3 Indoor Activities That Mainers Can Enjoy Once the Temps Get Really Cold

Winter in Maine can be long and chilly, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck indoors doing nothing.

There are so many fun ways to stay active, social, and creative, no matter the weather.

Here are 3 indoor activities to get you through the winter months:

Indoor Pickleball

If you haven’t yet played pickleball, you’re missing out! One thing I love about pickleball is that it gets you outside during the warm months here in Maine, and it’s an activity for people of all ages. Just showing up at a court, everyone is always so welcoming, and it really is a fun, easy game.

As the colder months approach, you don’t need to put your paddle away; there are plenty of indoor courts locally and across the state to keep the pickleball going. The Kennebec Valley Tennis Association and the Kennebec Valley YMCA in Augusta both offer indoor pickleball games and tournaments daily.

The Wicked Pickle in South Portland is Maine’s premier pickleball club and offers leagues, clinics, and tournaments. I haven’t been there yet, but it looks awesome. I’ll definitely have to check it out.

Crossfit and/or Yoga

I’ll forever be the CrossFit salesperson because I’m obsessed. But honestly, CrossFit is a fantastic way to stay active during the winter months while joining a supportive community. It’s not just about moving around or lifting weights; it's also a great way to meet new people.

There are numerous local CrossFit gyms in Augusta, as well as many more in the southern Maine area. I highly recommend joining a gym or CrossFit box during the colder months.

If CrossFit feels too intense, yoga is another excellent indoor activity. Yoga offers significant benefits, especially for mental health and mobility during the winter.

Yoga classes are offered at Downtown Yoga and Healing Arts in Augusta, as well as at The River Studio in Hallowell.

Paint Night

Paint nights are so fun and a great way to be social while getting creative. I’m not artistic at all, but it’s really fun to try painting something, especially with a teacher nearby to guide you.

One thing I’ve noticed during a paint night is that everything else, like an intense work schedule or even a recent breakup, just kind of gets put on the back burner, and you are fully present. It’s a great activity for being in the moment with friends or family.

Paint nights usually also provide snacks and wine, which is a nice addition to a fun evening. You can often find local paint night events on Facebook.

One popular option is Muse Paint Bar in Portland, which offers “paint and sip” sessions with a different painting every day of the week, so you can choose the one you want to try by looking at their website.

READ MORE: Visit These 5 Campgrounds in Maine

Whether you’re moving your body, learning a new skill, or just spending time with friends, these activities are a great way to stay engaged and present during the winter. Try something new, have fun, and embrace the season.

It’s the perfect time to connect, challenge yourself, and create memories along the way.