If the weather gets bad or you want to spend a day out of the snow, these fun things to bring to a cabin will keep you entertained for days during your frozen getaway!
After you finish with the rest of your cabin camping packing list, use any extra room to pack in some fun stuff that can turn the trip from fun into an everlasting memory
12. Crafts
Crafts are a great way to spend time in a cabin where you can make some great progress knitting that scarf or building some clay charms with the calming focus that a cabin environment (and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life) offers. We’ve listed a few ideas here but really anything you can fit can make it to the cabin!
Fun Things to Bring to a Cabin: Craft Ideas
- Clay Models
- Knitting
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Whittling
11. Telescope
Most cabins are going to take you further away from the city lights than your everyday Airbnb or weekend trip. This opportunity to be away from light pollution helps the stars really come out and gives you the chance to use your telescope in ways that aren’t possible in the suburbs or city. Consider bringing a telescope to the cabin to make the most of it!
10. A Good Playlist
It is impossible to underestimate the benefit of a good playlist to take your cabin weekend to the next level. As one of the easiest fun things to bring to a cabin, you can either create a shared Spotify playlist with the rest of the group ahead of time or carefully curate your favorite outdoor jams to take advantage of the less-crowded nature of cabin camping and add some more tunes to your trip!
9. Legos
Fun for all ages, Legos are another good non-internet option for multiple people to work on at once and create a small town or even a camping lego set to have a good time building and then playing with afterward! They can be found at most Targets and Walmarts making Legos an easy add-on if you’re already stopping there to grab food.
8. Crosswords
Use an app or buy a small book of crosswords for fun that can involve the whole group! Shout clues to the chef as they whip up your cabin breakfast and you both knock out one of the grided word puzzles. Great in any temperature, all you need is the puzzle and your brain for hours of fun!
7. Binoculars
Even in the dead of winter, birdwatching can be a great outdoor experience as you seek out bald eagles at Starved Rock or grab a birdwatching app to find out who is making that pecking or chirping nearby. Toss a small pair of binoculars into your bag to get an up-close look at some of the colorful birds that you can find from your cabin porch!
6. Playing Cards
Whether it’s poker, go fish, or euchre – having a deck or two of playing cards can give you dozens of options to spice up 10 minutes or many hours spent in the cabin going head to head with your friends or family. The best part about cards, they barely take up any room or weight!
5. Board Games
Being somewhere with a real floor and roof means you can bring board games without the fear of losing the pieces in the dirt and grass! Board games are a great way to spend a few evening hours every night at a cabin, playing Settlers of Catan or the more appropriately themed Wingspan to take advantage of the electric lighting and lack of wind for some cabin gaming!
4. Hot Cocoa
If your cabin or camping gear has a good stove, definitely bring some hot cocoa or cider to heart yourself up after coming in from the chilly outdoors to warm up and enjoy a delicious drink on your weekend away. This can of course be combined with another one of our fun things to bring to a cabin so you can sip cocoa and beat your friends board gaming at the same time!
3. Book(s)
The coziness of a cabin is the perfect environment to sit down with one of those books that have been on your ‘to-read’ list for the last two years. As long as you can find a comfortable place to sit, just tell your friends that they can go on the hikes without you as you explore a new world or story!
2. Your Furry Friend
Depending on the rules for your cabin, this could be the perfect time to introduce your dog (or even cat) to camping! You won’t have to worry about anyone scratching their way out of the tent at night or reacting to a surprise animal visit in the middle of the night since you’ll be inside the cabin. Just be sure to bring all the important needs like a water dish, extra food, and more to keep your furry friend comfortable!
1. Winter Sports
Since cabin camping is more traditionally in demand in the winter months, there are a number of winter sports you can do if you bring (or rent) the right equipment! Some examples include:
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling
Just check out the rules and nearby parks for your cabin and you’ll be all set!
Conclusion
Ready for your cabin weekend? Check out our campground guides or take a look at all of the cabins offered in Illinois State Parks to book your next getaway! Have another idea of fun things to bring to a cabin? Let us know!
