Fun Winter Activities Around Rexburg

NorthPoint • January 7, 2022

With the new year comes a fresh new semester! With last semester's final exams behind us, the new semester allows for some free time to spend with friends. Even though we have entered one of our coldest months it is important to still get out, explore, and do some fun winter activities. 


Idaho is the perfect place to live because all four seasons are gorgeous. The spring is beautiful with the birds chirping and flowers blooming, summers are hot and sunny, falls are crisp, the leaves change, winters are full of snow, and it looks like the perfect winter postcard. 


It can sometimes be hard to know what to do in the evenings or even on days off because it is chilly and snowy. There is so much to do and explore around Rexburg, you will never be bored!


What To Expect During Rexburg Winter


It can be hard to know what to expect every day during winter in Idaho. Especially when you move to Idaho from out of state to school, it can be hard to understand what you are getting yourself into for winter in Rexburg. 


January is the coldest month of the year, with highs around 28º and lows around 12º. Spring usually comes around April, and summer follows shortly after that. The cold can make spending time outside chilly during the winter, but beautiful as long as you have the right gear. There can also be about a foot of snow on the ground at any given time during January, meaning there is ample snow for a spontaneous snowball fight between classes!


Night-In Activities


While going on a fun outdoor adventure is exciting, sometimes you just need a night in with your friends (or by yourself) to help you feel recharged and ready to go. Especially during the winter, it is cozy to stay inside, drink hot chocolate, and spend time with your friends. Here are a couple ways to spruce up your night in, and have fun even during the cold winter!


Game Night


Somehow, a game night never gets old. The thing is, you can constantly change it up by playing new games, inviting different people, or eating snacks you haven’t had before. Games are also very versatile. You can play a game with just 2 people or have a larger gathering and play with a big group. On top of that, you can play cards, board games, video games, or simple group games like charades.


Some of our best game recommendations include:


  • Exploding Kittens
  • Skyjo
  • Monopoly Deal
  • Yahtzee
  • Farkle
  • Mario Kart
  • Telestrations


Game nights are exciting and can be a great way to spend time with old and new friends, even when you only have an hour or two before you need to head back to the library and get stuff done. 


If you live at Northpoint, check out the clubhouse for a great place to have a friendly game night!


Movie Night (With a Twist)


We’ve all gone to the classic movie night. You go, watch a movie, and go home. Movie nights are super fun, but it is nice to mix it up a little. You can add a twist to your next movie night by spending 45 minutes before the movie and building a massive fort. You can use chairs, blankets, pillows, your couch, and anything else to create an epic, comfortable fort. Then watch the movie in the fort! 


This may sound childish, but it can be immensely entertaining. We are all kids at heart, so mixing up the routine and doing something exciting can bring a smile to your face even when it is snowing outside!


Make a Yummy Treat


We all like to eat treats, so sometimes it can be enjoyable to spend one night making a delicious treat. If you want to be really friendly, you can make extra and bring some to your neighbors. 


One of the best treats to make (especially around the holidays) is yummy Candy Cane Graham Cracker Toffee. This is a great treat to make, even if you don’t have a lot of ingredients or experience cooking. It is super simple and can be made with ingredients you probably have at home (especially around the holidays). 


Simple Candy Cane Graham Cracker Toffee

Ingredients:

  • 1 Package Graham Crackers
  • ¾ Cup Unsalted Butter
  • ¾ Cup Packed Brown Sugar
  • 1 ½ Cup Melted White Chocolate
  • 3 Candy Canes (Crushed)


Instructions:

  1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil (this will make cleaning up a thousand times easier) and preheat your oven to 325º.
  2. Place the graham crackers on the cookie sheet to cover it.
  3. Put the butter and brown sugar in a pot over low heat. Once the butter has melted, turn the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
  4. Allow mixture to boil for 3 minutes, constantly stirring to keep from burning.
  5. Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the graham crackers, spreading with a spatula (do this quickly before the toffee hardens).
  6. Immediately place the pan in the oven for 8 minutes. While the graham crackers and toffee are in the oven, crush the candy canes and melt the chocolate.
  7. Allow the graham cracker/toffee mixture to cool for a minute after removing from the oven, and then carefully pour and spread the white chocolate on top.
  8. Sprinkle it with crushed candy canes and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once it is cooled, break it into shards and enjoy!


