Top Winter Activities to Keep Warm Indoors

Even when it's chilly outside, you can find an endless array of activities to do indoors.  Take a look at these ten activities we have chosen for you.

Warm Up With a Steaming Drink

Warm your hands and soul with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Monaco's Coffee (115 Washington St., #2822, Geneva, N.Y.) offers classic coffees and specialty lattes like honey lavender and brown sugar cardamom, while Simply Crepes (101 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) features chai lattes, coffees, and boozy coffee drinks like berry Nutella.

Enjoy live performances at Smith Center for the Arts

Boasting well-preserved Moorish-inspired design from the 1930’s and an iconic star-lit ceiling, the Smith Center for the Arts (82 Seneca St., Geneva, N.Y.) features unique cultural experiences all winter long. Enjoy classic movies, indie films, live concerts, symphony orchestras, theater, and dance performances.

Tour the Wine Trails at a Leisurely Pace

The Finger Lakes was named American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiasts in 2025, and winter weekends are the perfect time to experience the local wineries. Go at a relaxed pace and enjoy every sip, while avoiding the seasonal rush of people that visit in the summer. Consider hiring a local wine tour company and let them do the driving for a stress-free experience, or follow one of the wine trails like the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail.

Chase the chill away at Microclimate Wine Bar

Chase away the winter chill with a full- bodied glass of wine. Connoisseur or novice, a visit to the cozy and intimate Microclimate Wine Bar (38 Linden St., Geneva, N.Y.) is a wonderful way to learn about wines from around the world, including those from the Finger Lakes. 

Go Bowling, Laser Tagging, or Car Bumping

For a play date with kids and adults, head to Roseland Bowl Family Fun Center (4357 Recreation Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) in Canandaigua and become ruler of the lanes, laser tag champion, bumper car captain, or master of the arcade.

Visit a Historic Site

History runs deep in the Finger Lakes. Stories, museums, architecture, historic sites, landmarks, and tours all paint the picture of Ontario County and the Finger Lakes region's role in United States history. Pick from a variety of museums and historic sites, and enjoy the history of communication technologies at the AWA Communication Technologies Museum (6925 NY-5, Bloomfield, N.Y.), step back in time to explore stories of African American and women’s rights at the 1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse (160 County Road 8, Farmington, N.Y.), or learn about the Seneca Native American history and culture at Ganondagan State Historic Site (7000 County Road 41, Victor, N.Y.).

Become a Master Chef with Hands-On Experiences

One way to beat a chilly winter day is by taking a cooking class in a warm kitchen. The New York Kitchen (800 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) has just the recipe to cure the winter blues with a variety of culinary classes that will put you on the path to Master Chef in no time.

Treat Yourself at the Spa

Indulge in a day of relaxation at one of the Finger Lakes’ lakefront spas. The Isabella Spa & Salon at Belhurst Castle (4069 W Lake Road, Geneva, N.Y.) offers body treatments and facials, while Willowbrook Spa at the Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) is known for its blend of modern design and year-round lakeside luxury, featuring Nordic barrel saunas, sound baths, and more.

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