Growing up in West Caldwell, there have always been the usual spots that everyone seems to go to in the winter.  There is the sleigh riding hill at Harrison School or Mountain Avenue, ice skating at Memorial Park or Grover Cleveland Park, and snowball fights anywhere you can play in the snow. As we get older, even though those things are still fun ideas, we need more to do and sometimes staying inside is the best idea. Obviously the weather plays a part in where you want to hangout.  Sometimes outside is ok and fun but other days inside is the way to go when the wind makes it too cold to be outside. So I tried to make a list of both indoor and outdoor ideas depending on the weather.

Some Indoor Ideas:

1. Movie Night or TV Show Binge: this can depend on the amount of time you have or want to commit.  A movie night is fun and can include great snacks too. But a TV binge is something you can do in different ways. You can make it a weekly thing where you get together with friends and watch an episode (or 3) once or twice a week. But, TV binging is something you can also do virtually.  If the weather is too bad to make it to a neutral house to be together, you can always watch it on the phone on FaceTime. Snacks can still be eaten together and lots of laughs can be had even on the phone.(WINTER BUCKET LIST: 8 THINGS TO DO WITH FRIENDS INSIDE …)
2. Spa Day/Night: if you are stuck inside, but can make it to a friend’s house, you can do a spa day together. Painting nails, pedicures, and even mini-facials are fun bonding times with friends. Spa foods such as mini sandwiches and even some baking can be made together too.

(61 Fun Things to Do in the Winter With Friends | SocialSelf)

1. Hot Chocolate Contest: This might seem different, but it can be fun. Everyone can bring their favorite toppings or add-ons. Peppermint, vanilla, caramel, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream or whatever you like. Everyone can try all the add-ons and then vote on a piece of paper.  The winner can take home a fun gag gift of maybe a small gift card.(Winter Activities To Do With Friends | JanSport)

Some Outdoor Ideas:

1. Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing: These are obvious outdoor activities but since many of us can drive now, or have friends that can drive, we can make this more exciting and go to Mountain Creek or Campgaw for a fun day instead of Harrison School with the smaller kids. You can do any of these activities at the ski resorts and it all depends which ones you and your friends prefer.
2. The Beach: This one might seem very odd and something no one really thinks about but the beach can be a great place to hang out in the winter too. As long as you watch the weather and go on a day when the sun is out and it is not windy, the cold air is refreshing and the beach is beautiful. It is even better if you are able to build a bonfire or can bring a firepit along with you. Sitting on the beach all bundled up with a fire is a great way to spend a nice day with friends.  Of course, bring some snacks along too and extra blankets!

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you cannot have fun with friends!