This is a great way to spend a wintery night with friends!


Outdoor Adventure Day 


While a night in is often easier to schedule, a Saturday spent outside is hard to beat. With the mountains so close, snow on the ground, and good friends, you can find an adventure anywhere!


Skiing


Unfortunately, there are no ski hills right in Rexburg. However, there are a lot of ski hills that are close and accessible.


The Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is only 35 minutes away in Ririe and makes a great outside activity, no matter your skill level. Before skiing (or snowboarding), it is important to wear the right equipment. You need warm snow pants, a coat, beanie, mittens, and preferably a helmet (you need to save your brain cells for your tests!). A day spent in the mountains is a great activity and is very accessible from Rexburg. 


Sledding


With snow on the ground, the only thing you need is a sled (or piece of cardboard, or garbage bag, or whatever else you can find that would slide) and a hill. There are a lot of great sledding hills in and around Rexburg that make a great outdoor activity. 


Even when it is cold and snowy, it is vital to get outside and breathe the fresh air. Sledding is a simple (and cheap) outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy! You can also finish it off with some hot chocolate to make it even better!


Ice Skating


At Idaho Falls Parks and Rec, you can go ice skating. This is a great winter activity and a fantastic way to spend your Saturday or evenings. It is only $10 a person, including skate rental, or if you get more than 10 people to go, it is only $8 a person. 


This is a fun thing to learn and a really great group activity. It still feels wintery without being outside in the freezing cold. They also offer chances to use skate aids, take lessons, and public skate times!


While winter in Rexburg can feel cold and long, there are tons of great chances to get outside and have fun. If that isn’t your thing, you can always find ways to spend time with friends doing enjoyable activities indoors. Check out this article for other inexpensive date ideas and activities around Rexburg.


We are even running a winter discount now and have room in our apartments for you to take the leap and move to Rexburg. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have!


