Lifestyle

29 Unique, Fun Winter Activities for Adults in 2024

by: Kelsey Opel

Last Updated on Jan 10th 2024

Finding exciting winter activities is important to help you get through the cold winter months. WebMD mentions that up to 11 million people in the U.S. might be affected by seasonal depression, while 25 million can struggle with the winter blues. Having fun winter activities can help you boost your mood and give you something to look forward to when the temperatures drop.

What are the activities to do in the winter season? From sledding outside to online game nights inside, there are tons of activities to keep you entertained during the cold season.

What is your favorite activity in winter? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite winter activities to help you find new and exciting activities to add to your list.

Creative Winter Activities

1. Paint and Sip

Level up your painting skills with one of the most creative winter activities. Grab a glass of beer or wine and discover how to paint a stunning masterpiece you can hang in your home.

Whether you're new to painting or a master artist, a knowledgeable instructor will lead you step-by-step through a unique artwork. From paint and sip in Denver, paint and sip in Chicago and paint and sip in NYC, there is plenty of exciting paint and sip near you.

paint and sip winter activity idea — *via Canva*

2. Pottery Classes

Channel your inner Swayze with easy arts and crafts for adults. Work with a patient instructor on how to work with clay and a pottery wheel. Discover how to make mugs and vases for your home.

Pottery classes easily make the best winter activities list with entertaining classes located all over the U.S. With pottery classes in Boston, pottery classes in Houston and pottery classes in Los Angeles, there are tons of pottery classes near you.

3. Dance Classes

Get in the groove with exciting dance classes. A talented dancer will guide you through an upbeat choreography to an iconic song. From salsa dancing to pop music, there’s something every skill level will enjoy.

Discover dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in NYC and dance classes in the Bay Area. You can even explore online dance classes to enjoy in your home studio.

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4. Create Ceramics

Create original material for your home with one of the best activities indoors. Discover the best tricks for glazing and painting ceramics to create fun mugs, bowls and vases.

Whether you’ve dabbled in this artistry before or you’re looking for easy winter art and craft activities, ceramics is a unique and creative hobby to pick up.

5. Grow Indoor Plants

Test your green thumb by growing some indoor plants. From classic herbs to beautiful peace lilies, there are many wonderful plants you can add to your home décor. This indoor winter activity can liven up your space and even improve your air quality.

woman planting plants indoors at home — *via Canva*

6. Family Photos

Gather your family together for a fun winter wonderland setting in your photos. Hire a local photographer or friend to take unique portraits of your crew in the snow or with festive decorations. Plan out matching outfits for your holiday images with this fun snowtime activity.

Foodie Winter Activities

7. Cooking Classes

Discover a new recipe with hands-on cooking classes. Top-notch chefs will lead you through an exciting menu with fresh ingredients and authentic techniques to elevate your cooking at home.

Explore cooking classes in Houston, cooking classes in Tucson or cooking classes in Portland for one of the best activities indoors. You can even schedule online cooking classes for a cozy night at home. Wherever you’re located, there are tons of exciting cooking classes near you.

8. Online Mixology Classes

Learn how to make your favorite drinks with online mixology classes. Experienced bartenders will guide you in a live, interactive setting on how to create your favorite mixed drinks.

Perfect your shaken and stirred methods, or learn a new recipe. As one of the most fun winter activities for adults, online mixology classes are also some of the best gifts for cocktail lovers.

9. Virtual Wine Tastings

Sit back, relax and enjoy virtual wine tastings for one of the best ideas on the list. Knowledgeable sommeliers will guide you through spirited tastings to discover some of the best wines around the world.

Sip and sample a new favorite blend and discover the best pairings with your favorite meals. This fun activity is also perfect for unique indoor date ideas.

wine tasting winter activity — *via Canva*

10. Virtual Dinner Party

Gather your best friends to enjoy an exciting virtual dinner party. Decide on a theme, select some tunes and tell your guests to dress to impress. Create a menu and keep your guests engaged with creative meals to make this night one to remember!

11. Indoor Farmers Market

Explore your local indoor farmers market for one of the best activities during the winter. Find fresh, delicious produce and unique vendors for an exciting day out of the house. Sip warm coffee from a local roaster and indulge in sweet pastries while you shop.

At-Home Winter Activities

12. Online Games

What can you do on a boring winter day? Why not invite your friends to play online games? Entertaining hosts will guide your crew in a live, interactive setting to keep the competition fierce.

