Here we are in the middle of winter (for those of us in the northern hemisphere). We’ve passed the “fun” part of winter with the holidays and now we’re in the long slog to spring. Winter entertainment is in short supply and boredom is probably setting in. You don’t want to go outside, but sitting on your read end is getting boring, too. This is when thoughts turn to tropical vacations. But don’t despair! You don’t have to plan a super expensive sunshine vacation to have fun in winter. There are other, cheaper options.
In the quest to just “get through” the winter, too many of us engage in less healthy activities like eating junk food and being sedentary in front of a screen. While the occasional comfort movie or video game is okay, you don’t want to spend your whole winter deepening the butt print in your sofa cushion. Too many screens and cookies won’t help the overall sluggishness you feel in the winter, and it will contribute to weight gain that you’ll regret come swimsuit season.
Instead, try to find some healthier activities to occupy your time. The bonus is that many of these winter entertainment activities are also cheap, if not free.
Cooking/Baking
This one is a three-for-one activity. You get a home cooked meal or dessert, you learn something new, and it keeps you busy. Also remember that cooking “activities” like decorating cookies, hot cocoa bars, or making gingerbread houses don’t have to be just for Christmas. You can make a family event out of it anytime. Just go easy on the eating. Share your creations with friends or neighbors.
Go outside
Sure, there are some days when going outside isn’t possible, but for much of the winter you can be outside. Sledding, skating, walking/hiking, snowshoeing, etc. are all good outdoor activities. If you dress appropriately, you don’t have to fear the outdoors. Besides, the little bit of sunlight and fresh air you get is good for you.
Board/Card Games
Make a family event out of board game night. Games can be had for reasonable prices at mass market or hobby stores, or on the thrift market. One game can give you hours of fun as you try out new strategies or try to beat each other. No family or friends to play with? If you have a hobby store in your area, see if they offer game nights, or set something up on Meetup or a Facebook group. Many games also offer a solo mode if you don’t have a crowd to play with.
Reading
It’s a classic hobby for a reason. You can escape the winter with some distracting fiction, or use the time to learn something new via non-fiction. Libraries offer free books, or you can hit up the used market for cheap titles.
Bird Watching
For the cost of a small feeder and some seed, you can generate some feathery entertainment. Sure, you won’t see the flashy migratory birds this time of year (they’re all relaxing on a tropical beach), but you’ll see plenty of native birds. They love a free handout anytime, but even more in the winter.
Fun exercise
Instead of doing the same old routine, try something new and fun. Dance around the living room. Try a new exercise routine found on YouTube, DVD, or a streaming service. As mentioned above, go outside for a sled ride or walk. Join a new class at your gym or senior center. Who cares if you’re good at the new thing? As long as it’s fun, it’s doing its job.
Indoor Silliness
Have an indoor snowball fight. (Yes, they really do make indoor soft snowballs. You can also take them outside in the summer and make your neighbors do a double-take.) Play hide and seek. Charades. Build elaborate blanket/pillow forts, complete with fairy lights. Create an indoor treasure hunt or murder mystery. Have an indoor campout complete with tent and picnic. Have a fashion show (serious or ridiculous, your choice). Organize competitions in whatever is fun for you. You’re behind closed doors so just let loose with whatever silliness your family wants to engage in.
Classes
Expand your brain this winter. Take a class in something fun you’ve always wanted to learn. Or, learn a new skill. Many community colleges, universities, or extension programs offer classes to the general public. You can also find classes at places like senior centers, community centers, or craft/home stores.
Museums
Most major cities (and even small ones) offer museums. Some are big like major history museums, and others are small and focused on some aspect of local life. You might learn something new about your area. Many are free and those that charge tend to be inexpensive. In addition to the exhibits, some offer other programming like classes or kid’s programs.
Sporting events
Yes, tickets to men’s college Division I and NBA basketball, as well as professional hockey are prohibitively expensive, but there are other options. Women’s basketball, college hockey, high school basketball, minor league hockey, basketball at the smaller colleges, or other, less well publicized college sports like gymnastics, fencing, swimming, indoor track, or wrestling are all possibilities.
Hobbies/Crafts
If you’re always saying you never have time to pursue your hobby, winter is the time. (As long as your hobby isn’t jet-skiing.) It’s also a good time to try out something new. You can get into most hobbies for very little money, especially if you’re willing to buy used or older equipment in order to get started. But some hobbies, like writing, are basically free.
Tackle the To-Do List
Okay, it’s not the most fun thing you can do, but winter is the ideal time to tackle all those projects you keep meaning to get around to. Painting, cleaning, organizing, budgeting, repairing, maintaining, etc. are all useful activities. You get the satisfaction of moving items off your list, and you won’t have them hanging over your head come spring when you really want to be outside doing other things.
What do you do during the winter to keep yourself from sliding into a junk food coma? Share your winter entertainment activities in the comments below!
Read More:
- Free (or Nearly Free) Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year
- How to Save Money on Your Entertainment
- Free Entertainment Options When You’re Stuck Indoors
- Hygge Shouldn’t Be Expensive