9 Indoor Activities to Keep Adults Entertained at Home This Winter
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Winter is upon us and as much as I love the great outdoors, I absolutely cannot stand being cold! This means it’s inevitable that me, and many of us, are spending a lot more time indoors.
Aside from wrapping up warm to attend a fireworks display, I’d rather be snug at home with the log fire roaring if it’s cold and dark outdoors.
Indoor winter activities for adults can be a perfect way to make the most of the colder months, especially when outdoor options feel less appealing.
To make the most of these long evenings indoors, here are a few ways to entertain yourself at home and bust boredom.
Winter Boredom Busters for Adults: 9 Simple Indoor Activities to Keep Entertained at Home
Read on for 9 simple indoor activities to keep adults entertained at home and bust boredom this winter.
1. Cooking
If you never normally have enough time to cook as you’re not usually home much, take this opportunity to perfect your culinary skills. Make those dishes you’ve been longing to try, but didn’t have the time for in the summer. Make batches of hearty vegetable soups to see you through the cold months ahead.
Take this time to slow down and enjoy cooking, rather than seeing it as a chore. There is so much inspiration online from Pinterest to Instagram. You don't even need to buy a cookbook as you'll find loads of recipes online for free. Try this easy chunky veg soup recipe to get started.
Experiment with cuisines from around the world, from Italian pasta dishes to fragrant Indian curries. Cooking can also be a great way to bond with family or housemates by trying out recipes together. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some comforting baked goods like banana bread or cookies for a sweet winter pick-me-up.
Cooking can be a great indoor activity for adults to enjoy during the colder months. It's a boredom buster for adults that keeps you creative and productive.
2. Have a clear out
Forget a spring clean, how about a winter clean? Go through your summer wardrobe and get rid of anything you haven’t worn for the past year. Give them to charity shops or sell on eBay to make some extra cash in time for Christmas. Go through your attic or your garage, that spare room or that overflowing cupboard.
Make the most of your time indoors to properly sort out all those cluttered spaces you've been putting off. I've even made money selling weed on eBay before... Not that type of weed!!
Take this chance to reorganise your spaces with clever storage solutions or donate unused items to someone in need. Decluttering can make your home feel more spacious and calming, perfect for the cosy winter months ahead. By the time spring arrives, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to embrace a clutter-free lifestyle.
This is one of the many winter indoor activities for adults that not only passes the time but also makes your home more enjoyable
3. Reading
Switch the TV off for an evening, light a scented candle, cover yourself with a throw, curl up and stick your head into your favourite book. Let your imagination take you on an adventure in your head with the words on the page.
Switch your phones off and have a digital detox for the evening to really recharge and relax whilst you read. Or, even better, run a warm bath with bubbles and invest in a bath pillow for a luxurious way to read your book while practicing self care at the same time!
If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining an online book club for recommendations and discussions. Explore new genres or revisit old favourites to find a sense of comfort or inspiration. With so much time indoors, you might even challenge yourself to read a certain number of books before spring.
If you’re looking for indoor activities at home for adults, reading is an enriching and relaxing option. It’s also an excellent way to combat winter boredom.
4. Box sets
There’s nothing quite like binge watching an intense box set with good snacks and good company. Long winter evenings are the best time to get hold of those box sets you’ve been dying to watch and as it’s dark outside you’ll not feel guilty about spending time indoors or having a cosy TV night in. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights and have a box set fest!
Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and cosy blankets for the ultimate binge-watching setup. Invite friends or family to join in for a shared experience, or use it as a quiet evening to yourself. Consider exploring documentaries or shows you wouldn’t usually watch to discover something new.
Watching box sets is one of the most popular indoor activities for adults, perfect for cosy nights at home.
5. Decorate
If you’re going to be stuck indoors a lot, then it’s the perfect time to redecorate or touch up that wall you keep putting off painting! Make the most of being indoors now and getting your home up to scratch, so you can spend plenty more time outdoors once spring rolls around next year.
