Now that fall is behind us you’re searching for interesting winter hobbies to get into and this article has over 30 you can dabble in.
Winter is coming.
Or maybe it’s already here? For me, it’s definitely coming and I am not excited.
I really don’t like the cold. The space heater is already on and I have no regrets. Sorry, not sorry.
However, there are a lot of fun things to do, indoors and outdoors, in the winter that I feel are absolutely worth the effort of learning no matter what skill level.
To me, these are very winter-specific sports to get your hands on and can, if you find the opportunity, be a great sport to continue on throughout the year or something to do solely for four months out of the year.
It’s honestly up to you, however, try one or try them all. I start this off with the indoor activities and then it goes into outdoor sports activities as I’m excited for the 2022 Winter Olympics, haha.
Here’s the thing: you can’t be scared to try new things and this is one way of doing that. Every day you sit around saying, “I wish I could do that” could be another day of you getting closer to mastering a new skill in the sport you wish you could do that in.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Table of Adventures
What Can You Do Indoors In The Winter?
Anything really.
Well, almost anything anyway.
I just want to place this as a reminder: you can do anything you set your mind to. This blog is a place for me to encourage and remind you of that, so if you see something on this list that interests you grab hold and run with it.
Related: 17 Feel Good Activities to Make You Happy Instantly
- Leatherworking.
So during the fall you probably got into woodworking, right? Exactly.
Now it’s time to try leatherworking because why not. It can also be found under “leather crafting” if you’re doing a quick Google search.
Honestly, leatherworking can mean making your own wallet, watchband, or a beautiful leather-bound book. They make great gifts and quite honestly it can be a great way to set yourself apart from the rest if you’re not looking to be a follower.
Leatherworking Beginners Guide
- Drawing.
I can’t draw for sh*t.
And yet my favorite kind of drawing technique is pointillism which is a strange kind of drawing, but I’m doing me.
There are all sorts of drawing techniques outside of that though, such as photorealism, caricature drawing, and technical drawing.
The kinds of techniques that you decide to try have their place in society somehow, someway.
I like the idea of learning how to draw for winter if you’re short on cash (especially since it encompasses the holiday season with holidays like Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, and even St. Patrick’s Day).
It’s very easy to pick up a drawing pad and some pencils for $2 at a dollar store and you’re good to go until you’re good enough to buy quality paper and pencils.
10 Tips to Improve Your Drawing Skills
- Writing.
I really enjoy writing. I’m not very good at it, but I do enjoy it when get to speak to all of you.
Just like drawing, writing doesn’t take much to get started.
Paper, writing utensils, and your imagination. Take your time as over time you can get more into writing and define your writing style and the genre you write in.
This is a great way to get family together and to do something fun with minimal resources (writing and drawing are as close to free hobbies as you can get).
- Marquetry.
If you’ve been learning about woodworking (and you’re enjoying it), trying marquetry is probably a great step to take in the future.
Using material like wood, shell, or ivory, you create intricate pieces of veneer to structures (like that table you created maybe?) to create beautifully decorative patterns.
The thing I find fascinating about woodworking/marquetry is that this is something that you can capitalize on later on if you desired, but also it’s just a great way to work with your hands.
- Starting a model train set.
Model trains are some of the most impressive things I have seen people put together. If you are passionate about trains in any way, putting together a train set can be an easy way to decorate your home.
It’s great if you don’t mind looking at it every day and it would be a great conversation piece as well.
- Learning how to play pool (or darts).
As someone who is generally really bad at pool, I can see why someone would really engage with the game.
It’s a cool thing to see a billiards table at someone’s house but for some reason, so many of us don’t know how to actually play! Let’s change that this winter!
You may not get to competition-level-good over the winter but at least if you get stuck at a bar you can create friends!
- Homebrew.
So, in my fall hobbies post, I made a mention that trying to make wine would be such a great thing to try.
Well, in the winter why not get into homebrew beer? Cider?