By Jenn Handy October 1, 2025
Before starting your first semester at college, it is important to pack well so you are sufficiently prepared. This helps you start college smoothly, settle in, and manage stress levels effectively. If you have read any articles detailing basic college necessities, then essentials such as school supplies, clothing, and bedding will likely make it into your suitcase. However, some key items tend to be forgotten during the packing process. Discovering some unexpected essentials that you might not have on your packing list yet can help to make your men's housing experience at BYU-Idaho all the more enjoyable. Organizers A well-organized space makes life smoother on multiple fronts. Not only does it make it easier to keep your new home clean and tidy, but it can also support your studying. Multiple studies demonstrate a link between cluttered spaces and decreased mental performance. Investing in a few space-optimized organizing products will allow you to maintain a tidy space that promotes healthy study habits. There’s no shortage of products on the market that can help you maximize your space. Space-saving clothing hangers , drawer organizers, and under-the-bed storage solutions are all effective ways to keep your room from looking and feeling overly “busy,” without having to be too selective about what makes it into your suitcase and what gets left at home. Outlet Options College housing and outlets are a bit like cars and cup holders; there’s never quite as many as you’d like there to be, and in some cases, the ones that are there are located in awkward positions. Yet as a modern college student, you’ll depend on outlets to maintain your academic and social lives, not to mention keeping your sanity in check. Having to decide between charging your laptop and phone is an inconvenience you should not have to endure. You can’t change how many outlets your room has, but you can get creative with how you manage the ones it does have by packing an extension cord and a power strip . The extension cord opens up additional flexibility, allowing you to choose your furniture placement without being confined to outlet location, while a power strip can significantly multiply the number of outlets. Large power strips can power up to twelve devices from a single outlet. Just make sure the outlet has a surge protector, which can help keep your devices safe in the event of a sudden spike in electrical voltage. Rain Protection You might arrive at BYU-Idaho at the tail end of summer, but those warm days will soon give way to fall and winter conditions. Packing with October-March in mind will make your early months at BYU-I all the more enjoyable. Remember: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. You’ll likely have earmarked space in your luggage for warm clothing, but many newly-arriving students forget that having rain-ready clothes can be just as important for navigating Rexburg’s climate. Make sure to bring a rain jacket, and save it for a rainy day (literally). The weather is famously difficult to predict, but you can prepare for stormy days by investing in an umbrella and keeping it by the door so you do not forget to grab it on your way out to brave the elements. First Aid Supplies Packing first aid supplies is not likely to be at the top of your priorities list, but it can go a long way towards ensuring you can roll with the punches. Dealing with illnesses, allergies, and minor cuts and scrapes becomes much more manageable when you have a few key first aid essentials in your room: Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relief medicine, such as ibuprofen, offers a quick and convenient way to deal with minor aches and pains. If you ever get hit with a headache during your college experience, you’ll be thankful you made space for it in your suitcase. Allergy medicine: Rexburg can be delightful during the spring and fall months, but keep in mind that allergies can begin to flare around this period. Packing some antihistamines will allow you to enjoy all that the season has to offer to the fullest. Bandages and dressings: Accidents happen. A few bandages and dressings will allow you to treat minor cuts and scrapes at home, without having to visit the doctor. Cold and flu medicine: Spending so much time with your fellow students can be fun, but it always increases your chances of catching a cold. Packing some cold and flu medicine will be a lifesaver when you wake up with a sore throat and a runny nose. Transportable Storage Options College students are constantly coming and going. Just as you’ve gotten comfortable, you’ll be heading home for the holidays and or going on a trip for spring break. You’ll find the process of visiting home and other fun spots infinitely less stressful by investing in easily transportable storage that allows you to effortlessly move your belongings from one place to another (and then back again). Some smart solutions include:  Plastic storage bins: They’re strong, stackable, and easy to carry. Portable storage carts: Getting picked up? Storage carts have wheels, allowing you to simply roll your belongings to the car. Duffel bags: For lighter loads, duffel bags offer a convenient and flexible method of transporting your items. Enhance Your BYU-I Men’s Housing Experience At Northpoint, our luxury apartments provide the perfect place to live during your time at BYU-Idaho, providing the space you need to fit all your college necessities and enjoy life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about our men's housing availability or to schedule a tour.
By Jenn Handy June 16, 2025
We share advice for creating a morning routine as a BYU-I student living in shared housing, including planning ahead, getting up quietly, and more.
By North Point February 21, 2025
Success starts with preparation, and at NorthPoint, we’ve got you covered. We share strategies for acing your first college presentation, such as practicing at your BYU-I student housing.
By Jenn Handy February 20, 2025
Looking for your BYU-I-approved student housing? NorthPoint offers incredible amenities, including outdoor areas, an on-site gym, communal study spaces, and regular social events.
By North Point February 4, 2025
Whether you utilize the campus fitness center, participate in group classes, or take advantage of the top-notch amenities at NorthPoint, staying active at BYU-Idaho is within reach.
By North Point December 12, 2024
