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Winter doesn’t always show up the way we expect it to—especially in years with warm spells, strange weather swings, or slow-starting snowfall. But even without a blanket of white on the ground, winter still offers plenty of cozy, active, and memory-making things to do.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for kids, teens, friends, or an easy family day out, this list is packed with fun, simple winter activities that don’t require a single snowflake.
💡If you’re staying in, you might also like our roundup of Fun Things To Do at Home With Kids or our list of What To Do When Kids Say They’re Bored.
Quick List: Best Winter Activities Without Snow
If you just need some fast inspiration:
- Hot cocoa cafés or DIY cocoa bars
- Indoor skating at local rinks
- Tubing hills with snowmaking
- Museum scavenger hunts
- Indoor playgrounds
- Winter hiking
- Cozy reading afternoons
- Bowling
- At-home science experiments
- Indoor obstacle courses
- Board game night
- Winter library programs
- Cooking or baking projects
- Movie marathons
- DIY crafts
- Nature center visits
- Trampoline parks
- Ice Sculpture Festivals
- Winter farmers markets
- Tea rooms & cafés
- Go-karting
- Pottery painting studios
- Mini-golf (indoor)
- Escape rooms
- Indoor swimming pools & water parks
Now let’s explore these in more detail.
Indoor Winter Activities (No Snow Needed)
1. Warm Up with Hot Cocoa (or Create a DIY Cocoa Bar)
No snow? No problem. A cup of hot cocoa still feels like winter magic.
Try:
- Visiting a local café
- Hosting a simple cocoa bar at home
- Making “European-style” cocoa with melted chocolate chips
Flavor ideas: peppermint, chai, cinnamon, Mexican hot chocolate, toasted marshmallow.
2. Try Indoor Ice Skating at Local Arenas
Indoor rinks operate all winter long, making skating an easy, no-snow activity.
Look for:
- Public skate times
- Glow-skate nights
- Rental skates
- Family sessions
Perfect for kids, teens, date nights, and friend groups.
3. Visit Indoor Playgrounds, Trampoline Parks & Climbing Gyms
When it’s cold but not snowy, indoor play cafés and trampoline parks are a lifesaver for kids with big energy.
Popular options include:
- Trampoline parks
- Soft-play structures
- Ninja-style obstacle courses
- Imaginative play cafés
- Rock-climbing gyms for kids
4. Explore Museums, Science Centers & Interactive Exhibits
Museums shine in winter—especially when kids can touch, build, test, and explore.
Look for:
- DIY scavenger hunts
- Hands-on try-it stations
- Maker labs
- VR or tech exhibits
- Winter-only programs and special exhibits
5. Enjoy Pottery Painting, Art Cafés & DIY Craft Studios
Pottery painting, fused glass workshops, and clay studios make peaceful winter outings for all ages.
6. Go Bowling, Play Laser Tag, or Try Family-Friendly Arcades
Warm, social, and low-stress — bowling alleys are perfect winter spots.
Other fun indoor rec ideas:
- Retro arcades
- Laser tag
- Indoor mini-golf
- Shuffleboard (at family-friendly places)
- Axe throwing (for adults)
7. Host a Movie Marathon or Cozy At-Home Activity Day
A no-snow winter is the perfect excuse for slow living.
Try:
- Reading afternoons
- Baking something new
- Learning a craft
- Puzzles
- Music & cocoa nights
- A “Yes Day” at home (within reason!)
💡 Try these, too: Fun Things To Do at Home With Kids and What To Do When Kids Say They’re Bored.
8. Join Library Programs, Story Time & Winter Reading Challenges
Libraries offer:
- Story hours
- Lego clubs
- Craft programs
- Book challenges
- Homework help
- Teen hangouts
A perfect low-key winter outing.
9. Swim at an Indoor Pool or Water Park
A great way to warm up and burn off energy on gloomy winter days.
Outdoor Winter Activities (With or Without Snow)
10. Snowless Tubing at Hills With Snowmaking
Many parks make their own snow so tubing can continue all season.
Check for:
- Snowmaking schedules
- Night tubing
- Age/height minimums
- Conveyor-belt lifts
- Helmet rentals
11. Explore Winter Hikes, Boardwalk Trails & Nature Centers
Winter hiking can be easier (and less slippery!) without snow.
Look for:
- Boardwalk trails
- Nature center loops
- Lakefront trails
- Prairie preserves
- Urban woods
Bring warm layers, a thermos, and binoculars for wildlife spotting.
❄️ Want simple ways to encourage kids to get outside even on cold days? Here are our parent-tested tips for getting kids outdoors in winter.
Winter Activities for Teens & Groups
12. Try Indoor Go-Karting, Escape Rooms & Competitive Games
Great for teens, tweens, and mixed-age families.
13. Retro Arcades, Indoor Mini-Golf & Game-Night Spots
Perfect for group hangs, birthday outings, or a spontaneous winter weekend.
Milwaukee Ideas: Local No-Snow Winter Fun
Get Cozy with Local Hot Cocoa
- Blum Coffee Garden
- Goddess and the Baker (liquid chocolate!)
- Dia Café in Greendale
- La Reve in Wauwatosa
Here’s your full guide: Best Hot Cocoa Spots Around Milwaukee
Go Ice Skating Indoors
- Pettit Center
- Wilson Ice Arena
Your full guide: Best Places to Ice Skate Around Milwaukee
Tubing Near Milwaukee
- Sunburst (named Top 10 in the nation!)
- Crystal Ridge Glow Tubing
Your full guide: Tubing, Skiing & Snowboarding Near Milwaukee
Visit a Museum (Perfect on No-Snow Days)
- Discovery World
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Pabst Mansion
- Bobblehead Museum
Your full guide: Milwaukee Museums Kids Will Love
Play at Indoor Playgrounds
- Little Village Play Café
- Little Sprouts Play Café
- Bug & Goose Play Café
- New Berlin Activity & Recreation Center
- Kids Empire
Your full roundup: Best Indoor Playgrounds Around Milwaukee
Before You Go
A no-snow winter doesn’t have to be boring — in some ways, it makes the season even more flexible. With fewer icy days and more opportunities to be out and about, winter can feel cozy, creative, and full of easy family fun.
Whether you’re relaxing indoors, getting active outside, or exploring your city, there are countless ways to enjoy winter—snow or no snow.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
