What Do People Do at Cottages? Real-Life Cottage Activities for Every Visitor

So you’ve booked a cottage, or maybe you’re planning to. The big question: What are people really doing at these cozy getaways? First, cottages are all about pressing pause on daily routines. People head to them to chill out—think lounging on a deck with a hot drink, reading in a hammock, or just watching the sun disappear behind the trees. It’s about getting away from screens and schedules, at least for a couple of days.

If you’re imagining a strict itinerary, forget it. Cottage life is more about doing whatever feels good in the moment. Some folks never change out of their pajamas. Others dive into group board games, craft projects, or long kitchen conversations where everyone helps out with snacks. And hey, if you just want to nap or binge that book you’ve started three times, that’s all fair game too.

• Cottage Life Basics: The Appeal of Getting Away
• Classic Indoor and Outdoor Cottage Activities
• Adventures by the Water
• Socializing, Games, & Food: Making Memories
• Tips for a Hassle-Free Cottage Stay

Cottage Life Basics: The Appeal of Getting Away

Cottage living is all about escaping the noise, literally and figuratively. Studies from the University of Waterloo even show spending time in nature reduces stress, clears your head, and helps you sleep better. That’s a big reason people head out to holiday cottages, even if it means driving for hours and lugging groceries in and out.

The core appeal is the freedom to slow down. No constant phone buzzing, no work emails, just you and your people (and probably a mosquito or two). Cottages are often set by lakes, forests, or open fields—the kind of places where time slips by differently. Cell reception isn’t always great (and that’s not always a bad thing). This unplugged vibe explains why more folks bring board games or favorite books along instead of tech.

Getting away to a cottage also means making your own rules for the day. Want to eat breakfast at noon? Splash in the water before changing out of your pajamas? Go for it. There’s no caretaker popping by to check if the beds are made. You get to decide when to grill, swim, hike, or just do nothing at all.

These breaks aren’t just for families. Couples do romantic weekends at quiet cabins, and friend groups rent big places with plenty of beds. Some people even use cottages for solo retreats, enjoying time with their own thoughts away from city churn. Regulars know that even a short trip resets your batteries for weeks.

If you ask people, most say their favorite thing about staying at a holiday cottage is the mix of comfort and adventure. You get a roof, warmth, and some creature comforts—plus enough distance from daily life to finally take a breath. That’s the magic of cottage basics, and why the experience keeps pulling people back, year after year.

Classic Indoor and Outdoor Cottage Activities

Cottage getaways aren’t just about unplugging—they’re packed with things you’d never do at home during a busy week. You’ll notice that people naturally split between indoor comforts and outdoor fun, and both sides are loaded with simple pleasures and cost-free entertainment.

Inside, there’s no shortage of old-school fun. Card games like Euchre or Hearts are pretty much a cottage staple, and anyone who grew up in cottage country knows how competitive Monopoly or Scrabble nights can get. Puzzles, crafts, or baking together are big too—nothing complicated, just easy stuff like cookies or brownies with whoever’s hungry.

On rainy days, cottage movies marathons are a go-to move. Someone always brings a stack of DVDs or pulls up an offline download. Reading is also in the mix; cottages are one of the few places where people get through an entire book in a weekend. And let’s not forget about fireside chats—either around a wood stove inside or a bonfire outside once the weather clears up.

Now, head outside and it’s a whole new scene. People do all the things city life squeezes out: hiking nearby trails, throwing a frisbee around, setting up volleyball or badminton, or just lying out in the sun. Barbecuing is massive. According to a 2023 survey by Cottage Life Magazine, over 78% of cottage visits include at least one grilled meal—it’s the one spot where everyone’s got an opinion on how to flip a burger.

• Nature walks: Good for families and solo explorers—look out for wildflowers or spot birds (bring a guidebook!)
• Campfire cooking: Grilled hot dogs, marshmallows, or even skillet breakfasts—easy and crowd-pleasing
• Stargazing: With low light pollution, the night sky is usually spectacular, especially during meteor showers
• Yard games: Cornhole, horseshoes, or even classic tag if you want to feel like a kid again

Check out the quick breakdown of typical activities:

Finding the right mix really makes your time at a holiday cottage feel personal. Try rotating different activities with your group, or just stick to what feels relaxing for you. No pressure, only options. That’s the real magic of cottage traditions.

Adventures by the Water

If your cottage is anywhere near a lake, river, or even a pond, you’re in luck—water activities are king. No matter your age or skill level, there’s something fun to try. Swimming tops the list. Ever noticed how swimming in a lake feels totally different from the local pool? The water’s cooler, there’s often fish whizzing past, and you don’t need to do perfect laps—just splash, float, or wade in the shallows.

