Here are 7 ideas of things to do during Ohio’s Winter to keep from feeling stuck in the snow.
If you’re feeling stuck indoors this winter with nothing to do but hibernate until spring, remember that you and your loved ones can find fun in the cold. These are seven ways to stay busy during the chilly months.
- Find a recipe and make it
The holidays are the ideal time to perfect your baking or cooking skills. Whipping up sweet treats and warm, cozy meals are a productive way to stay out of the cold. If not sure where to begin, look through a cookbook on hand or search through online recipes. Recipe websites like Tasty have easy to make foods and more complex recipes for anyone who wants to experiment. Even making a classic dish is sure to comfort. Once you choose a meal to make, go out and find all the ingredients, which brings a fun shopping trip with family or friends. Head back to the oven and create something delicious. Even if the attempt isn’t faultless, the process of following a recipe to create food can be enjoyable and relaxing.
- Explore a bookstore
The classic bookstore is becoming harder to find, especially independent providers. If reading is an activity that brings joy, carve out some time in the day to go find a bookshop to visit, inspect and find a great read. Mac’s Backs-Books on Coventry Rd. in Cleveland Heights is a quirky shop featuring three floors that offers brand new and used books. The shop hosts release parties for local authors, book clubs and poetry readings. The Book Loft in the German Village of Columbus has a staggering 32 rooms filled with new and used books. This store is especially easy to get lost in and you may need the store directory to help find your way. The Book Loft, however, is a wonderful place to get out of the cold and enjoy literature.
- Look at holiday lights
Take a drive around neighborhoods with extravagant Christmas lights as a family or with a significant other. Get hot chocolate beforehand and turn up “Jingle Bell Rock.” If you’re willing to walk while seeing a holiday tradition head to Akron, Toledo, Cincinnati or Columbus zoos to witness their wild lights. Take a stroll around Ohio’s brightest zoos and see a spectacular display of holiday cheer. Seeing beautiful light designs is sure to warm any frozen soul.
- Go bowling
Want to get the family out of the house, but don’t want to go to the movies? Check out your local bowling alley for a night of friendly competition. If the regular lanes are too difficult, ask for bumpers to help steer the ball toward the pins. Bowling is an easy game to get everyone off their feet and preferable during the winter because of its indoor qualities.
- Volunteer
The best way to enjoy these cold months is by giving back, whether that’s through donations or by donating some of your time. Ask around at your local soup kitchen or food pantry to see what food products they’re lacking or if they’re taking volunteers. At the local homeless shelter, see if you can help with laundry or making beds for those who are in need. Start a food drive at work to help provide meals and canned goods to those who need it most. Trying to make a difference in your community can create a change in yourself, too.
- Get Creative
While the cold, dark months of winter can hinder inspiration take the time to create something. Find a fun craft to do with the kids, or plan your own wine and paint night with friends. Try writing poetry, color in stress relieving patterns or make friendship bracelets out of beads. Making collages are simple and can end up being a wonderful thing to keep. Cut and paste pictures from online or in magazines to create a mood board or collage about inspirational things or abstract designs. The possibilities are endless and more ideas can be found at your local craft store or by searching Pinterest.
- Get Organized
Since being outdoors isn’t the best option, take this time to better your indoor space. Go through and organize your closet and drawers. Pick out clothing to keep, things to donate and what needs to be thrown away. Remember that the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful, and try to find new uses or homes for clothing no longer needed. Take out everything in the kitchen cabinets and give things a new home and reorganizing the spice rack so it’ll be easier to find what you need. Sort out the Tupperware into items with lids and those missing lids, and what is no longer is necessary to keep. Deep clean areas of the home by breaking it down to one area of the house at a time. If you work on your organization and cleanliness this winter, spring cleaning will be a breeze.
Don’t let these winter months keep you down because there is always something to do, just step outside of the box.
LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.