Beat the Winter Blues - Affordable, Fun Activities
I think the term “winter blues” resonates within many of us, especially with everything that’s been going on lately - the cold weather, shorter days, everyday life, and our beloved economy. All these challenges can really make everyday feel like a Monday, but I also know that we can get through it. It’s not about pretending things are perfect, but about finding ways to keep our spirits up, staying connected to our community, and focusing on what feels good to us individually. I’m sharing some budget-friendly ideas, and local activities to help you navigate the winter months. Whether it’s cozy fun at home, or affordable outings in town, these ideas are here to keep you going and make this winter a little brighter!
To start, here are some community activities, events and programs right here in Windsor-Essex County:
The budget-friendly stay-at-home ideas will follow, and I’ll continue to add more as I come up with them.
Imagine Cinemas Lakeshore - enjoy $5 movies, and concessions on Tuesdays, and $8 matinée shows through out the week before 6pm
Borrow a one-week Splash Pass from the Essex Public Library, and up to 5 people swim free at the Essex Recreation Centre.
$7 CASH Public Drop-In hot yoga class on Friday night at Yoga Hot Awareness and Fitness in Windsor, and Tecumseh (must pre-book online). All proceeds go to a chosen charity of that month.
The library is always a great free option to borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs etc - let your mind wander or escape for a bit. There’s also computers, free wifi, and other resources to explore. Here is a list of branches in both Windsor and Essex.
Free health, and wellness programs including workout classes, walk-in counseling, and community support by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit
$5 public skating ($17/per family) at Town of Tecumseh Arena on Fridays, and Sundays.
Phog Lounge, renowned for its diverse art and music scene, and Craftheads, celebrated for its craft beer and comic relief, have joined forces as “Phogheads” to raise funds for their move to their new locations in Walkerville. Both venues already individually offer affordable high quality entertainment and creative spaces for community expression. Stay updated by following their social media platforms to see the events they host weekly.
Walkerville Brewery hosts a few different kinds of monthly social events, including book clubs, trivia nights, and board game nights!
Yay for Strays Cat Café is the purrfect paws you need! While it’s already budget-friendly, they also offer BOGO deals to spend time with the cutest kitties, making it a must-visit. In partnership with the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, their mission is “to provide local shelter cats a safe and fun, cage-free environment where kind souls can come visit and play or adopt while indulging in our café treats.”
Get some fresh air, contemplate in nature, and admire the views while you take a walk along one of Windsor-Essex County’s trails. The riverfront may be a bit frigid right now, but Ojibway, Malden Park, Gonatchio, and Blue Heron are just a few cozier options to explore.
Big Time Entertainment features 50% off arcade games on Wednesdays, and P.A days - compete from a plethora of redemption games for as little as $5 + tax.
Become a volunteer! It’s a great way to stay active and engaged during the winter months! Helping others provides a sense of purpose and can bring fulfillment to your day-to-day routine. Click here for a list of volunteer opportunities in Windsor-Essex County.
Brimstone Games is a collectible card and gaming store that offers card game events, like Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon. Some events are free, while others range $5-$7.50.
M Chapter Café offers a $5 Happy Hour that includes 1 hour of full access to board games or the PS5 console.
Zap Zone offers 50% off arcade games on PA days, and 50% off glo golf and laser tag on Tuesdays.
Art Windsor-Essex (AWE) offers free art classes as well as exclusive classes included with membership. Enjoy a year of creativity with a family membership for just $50!
The Chimczuk Museum, located in the Windsor Art Gallery, offers an insightful look into the region’s rich history, including a First Nation’s community exhibit and the Windsor-Detroit connection. Admission fees are $5.75 for adults and $4.75 for students and seniors, making it an accessible cultural destination for the community.
Now, here are some cost-effective and enjoyable activities you can do at home:
Get in shape with limited space, no gym required: The pedal exerciser and walking pad treadmill are both affordable, portable options that you can often get even cheaper off of Facebook marketplace. Throw on a movie or some music and get to moving! With a couple of dumbbells, resistance bands, and a YouTube workout, you’re just steps away from creating your own mini fitness studio. Follow this local guide for more tips to affordable recreation.
Affordable workout gear options: Dollarama often carries great options for simple fitness equipment, like resistance bands, jump ropes, hand weights, yoga mats, and blocks - perfect for starting your home workout setup without breaking the bank.
For the artsy fartsy folks: Head to Dollarama or Dollar Tree to grab paint, brushes, and canvases or paint paper, then invite some friends over for a fun paint party at home! You’ll find tons of step-by-step tutorials on YouTube, including beginner-friendly ones, like this one. You can also try fun trends like the “paint your partner” challenge or the "canvas art swap” game.
More fun and crafty ideas: Create collages or scrapbooks with old magazines and pictures. I created a 2025 vision board filled with cut-outs that represent my goals or things that inspire me. You can also try experimenting with clay. My friend, and I are planning to take on the clay date challenge soon!
For the foodies: Experiment in the kitchen by trying a new recipe, or get creative with food art. Consider a festive idea, like making heart-shaped pizzas for Valentines day or Mardi Gras-themed pancakes for Fat Tuesday.
For the movie buffs: Host a movie marathon night with friends and family! Everyone can bring a snack to share or you can air-pop a huge batch of popcorn. My go-to is coating popcorn in melted butter and seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili powder - yum!
For the bookworms: Download the Goodreads app and set a reading goal for the year. For example, I’m aiming to read 12 books this year! It’s a great way to stay motivated and discover new favourites.
For those who need a good laugh: Make your own game of charades with a group of at least 4 people. Cut up about 20 pieces of paper and have everyone write down silly or challenging scenarios, think: “grandma losing her dentures while baking” or “a dog pulling me because he’s chasing a squirrel.” Crumple them up, toss them in a container, and take turns acting them out while others guess. Just don’t guess your own! Whoever guesses the most wins… but really, whoever laughs the most is the real winner.
For the introspective: Write down your thoughts in a journal to reflect and process your day. Set a reminder on your phone or stick a note on your fridge or door to help you stay consistent. You can jot down anything - creative ideas, how you’re feeling, or even what you had for breakfast. It doesn’t always have to be deep - sometimes, the simple stuff is just as important.
For the homebodies: Bring harmony and balance to your space with feng shui. Start by learning the basics here, and researching simple, affordable ways to align your home’s energy. Rearranging furniture, adding a few plants, or using items you already have (like mirrors or cushions) can make a big difference. Focus on the five elements of feng shui (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and incorporate them through colours, textures, or objects found around your home. Even small, budget-friendly adjustments can refresh your space and help create a calm, positive atmosphere.
I hope this post finds you well and offers cozy options to keep you warm and inspired.
With love,
Mercedes
My 2025 vision board <3