There are so many DIY guides on YouTube so you can become a master over the winter months and make your home look amazing! If painting a whole wall doesn't seem simple enough, then maybe start with something smaller such as repainting some small pieces of furniture or plant pots.
Even small changes like updating cushions, rearranging furniture, or hanging new artwork can transform a room. Take time to personalise your space with items that bring you joy, such as framed photos or plants. By creating a refreshed and welcoming environment, you’ll make those long winter evenings feel even cosier.
Redecorating is a fantastic winter boredom buster that leaves you with a refreshed space and a sense of accomplishment.
6. Practice yoga
Yoga is great for fitness, meditating, reducing stress, toning, weight loss, flexibility and so much more. Search YouTube for free videos such as 'Yoga with Adriene' which are tailored to your needs, be it time or the level you require, and practice in your own cosy living room without needing to leave the house.
Set the mood by dimming the lights, lighting a candle, or playing calming music to enhance your practice. Consistency is key, so try making it a daily or weekly habit to see real benefits. Over time, you might even notice improvements in your posture, strength, and mindfulness.
Practicing yoga can also be a fun indoor activity for adults to stay active and relieve stress without braving the cold.
7. Make extra cash with free money offers
If you need some extra cash for the winter period or New Year, check out how to get free money with all these sign up and welcome offers!
While you’re at it, look into cashback apps or reward programmes to save even more on your everyday spending. Use the winter months to set financial goals and plan ahead for upcoming expenses. Making extra money now can help you feel more prepared and secure as the new year begins.
Making extra cash online is not just practical; it’s one of the most engaging winter indoor activities for adults who want to be productive.
8. Write a letter
Take this time to stay in touch with loved ones. Write a letter by hand to a faraway friend or elderly relative. Why not take the time to really write a personalised message in all your Christmas cards to update loved ones? If you have some ink and photo paper then print off some recent photos to share what you've been up to. There's still something so special about receiving a hand written letter and photos in the post.
Writing letters can also be a therapeutic way to reflect on your thoughts and reconnect with yourself. Include a personal touch by decorating your stationery or adding a small gift like a pressed flower or recipe card. You might even inspire your recipient to write back, creating an ongoing exchange to look forward to.
Letter writing is a meaningful indoor activity for adults that fosters connection and creativity during winter evenings.
9. Make money online
There are so many ways to make money online and there’s never a better time to get started. Why not start that online business you’ve been dreaming of or write your own blog? For lots of inspiration on how to make and save money online, visit my make money from home section and find lots of ways to make money using the links in my menu!
Explore opportunities like freelancing, selling handmade crafts, or tutoring online for flexible ways to earn. Winter evenings can also be a great time to upskill with free courses that could help you increase your earning potential. Take it one step at a time, and you might find a side hustle that brings both joy and income.
Start with these 60 ways to make money online that I have tried and tested. Find loads of ways to make money at home on my blog, as well as my favourite side hustle in my matched betting blog!
If you’re bored in winter, exploring ways to earn online can be a productive and enjoyable activity to pass the time.
The final word on these winter boredom busters for adults
Winter can be a great time to stay indoors and enjoy some quality time with yourself or with loved ones. There are many different indoor activities for adults that you can do to keep yourself entertained, from cooking and reading to playing games and watching movies.
If you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few of the ideas we've shared above:
- Cooking: Try out new recipes, or perfect your favourite dishes.
- Reading: Curl up with a good book and escape into another world.
- Playing games: There are many different games that you can play indoors, from board games to card games to video games.
- Watching movies: Catch up on your favourite shows or movies, or try something new.
- Spending time with loved ones: Play games, watch movies, or just chat and catch up.
For more winter activities for adults here are some games to play at home when bored and three interesting things to do when bored!
Whether you’re trying out indoor winter activities for adults or seeking winter boredom busters, these ideas can help you make the most of your time at home.