When temperatures in Minnesota drop below zero and windchills dip into the double-digit negatives, outdoor adventures with your pets take a backseat. But just because it's freezing outside doesn’t mean your pets need to miss out on fun, enrichment, and exercise. Here are some creative and practical ways to keep your pets happy, engaged, and entertained indoors this winter.

Indoor Pet Activities for Minnesota Winters
1. DIY Enrichment Activities
Keeping your pet’s brain engaged is just as important as physical exercise. Enrichment activities are a great way to challenge their minds and provide stimulation without heading outdoors.
Puzzle Feeders: You don’t need to buy fancy puzzle toys — create your own! Use a muffin tin and tennis balls to hide treats under. Your pet will have fun figuring out how to move the balls to get the goodies.
Snuffle Mats: If you don’t have a snuffle mat, scatter kibble or treats across a small area of carpet or a towel and let your pet “sniff out” their meal. This taps into their natural foraging instincts.
Treasure Hunts: Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your pet to seek them out. Use verbal cues like "find it" to make it a game.
2. Training Sessions
Cold days are perfect for brushing up on old tricks or teaching new ones. Training sessions don’t have to be long — 10 minutes a couple of times a day is plenty!
Basic Obedience: Practice commands like sit, stay, down, and come. If they’ve mastered the basics, work on advanced commands like "leave it" or "go to your place."
Fun Tricks: Teach playful commands like “spin,” “high five,” or even “tidy up” (putting toys in a basket). Use plenty of positive reinforcement to make learning fun.
Nose Work Games: Start with a simple game like hiding a treat under one of three cups and letting your pet find it. You can progress to more challenging scent-detection games over time.

3. Interactive Toys and Games
Interactive toys are lifesavers on cold winter days. They keep your pet entertained and give you a break if you’re juggling a busy schedule.
Tug-of-War: A classic game that’s great for burning energy. Just be mindful of your pet’s size and strength to avoid accidental injuries.
Indoor Fetch: Use a soft toy or a lightweight ball to play fetch in a hallway or large room. Move furniture out of the way to create a safe play zone.
Flirt Pole: A flirt pole is like a giant cat toy for dogs, featuring a long pole with a rope and a toy attached. Swing it around for your dog to chase and pounce on, providing a great workout in a small space.
4. DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Transform your living room into an agility playground! Use everyday items to create an obstacle course that challenges your pet both mentally and physically.
Jumping: Use broomsticks balanced on low objects to create jumps. Adjust the height based on your pet’s ability.
Weaving: Set up a line of chairs or cones for your dog to weave through. Encourage them with treats and verbal praise.
Tunnels: A collapsible play tunnel or even a blanket draped over chairs can serve as a fun tunnel for your pet to crawl through.
5. Pamper Your Pet
Turn a chilly day into a spa day! Pampering your pet is a great way to bond and keep them calm and relaxed.
Grooming Session: Brush their coat, trim their nails, or give them a bath if needed. Use gentle, pet-safe products and reward them with treats for good behavior.
Pet Massage: Help your pet unwind with a relaxing massage. Focus on their shoulders, neck, and back, using light pressure to mimic stroking.
6. Food-Based Activities
Who says you can’t treat your pets to a fun culinary experience indoors?
Homemade Treats: Bake your own dog-friendly biscuits or cat treats. Recipes with pumpkin, peanut butter (without xylitol), or oats are easy and nutritious.
Frozen Kongs, Toppls, or Lick Mats: Fill a Kong, Toppl, or a lick mat with peanut butter, yogurt, or a mix of wet and dry food. Freeze it for a long-lasting activity.
7. Watch Pet TV or Listen to Calming Music
Create a soothing ambiance for your pet by playing pet-friendly entertainment.
Pet TV: Many streaming services offer content designed specifically for pets. From birds chirping to fish swimming, these shows can keep your pet’s attention for hours.
Calming Music: Classical music or nature sounds can help pets relax and feel less stressed, especially if they’re cooped up inside for an extended period.

8. Capture Cozy Moments with an Indoor Photo Session
Make the most of natural light streaming through your windows and create a mini photo shoot. Use props like blankets, toys, or fairy lights for a cozy winter vibe. Share your adorable photos on social media — they’ll warm everyone’s hearts on a cold day.
9. Create a Cozy Space
Set up a warm, inviting spot for your pet to relax during the frigid weather.
Warm Bedding: Use their favorite blanket or bed, and consider adding a pet-safe heating pad for extra warmth.
Hideaway Spots: Cats, in particular, love cozy hideaways. Set up a cardboard box or a covered cat tree for them to snuggle in.
10. Stay Active Indoors
Even high-energy pets can burn off steam indoors with the right activities.
Stair Play: If you have stairs, use them for a game of fetch or chase. This is great for dogs with energy to spare.
Hide-and-Seek: Hide in a different room and call your pet to come find you. Reward them with praise and treats when they do.

Wrap-Up: Keeping Pets Happy in the Cold
When the Minnesota winter is too cold for outdoor play, these indoor activities can keep your pets entertained, exercised, and mentally stimulated. Whether it’s a cozy grooming session, a DIY obstacle course, or a tasty treat-making session, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your time indoors.
Which of these activities will you try with your pet first? Share your experiences or ideas in the comments — I'd love to hear them!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren, the pet-loving photographer behind Scruff Life Photography! Based in Minnesota, I specialize in capturing the unique bond between people and their beloved pets. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your life or are cherishing the years spent with a lifelong companion, I’m here to help you preserve those special moments. Pets are family, and their stories deserve to be celebrated with timeless, professional photos you’ll treasure forever. Let’s create something meaningful together — reach out today to schedule your pet photo session!

Comments