Best Winter Date Spots

During winter, many couples at Northwest have trouble coming up with fun date ideas because there seems to be little to do during the colder months.  

Amusement parks are closed, lakes have iced over and ice cream dates run the risk of frostbite. Claire Freeman, a freshman, explained why she thinks it is so hard to come up with fun ideas for dates during winter.

“I think during the winter months it can be hard to find a fun date idea since it’s getting cold outside and [people would] sometimes would rather stay inside where it’s warm. Especially since stores are closing and family is coming and going out of town it can be difficult to find time to go on a date closer to the holidays,” she said.

Just because the weather is frozen, though, does not mean students’ love lives have to be too. There are still plenty of fun activities to do in the winter that can make great date spots. First off, teenage couples should consider visiting Brenton Skating Plaza (BSP) in downtown Des Moines. BSP is a public skating rink where, for just $15, people can get a pair of skates and unlimited skating time during rink hours. They are open until 11 pm on weekends, and this is a great way to spend time with a date. 

Eliza Schmidt, a sophomore at Adel, said, “I think [ice skating] is such a good idea for a date because it’s a very fun winter activity and allows opportunities to bond while on a date.”

Another great place for couples to go this winter is to Jolly Holiday Lights at the Outlets of Des Moines. Unlike previous years where patrons would drive through the light show in their cars, this year Jolly Holiday Lights has switched to a walk-through experience through the outdoor mall in Altoona. Tickets are free, which makes this a great place to go for students on a budget. Though she has never been there herself, Schmidt said,

“I do think [Jolly Holiday Lights] would be fun because there are many different activities and lots of Christmas-related sights.”

Other ideas for going out during the winter months can include sledding or skiing, going to a Northwest basketball game, or going shopping. Madi Allen, a senior at Northwest, said, “Going Black Friday shopping is something I enjoy doing with my boyfriend every year, along with just shopping and general.”

Schmidt agreed and described a fun shopping trip she took with her boyfriend.

“So far this winter, my favorite [date] has been going to Target to get matching Christmas pajama pants and make Christmas cookies!” she said.

While there are many other places couples could visit this winter for a fun time out, some of the best winter dates are done right at home. 

Some more great ideas for a fun night in can include having a football watch party, having a gift exchange, or making and making tie blankets. Of course, the most important thing about dating any time of the year is not where people go, but who they go with. But these ideas can be helpful to ensure that date nights do not get repetitive or boring during the colder time of the year.

“I think winter dates can be very fun as long as they are thoughtful and creative!” Schmidt concluded.