You can do it from absolute scratch or you can use a kit and create everything at a faster pace! If you do go the scratch route it can take anywhere from one to two months for a batch to be fermented enough for you to drink and find it at least a little bit tasty.
- Wood burning (aka pyrography).
I understand when certain things become stale. If you’re into painting or drawing anything (or calligraphy!), wood burning can be a really beautiful medium to work with.
I bring it up because I saw a woman create these beautiful wood burnt sunflower wood earrings and they made my eyes dazzle with envy. Personally, I could watch someone wood burning for hours and I’d be thrilled.
So, why not try it? Especially if you have the creativity to create something beautiful.
- Mosaic tile projects (or diamond painting).
Maybe I’m on a bit of a pattern for winter, but it seems like art is the vibe and I’m okay with that!
Therefore, how about trying mosaic art?
It’s really easy to do and you don’t actually need to learn how to do anything! There are kits all over where you can create beautiful pieces with all the set pieces, grout, and design already planned out for you (I added a diamond painting kit, too which may be an easy segue to tile work).
If you do want to learn how to do it on your own …and buy up your own tile and all that good stuff you can check out the link below.
- Winter hiking.
To save some money this winter, winter hiking can be really great if you already have thick coats for winter.
Going on hikes in the middle of winter helps so much with expanding lung capacity.
I don’t know the actual science behind it, but from anecdotes from friends who run in the winter and hike quite a bit through the snow, they always say that their lungs feel a lot better during the winter.
It could be because of the excess oxygen from the snow and ice coating the ground, but taking a walk in the cold is really invigorating. Your body does warm up pretty quickly, but just because your inner core gets warm doesn’t mean your ears, hands, and toes will.
So please remember to dress warmly in quality socks, gloves, scarves, and hats.
Related: 50+ Winter Bucket List Ideas
- Journaling.
My favorite thing to do over the course of the year is to journal.
A lot of the time I fall off it, but I think it’s the trying that matters here. (ᵔᴥᵔ)
I love the versatility that comes with journaling. You can write in a regular notebook, buy a designated diary, or go with bullet journaling. Personally, bullet journaling is the most creative of the three and if my brain didn’t always wander I would absolutely do that on a regular basis.
The thing I love about bullet journaling is that it’s so diverse in what you can do with it and it puts you in the driver’s seat to create the life you want.
If you need to get your habits in check, you can create that. If you need to make a meal plan, write your grocery list, and keep track of everything in a pretty space – you can do that, too. And if you’re just not creative, that’s cool, too, you can keep it simple and keep it moving.
Of course, if you’re trying to journal and write down your thoughts you can also do that as well. I enjoy journaling for anxious thoughts I have as it helps me to quell negative thoughts, I am able to give myself a dose of positivity, and I can be grateful in the here and now.
Plus, it’s a great way to look back on it and see how far you came during dark periods in life or when you just need that lovely dose of gratitude to keep you going on rough days.
- Knitting + Crocheting.
When I asked family and friends what they do as a hobby during the winter I got the overwhelming answer of “knitting” and “crocheting.” I think it’s safe to say that I had to recommend it to my readers as well.
Once upon a time, I was into crocheting so much in fact that I made a hat.
And that was it.
I never touched a skein of yarn and a crocheting needle after that for some reason. But my friend challenged me to get back into it and I plan on making a blanket for Christmas. I’m really excited to make something so massive by myself.
It’s not to say that you should do the same, but maybe learning and getting into either knitting and crocheting could be just what you needed!
- Play tabletop games.
Dungeons & Dragons are one of the most popular tabletop games in the world. Sometimes it’s OK to sit around a bunch of other nerdy people and participate in another world where magic exists and you really feel in the driver’s seat for that.
The great thing about tabletop games is that there’s a large variety for everyone to try. Some are family-friendly, have a bunch of dark themes, and some pretty funny ones, too. There really is a wide variety out there for everyone to dabble in.
Of course, if you’re not into D&D, you can also try Shadow Run, Warhammer, and Cyberpunk.
