Lakeside living means lots of summertime sunshine, swimming, cookouts, and hiking, but there are so many fun things to do in winter, too. From cozy indoor winter activities by a warm fireplace to adventurous winter outdoor activities in the snow, this season can be so enchanting.
Sure, the lake house is a great place to hunker down and hibernate until spring rolls around, but we’re here to help you thrive all year. A little inspiration and a few supplies are all you need to enjoy the frosty season to the fullest. In fact, you may even start looking forward to having a winter wonderland at your doorstep.
Whether you’re a permanent lake house dweller or vacationing at a waterfront cabin, add these fun things to do in winter to your to-do list!
Indoor Winter Activities
Before venturing out into nature, make sure your interior space is ready to weather the weather. Here are five ways to enjoy every moment inside.
1. Host a Dinner Party
Instead of getting antsy, get fancy! Wintertime is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends, and maybe even meet the neighbors, too. There’s something so comforting about gathering around the table and enjoying good food and conversation together on a chilly night.
Before hosting, we recommend sprucing up your dining area with lake house kitchen decor and stocking your kitchen with essential accessories and appliances. The kitchen is the heart of your home, after all, and the best fun things to do in winter are even better with good food and drinks!
2. Play Your Favorite Games
Board games, card games, and even video games are all classic indoor winter activities. Get comfy on your lake house furniture, light the fireplace, turn on some music, put on a pot of hot cocoa, and enjoy some friendly competition with your loved ones. It’s not about who wins or loses—playing games is an excuse to spend quality time with the folks you care about.
3. Have a Movie Marathon
Watching one movie is a pastime; watching three movies is an event! One of the most fun things to do in winter is to pop some popcorn, turn the lights down low, snuggle up, and watch a few flicks.
You can choose a classic trilogy like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, or pick movies with a theme, like holiday movies, silly comedies, or even spooky films if everyone’s in the mood for some extra chills!
4. Belt Out Your Best Karaoke
Feeling restless? A karaoke machine provides instant, endless entertainment. Take turns passing the microphone around and serenading the audience. You can even karaoke solo if you don’t have company—privacy is one of the perks of lakeside living!
5. Decorate Your Home
If you’re stuck coming up with fun things to do in winter, do a little decorating. Hanging lake house wall art, refreshing your bedding, and updating your bathroom decor are all great ways to liven up your environment. Plus, you’ll love showing off your space when you have guests over for indoor winter activities.
We carry a carefully curated collection of traditional and contemporary home decor for indoor spaces. Have a look around to find pieces that catch your eye.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Now that you have some indoor plans, here are five winter outdoor ideas that’ll help you beat cabin fever and get a taste of that fresh, crisp lakeside air.
1. Enjoy a Campfire Cookout
One of the most fun things to do in winter is to gather around outdoor patio fire pits and roast hot dogs, make s’mores, and share stories. Wintertime by the lake is so serene, and the crackling fire adds the perfect ambiance.
2. Have a (Heated) Patio Party
If you thought your patio was closed for business during the winter season, we have a solution for you.
Use pyramid propane space heaters to keep everyone nice and toasty. Just make sure you only use the heaters in well-ventilated areas a safe distance away from fire. Set the mood with outdoor lake decor and contemporary outdoor furniture. You’re ready to enjoy your favorite summertime patio activities surrounded by a winter wonderland!
3. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is among the most fun things to do in winter, and you’re blessed to have a rink a stone’s throw away. Just make sure the ice is safe beforehand. You can use an ice chisel or auger to drill a hole. The ice should be at least four inches thick and completely solid with no cracks, bubbles, or flowing water.
4. Explore With Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is such a unique way to get out and enjoy nature. And, after your snowshoeing adventure, indoor winter activities will feel so amazing as you get warm and unwind on the couch. If you want to move a little faster, try exploring on cross-country skis.
5. Play in the Snow
You’re never too old to go sledding, throw some snowballs, and build a snowman. These classic fun things to do in winter are classics for a reason! At a lake house, the picturesque scenery adds that extra dash of magic that makes winter outdoor activities turn into unforgettable memories.
Shop Winter Essentials for Your Lake House
We carry so many items that will make your winter not just tolerable, but truly magical. Browse our collections, and feel free to get in touch for personalized recommendations.
Keep reading our lake house blog for more expert tips and ideas to elevate your lifestyle all year round. Shop lake home decor to beautify your surroundings, and be sure to pick up some lake house accessories so you never run out of fun things to do in winter.