Quiz your friends on their The Office knowledge with online trivia games, or play a game of bingo with virtual game nights. Your friends will want to make this a cold-weather tradition!

13. Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Race against the clock with virtual scavenger hunts. An exciting host will lead your crew through an adventurous online experience where you’ll decipher clues and search for hidden items. Plan this event for an entertaining night at home with friends, or invite all of your guests to play virtually.

group of friends playing game on laptop together — *via Canva*

14. Virtual Escape Rooms

Explore virtual escape rooms for one of the best winter activities near you. Work together with your crew in a live, interactive setting as you compete against the clock.

Decode secret messages and unravel riddles to break your way out of a cursed forest or supervillain's lair for one of the most fun team building activities.

15. Build a Fort

Gather all your blankets and pillows to create the ultimate fort in your home. Find your flashlights to light up your unique space. This creative winter activity is not only fun and playful but will also keep you warm and cozy, despite the temperature outside, especially as one of the best Chicago winter activities.

16. Movie Marathon

Sit back, relax and watch your favorite movies for one of the best winter activities indoors on a cold day. Stream the best romantic comedies or watch your favorite holiday movies for a cozy Christmas date idea. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than cozying up on the couch in front of the TV.

17. Read a Book

Grab a warm cup of tea and a new book for this relaxing indoor activity. Sit near a cozy fireplace or watch the snow fall by the window as you flip through the pages of a new favorite read.

reading a book winter activity — *via Canva*

DIY Winter Activities

18. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes

Learn a new hobby with virtual flower arranging classes. Knowledgeable florists will guide you in a live, interactive class where you’ll discover how to select flowers and create beautiful arrangements. Explore how to create and maintain delicately preserved flowers or make a DIY wreath to liven up your home.

19. Woodworking Classes

Get creative with woodworking classes for a unique activity. Talented woodworkers will help you learn how to measure, cut and create new material for your home. From cutting boards to picture frames, you’ll love this original spin on your winter routine.

20. Glass Blowing Classes

Explore the art of glass blowing with the guidance of talented glass blowers. Discover how to melt and shape glass to create beautiful paperweights and ornaments to keep or gift to a loved one.

21. Sewing Classes

Pick up a new hobby with sewing classes. From colorful pillows to small bags, sewing classes are a relaxing activity to learn a new skill. Patient instructors will teach you the art and mastery of sewing to help you out of any wardrobe malfunction!

man sewing fabric with sewing machine — *via Canva*

22. Make a Scrapbook

Gather your favorite photos for one of the best DIY winter activities. Create a scrapbook of life highlights and memories to take a journey through the past. Add stickers and markers to your scrapbook for your own creative spin.

23. Plan a Vacation

Beat the cold by planning out your next vacation. Explore digital maps to scout local landmarks and scenery to enjoy on your stay. Book a plane ticket and hotel to give you something to look forward to during the cold winter months.

Outdoor Winter Activities

24. Sledding

Grab your cold-weather gear and head outside for one of the best outdoor winter activities. Invite your friends or family for some unique playtime in the snow. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the memories for one of the best winter activities in Colorado.

25. Ice Skating

Enjoy ice skating for one of the best winter date ideas. From ice skating at Millennium Park as one of the best Chicago winter activities to ice skating at Frog Pond for sweet date ideas in Boston, there are many exciting parks to make this activity a memorable and romantic date.

group of friends ice skating together outdoors — *via Canva*

26. Skiing or Snowboarding

Hit the slopes for one of the best winter activities in Colorado. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a long-time snowboarder, there are plenty of mountain resorts and courses to explore. Take a break from your winter activity to enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate inside the lodge.

27. Build a Snowman

Grab your gloves and some unique accessories to build a cute snowman. Gather sticks for arms and a carrot for Frosty’s nose. If your snowman feels lonely, build him a family to keep him company out in the snow.

28. Take a Hike

Explore the beautiful winter wilderness during a hike. Put on your heaviest snow gear and shoes to trek through the cold. Bring your camera and a warm cup of coffee as you admire the stunning winter wonderland.

29. Winter Camping

Whether you stay in a lodge or a cozy arctic tent, enjoy the season with beautiful winter camping. Make sure to bring along plenty of warm weather gear and a temperature-controlled sleeping bag to keep you warm and comfortable.

So, what is the best activity in winter? From skiing on the mountain slopes in Colorado to leveling up your painting skills with a paint in sip class, there are tons of winter activities to keep you entertained this season. Invite your best friend along to beat the winter blues and make this your best winter yet!

For even more fun winter ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!