Teen Bucket List: 99 Things To Do In Winter That Are Cheap or Free

This post: Teen Bucket List: 99 Things to Do in the Winter that are Cheap or Free / Post updated: November 2022

Ahhh winter… cozy nights by a crackling fire, snow days, movie reruns you grew up with and plenty of time to chill out with your friends – that’s what winter is all about!

But, before you settle into a long winter’s nap during your downtime, don’t let winter pass you by without enjoying all the fun the winter season has to offer! Whether you live in a warm or a cold climate, winter is a great time to get outdoors and check out some fun indoor spots. Plus, let’s face it, yo mama isn’t going to be happy if you hang out on your phone or play video games every day. 

That’s why we’ve pulled together this fun list of things to do in winter (either alone, with the fam or with your BFFs) that are super fun! And, the best part is they’re cheap or totally free – 99 things in all to add to your winter bucket list!

So, get moving! Make the most of winter by checking off a few things from our 99 things to do in winter bucket list! 

1. Have an epic snowball fight. (Win a snowball fight every time with these strategy tips!)

2. Go roller skating or ice skating. (Looking for the coolest outdoor skating rinks in the U.S.? Check these out!)

3. Host a DIY craft party. (Here are a few craft ideas you can make or even sell by Fabulessly Frugal.)

4. Visit a college campus. (Check out these tips to make the most of your trip.)

5. Make and decorate professional-looking sugar cookies. (Here’s a video so you can bake like a pro!)

6. Have an all-day Netflix marathon with your friends – don’t forget the junk food!

7. Head to a cool museum. (Here’s a list of the best museums in the U.S. and the world.)

8. Go to an indoor water park. (Check out this list of the best indoor water parks in the U.S.)

9. Build the coolest gingerbread house ever. (Need ideas? Here are a few amazing ideas for inspiration!)

10. Hit the mall and buy yourself something you’d normally never wear. (Check out the absolute best malls in the U.S.)

11. Get the gang together for a good ‘ole fashioned night of bowling.

12. Pile in the car with a pizza and venture out to find the coolest holiday lights in town. 

13. Break out Monopoly and all your other favorite childhood games and host a game night with friends or the family.

14. Rearrange or redo your bedroom. (Check out these super cool ideas for inspiration!)

15. Curl up and dive into a great book. (Here are 40 great books you might like!)

16. Take your little brother or sister to the movies. (Trust me, they’ll jump at the chance to be with you.)

17. Play visitor for a day and explore the nearest city.

18. Try a new hairstyle just for fun! (Here are a few trendy hairstyle ideas you might like.)

19. Knit a scarf. (For easy, “yes, you can do this” instructions, check out this video!) 

20. Bundle up and head to the zoo for the day. 

21. Have a winter photoshoot with your besties. (For a few fun BFF photo ideas, check out these ideas on Pinterest.)

22. Find a hill and go sledding.

23. Host a spa slumber party with your friends. (Need a few ideas? Check out this site!)

24. Buy a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle and try to finish it in one day with your friends. 

25. Go to a local hockey game and root for the underdog.

26. Invite your friends over, order a pizza and watch the game. (Any game.)

27. Make your own pizza with your pals. (Check out this site for a few easy pizza recipe ideas.)

28. Conduct a crazy experiment. (For 32 easy, at-home science experiments, check out this video!)

29. Learn how to make your own bath bombs. (Here’s an easy how-to video.)

30. Volunteer at a senior citizen’s home and teach residents how to use their phone, laptop, or computer. 

31. Go to a thrift store and buy the ugliest sweater you can find. 

32. Kiss a cutie you’re crushing on.

33.  Make a warm and snuggly fleece blanket. (Watch this video to learn how!)

34. Get a little rowdy at an indoor concert.

35. Join an (inexpensive) gym and get fit for summer. 

36. Rock the newest nail art designs. (Here are a few super easy ideas anyone can do!)

37. Challenge yourself to accomplish one major goal by the end of winter.

38. Snuggle up by a warm fire with family or friends and make s’mores.

39. Try one food you’re afraid to try.

40. Stay up late with your friends and tell ghost stories. 

41. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time. 

