13 Best Indoor Hobbies to Start When It Is Cold Outside

When the cold weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to explore indoor hobbies that keep you engaged, creative, and relaxed. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new craft, unwind with a cozy activity, or learn a new skill, there are plenty of enjoyable pursuits to try. From creative arts like painting and knitting to relaxing activities such as reading and baking, these hobbies provide a productive and fun way to pass the time indoors. Get cozy and discover a new passion while staying warm this season.

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Knitting

Knitting is an ideal indoor hobby when it is cold outside, as it allows you to create cozy, warm items like scarves, mittens, blankets, and sweaters. The repetitive nature of knitting can be soothing, helping to reduce stress while producing beautiful handmade creations. It’s a flexible hobby that offers a wide range of projects, from simple, beginner-friendly scarves to more advanced patterns that challenge your skills. Plus, all you need to start knitting is yarn and needles, making it an affordable hobby to try.

Beyond the calming effect, knitting provides a sense of accomplishment as you watch your project come together stitch by stitch. As you gain more experience, you can experiment with different textures, colors, and techniques, adding complexity to your creations. Additionally, knitted items make thoughtful, personalized gifts for family and friends, making this hobby not just relaxing but practical too. Whether you prefer to knit alone by a warm fire or join a knitting group, this hobby is perfect for cold winter days spent indoors.

Crochet

Like knitting, crochet is an excellent winter hobby that can keep your hands busy and your mind engaged. With crochet, you use a hook to loop yarn into patterns that can create everything from blankets and scarves to intricate stuffed animals or decorative items like flowers and wreaths. The versatility of crochet is what makes it so appealing; it offers a range of projects suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can start with simple squares or scarves, while more experienced crocheters can try their hand at intricate lacework, garments, or amigurumi (small, crocheted stuffed animals).

What makes crochet particularly enjoyable during colder months is the sense of warmth it provides. You can create cozy throws, beanies, and slippers, or even intricate wall hangings to add personality to your indoor space. The process itself is very meditative; many people find that crochet helps them relax while creating functional pieces that are both beautiful and useful. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day and is easy to learn, with countless tutorials available online to guide beginners through the basics.

Painting

Painting is one of the most expressive and therapeutic indoor hobbies to begin during cold weather. Whether you prefer watercolors, acrylics, or oils, painting allows you to capture your creativity on canvas, transforming blank surfaces into vibrant works of art. During the winter months, when you are more likely to stay indoors, you have the time and space to experiment with different techniques, brushstrokes, and colors. Painting can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and it offers endless opportunities for self-expression.

One of the joys of painting indoors during colder weather is the atmosphere it creates. You can set up your own little art studio in a cozy corner of your home, with a warm drink by your side and your favorite music playing in the background. The act of painting itself can be very relaxing, helping to focus your mind and reduce stress. As you create, you might also find that painting enhances your living space. Finished paintings can become personal décor pieces that reflect your style. With so many different styles to explore, from abstract art to still life or landscapes, painting offers a fulfilling and engaging way to spend your time indoors.

Candle Making

Candle making is a fantastic indoor hobby for cold weather, combining creativity with practicality. It’s a simple craft to get started with, requiring only wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and molds. As the weather gets colder, lighting homemade candles around your home creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can experiment with different scents, colors, and shapes to match your home decor or personal preferences.

Beyond the cozy ambiance, making candles allows you to try different techniques, such as layering colors, adding dried flowers, or even embedding decorative objects in the wax. For those interested in gift-giving, candles make thoughtful, handmade presents that are both beautiful and functional. Candle making is also a calming, almost meditative process that can help you focus and unwind. Whether you prefer the scent of lavender for relaxation or a fresh citrus fragrance for energy, creating custom candles can be an enjoyable way to brighten up your space and add a personal touch to your home.

Baking

Baking is a wonderful way to spend time indoors when the weather turns cold. The process of baking brings warmth to your home as you create delicious treats like cookies, pies, bread, and cakes. It also provides a sense of satisfaction; there’s something deeply fulfilling about transforming raw ingredients into sweet, comforting dishes. The smell of freshly baked goods fills your home, instantly creating a cozy, inviting environment perfect for cold winter days.

Baking can also be a creative endeavor. You can experiment with different flavors, fillings, and decorations. From experimenting with sourdough bread to decorating elaborate holiday cookies, baking lets you showcase your skills and creativity. Plus, you can share the fruits of your labor with family and friends, making it a perfect activity for those who enjoy both cooking and socializing. During the colder months, nothing feels quite as comforting as a homemade batch of your favorite treats to share or enjoy by yourself with a cup of tea.

Reading

Reading is a classic indoor hobby that pairs perfectly with cold weather. When it’s too chilly to go outside, curling up with a good book is one of the best ways to relax and escape into another world. Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, or even graphic novels, reading can transport you to different places, eras, and perspectives. Winter gives you the time to slow down and get lost in a great story, and it’s an ideal way to pass the time while staying warm indoors.

