This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

With fall coming to an end and winter rolling in, one has to wonder what to do for fun. Northern Virginia’s weather is bipolar, warm one day and cold the next. It makes planning activities almost impossible. Here are six fun things to do in rain, sun, or, dare I say it, snow.

The Mall – The mall is an enjoyable place to go shopping with your friends no matter what the weather. Even if you’re a broke college student (like most of us are!) you can window shop or just try on cute clothes. Fair Oaks mall is just a shuttle bus away and Tyson’s isn’t too far either.

The Movies – Going to the movies has been around longer than we have and it’s a trend that isn’t going out of style anytime soon. The JC Cinema has showings of movies on the weekends and Rave Cinemas at Fairfax Corner has student discounts on some days. Grab a friend and go see something new and exciting!

Museums – DC is full of entertaining and educational museums—some are even free or at a discounted price for students. My favorites include the Newseum, the International Spy Museum, and the Smithsonian.

Ice Skating – What could be more amusing than watching your friends slip and slide on ice? We have our very own ice skating rink in Fairfax and it’s only a ten minute drive from George Mason, you can even take the Cue bus if you don’t have a car.

Indoor Rock Climbing – There are several gyms that have indoor rock climbing in DC metro area. It can be an activity to do with friends or by yourself to lift your spirits when the weather is unpleasant. It’s also a great form of exercise and a good way to challenge yourself.

Pottery Painting – Paint Your Own Pottery in Old Fairfax is a great place to go with some friends and have fun. You select your colors to paint with and what pottery you are going to paint and then enjoy your studio time with friends! Your painted piece of pottery when finished can then be a great gift or a proud piece of artwork to adorn your room.

Media Credits

George Mason Statue pic: https://gmucampus.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/snowgeorgemason.jpg?w=497&h=330

Fair Oaks Mall pic: http://www.shopfairoaksmall.com/logo-share.jpg

JC Cinema pic: http://www.connect2mason.com/files/uploads/top_image/2014-03-08/jccinema1.jpg

Newseum pic: http://www.thenowpass.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/newseum_01.png

Ice Skating pic: http://twt-thumbs.washtimes.com/media/image/2011/11/20/20111120-222327-pic-890632356_s699x466.jpg?cffaf66dd200d8413c4573986a6106b66c56f94f

Rock climbing pic: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/images/2012-12-6-RockClimbing.jpg

Paint Your Own Pottery pic: http://connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2014/12/10/B121014-712_t990.jpg?30f31baef1afd0a91aba8e74ec76c5214cc818ca