Your Destination for a Fun Winter Day in Dover, NH

Winter in Dover is full of energy, creativity, and cozy moments. Whether you’re escaping the cold, planning a family outing, or looking for something fun to do with friends, Dover, New Hampshire offers plenty of ways to make the most of winter—all in a walkable, welcoming downtown.

From hands-on art experiences and indoor adventures to warm cafés and family-friendly attractions, Dover proves that winter days can still be full of discovery. Read on to learn about some of the fun activities to do in the winter months.

Get Creative This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to try something creative—and Dover makes it easy.

• Aplomb Gallery offers art classes and workshops that welcome beginners and experienced artists alike. It’s a great place to paint, experiment, and get inspired during the colder months.

• Dover Pottery Studio invites you to get hands-on with clay through pottery classes and sessions that are both relaxing and fun.

• The Art Center offers a gallery, art for purchase, and art classes such as print making

• Snapology brings a world of creativity to young minds.

• SEH Studios offers watercolor drop-in workshops this winter

These creative spaces are ideal for a solo creative break, a date with something different, or a fun outing with friends or family.

Stay Active Indoors

When it’s cold outside, Dover still keeps you moving.

• Indoor Ascent is an indoor climbing gym right in Dover that’s perfect for families with kids, first-time climbers, and adults looking for an active challenge.

• Dover Pilates to get the blood moving and warm up

• The Suite Studio with fully inclusive classes from a woman-owned and women-led business

• Bending Bodhi Yoga to stretch out and get warmed up in a fun classroom environment

These are fun, confidence-building activities that work year-round—and especially shine in winter.

Pamper Yourself

There's nothing wrong with getting warm and cozy while being pampered. Dover offers a host of style and service options to shake off the winter blues. Here are a couple to get you started.

• True Beauty Day Spa - a sanctuary in the heart of downtown

• Inner Truth Massage offers a healing space with therapeutic massage

Family-Friendly Winter Fun

For families, Dover offers indoor attractions that keep kids learning, playing, and smiling.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is a winter favorite, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage creativity, movement, and discovery for kids of all ages. Snapology offers hands-on STEM style learning in a fun, interactive environment. For a fun little treat check out Noggin Factory, which is an amazing independent family-owned toy store right across the street from the Children's Museum.

Pair any of these activities with lunch downtown or a nearby café stop to round out a perfect family day.

Nightlife and Adult Fun

When the sun goes down (and it happens early this time of year!), Dover lights up. Winter evenings are the perfect time to explore the city’s nightlife, restaurants, and adult-friendly entertainment, all without worrying about the weather.

Dover is home to a growing brew pub and craft beer scene, along with a wide range of restaurants and bars offering everything from casual bites to elevated dining. Whether you’re planning a relaxed night out or something more lively, downtown Dover has options to fit your mood.

For something playful and unique, Tokens Tap Room combines classic pinball and arcade games with a full bar, making it a favorite stop for groups of friends looking for a fun, low-key night out.

If you’re feeling lucky, Revo Casino & Social House offers gaming, dining, and entertainment in a modern indoor setting—perfect for winter nights when you want excitement without braving the cold.

From craft drinks and great food to games and entertainment, Dover’s nightlife makes winter evenings feel anything but quiet.

Warm Up at Cozy Cafés

After exploring, slow things down and warm up at one of Dover’s many cafés and eateries. Winter is the season for hot coffee, tea, and seasonal drinks, comfort food and relaxed meals, and catching up with friends in a cozy setting.

• Breakaway Cafe - a hip downtown coffee shop

• Bubby's Bagels - the best bagels on the seacoast

• Earth's Harvest Kitchen & Juicery - good-for-you ingredients and amazing juicery

• Juniper Kitchen - downtown plant based cafe

• Stella's Cafe - get a cruller... You'll thank me later

• Two Bee's Cafe & Patisserie - a little bit of Paris right here in Dover

• Aldnari Bakery - a Nordic-inspired bakery offering artisanal breads, pastries, and drinks

Dover’s food scene makes it easy to turn a cold day into a comfortable, welcoming experience.

Suggested Winter Day Itineraries

A Winter Day for Families

• Morning at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

• Lunch at a casual downtown café

• End with a sweet treat from Lickee's & Chewy's

Why it works: Interactive, active, and all indoors.

A Creative Winter Romantic Date

• Coffee downtown

• Take a class or workshop at Aplomb Gallery or Dover Pottery Studio

• Share lunch or small plates nearby

• Finish with dessert or a relaxed stroll

Why it works: Creative, cozy, and memorable.

A Winter Day with Friends

• Start with indoor climbing at Indoor Ascent

• Grab lunch downtown

• Join a pottery or art class together

• Café hop or unwind over dinner

Why it works: A mix of movement, creativity, and connection.

Discover Winter in Dover

Winter doesn’t slow Dover down—it brings out its creative, cozy, and playful side. With indoor adventures, art classes, family attractions, and inviting cafés, Dover, NH is the perfect destination for a winter day done right.

Discover more winter fun in Dover and start planning your visit today!