Fishing is a close second, and it’s not just about catching dinner (though fresh-caught fish cooked by the water tastes incredible). For a lot of people, fishing at cottages is more about relaxing and waiting, maybe with a cold drink in hand. Did you know recreational angling in countries like Canada and the UK brings in billions every year from cottage visitors alone?

If you want to mix things up, boats open up more options. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards have become pretty popular, especially since they don’t need gas or a special licence. They’re easy to learn—most people stay upright with just a quick YouTube tutorial. For a little more adrenaline, some cottages include rowboats or small motorboats, though always check local rules about life jackets and safety.

• holiday cottages near water almost always include a dock—handy for cannonballs, sunbathing, or launching watercraft.
• Kids often turn dock areas into mini adventure zones, jumping in, netting minnows, or racing floaties.
• Evening is the best time for quiet paddleboarding; less boat traffic means glassy water and memorable sunsets.

Just a heads up: drowning is still the top risk for cottage visitors, especially kids and teens, so keep those life jackets handy. Canada’s Royal Life Saving Society reported in 2023 that 66% of all drownings happened on lakes and rivers. Safety isn’t just a detail—take it seriously.

Water adventures aren’t just about exercise—they help people unplug, connect, and get a healthy dose of nature. Snap some photos, but then tuck your phone away and just enjoy the splash and fresh air.

Socializing, Games, & Food: Making Memories

Cottages are like social magnets. The relaxed vibe basically invites people to hang out and actually talk to each other. Without all the daily distractions, connections feel real—whether it’s friends catching up after months or a big family together under one roof. A 2023 survey by Cottage Life Magazine found that 84% of guests think cottage trips are the best way to reconnect with loved ones.

Games are a cottage staple. Classic board games like Catan, Uno, and Scrabble almost always find their way onto the table. Cards are a go-to for people of all ages, and a simple deck can turn into hours of laughter (or mild competition). Don’t forget outdoor games: frisbee, cornhole, washer toss, or even an old-school scavenger hunt in the woods. No Wi-Fi required—just stuff everybody can join in.

Food at the cottage takes on a whole new meaning—it’s not just meals, it’s big family breakfasts, barbecue nights, and snacks by the fire. You’ll see pancake mornings, burgers or sausages on the grill, and—of course—the famous s’mores at night. The point is less about fancy recipes, more about sharing and pitching in. Try building a group meal plan for your trip so shopping is easier and nothing gets wasted.

• Group taco night or build-your-own pizza gets everyone involved.
• Picnic-style lunches mean less cleanup so you’re back to relaxing sooner.
• Keep a communal snack basket stocked—fruit, chips, and marshmallows are always hits.
• If you’re near water, grilling fresh-caught fish is a must-try.

These are the moments that stick with people long after they leave. Getting away at a holiday cottages setting just makes those laughs, stories, and meals even better. Try turning off your phones after dinner and swapping funny stories—you’ll be surprised how quickly everyone unwinds.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Cottage Stay

No one wants their lazy getaway to turn into a hassle. A bit of planning goes way further than you might think, especially if it’s your first time at a cottage. The trick is to get ready for those little “Wait, what do you mean we forgot...?” moments.

First things first: Check what’s actually provided. Some hosts leave basics like toilet paper, soap, or even coffee, but lots don’t. Always ask ahead so you don’t end up making an emergency trip to town. If you’re booking popular holiday cottages in high season, locations like Muskoka or Cornwall book up fast—peak summer weeks are usually 90% full by March.

• Pack smart. Bring layers. Cottages cool down at night even in July. Slides or flip-flops for quick trips outside are lifesavers.
• Food prep matters. Fridges are often small, and there’s usually no delivery to your door. Pre-chop meals, and plan simple breakfasts and big one-pot dinners (taco night is always a win). If you want fresh bread or meat from local stores, check hours—many close early or take weird midweek holidays.
• Bug spray and sunblock aren’t optional. Even thick-skinned folks get bites near lakes or forests. Ticks and mosquitoes spike after sundown, according to Ontario Public Health stats. In 2023, tick-borne Lyme disease cases in rural cottage areas increased by 18%.
• Know your tech limits. Wi-Fi can be spotty, and cell signals may drop. Download music or movies in advance if you can’t live without them. Don’t count on working remotely unless the host promises full-speed internet and has proof.
• Stick to check-in and check-out times. Cleaners often have tight schedules, and late leavers cause overlap. If arriving past dark, bring a flashlight—the path from the car to front door might not be obvious.

Here’s a cheat sheet for what trips up most cottage visitors (based on surveys from UK and Canadian cottage rental agencies):

One last thing: Leave the cottage tidy, just like you’d hope someone would do for you. Taking out trash and doing quick dishes saves your host headaches and keeps your “cottage karma” high for next time.