Reading also has cognitive benefits. It helps stimulate your imagination, improve focus, and expand your knowledge on various subjects. For those who enjoy learning new things, reading non-fiction books on topics of interest can provide a sense of accomplishment and intellectual engagement. In addition, reading fosters creativity and mental stimulation, two things that can help keep you sharp during the colder months when you may not be as active outdoors. Plus, it is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon or evening indoors.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a timeless indoor activity that’s especially enjoyable in cold weather. Whether you’re working on a small puzzle or a large, intricate one, this hobby offers a relaxing challenge that can keep you entertained for hours. The process of fitting pieces together offers a satisfying sense of progress, and it can be a calming, meditative experience. Many people find that the slow, focused work of solving a puzzle helps clear their minds and promotes relaxation.

Puzzles can be done alone or as a social activity with family and friends. Working together to complete a puzzle can be a fun bonding experience, and it’s a perfect activity for long winter nights. Once completed, puzzles can be glued together and framed as art, providing a lasting memento of the time and effort spent. Whether you prefer scenic landscapes, animals, or abstract art, puzzles come in various themes, allowing you to tailor them to your personal interests.

Sewing

Sewing is a practical and enjoyable hobby to begin when the weather is cold. It allows you to create everything from clothing and home decor to gifts for loved ones. Starting with basic items like pillow covers or simple garments, you can gradually build your skills and tackle more complex projects as you go. Sewing is an ideal indoor hobby because it requires minimal space, and with a sewing machine or even by hand, you can produce items that add personality and comfort to your home.

As you learn to sew, you can experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and techniques. Sewing also allows you to repurpose old clothing or fabric scraps into something new and useful, which adds an element of sustainability to your hobby. Whether you’re making quilts to keep warm or creating stylish clothing pieces, sewing provides an outlet for creativity and productivity during the colder months. Additionally, once you’re confident in your skills, you can move on to more advanced projects, such as making custom gifts for others.

Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening offers a wonderful way to stay connected to nature during the colder months when outdoor gardening isn’t possible. Growing plants inside can range from simple houseplants to creating an indoor herb garden or even growing small vegetables like lettuce or herbs. Indoor gardening provides the therapeutic benefit of caring for plants and watching them grow, helping you feel productive and connected to nature even when it’s chilly outside.

This hobby also allows you to enhance your living space by adding greenery to your home, which can brighten up any room. Plus, many plants purify the air, adding to your indoor environment’s overall health. Indoor gardening is easy to get started with, requiring only a few supplies like pots, soil, and seeds. As the plants grow, they can provide a calming presence in your home and a sense of achievement.

Origami

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, is a delightful and peaceful hobby that can be done indoors during the cold months. All you need to begin is some square paper, and with a few folds, you can create intricate designs like cranes, flowers, and animals. Origami promotes mindfulness, as the process requires focus and precision, helping to clear your mind of distractions.

As you master the basics, you can experiment with more complex folds and designs. Origami not only helps pass the time but also provides a creative way to decorate your home, as you can make beautiful paper creations to display. It’s a great way to express creativity while learning a new skill. The simple materials and low cost make origami an accessible hobby that is perfect for the winter months when you want to stay inside and engage your mind.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a beautiful and rewarding indoor hobby that involves creating decorative lettering with a special pen or brush. During the winter, when you’re indoors, you can practice different calligraphy styles, from traditional scripts to modern designs. Calligraphy allows you to express your creativity while enhancing your writing skills, and it’s a relaxing activity that promotes mindfulness.

Learning calligraphy can be as simple or as complex as you wish. You can start with basic alphabet strokes and gradually build your skills with more intricate designs. Calligraphy also has practical applications; you can use your skills to create custom greeting cards, wedding invitations, or other personalized items. With the right tools, like pens, ink, and practice sheets, calligraphy can become a lifelong hobby that adds beauty to everything you write.

Photography

While outdoor photography is limited in cold weather, indoor photography offers plenty of opportunities for creativity. You can set up a home studio with simple lighting to capture still-life objects, food photography, or portraits. Photography challenges you to explore your environment and develop a unique perspective, even in the comfort of your home.

The cold weather offers the perfect excuse to experiment with new photography techniques and editing styles. You can use natural light from windows or work with different light sources like lamps to create dramatic effects. Photography also provides a great outlet for personal expression and a chance to document life through your lens. As you improve your skills, you can share your photos with friends or display them around your home as art.

Woodworking

Woodworking is a hands-on hobby that can be easily adapted to indoor spaces, especially when the weather outside is cold. Starting with basic tools like a saw, hammer, and wood glue, you can create a variety of projects such as picture frames, small furniture pieces, or decorative items. Woodworking encourages precision and problem-solving, making it a rewarding hobby that results in functional, lasting creations.

Working with wood also provides a sense of accomplishment, as you can see the tangible result of your efforts. While woodworking might require some space and preparation, it can be an excellent way to pass the time indoors during the colder months. From building shelves to creating custom home accents, woodworking offers plenty of opportunities for both beginners and advanced hobbyists.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.