- Complete incredibly large jigsaw puzzles.
An activity that can really bring your loved ones together is by completing those massive jigsaw puzzles (you could even try board games, but not nearly as cool). I’m talkin’ the 1000 pieces kind.
It’s a great way to bond, laugh, get angry over, and pour yourselves into a project that everyone can be proud of.
There’s something out there for everyone (seriously). And when you’re done you can frame it and hang it up for all the world to see how much effort went into creating the masterpiece on your wall.
Of course, if putting things up isn’t up your alley how about trying a mystery puzzle to get everyone really talking?
- Acrylic pour painting.
This has become a “class favorite” among millennials and Gen Z.
It can get expensive though (fair warning) depending on how much you really start to enjoy this since canvases and acrylic paint aren’t exactly going for $1 apiece.
However, I have seen a lot of people sell their paintings after coating their paintings with resin because of how in-demand these can be. But they’re a fun way to create something that you really love for your home with the colors you want.
Fluid Acrylic Pouring for Beginners
- Candle making.
I am a huge fan of candles.
I own an entire box filled with candles and wax melts; pretty sure my boyfriend is over it.
But I’ve actually never gotten around to making my own candles and it’s something I think I might be good at. Except, isn’t that something we say about all the things we love?
In this case, making candles is something that everyone can make because they have kits to start if you’re interested in that kind of thing!
When you’re ready to make your own and experiment with different kinds of waxes, scents, and colors there are websites all over to help. And when you do, you’ll notice that you may come across some problems, but keep at it and you’ll be making candles like a professional in no time.
What Can You Do Outside In The Winter?
Sports! Getting your exercise on during the winter is so important as it gets the blood rushing and you won’t fear packing on those fifteen pounds sitting around watching movies all day long.
I really enjoyed writing about the sports below – with some of them having a little history lesson, too.
Related: 14 Active Winter Activities to Try Today
- Ice Skating
A quintessential winter months hobby, ice skating has been around for, what is suspected, well over four millennia. It came to be in Finland where it was later popularized in Britain in the 17th century by James II from the Netherlands.
There are many kinds of ice skating, most know of Figure Skating – the stylized skating with jumps and tricks. However, there is also speed skating, short-track speed skating, and synchronized skating (done with two or more skaters).
As a kid, I grew up on Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan and followed them closely despite never being able to learn any kind of formal figure skating. I also watched Apolo Ohno reach gold twice as a short-track speed skater.
I loved watching them so much that I ended up taking lessons as an adult and then the pandemic hit so I had to slow my roll.
But if you’ve ever wanted to do something so badly (and it’s safe and wholesome), do it. You’re the only one holding yourself back.
- Snowboarding
Did you know that the modern snowboard was created in 1965 when an engineer put two skis together and fastened a rope at the end in order to control it for his daughter? Yeah. Crazy interesting.
I tried snowboarding once. It was in the Poconos near a camp I used to work at near Stroudsburg, PA.
I wore a jacket that was not meant for the snow and I had minimal snow gear that could prepare me for all the snow I would crash land into on a consistent basis.
That was over 6 years ago and I would do it again.
Our group had a professional teach us, but I wasn’t any good at it; it was still very fun though!
Oh, also, unlike skiing, snowboarding is done on one large piece of wood instead of two. I preferred learning snowboarding because of this major facet, maybe you would, too.
- Skiing
Skiing however is done on two pieces of wood. Archaeologists estimate skiing has been around since 6000 B.C. in Northern Russia where they would use skis and snowshoes to get across the frozen terrain.
If you’re interested in skiing there are all kinds that you can partake in. Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, mogul skiing – I’m getting out of breath here! – nordic skiing and ski jumping are various kinds and they’re all part of the Olympics.
You can learn how to ski on your own, but if you’re trying to learn quickly – hire a professional to help you manage the ropes.
- Sledding
Not to be confused with tobogganing (#10), sledding in this regard is all about sledding mainly down the ice.
