock climbing wall
Test your strength and have fun with indoor rock climbing.
13. Try a new fitness class
Challenge yourself and try a new fitness class to switch up your exercise routine. This can be a great way to help beat the winter blues!
14. Go to a museum
Discover fascinating exhibits and learn something new with a visit to an art museum or local history museum.
15. Join a book club
Dive into new books and discuss them with fellow book lovers.
16. Try a new restaurant
Enjoy a night out and try new dishes at a restaurant you haven’t visited before. Or you can meet a friend for brunch — sometimes I enjoy a daytime meal out more than going out for dinner!
17. Go to a paint and sip night
Unwind with friends at a paint and sip night, where you can create art while enjoying a drink or two.
18. Go to a trivia night with friends
Search your local event listings for trivia nights and grab a few friends to form a team. Trivia nights can range from general knowledge trivia to themed trivia, like based on a specific TV show, for example.
19. Volunteer at an animal shelter, or at another local nonprofit organization that you’re interested in supporting
Spend time helping animals in need by volunteering at a local shelter, making a difference in their lives and in your community. If you aren’t interested in working with animals or are allergic, you can find other organizations in your area to support.
20. Start a hobby club
Choose a hobby, like knitting, needlepointing, or something else, and find a local bar, restaurant, or community center that will let you have a reserved table or section, whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly (you may have to purchase drinks and apps). You can also host this in your home if preferred.
21. Learn how to ax throw
Look up a local ax throwing venue nearby and give it a try with a group of friends. You’ll learn how to properly throw from an instructor, and once everyone has the hang of it, you’ll play on teams for some friendly competition.
22. See what your local public library has to offer
Do you remember those days when you could get lost in a library for hours, browsing all of their books, magazines, and old newspaper articles? Libraries are still valuable community centers for books, events, and resources, so spend an afternoon looking for inspiration and learning something new.
23. Join an indoor swimming pool
Swim indoors to stay active and relaxed, no matter the season.
24. Go to a bingo night
If you’re thinking, “I’m too young to play bingo,” have you seen some of the bingo events at local bars that are geared towards a younger or middle-aged crowd? They can have a range of fun themes, include other games, and have fun prizes. Check your local events listings. And of course, if a traditional bingo hall experience is up your alley, go for it!
25. Go to a concert or see live music at a local restaurant/bar
Check local music venue calendars to see if any of your favorite musicians are coming through during the winter months. You can also go find local restaurants, bars, or community centers that have live music nights with fun cover bands.
26. Go out to a restaurant just for dessert
If you’re like me, you’re always too full when it comes time to order dessert. So why not switch things up and go out to a restaurant just for dessert! Alternatively, you can skip entrees and go from appetizers to dessert.
27. Support your local ice cream shop
Winter is a slow time of year for ice cream shops, so show your support by going out for a delicious ice cream sundae or milkshake.
Indoor Winter Activities at Home
Winter brings the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the cozy indoor hobbies that you might not have time for during the busy summer and fall seasons. There are plenty of new and exciting activities to enjoy indoors, from sharing comfort foods with friends to snuggling on the couch with your pets while working on a new craft.
28. Try a new recipe
Try out a new recipe to add excitement and new flavors to your regular food rotation.
29. Bake a new dessert
Spend a cozy day indoors baking up a delicious dessert to enjoy and share. If you can’t eat it all yourself, bring in the leftovers for your coworkers.
30. Host a “favorite things” exchange with friends
A “favorite things” exchange is a gift swap where each person brings a few of their favorite items (new, not used), then friends trade to discover and enjoy each other’s most-loved things. This can include items like skincare products, slippers, a throw blanket, pajamas, a fancy cooking ingredient, hair products or accessories, snack foods, etc. It’s a fun way to share recommendations and learn about each person’s favorites. Each person can also bring a favorite beverage and you can provide appetizers.
31. Print and frame photos you’ve been keeping on your phone
Don’t let your wonderful photos get lost on an old phone or in the cloud. Showcase your favorite memories by printing and framing photos that bring you joy.
32. Research your ancestry
Join an online genealogy website and start with the information you know or can gather from family members. Then use the website’s records like census data, military records, marriage records, immigration records, and more, to piece together your family tree. You might be surprised at what you discover!
33. Watch a documentary
Dive into a new or favorite topic with an intriguing documentary. Stuck on what to watch? Try asking your friends on your group text message for recommendations.
34. Binge watch a new television show
Settle in and binge-watch that new show everyone’s been talking about at work.
35. Start a cookbook club with friends
What is a cookbook club? It’s like a book club, but with cookbooks! Once a month, someone in the group selects a cookbook and everyone makes a different dish from that cookbook. Then you gather and enjoy a delicious meal together, from appetizers, to entrees, to desserts.
