10 Things to Do When It’s Cold Outside to Fight off Boredom

After years of testing every winter escape, from bucket-list adventures to cozy indoor hacks, these are the things to do when it's cold outside that keep boredom at bay. Here’s what works (and why), how it feels, and the standout moments worth trying.

10 things to do when it’s cold outside at a glance

1. Make it a game day
2. Build something epic
3. Try a science experiment
4. Make winter-themed art
5. Host a family trivia night
6. Get physically active
7. Winter baking marathons
8. Make it social
9. Find ways to help others
10. Turn boredom into a project

1. Make it a game day (solo or together)

Board games are the typical game of choice on a snowy winter's day. Yet, even an age-old standby can amplify the boredom after playing for the umpteenth time.

My alternative to board games is to crank up the Volley Games app on my smart TV and dive into titles like Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune for instant energy and bonding. There’s something electric about how these voice-powered games let everyone in on the competition.

Volley Games turns any room into a game-night hub that's fast, fun, and built for memorable competition. What starts as a way to beat cabin fever quickly evolves into shared traditions to look forward to.

It’s the simplest way I know to bring people together, spark new inside jokes, and make cold nights a highlight instead of something you wait out.

2. Build something epic (indoors or out)

On especially frosty mornings when stepping outside feels like a dare, my indoor fort-building parties have become pure magic for the kids. I pull out old sheets, pile up the pillows, and get to work turning the living room into a cold-weather reprieve.

Once the chilly weather dies down a bit, building a snow fort (or a classic snowman) outside delivers that same collaborative joy. These simple builds bring out creativity and real family bonding.

3. Try a science experiment

Cold weather practically begs you to turn the kitchen into a mini science lab. A favorite is the “freezing bubble” trick, where you blow a soap bubble outside and watch it crystallize on cold snow.

Indoors, ice-melt experiments are in-theme. Make a few blocks of ice, and hand each person some salt, sugar, baking soda, and sand (if on hand). Set a timer and have the participants see which method melts their ice the fastest.

You can easily turn it into a competition and have the winner pick the next activity.

4. Make winter-themed art

Painting snowy forests while flakes drift past the window changed how I see art on cold days. The quiet focus melts away distractions. Even on gray mornings, a simple sketch or snowy doodle feels playful.

For a fun spin on winter art, try a family snowman drawing contest. Don’t worry about perfection. Instead, encourage everyone to put their own twist on the classic. You’ll see all kinds of wild ideas pop up.

Winter art doesn’t have to be serious or impressive. I focus on fun, let mistakes happen, and end up with something new to hang or laugh about. It’s a bright spot on any dull winter day.

5. Host a family trivia night

Few things match the energy of a trivia night for banishing winter blues. We tried hosting family trivia with everything from handwritten questions to digital platforms. It brings the room to life, keeping everyone engaged, no matter their age or interest.

Digital is the most straightforward solution. You can save yourself some time and avoid coming up with your own trivia questions. Volley Games has plenty of options to get everyone in the competitive spirit.

Volley Games offers voice-controlled family favorites like Jeopardy!, 20 Questions, Song Quiz, and Guess the Emoji. Guests can shout out answers, get instant feedback, and play together using nothing but their voices and a smart TV.

You'll guess mystery answers, test your music knowledge, or try to decipher emoji clues before anyone else. These fast, interactive games are perfect for friendly rivalry and laughs, without needing a trivia master.

6. Get physically active

The temptation on icy days is to “stay put.” But movement shifts the whole vibe by delivering more fun things to do on a cold day.

Indoors, cue your favorite playlist and challenge everyone to a dance-off. Outside, a brisk walk makes the simplest neighborhood look magical under frost and gives you a reason to watch the sky or spot animal tracks in fresh snow.

Other options include a winter hike, playing street hockey, or backyard games. Many neighborhoods and parks allow these activities even in winter.

Rules about sledding on non-snow surfaces vary by city and often restrict it for safety reasons. So, only go sledding when you’re permitted.

7. Winter baking marathons

The best protests against cabin fever start in the kitchen. Trying out cookie recipes with friends turned a gray afternoon into a “cookie Olympics.”

Winning Snowball Cookie recipe:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup very finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Mix in flour, pecans, and salt.
3. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.

These cookies melt in your mouth and are hands-down the most requested at my own bake-offs. Throw in some hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows to add a touch of extra warmth to the occasion.

