When the days are short, dark, and chilly, it's easy to get cooped up indoors. But don’t let the frosty weather freeze your fun this year. There are plenty of creative and entertaining indoor activities for seniors that can keep you engaged, curious, and physically active without having to brave the cold. Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit an old favorite hobby, these twelve winter activities for seniors are bound to keep the boredom at bay this season.
1. Grow herbs on the kitchen windowsill.
Bring the outdoors inside this winter by starting a kitchen herb garden right on your windowsill. Hit the local nursery or home repair store to pick up small windowsill pots and herb seeds like basil, rosemary, chives, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or mint. These easy-to-grow plants will thrive indoors with a little sunlight and water, giving you fresh herbs you can use in your meals—even through the winter! Herb gardening is a rewarding and practical indoor activity for seniors that elevates your cooking and brings a touch of nature to your home.
Need a ride to the local nursery? Book a trip with GoGo Rides to get there stress-free.
2. Try your hand at DIY candles.
Candle-making is the perfect indoor activity for seniors who want something creative, fun, and practical. There’s nothing like the soft glow of a flickering candle on a cold winter day, especially if you made the candle. Plus, homemade candles make great gifts for loved ones for the holiday season.
Make nontoxic candles with soy wax or beeswax, and choose your favorite essential oil scents – like lavender for relaxation or cinnamon for winter warmth. Check out candle-making classes in your area or find a kit online or in a local craft store to get you started.
3. Host an at-home wine and cheese tasting.
You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy a wine and cheese night. Bring the tasting experience into your own home and invite your friends to join you! Pick a few varieties of cheese – like sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese – and pair them with your favorite wines or non-alcoholic alternatives. For a special touch, add a charcuterie spread of crackers, fruits, and nuts. This is a fun and sophisticated indoor activity for seniors, perfect for an indulgent evening solo or with friends.
If you need charcuterie supplies, let GoGo Grocery handle it. GoGo Grocery delivers your grocery list right to your doorstep, so you don’t have to battle the winter weather and busy roads to get everything you need for a fun evening.
4. Make a paint-by-number masterpiece.
Paint-by-number kits make creating art accessible and relaxing. Each kit includes a pre-printed design with numbered sections that match corresponding paint colors. Watching your masterpiece come to life is one of the most satisfying and engaging indoor activities for seniors.
5. Tackle a 3D jigsaw puzzle.
Jigsaw puzzles are classic winter activities for seniors, but you can switch it up with a new kind of puzzle – a 3D one! Instead of the flat pieces you’re used to, these puzzles let you build three dimensional models. Choose a famous landmark like the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal to challenge yourself, or opt for a cute snowman or snowflake for the winter season. Completing a 3D puzzle is a fun challenge, and the finished product makes a fantastic conversation piece for your home.
6. Create a family recipe scrapbook.
Winter is a nostalgic season when we crave comfort food and holiday meals, so use this time as inspiration for a family recipe scrapbook. Gather your favorite recipes from you and your loved ones and record them in a decorative book. Include photos, stories, and cooking tips. This indoor activity for seniors is fun, meaningful, and a beautiful way to preserve your family’s traditions for future generations.
7. Start a birdwatching journal.
Enjoy nature from the warmth of your home without even going outdoors. Set up a bird feeder outside a window and watch as different winter birds come to visit. Use a bird identification guide and journal to help you record the species you spot. This is a calming hobby for seniors that helps you stay connected with nature year-round.
8. Try your hand at needle felting.
Needle felting is a tactile craft that involves shaping wool into sculptures using a special barbed needle. You can create anything, like animals, abstract designs, or anything you can dream up. There are plenty of beginner kits available to get you started with this hobby for seniors. This cozy craft is one of the most satisfying indoor activities for seniors as you watch your creation take shape.
9. Create a memory quilt.
Memory quilting is a deeply personal and rewarding hobby for seniors since each piece of fabric carries its own story. Whether it’s an old T-shirt from a memorable vacation or a baby blanket from your grandchildren, a memory quilt lets you hold onto those moments in a unique and functional way. Memory quilting is a beautiful way to turn cherished memories into something tangible and practical.
10. Learn a new card game.
Learn a new card game, like Bridge, Rummy, Canasta, or Spades. Whether playing solo or hosting a game night, learning a new card game is a fun and engaging hobby for seniors to stay mentally sharp and socially engaged. It’s one of the most enjoyable indoor activities for seniors that combines fun with a little friendly competition.
11. Bake something new.
Nothing beats the smell of fresh baked goods on a chilly day. Baking is one of the most practical—and delicious—hobbies for seniors. Whip up an old favorite, like your classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, or experiment with recipes from different cultures. From cinnamon rolls to French macarons to Italian biscotti, learning how to bake new and international treats adds an element of excitement and adventure to your winter baking.
12. Join a book club.
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. A great way to stay social and overcome feelings of isolation is to join a book club! If your book club is local, GoGo Rides will help you get there safely and conveniently, so you don’t have to deal with bad weather or heavy traffic on the roads.
If you can’t meet in person for a book club, find a virtual one online where you can connect with fellow readers right from the comfort of your own home. Joining a virtual book club is a great indoor activity for seniors that keeps you mentally stimulated and connected with others from across the nation.
Beat the winter blues with these indoor activities for seniors
Whether crafting, cooking, or puzzling, these winter activities for seniors will keep your mind and hands busy this winter. So, grab a warm cup of hot cocoa, settle in, and try out one of these fun indoor activities for seniors this winter!
If you’re looking for a safe way to enjoy these hobbies for seniors without battling traffic or bad weather, use GoGo Rides to get there safely. Learn more about GoGo Rides here to get started.