Like most BYU-I-approved student housing, NorthPoint adheres to visitor policies. Knowing the rules can help prevent conflict with your roommates.
By Jenn Handy October 1, 2024
NorthPoint Apartments is conveniently located near Rexburg's most popular fall activities. Secure your BYU-I student housing with us today so you can partake in all the seasonal fun.
By North Point September 4, 2024
Keeping your living space tidy when you are busy can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to save time and improve your efficiency. Try out these tips to see what works best for you.
By North Point August 12, 2024
Sharing student housing with others comes with its challenges. It might be the first time you share a room with others. Having roommates can be an advantage, making getting to know others and having a vibrant social life more effortless. However, you may find it difficult to get alone time. Finding the right balance between privacy and your social life is important. You don't want to be so involved with your roommates that you never get time alone, but at the same time, you don't want to shut yourself away. If you're smart about how you use your time, you can achieve this balance. Setting boundaries, creating your own space, and setting up a schedule with roommates can all help. Why Privacy and Social Interactions Are Important Everyone needs privacy. At college, it helps you maintain your well-being and can be essential for achieving academic success, too. You need space to study in peace and time to examine your thoughts and feelings or just to unwind. But a vibrant social life is just as important, and college gives you the chance to really develop one. Spending time with others is good for your mental health . It helps you avoid loneliness, sharpens your mind, and boosts your mood. It could even help you live longer . Socializing enables you to build connections during college that could last a lifetime. How to Set Boundaries with Roommates Setting boundaries with your roommates is one of the best ways to create personal space for yourself. When you communicate with each other about your needs, you can all devise a solution that works for everyone. If you want to respect each other's boundaries, it's best to be upfront instead of waiting for tensions to rise. Try to have a polite discussion where everyone has their say. Set clear expectations and rules when you move in. These agreements might include dedicated hours for quiet studying or solo time in a shared bedroom. You could also talk about things like keeping the apartment clean and tidy and making sure you each know your responsibilities. It’s wise to draft a quick roommate agreement so you can refer to it later. Sometimes, conflicts and misunderstandings can arise. When this happens, there's no need for drama. If you can approach each other with kindness and understanding, you can get on the same page without fighting or falling out. If you feel compelled to address an issue, avoid being accusatory. Similarly, if your roommates want to discuss something with you, try not to be too defensive and remain open to resolving the concern. If you need help, consider bringing in a neutral third party to help mediate. To prevent problems from building and boiling over, it's a good idea to have regular check-ins. During these brief meetings, you'll have the opportunity to discuss how things are going and how you can collectively improve them for everyone. Creating Personal Space It can be tough to have your own space when you share an apartment and a room with others. But there are ways to do it so you and your roommates can have the personal time and space you need. Some of the steps you could take include: Using room dividers to separate rooms into smaller spaces Making use of noise-canceling headphones to block out noise from others, as well as keep your preferred audio to yourself Setting up a schedule to ensure everyone gets their alone time at some point during the day/week One of the most beneficial things you can have in shared student housing is a space you can retreat to. Even if it's just a corner or a space on your bed, it gives you somewhere to decompress, think, and relax without the pressure of having other people around. Managing Social Activities Your solo time matters, but it's also crucial that you don't retreat too far into your own world. College offers many opportunities to make new friends and create a fantastic social life. At the same time, you need to find a balance and make sure you're not spending too much time socializing instead of studying or recharging your batteries. You might want to get out there and start making friends, but it can be overwhelming. There's so much to do and so many people to meet, and you might feel like you can't miss out on anything. If you want a rich social life without getting overwhelmed, it's important to allow yourself to take a break. Set limits on your social time to ensure you have plenty of personal downtime. Respecting your roommates’ schedules and preferences is essential when planning social events at your apartment. If one of your roommates needs to study, it's not fair for you and your friends to disturb them–especially without warning. Respecting Each Other's Schedule and Space Everyone likes to organize their schedules for study, sleep, and other activities. Respecting each other's schedules helps to create harmony in your apartment. To be respectful of each other's space, try some of these strategies: Set quiet hours and use signals for when you want alone time. Set rules and schedules for using common areas. Schedule usage times and keep these spaces tidy. Be respectful of each other's belongings and personal space within common areas. Private and Shared BYU-Idaho Student Housing Sharing your home with others can be challenging, but you can make it work if you're respectful of each other. Start by aiming to communicate well and show each other respect and understanding. When you can respect each other, you can share your space in a way that works for everyone. Are you looking for the best student housing in Rexburg? Contact NorthPoint to learn about our private and shared student housing options .
By North Point July 16, 2024
Being in an unfamiliar town during the summer can feel frustrating or boring if you aren’t sure how to spend your time. Luckily, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Rexburg if you know where to look.