20 things to do this winter

The official first day of winter is next week, but don't despair. The falling temperatures and incoming snow flurries don't have to mean months of cabin fever.

Winter is stuffed with new opportunities to get out and explore and to cozy up.

Here are a few inside and outdoor ideas for your next adventure.

Just bundle up before you leave!

1. Drink a warm mug of cocoa overflowing with marshmallows.

2. Build a snowman.

3. Watch 'Frozen,” since you have the song stuck in your head already.

4. Go ice skating.

5. Use a storage bin to make snow blocks, then build an igloo.

6. Hunt for the tracks of rabbits, deers, squirrels and dogs in the snow.

7. Decorate with perfect paper snowflakes.

8. Bake sugar cookies or other Christmas goodies.

9. Don't forgot to bake something safe for your pet, too!

10. Mix food coloring and water in a spray bottle and paint the snow.

11. Make tie blankets to donate to a shelter.

12. Grab a sled or something flat and head to a hill.

13. Stomp trails through the snow to play fox and geese tag. The geese have to keep away from the fox, but stay within the trails, and the middle is a safe zone.

14. Ask an adult what their favorite holiday movie was when they were your age, then rent it and watch together.

15. Drive through a neighborhood that goes all out with holiday lights.

16. Put on your warmest coat and go on a wintry hike.

17. Go through your old toys and clothes and pick a few to give to a shelter that serves families, like YPN in Cedar Rapids.

18. Make a classic snow angel.

19. Offer to shovel a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk to make your neighborhood more accessible to all.

20. When it's simply too cold to do anything, spend the whole day in your pajamas.

Comments: molly.duffy@thegazette.com