42. Buy a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings. 

43. Have a sleepover with your BFF and catch up on all the latest gossip.

44. Make an epic chocolate cake. (Here’s a recipe you need to try!) 

45. Do one thing (not dangerous) that scares you.

46. Go to an aquarium.

47. Go indoor rock climbing. (Check out this list of the coolest climbing gyms in the country.)

48. Invite your friends over and watch “Frozen,” “Elf,” or “Ice Age.” (Or, all three.) 

49. Bundle up and venture out on a winter hike. (Here’s a list of the best winter hiking trails in the U.S.)

50. Volunteer at a local animal shelter. (Here’s how to get started.)

51. Organize your bedroom. (Here are a few tips to get started!)

52. Learn how to cook. (Check out these 34 easy recipes you can whip up in a jiffy.)

53. Surprise a neighbor by shoveling their driveway.  

54. Spread some winter cheer by doing random acts of kindness. (Here are 32 random acts of kindness that don’t cost a lot.)

55. Go to an indoor go-kart track. 

56. Go to your BFF’s house and try on all her clothes. 

57. Call your crush and ask them out for some cheap eats. 

58. Host a karaoke night with your friends. (Here are 6 pro tips for hosting a great karaoke night.)

59. Check out the nearest arcade.

60. Build the best snowman on the block. (For a few crazy ideas that are sure to grab attention, check out Pinterest!) Image compliments of Pinterest.

61. Make a “best snow songs for weathering any winter storm” music playlist.

62.  Have your friends over, make appetizers, and watch a sappy Hallmark movie. (Here are 60 easy appetizers to try!)

63. Invite your mom out on a date. 

64. Check out a winter festival.

65. Have a relaxing spa day with your BFFs. 

67. Take a mental health day and do absolutely nothing.

68. Get a job or internship doing something you love. 

69. Make a few bucks by selling the piles of stuff you don’t want or need anymore. (Check out LetGo.)

70. Write a romantic letter to your boyfriend or girlfriend telling them how much you care. 

71. Buy your girlfriend a bouquet of flowers for no reason.

72. Go on a winter sleigh ride.

73. Get a little crazy at an indoor trampoline park. 

74. Go horseback riding in the snow. 

75. Make an outdoor winter video with your friends.

76. Go on a winter picnic with your boyfriend or girlfriend. (Here are a few ideas you’ll love!)

77. Write a song about your life. 

78. Take your dog on a long winter walk. 

79.  Sit in a hot tub on a cold winter day. 

80. Write down your New Year’s resolutions. 

81. Let your BFF choose your outfits for a week. 

82. Go to Ikea and buy one thing that will help organize your life. 

83. Decorate your bedroom with fairy lights. (For 66 inspiring ideas, check out this site!) 

84. Take lots of cozy winter naps.

85. Gather your friends and have a bonfire in the backyard. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

86. Crank up the music and dance with your friends.

87. Get up early with your friends, watch the sunrise and talk about your hopes and dreams. 

88. Learn how to make your own specialty coffee. (Here are 23 coffee recipes you can make at home!)

89. Learn how to apply makeup the right way. (For tips, check out this video!)

90. Teach your friend how to do something he/she doesn’t know how to do. 

91. Learn how to make your own jewelry. (Here are a few tips for beginners.)

92. Make a DIY birdseed wreath. (For the simple how-to, visit Simple Solutions Diva.)

93. Sleep in. (Warning: don’t sleep in too often or your mom will lose it.)

94. Buy a blanket for a homeless person. 

95. Challenge yourself to a “no technology” day.

96. Build your confidence by doing one thing you never thought you could. 

97. Make peppermint hot chocolate. (Here’s a recipe you’ll love!)

98. Bring some homemade chicken noodle soup to a sick friend. (Need a recipe? Try this easy 30-minute recipe!)

99. Buy yourself one momento to remember the amazing winter you had.