Luge, bobsledding, and skeleton racing come to mind.
None of these particular sports are for the faint of heart. However, if you are a thrill-seeker, don’t mind the freezing cold, and possibly getting your head knocked about – this may be right up your alley.
As for me and my house, we’ll pass. 😂
- Curling
If you’re into shuffleboard, curling could be a dream come true in the cold months.
Curling may seem easy, but what if I told you that it’s a 40-pound stone being throttled across the ice and you have two players sweeping the ice to keep it moving towards its intended target? Not so easy now, huh?
I’ve heard great things about the curling community (someone please correct me if I’m wrong) in that they are warm and welcoming to newcomers. So, if you need to make new friends, check that out!
- Ice Hockey
“Wheel, snipe, celly, boys!”
Canada rules when it comes to Ice Hockey. Sprouting from Native American roots (or … was it England? There’s controversy there, I think), black Canadians took the sport on their own and completely revolutionized the game into what we know now.
If you are looking for a team that is prized around cooperation, teamwork, and respect, the sport of Ice Hockey is a great place to start. If you’re great at field hockey, this could be something you could grow into if you’re not steady on skates though.
Take your time to learn the ropes and make sure you don’t end up in the box during every game once you do.
Related: 14 Winter Activities Everyone Should Try
- Fat Tire Biking
Quality fat tire bikes can be prohibitively expensive. However, if you live in a place that gets snowed-in frequently during the winter and you enjoy biking during the warmer months, fat tire biking is the answer for you.
Therefore the price may not be an issue for you if you’re all for it.
You can end up using the bike over sand if you have the opportunity to do so as well, so, it may not go to waste if you’re lucky enough to live near a sandy area (ie, the beach or a lakefront).
They’re a great way to get in some good exercise and honestly, they’re really a whole lot of fun if you’ve never tried it.
- Ice Canoeing
I’ll be honest with you, this particular sport I had no idea existed. I’m more of a fall hobby kinda gal (the ones where they don’t really matter what season but I appoint them to fall because I just can).
Here’s my take on ice canoeing: you have to be stone-cold crazy to do something like this. And I think others agree with me because there’s little information on this adventure sport out there.
And yet, there’s enough to know that if you ever do want to try this – hit up Quebec City. It’s not done anywhere else and honestly, if you find out about this sport here and don’t tell me about your experience, I’m gonna be so mad.
- Ice Climbing
Have I mentioned that I don’t like winter? OK, good. Because you’ll personally never see me climbing amongst the ice.
I enjoy climbing thoroughly. … When it’s warm and on regular rocks and mainly indoors. You’ll literally never catch me on a stalactite icicle. It’s never happening.
Call it self-preservation because I will simply freeze the way I run cold. So, issa no for me.
However, do not let me deter you from trying something that so many others have tried. Ice climbing can be exhilarating (so I’ve heard), but it can also be very expensive (I used to work at a climbing gym so I’ve got experience there).
I always tell people that are interested to go on an excursion with a guide and rent gear instead of buying their own. From crampons to ice axes to mountaineering boots to helmets, ice screws, and so much more, it can really add up, especially if you don’t own half of it.
So take it from me – hire someone, have fun, and dress warmer than you’ve ever dressed before. You’ll thank me later.
- Tobogganing
Did you know that there were competitions for tobogganing? I didn’t know. I swear.
But also sometimes taking a sled (sleigh or sledge) out with the kids or your friends is all you really need to get some time out in the snow. Make it a competition to see who can get the best air time on the largest hill you can find.
- Snow Golf
If you’re into golf and don’t mind getting a little cold, snow golf could be your forte.
Instead of the greens, you’ve got the whites, and as you look down toward your next nine holes, you’ll be cold as ever as you do it. The only reason I know about this particular hobby is from doing a little bit of research on Scotland.
The modern game of golf was created in Scotland and there was a teeny-tiny piece of writing that mentioned they would also play it in the snow. Blew my mind that did.
