Indoor Activities to Do This Winter In New England

Winter in New England does not mean hibernation and there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you engaged and entertained all season. From world class museums and historic sites to indoor botanical gardens, you can beat the cold without stepping outside.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

If you’re interested in history and historic homes, Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vermont is definitely worth a visit. This was the home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Visits to the house are self-guided, but there are also docents around the house who are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Learn more about visiting: Winter Visit To Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home In Vermont

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens

Magic Wings in Deerfield, Massachusetts is a great spot to visit in the winter months as it’s super warm inside. During your visit, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful butterflies and plants. I’ve been going to this spot since I was a kid and it’s magical even as an adult. If you’re lucky, you might even have a butterfly land on you during your visit. For another indoor activity nearby, you can also check out Yankee Candle Village.
Learn more about taking a day trip to Deerfield, MA: Day Trip To Amherst And Deerfield, Massachusetts

Eustis Estate

The Eustis Estate in Milton, Massachusetts is a great historic house to visit in the winter months. Tours of the house are self-guided, but there are docents around the house who are happy to answer any questions you might have. The house is absolutely beautiful and there are so many intricate details throughout.
Learn more about visiting: The Eustis Estate In Massachusetts

Southern Vermont Arts Center

I’ve visited this spot in Manchester, Vermont twice during the winter and each visit was unique because they rotate exhibits. There are two different buildings with exhibits, the Yester House Galleries and the Elizabeth De C. Wilson Museum & Galleries. There’s also a cafe in the Yester House Building.
Learn more about visiting: A Winter Visit To The Southern Vermont Arts Center

Muse Paint Bar

If you’re looking for a fun night out that’s more than just dinner and drinks, Muse Paintbar in Providence, Rhode Island has you covered. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned artist, you’ll leave with a painting you’ll actually want to hang up. With step-by-step guidance, a laid-back atmosphere, and a full bar, it’s the perfect spot to relax, get creative, and enjoy a night out with friends.
Learn more about visiting: Muse Paintbar In Providence, RI

Submarine Force Museum

This unique museum is located in Groton on the Thames River. This museum is home to the world’s finest collection of submarine artifacts and it’s also the home of the USS Nautilus, which was the first nuclear-powered submarine. The museum is operated by the U.S. Navy. It is completely free to visit.
Discover more things to do in Groton: 10+ Things to do in Groton, CT

florence Griswold Museum

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The Florence Griswold Museum has a lot of history attached to it. The house served as a boarding house for artists, and it was the center of an art colony in Old Lyme. In fact, it is known as the Home of American Impressionism. The first floor of the house serves as a house museum, and the second floor serves as more of an art gallery. There’s also a gallery in the visitor center.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In Old Lyme, Connecticut

Peabody Museum

The Peabody Museum in New Haven is a great spot to visit that’s completely free. In the museum, you’ll find dinosaur fossils, artifacts, and even some live animals on the third floor. Parking is very limited, but there are garages that you can park in if the lot is full. Their website has helpful parking information. Be sure to also check out the other museums on Yale’s campus and their libraries.
Discover more things to do in town: Things To Do In New Haven, Connecticut

Newport Mansions

In the winter months, select Newport Mansions are open to visit. The Breakers, The Elms, and Rosecliff are typically open through the winter, but be sure to check their website for updates as to which properties are open. During the holiday season, the Newport Mansions are decorated for the holidays. All tours of these mansions are self-guided.
Discover more things to do in town: 12 Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island

Roger Williams Park Botanical Center

Another great indoor activity in Rhode Island to check out in the winter is the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence. Much like Magic Wings in Massachusetts, this spot is super warm and filled with beautiful plants, helping you to forget how cold it is outside. There’s even a koi pond inside the botanical center.