Looking for ways to spend quality time with loved ones this February?  Whether it’s friends, family, a partner - or even yourself, we’ve got fun ideas for quality time on a budget! 

Out and About

Sometimes the best way to beat the blahs of winter is to get out and enjoy it head on!  Here’s some fun ideas to get out of your house (and your routine) and enjoy the winter season! 

Your local library is not only a great place to find your new read – most public libraries have free programs that anyone from the community can join.  From crafting with the kids to book clubs to a cozy crochet session with friends, if you’re looking for something to do, head to your local library!  In addition to a lot of great activities, many libraries also have e-books, audio book options, movies, video games, and more!  Most libraries have a full range of activities for kids, making them a great option for winter fun.  Find a local library near you. 

For fun activities and learning, you can’t go wrong with some of Maine’s great museums!  

  • The Southworth Planetarium at USM has great low-cost programs for all ages, with some geared toward kids. Check out their events. 
  • If you haven’t been to The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine since they moved to their new space at Thompson’s Point, you’re in for a treat!  With three floors of fun, not only can your kids enjoy learning at their own pace, but there are several activities ranging from art to music to kid-focused theatre to hands on science exploration!   
  • The Portland Museum of Art is not only a great way to spend an afternoon, but they’ve got a lot of great events too – including kid friendly ones!  Every 3rd Thursday of the month the museum is free all day, and each Friday from 4-8pm is open to everyone at no cost.   

Get outside!

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean avoiding the outside!  We’re so lucky to live in a state that embraces winter weather, and you may be surprised at just how much you can find to do.  Whether it’s ice-skating at Deering Oaks Park or Thompson’s Point, enjoying some s’mores at Congress Street Park on Thursday evenings, or taking advantage of some great sledding hills at the Eastern Prom or Payson’s Park, Greater Portland has tons of activities to check out in winter! Here’s just a few ideas:  

  • Looking for something closer to home?  Check out your town’s Parks & Rec departments to see what local events are going on!  

Enjoy some winter activity! There’s tons of great options for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and more, all right here in Southern Maine! 

Or Stay In

We get it – it’s cold outside, and you just want to hunker down and hibernate! Here’s some fun ideas to keep the winter blues away and make the most of staying in. 

  • It may be cold and wintery outside, but that’s no reason not to have a picnic!  Bring the outdoors inside – spread out a blanket on the floor of your coziest room, throw on a summertime playlist and set out your favorite summertime foods.  Add a movie for a fun ‘summer movies in the park’ vibe!  
  • Speaking of movies, how about creating your own movie festival?  Pick a theme or a franchise and make a day of it!  Whether you’re getting cozy on the couch alone and rewatching old favorites, or gathering family and friends, make an event out of it. Try creating themed snacks, some fun crafting ideas, and homemade ‘movie tickets’.   
  • Board games are having a moment!  Whether you’re playing an old classic like Clue or breaking out a popular new game like Wingspan, a game night with friends or family is a great way to spend a winter evening or afternoon! If want to take it to the next level, get out of the house, meet new friends, or try a tabletop roleplaying game check out local game stores like Diversions or Weekend Anime or Another Round. This can be a great way to learn something new! 
  • Have a ‘tasting’ party!  Create a theme, gather some friends or family and ask everyone to bring a different food or drink.  Love trying new drinks? Go for a beer, wine or cocktail/mocktail tasting.  Love Taco Tuesday but want to break out of your routine? Expand it to an International Foods tasting. Have a sweet tooth? Go for a treats tasting with a variety of deserts. Make sure to set a 'per item' budget so everyone knows how much to spend. From there, the only limit is your imagination! 
  • Lose track of all those new hobbies you started during the pandemic? Time to brush off your crafting supplies, bust out the sourdough and practice those yoga poses again! Winter is a great time to rediscover a hobby you love but maybe don’t have time for during good weather. Doing something you enjoy is an important way to beat the winter blues and forget about the lack of sun.  So, pick up those knitting needles, grab the coloring books and take out that beer making kit – and if you’re feeling social, invite friends over for an anything goes hobby fest!