We’ve got the ultimate outdoor winter cabin activities bucket list for you! Ideas for on the ice and off the ice. Winter is a magical time to escape to the cabin or lake house cottage. So whether you’re planning a cozy weekend with your family, a girls’ cabin getaway, or a solo self-care retreat, the lake and surrounding snowy landscape offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure. With crisp air, shimmering snow, and plenty of activities for all ages, you can create unforgettable memories outside this winter. Ready to embrace the great outdoors? Let’s dive into your ultimate bucket list for winter cabin activities.
Winter Activities on the Frozen Lake
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of playing on a frozen lake. The stillness of the ice and the fresh winter air make for an unforgettable experience. From classic winter sports to creative games, there’s something for everyone.
Ice Skating with Friends
Glide across the ice with your besties. It’s the perfect mix of exercise and fun for a girls’ cabin trip.
Snowshoeing Adventures
Explore the lake or nearby trails. Snowshoeing is an easy and peaceful way to enjoy the winter scenery. You can either rent snowshoes or bring some of your own for the weekend. Head on over to Amazon to check out these snowshoes. The Crescent Moon brand has some nice lightweight foam snowshoes that make them ideal for running and hiking.
Pickleball on Ice
Yes, it’s a thing! Bring your paddle and try this unique twist on America’s fastest growing sport – Pickleball. I’d highly recommend using a pickleball that doesn’t crack easily in the cold weather. Selkirk makes a ball that is crack resistant so great for cold weather playing.
Ice Fishing
A classic winter pastime, perfect for bonding with family or teaching kids something new. If you’re just getting started in the sport, here’s a great starter ice fishing kit.
Pond Hockey
Gather your crew and challenge them to a lively game of pond hockey.
Other Fun Outdoor Cabin Activities – Off Ice
If you’d rather stay off the ice, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the snow-covered surroundings. Here are some more fun winter outdoor cabin activities for the family, girl-friends or solo travelers.
Sledding
Find a good hill, grab your sled, and race your way down. Simple fun for everyone. Check out these some super fun sleds for the entire family.
Explore Nature
Go bird watching or track animal prints in the snow. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature. And if you want to find out the names of all those beautiful birds, the Field Guide to Birds book is very helpful as is this Guide to Animal Tracks for identifying animal tracks.
Make a Snow Angel
Lie down in the fresh snow and let your creativity fly. A classic winter must-do.
Winter Stargazing or Northern Lights Watching
Grab your chair, bundle up and take in the amazing night sky views filled with endless stars. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights. With a telescope you can see even further! Here are some good telescopes for night sky viewing.
Build a Fairy Snow House
Let your imagination run wild as you create a tiny home for the snow fairies. Check out these super fun and magical accessories for your fairy house.
Create a Magical Lit Path with Ice Lanterns
Set the mood with glowing ice lanterns along snowy paths. They’re easy to make (or buy a kit) and turn your cabin or surroundings into a magical winter wonderland. It really is magical to walk down this path illuminated by ice lanterns and the star-lit sky! Wintercraft LLC makes some really awesome ice lantern kits!
Build a Snow Fort or Snowman
Bring out your inner child by building a snow fort or whimsical snowman. Add a snowball fight for good measure! Check out this fun snowman making kit and snowball maker.
Build a Cozy Outdoor Fire
Gather around a crackling fire pit to roast marshmallows, share stories, sing and stargaze. The winter night sky, dotted with stars or the northern lights, is breathtaking. We’re really enjoying our Solo stove as it’s smokeless and awesome for roasting marshmallows. And these marshmallow roasting sticks are great because they’re extendable and make the most yummy smores!!
Your Complete Outdoor Winter Bucket List
From frozen lakes to snowy trails, winter at the cabin is an adventure waiting to happen. Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and embrace the magic of the season. How many of these activities will you check off this winter?
After a day of outdoor winter adventures, warm up indoors and take a look at our Ultimate Bucket list of Indoor Cabin Activities.
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