7 Ways To Cure Cabin Fever

Winter is here and with it comes the desire to stay indoors more often. Although snowball fights and winter woods walks can be great fun, let’s face the facts. Blustery, wet winter days lie ahead and will beckon you to remain warm and cozy on your couch. If you have kids who like to stay active, however, winter may end up feeling like one long sighed, “I’m bored!”

If you’re looking for ways to stay active as a family inside this winter, you’ve come to the right place. Hancock County and the surrounding area offer myriad fun activities to enjoy. Who knows, if you wear out the kids enough, you might even get that chance to sit on your cozy couch, too.

One great way to maintain an active lifestyle during the winter months is to make use of the Hancock Wellness Centers, located in New Palestine, McCordsville and Greenfield. With classes for both kids and adults, indoor pools and even a drop-off kids’ club, Hancock Wellness Centers are a great option for your family this season.

Whether you like roller skating or ice skating, you’ll get a fun dose of movement if you and the family head over to a local rink. Blaze Roller Rink in Greenfield offers great fun on a Friday or Saturday evening. Closer to Indianapolis, you can head over to the Roller Cave or even up to the Carmel Ice Rink. 

Head over to Marion County to check out the Holliday Park Nature Center. Holliday Park is one of Indianapolis’s oldest parks, and with a 13,000-square-foot space full of exhibits and hands-on activities for little ones, your family will be sure to get their fill of fun. The Eagle Creek Ornithology Center provides another excellent opportunity to take in some nature amidst the winter landscape. Check out their hours to see when you can take a bird walk or take in the annual “Celebration of Nature Art Show.”

Books aren’t just for school. Libraries can be a nice place to have a relaxing time as a family. At Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield, help kids choose books that they can take home or hang out at the library for some arts and crafts. You can even check with the librarians about the myriad resources they offer, including chances to learn a foreign language, enjoy audiobooks and more.

Winter can be a time for DIY projects that overrun your house (and leave messes for you to clean up). Why not outsource your next craft time with your kids? Kewpie’s Sewing Closet in Fortville offers the chance for kids to test their sewing skills, learn a new hobby and create some really neat projects. Another Fortville stop is Studio 309. You can grab a group of friends or family and sculpt, paint and get your creativity flowing together at this funky art studio.

Want some big fun to clear away the grey days of winter? Arcades, trampoline parks, indoor amusement centers and laser tag arenas abound in Indianapolis. Before heading out the door, make sure to check on venues’ COVID policies by heading to the establishment’s website or calling.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is one of the best in the country. Why not take the kids and spend the whole day enjoying all the exhibits? If you’re looking for something out of the way, head to the Muncie Children’s Museum or KidsCommons in Columbus, Indiana. Want to stay close to home? The Riley Boyhood Home and Museum offers off-season tours for those who book in advance.

Some other great options for families include bowling, a visit to the movie theater and eating out to try new foods together. When the cold of winter sets in, there are plenty of things to do indoors in Hancock County and beyond to keep you and your family dry and cozy. As with all indoor events, make sure to read up on current COVID recommendations when it comes time for your visit. We hope you stay cabin fever–free this season!