20 Winter Date Ideas for Students on a Budget
It’s finally that time of year for drinking hot chocolate in your pajamas and cuddling up with your significant other to stay warm. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay in and be bored all day. Check out these winter date ideas that will get you – and your SO - up and moving!
1. Ice skating
Ice skating is one of the first things people think of when thinking of winter date ideas. This is a place to just have fun, and not be afraid to embarrass yourself. Ice skating is a nice idea for a date or just hanging out with your friends, too. If you don’t like ice, roller skating is another option.
2. Go to the mall
Shopping is always fun, and you don’t necessarily have to spend any money. Window shopping with your significant other is fun enough. But if you do decide to splurge, maybe you can buy matching winter sweaters!
3. See a play/show
Seeing a play or show is a nice idea to get out of the house and do something different. Find something you and your partner are interested in seeing, like The Nutcracker or a holiday concert, and plan a romantic night for dinner and a show!
4. Head to the movies
You can never go wrong with dinner and a movie. Grab your date and see if any local movie theaters are playing any classic holiday movies . Or see what scary movies are playing – what better excuse is there to cuddle up together?
5. Bake
Even if you want to stay in your PJ’s all day, that’s fine. Get some ingredients together and enjoy baking your favorite holiday treats!
6. Decorate a gingerbread house
If baking a gingerbread house is too much work, take a shortcut and buy a kit to decorate together. It’s a fun activity that will also help build your teamwork skills as a couple.
7. Go to a sporting event
Check to see what sporting events are happening near you and buy tickets for you and your partner. It’s football, hockey, and basketball season, which makes for a playful date! If you are someone (like me) who has no idea what goes on in sports, have your boyfriend or girlfriend explain it as you watch. It’s always fun seeing your significant other get excited about a game.
8. Indoor skydiving/Sky Zone
If you want to take a step out of your comfort zone, try indoor skydiving! Sky Zone is another option, which is an indoor trampoline park that helps you stay fit while having fun!
9. Play indoor paintball or laser tag
If you and your SO are competitive, spend an afternoon playing paintball or laser tag. This one’s great with friends, too!
10. Have a movie night at home
If you’re not in the mood to go out, you can always have a “Netflix and Chill” night. Make some hot chocolate, grab a blanket, and cuddle up with your partner for a night of non-stop movies.
11. Take a cooking class
Winter is the perfect time to learn how to make a new dish. After you and your SO warm up in the kitchen, you can put your skills to use with all the holiday dinners coming up!
12. Check on-campus
Check to see what late night events your school is having. Maybe they’re showing a movie you want to see, hosting a Christmas tree lighting, or having an on-campus holiday party.
13. Throw a game night
This is another good idea if you live on campus and have video or board games in your dorm room. If not, head over to your game room and have some fun there.
14. …or head to the arcade
Local video arcades or places like Dave & Busters are another date you can never go wrong with. Some locations have restaurants, so you can also grab a bite to eat before playing endless arcade games. At the end, gather your tickets to get some cool prizes for each other!
15. Volunteer
Of course, it’s good to give back all throughout the year, but the holidays always feel like the perfect time to volunteer in your community. You and your SO can serve food at a local shelter, volunteer at an animal shelter, or donate a gift for children in need.
16. Go bowling
Bowling is another great winter date idea. Compete with your partner to see who can score the highest! Some bowling places are 21+, and they have bowling, pool tables, mini games, food, and a bar.
17. Play in the snow
If it’s snowing out, this will be a hilarious date. Go sledding and race each other down hills, build a snowman, see who can make the best snow angels, and just enjoy playing outside together.
18. Go skiing or snowboarding
If there’s a ski resort nearby, spend a day on the mountain together. After, you can head to the lodge to warm up by the fireplace.
19. Go for a sleigh ride
Cheesy? Yes. Romantic? Yes. These can get pricey, but if you’re looking to treat your SO for the holidays, this is a picture-perfect date.
20. Take a tour of the Christmas lights
Lots of cities put on drive-through light displays, but you can also grab some hot drinks and take a drive around your city to see which neighborhoods have the best decorations.