You see, snow golf is played atop compact snow or ice with one of nine holes being larger than the orange ball used for the game. You can either be a masochistic or just a champion of cold challenges to want to stand around with a thermos of tea and hot cocoa and swing for hours on end.
- Ice and Snow Sculpture
Personally, I think that ice and snow sculptures are beautiful.
But when you think of them, what do you even think about?
Snowman? An ice fish?
Most people think of a snowman when they think of a snow sculpture, but it’s actually not even in the same ballpark. With snow sculptures, you start small, pack on, and use water in the process.
Or … something like that.
It’s an interesting hobby to get into if you can find someone to teach you and I’m pretty sure you’ll have to be OK with being cold for hours on end to get the desired outcome you want.
- Ice Fishing
I think this can be really great for people who really enjoy the quiet, the cold, and fishing for species you normally can’t fish for during the warmer months.
There can be a number of reasons why fishing during warm months doesn’t always work: boat launch issues or because certain species are hiding away waiting to bulk up for winter (among other things).
Plus, the camaraderie built through sharing time on the ice as you share stories, cook food and generally keep each other alive when you’re not exactly toasty.
- Skijoring
You know those dog sled races prominent in Alaska?
This is kind of like that, except you’re not sitting in a sled surrounded by things to keep you alive, but rather you’re flying across the snow with a horse, dog, or motor vehicle pulling you. That’s skijoring (pronounced skee-jawr-ing).
This reminds me of cross country skiing mixed with water skiing just on the snow. While I’m not a fan of skiing (I don’t think I am anyway, haha), I would absolutely try this if I ever did learn how to handle my way on two thin wooden boards.
If you try this, let me know how it goes and how wild of a ride you had.
- Creating Snow Forts/Igloos
Imagine building snow forts and igloos every time it snowed.
If you’ve got a large backyard with roughly one foot of snow across the entire surface you are good to go when it comes to learning how to make an Inuit’s igloo.
It can be a great thing to do with your kids over the course of a very snowy season – learning how to create a warm and sustainable place to sleep.
Once you’ve learned how to make the basic igloo the world is your oyster to then build a snow bar and invite 10 of your closest friends to a night under the snow.
Related: 50+ Winter Bucket List Ideas You’ll Enjoy
- Ice Sailing
I really had a lot of fun writing this list because it’s so much about extreme sport it’s quite hilarious. I didn’t plan for this, but guess what? Add ice sailing to that list, too.
Take all of the things you love about sailing, skiing, snowboarding, and skating, and you’ve got ice sailing.
I would definitely recommend getting professional instruction to get the framework down for this sport as you could really hurt yourself if you’re so lucky to do so. A lot of ice sailing is about balance and if you don’t have that down you may really injure yourself.
- Snowga
Have you ever heard of Yoga in the snow? No? Crazy mortal, that’s what Snowga is all about.
Experience yoga in the snow. It will help with breathing techniques and it will also tone muscles, increase your balance and train your focus and concentration.
If you’re up for that kind of thing, you can try it in your backyard.
- Ski Ballet (AKA Acroski)
OK, the first time I heard of Ski Ballet I thought it was like doing figure skating in the air on skis.
I was right.
It was once in the Winter Olympics up until 2000 as a demonstration sport. It has declined in popularity ever since and it’s actually very hard to find much information on getting lessons, however, Acroski (as it’s formally called) is a near-forgotten ski sport so it makes sense.
If ballet and skiing are both your things I don’t see why you can’t learn about it and try it for yourself regardless of there being little about it otherwise.
Conclusion
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed these hobby options – I wanted to make sure there was something here for everyone. Whether it was creative hobbies, adventurous hobbies, or some bizarre hobbies, too.
Have a great winter!
If this article interested you (and you made it this far, hiiii), check out:
18 Interesting Hobbies to Start This Fall
6 Productive Things to Do On Your Day Off
17 Feel-Good Activities to Make You Happy Instantly