Once the chill and frigid temps kick in, it can be challenging to find a new hobby. Use this brief guide on worthwhile winter hobbies you can explore.
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Winter can be a time of hibernation for some (raises hand high from beneath the blanket pile), but it doesn’t have to be! The colder months are a perfect excuse to try new hobbies—ones that don’t require you to get frostbite or give up your cozy couch.
Example: I learned to knit - and increase my profanity vocabularity - last winter. I'll probably learn it all over again this winter, since I haven't touched the needles since.
If you’re craving something creative, therapeutic, or just plain fun, here are some hobby ideas to explore this winter. Spoiler: some even involve snacks, nostalgia, and zero need to change out of your sweatpants.
Skiing & Snowboarding (For the Bold, Not the Me)
To be clear: I am not your ski lodge content creator. I am the one in fuzzy socks, waving from the hot cocoa station. But if you’re outdoorsy and love the rush, this is your moment.
These sports allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature while also getting your heart rate up. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding down a mountain covered in fresh powder, (according to many who are NOT timid bunnies like me).
And hey—if you’re a “let’s chase winter year-round” type, you can even find snowy slopes around the globe. (I’ll send you my cocoa order from home.)
Baking and Cooking
Winter = carbs. Let’s not fight it.
This season is basically a standing invitation to try new recipes, bake things you’ll probably forget to photograph before eating, and finally learn what the broil setting does without burning something.
Here are some recipes to test-drive:
- Loaded Cauliflower “Baked Potato” Soup (because winter = comfort food)
- Coca-Cola Soaked Bacon-wrapped Scallops (messy prep but worth it)
- Peppermint-Rimmed White Chocolate Martini (Frosty would approve)
These kinds of winter hobbies are a productive use of your time, and you’ll gain delicious treats to enjoy afterward. It’s OK if you fail on a few recipes. You have all season long to try and try again!
Quilting (Or Admiring Quilters From Afar)
Quilting gives off major grandma energy in the best way.
It’s creative, meditative, and weirdly satisfying, even if you’re a firm “no-sew” crafter like me. I’ve been tempted to dip my toe in, and who knows? Maybe this is the year. I hear it pairs well with crime documentaries and judgmental cats.
Like knitting, it’s a great activity to do during the winter, as it requires being indoors and can keep you warm while working on your project. Plus, the end result is a beautiful handmade quilt that you can use or gift to others. How many cool quilt ideas could you try?? Don’t be afraid to try your hand at this unique hobby; for many, quilting turns into a form of therapy!
Indoor Gardening
Don’t let your green thumb freeze up!
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy gardening. Winter is perfect for:
- Growing kitchen herbs in your windowsill
- Building a mini succulent garden
- Hoarding houseplants like a leafy dragon
Indoor gardening allows you to grow plants year-round and can be a fun and therapeutic activity during the winter months. You can start with something simple, such as growing herbs or trying your hand at creating a mini-indoor garden.
Painting, Drawing, or Doodling Something That Isn’t a Grocery List
winter is a great time to make a creative mess. Plus, there’s something quite calming about sitting by a window and painting while watching the snowfall outside. You can take a class or involve the kids as you try painting by numbers to sharpen your skills and refine your artistic process.
No pressure to be Bob Ross; just you, a blank canvas, maybe a few “happy little trees”, and possibly some paint splatters you’ll never fully clean up.
Winter Photography
If you do venture outside, snap some pics.
Snowy trees, foggy windows, adorable kids in oversized scarves – it’s all fair game. Try themed photo challenges or just document your version of winter survival.
Winter landscapes can be incredibly beautiful, making it the perfect time to pick up a camera and start taking photos. Try for landscape, street, or portrait photography – there’s plenty of inspiration to find during the winter months.
Pro tip: Take at least one photo where you don’t look cold and grumpy. I believe in you.
Card Games: The OG Family Bonding Ritual
In my family, card games are serious business. We’ve got strong opinions on Euchre, trash talk over Pinochle, and a suspicious number of “house rules” for Canasta. Growing up, a deck of cards was basically its own babysitter.
And if my Nana was sitting behind the counter in her kitchen and reached for THE DRAWER to grab a deck – well, buckle up, cuz double solitaire is about to go down, and SHE.WAS.BRUTAL. 💖
If you’ve never played these, winter is the perfect time to start.
Bonus: you don’t even need a physical deck anymore – sites like Solitaired let you play solo or with others online.
So you can brush up on Hearts or learn how not to get totally destroyed in Spades while staying cozy on the couch. Learning new card games can turn into a rewarding (and surprisingly strategic) winter hobby!
Want More Ideas to Keep Your Brain and Hands Busy?
Sometimes the best winter hobbies are the ones you can do in your pajamas. Or while binge-watching your 14th comfort rewatch of Parks & Rec.
There are plenty of hobbies worth trying this winter, from indoors to outdoors and a mix of both. Find something that brings your soul-nourishing warmth to distract the winter blues, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