8. Make it social

Being stuck inside hits hardest when you’re isolated. After trying a rotating “cold weather club” (rotating cozy hangouts, each person brings a dish and a game), friendships leveled up.

Even outdoor bonfires work if you layer up and bring blankets. Set up marshmallow toasting, swap ghost stories, and let the cold nip at your nose.

Hosting a themed potluck night is another excellent way to bring people together. Assign everyone a cuisine or a comfort food to pack the evening with new flavors and recipes.

I also tried a DIY hot chocolate bar where people mixed up their own creations, from peppermint to salted caramel. These twists keep every get-together fresh and give everyone a reason to show up, even when it’s freezing out.

Gaming can be its own version of social bonding. Cozying up indoors with family and friends to play competitive games like Jeopardy! and Song Quiz makes for a great interpersonal experience.

9. Find ways to help others

One cold January, I delivered hot meals for a local charity. The rush of fresh air, the smiles, and thank-yous from bundled neighbors are days that linger in my memory.

If you’re stuck inside, bake extra treats and drop them off (contactless) for friends or family nearby. There’s no faster cure for winter blues than showing someone else a little warmth.​

10. Turn boredom into a project

When boredom hits hardest, I turn it into a challenge. Picking up a new skill, like learning to knit in 3 days, gives my cold winter days a sense of purpose and fun.

My knitting was clumsy at first, but every mistake proved I was improving. By the end of the month, I had actually made gifts that got a laugh and some genuine appreciation.

Projects like baking bread, painting, starting a puzzle, or teaching my dog a new trick fill the day with little wins and new discoveries. Each small achievement makes the season feel a bit more memorable.

Getting better at Jeopardy! has become my favorite kind of project for cold, slow days. Practicing with the Volley Games app on Roku or Fire TV, as well as LG and Samsung smart TVs, is actually fun and weirdly satisfying. Each session helps sharpen my trivia recall and pushes me to learn new topics.

No matter the challenge, riding it through to the end cleanses the winter blues and makes each day that much less bleak.

Why do these 10 things matter when it's cold outside? 

These things matter when it’s cold outside because they bring novelty, connection, and comfort. All these things are essential for boosting mood and adding purpose to winter days.

I compare and revisit each one to see what actually makes winter days feel brighter. I spend less time scrolling and more time building new traditions. These activities help me embrace every cold snap instead of avoiding them.

Volley Games for your chilly day entertainment

Volley Games creates the perfect escape by offering interactive things to do when it's cold outside. With Jeopardy! on Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, and LG smart TVs, you bring the excitement of the classic quiz show right to your living room. Song Quiz and 20 Questions add even more ways to keep friends and family laughing and engaged.

Voice-powered controls make it simple to jump in, compete, and create new winter traditions without leaving the house. Some of our other major titles include:

• Wheel of Fortune offers a fast-paced word puzzle challenge for all ages
• Guess the Emoji tests your emoji decoding skills in quick rounds
• Karaoke transforms your living room into a personal sing-along stage
• CoComelon: Sing & Play with JJ introduces interactive songs and learning for young kids

Enjoy a 7-day free trial to the Volley Games app on the Roku or Fire TV platforms. We're also available on Samsung and LG smart TVs for more ways to enjoy our games.

FAQs

What are the best games to beat winter boredom?

The best games to beat winter boredom always keep me active and laughing. Trivia games like Volley Games' Jeopardy! and Song Quiz (on LG, Samsung, Fire TV, Roku), and Wheel of Fortune on Roku turn an ordinary evening into a competition everyone remembers.​

Can I play these games with my family on a cold day?

Yes, I play Volley Games on my smart TV with my family whenever we need to warm up the room. Voice-powered games make it easy for everyone to join, no console controllers or complicated setup needed.​

What do I need to start playing Volley Games indoors?

To start playing Volley Games indoors, all you need is a smart TV with Roku or a Fire TV device. Volley Games is available on Samsung and LG smart TVs as well. Your remote or smartphone will act as a microphone. Once you download the app, setting up an account takes just a few minutes.​

Which Volley Games titles are the most fun for cold-day gatherings?

For cold-day gatherings, Jeopardy!, Song Quiz (on Roku, Fire TV, LG, Samsung), and Karaoke on Roku stand out every time. I love how each one keeps everyone entertained, no matter their mood or age. From thought-provoking trivia to singing with perfect pitch for a high score, each game makes the brisk air feel that much warmer.