When temperatures drop and leaves have fallen from the trees, it’s the perfect time to create a Winter Bucket List filled with fun and cozy cold-weather activities. As sunshine seems to have disappeared, I love to dress properly with snow boots and gloves, ready to enjoy the quiet charm of winter.
Even though the weather changes, fun doesn’t have to stop—the season invites new adventures like snowy walks in nature, relaxing moments indoors, or even dreaming of the beach once the snow melts. Embracing the colder months with a fresh perspective can turn simple outdoor activities into memorable must-do experiences with family.
Bundle Up and Take a Nature Walk
Instead of hibernating this winter, I find that taking slow walks through a local trail or park helps me embrace the season—even when the cold usually deters others from getting outside. Just bundle your head, step out, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature—it’s a wonderful way to improve mental health and break free from the feeling of staying inside too long.
Make Homemade Cocoa
When the cold sets in and the wind gets harsh, nothing lifts the spirits like sipping a hot, yummy drink beside a blazing fire—especially a mug of Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate or rich Red Velvet cocoa. It’s the perfect way to cozy up during the season, and a must-add to any bucket list, whether made at home or grabbed from your favorite shop like Buck Co.
Go Birdwatching
One of the most fun and interesting things to do in winter is birdwatching, especially when many birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles are easier to spot. Using binoculars or attaching a feeder to your window lets you see these feathered friends up close—you’ll notice cool details in their feathers before they fly away at the slightest sudden moves.
In my opinion, this is the best season to watch birds because they often land and stay still longer, making it perfect to spy on them without scaring them off. You can also keep a bird guide or an app handy to identify different species, and even participate in the Global Bird Count with other Citizen Scientists to help collect data for real scientists over specific days.
To enjoy this fully, place a feeder in your backyard and make the effort to keep it stocked with food. It’s a lovely way to connect with nature while getting a bird’s eye view of daily visitors who might just become your new favorite part of the winter routine.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is one of those cold weather experiences that blends relaxing stillness with the thrill of the catch. On a chilly day, bundled up with a thermos of hot coffee or tea, you sit on a portable seat and simply wait for that first tug under the ice.
I remember reading a Matador article about the World’s Best Ice Fishing Locations—from Canada to Finland—and it became a personal bucket list adventure. I finally tried it during an ice fishing festival in South Korea; though I didn’t catch more than a few fish, the atmosphere and the community of tons of people made it worthwhile.
If you’re a beginner, bring an experienced friend or book a guided tour. Learn to use tools like a skimmer, ice auger, or gaff hook, and always check the thickness of the ice for safety. It may not always be a bust, and even if it is, the chance to try again is what makes the sport special.