As the colder months roll in and the warm summer weather slowly fades in our memory, it can be a good time to look towards some winter-appropriate hobbies. If you live somewhere in the world where winter means cooler temperatures, heavy rain, or even ice and snow then you will know already how miserable it can be to just sit and wait for spring to come around again. It’s a much better idea to settle in and enjoy a cosy indoor activity or two, either alone or with friends.

When it comes to winter-time hobbies, there really is an option for everyone. Whether you prefer something chatty and sociable, or a more solitary, concentrated activity, there is certain to be an idea to your circumstances, and we’ve listed some of the best ones below.

Knitting and Crocheting

The crafting world has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, with stitching activities such as cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and quilting all becoming popular again. The best news is that you needn’t stick to the outdated and unfashionable designs you may be thinking of; rather, you can find plenty of fresh new ideas on Etsy and YouTube, or even learn how to write your own. Companies such as We Are Knitters and Wool and the Gang have made knitting and crocheting cool again, selling their best sellers kits that allow you to make your very own jumper, blanket, shawl and many more yarn-based items both quickly and easily. You could even gather a few likeminded friends together and form your own crafting circle, creating gifts for loved ones or just experimenting with different styles in a supportive environment. Those long winter nights will speed by when you’ve got a Fair Isle sweater to finish, or a cross-stitched sampler to complete. If you plan on making Christmas gifts using your newfound craft skills, make sure you leave plenty of time to finish as it could end up taking longer than you expect.

Following Favorite Sports

You may think of following pro sports as a summer hobby, but the sporting season doesn’t stop with the onset of winter. Quite the opposite, in fact. American football, basketball and swimming all start up again in the autumn, with many of the biggest competitions taking place during the colder months. For example, the Super Bowl happens in February! Following your favorite team as they battle their way to victory can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a dark, cold winter’s night, and introducing sports betting into the picture can make everything that bit more exciting. By checking a comparison site like SBO, you’re sure to find the best betting sites, no matter where you are in the world or which sport you want to place a bet on. If you’re a beginner, then there’s no need to worry as sites like this let you know where to find the best betting experience, whether that’s online, on mobile or otherwise. They’ll point you in the direction of some great bonuses and even check out the security of each betting site they recommend.

Winter-Friendly Exercise

Despite the cold, the wind and the rain, it’s still important to get outside and stay active during winter. Whilst you may not want to carry on with your beach volleyball, hiking adventures or outdoor tennis classes, there’s still plenty you can do to keep your fitness levels up. Even just a brisk walk will do you the world of good, and it’s the perfect opportunity to watch the seasons change in your neighborhood. If walking still feels a little too relaxed for you, then take it up a notch and start running or get into recumbent exercise biking. You may need to invest in some cold weather gear to ensure that your nose, ears and hands stay toasty warm, but it’s worth it to raise your heart rate and get the blood pumping. If you can keep running through the colder months, then summer will seem easy in comparison. However, for some people, stretching their legs outside when the temperature is below zero just isn’t an option. Luckily, there are always plenty of indoor exercise classes to choose from all year round. Think about taking up yoga, swimming, Pilates, boxing or ballet; whichever exercise you choose, it’ll get you out of the house and up and moving, without having to battle freezing temperatures and driving rain.