36. Do a 1000-piece puzzle of a beautiful winter scene
Challenge your mind and unwind with a puzzle to enjoy solo or with family. Puzzles are such a fun activity while you sit around and chat. If you’re solo, it’s a perfect time to listen to an audiobook or podcast.
37. Host a dinner party
Gather a group of your favorite people for a night of good food, good wine, and good conversation. You can make everything yourself or ask each person to bring a dish.
38. Try a new craft
Get creative and try a craft you haven’t done before, perfect for a relaxing afternoon to fight off that winter boredom.
39. Take a virtual cooking class
Take a cooking class in the comfort of your own kitchen and learn about a new cuisine.
40. Do a home organization project that you’ve been putting off
Take on a home organization project to update your space in a way that will make everyday life a little easier, like organizing your pantry, closet, dresser, basement, or other location.
41. Redecorate or paint a room you’ve been wanting to change but never have time for
Refresh your space with a new paint color, or redecorate, for a cozy, comfortable vibe that feels like you.
42. Host a game night with friends
Gather friends for a night of games, snacks, and laughs. It could even become a regular thing if you have an enthusiastic group, giving you more nights to look forward to.
43. Work on your digital organization
The slower days of winter are a great opportunity to tackle digital clutter by organizing your computer files and folders. Back up your photos and files with cloud storage and/or a portable hard drive.
44. Make homemade soup
Make a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for a cozy winter day for yourself or to share. You’ll also enjoy having the leftovers.
45. Have a winter-themed movie marathon pajama party by yourself or with friends
Host a cozy movie night with friends, along with your favorite snacks or a charcuterie board, cozy blankets, and hot chocolate or wine.
46. Get lost in a book series
Dive into a captivating book series under a cozy blanket while listening to a crackling fire (or while burning a favorite candle).
Travel-Related Winter Activities
Winter travel brings its own unique joys, from peaceful snowy landscapes to escapes in warmer locations. Even if travel isn’t possible right now, planning a future getaway adds something to look forward to.
47. Take a beach vacation someplace warm
Give yourself a break from the cold winter season with a getaway to the beach, where you can soak up the sun and relax.
48. Research and plan a future vacation
As you’re dreaming of warmer days, take the time to research a new destination and plan a summer vacation.
49. Go for a spa day
Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and pampering at the spa. Or make a weekend of it for a spa getaway.
50. Make a photo book of a past trip
Reminisce and capture your favorite memories by creating a beautiful photo book from past trips.
51. Visit friends or family who live somewhere else who you’ve been meaning to visit, or invite them to come stay with you
Your schedule is likely more clear during winter, so take advantage of this time to visit with those who live far away. Bonus if they live someplace warm!
52. Travel to a cozy cabin in the mountains for a weekend getaway
Escape to the mountains for a peaceful weekend in nature, where you can choose to participate in some of the outdoor winter activities mentioned earlier in this list — like skiing and snowmobiling — or stay indoors by the fire and enjoy the relaxing quiet of the snow.
These are some enjoyable ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless. Tailor your winter bucket list to your interests and preferences, and you’ll have many fond memories to look back on once summer arrives!
Related — for more ideas of things to do in winter, check out: 61 Fun Holidays to Celebrate for Beach, Ocean, and Coastal Lovers All Year Long
Benefits of Having Fun Things to Do in Winter
Having a yearly winter bucket list adds excitement to your life. For those who struggle with the long winter season, creating a winter bucket list is a way to add excitement and anticipation to these months, especially if you don’t consider yourself a “winter person.”
Participating in winter activities can help you feel connected to others. Many people find themselves feeling down during the winter months, as there is less sunlight, and the colder weather can make people feel isolated as they’re spending more time indoors. Participating in some of these activities with others can help you feel a sense of camaraderie and community during this time.
Winter bucket lists help you to enjoy the little things. Crafting a list of winter activities encourages you to make the most of the season, whether it’s by trying new winter sports, indulging in comfort foods, or appreciating the beauty of snowy landscapes.
Having a yearly list of exciting things to do in winter can be a great way to stay motivated and find joy in the colder months. You might even find yourself looking forward to next winter!
Save This List of Things to Do in Winter for Adults
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Things to do in winter: fun winter activities for adults
There are so many different things to do in winter, this list is just a jumping off point. You can cater these activities to your likes and interests as needed, as well as for your geographical location. I recommend filling your season with activities that you can enjoy by yourself, as well as with friends, siblings, family, or as a couple.
As you check items off of your winter bucket list, you’ll be creating fun memories and moments to look back on. Winter can be tough on mental health, and having a list of enjoyable activities and other things to do in winter can help you stay active, engaged, and positive all season long.
Which of these winter activities are you feeling most excited about? What are some of your other favorite things to do in winter? Share them in the comments.
