Winter is here and it’s time to find fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Because daylight hours are shorter, you may find yourself looking for some new date ideas. This list is has tons of cheap winter date ideas.
I know when the weather gets cold, it’s easy to sit at home and feel like you’re in a rut. Today I’m sharing some of my favourite indoor and outdoor winter date ideas.
Whether you’re looking for a winter first date idea or something to spice up your current relationship – feel free to use this list to get inspired!
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- 27 budget-friendly staycations that are actually fun
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- 70+ fun things to do at home when you’re bored
Table of Contents
1. Go ice skating
I love going ice skating in the winter months! My boyfriend and I just recently bought new ice skates.
It’s been a blast teaching my boyfriend how to ice skate this year. This is one of our favorite outdoor winter date ideas for teenagers.
2. Start a fitness challenge together
Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated to stick to your exercise routine during the winter months. Starting a fitness challenge together can be a fun way to keep yourself accountable.
If you’re interested in getting into a fitness routine, the P.Volve app can be a great option. It has customized workouts and meal plans tailored to your goals.
Plus, studies have shown that couples who work out together report increased feelings of overall relationship satisfaction.
My boyfriend and I love doing workouts together. Epsecially since gyms are closed here, this is one of my favorite winter date ideas during covid.
Or you may want to consider doing a fitness weight loss challenge together. Sites, such as HealthyWage has individual or team weight loss challenges.
Win up to $10,000 if you meet your goal weight!
Read Next: HealthyWage Review – Does it really pay out?
3. Have a game night
Invite other couples over and play your favourite board games with two-player teams.
You can even arrange a prize for the winning team. Make sure to have some yummy snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
Some of my favorite games include Jenga, Telestrations, Cards Against Humanity, and What Do You Meme. This is fun winter date idea at home.
4. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill can be a fun date idea. There are many things that we don’t know how to do, such as calligraphy, watercolor painting, baking a pie from scratch, speaking another language, knitting, and so on.
Check out YouTube for free videos to help you get started. Or if you want to learn from one of the pros, Masterclass can be a great option.
5. Enjoy Korean BBQ
When I was in Seoul, this was a popular meal activity for friends and family to do. It’s easy to have your own Korean BBQ dinner at home.
Just grab all your favorite protein and veggies, then sit around a grill to cook everything. I love this affordable grill is great for having enjoying Korean BBQ at home.
6. Make brunch at home
One of my favorite cheap date ideas is to make brunch at home. Going out for brunch can be a expensive, but fortuantely it’s easy to make a delicious meal at home.
You can make blueberry pancakes, eggs and breakfast potatoes, waffles with strawberries, or anything you wish!
Serve it with mimosas or your favorite brunch cocktails. This is one of the best things you can do with your girlfriend on a cold day.
PRO TIP: Instead of paying out of pocket for your date, my boyfriend and I like to use Swagbucks to earn free gift cards. You can get gift cards to stores like Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, and other popular retailers. This can be a great way to pay for a coffee shop date. Join Swagbucks for free here. Make sure to verify your email address so you can start making money right away!
7. Do yoga together
Yoga has become popular in mainstream society lately and for good reason. It’s a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.
I am not very good at yoga, but I’ve started practicing more because it’s a great way to the start the day. Yoga Download is a good place to start.
They offer over 1,500 online yoga classes for all levels.
8. Practice your photography skills
Last winter we had an ice storm that knocked out most of the power in my city, but the landscape was so beautiful.
The city glistened like a crystal in the sunlight. Lately, I have been practicing more photography with my camera.
You can even make some extra cash from your photos, such as selling stock photos online. This may be a great opportunity for you and your significant other to make money while having fun together. Shutterstock is a good place to sell your photos for cash.
9. Spa date at home
As the weather gets colder, it can affect your skin and hair causing dryness. Having a spa night is the perfect way to hydrate your skin and unwind. Lately, I’ve been loving these face masks.
PRO TIP: To save time, consider grabbing a spa box or self-care package from CrateJoy. They have 1,000s of unique subscription boxes available.
10. Spend the night at the arcade
One of my favorite cheap winter dates is to go to the local arcade. This is a great way to feel like a kid again. Plus, healthy competition can always be fun. I love this for a first winter date idea.
11. Go holiday shopping
Set a budget to buy each other a present. It can be as little or as much as you want. I recommend setting a small budget to keep this date idea affordable. You can head to your favorite store or shop online, it’s up to you!
When shopping online, I always make sure cash back websites such as Rakuten. Rakuten allows you to earn up to 20% cash back on your online purchases.
They have over 2,000 stores to choose from, which makes shopping online easy. Plus, you can earn $25 when you refer a friend.
For USA shoppers, you can click here to sign up for Rakuten (free $10 welcome bonus).
For Canadian shoppers, you can click here to sign up for Rakuten (free $5 welcome bonus).
12. Have a picnic indoors
If it’s too cold to go outdoors, try having a picnic indoors. Try creating your picnic around your favourite cuisine.
You can have your picnic in the living room, breakfast in bed or by the fireplace (if you have one). This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas at home.
13. Pick out a pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch
October is one of my favourite months and going to the pumpkin patch is lots of fun. Carve a jack-o-lantern and separate the seeds to make roasted pumpkin seeds. This is a cute winter date idea.
14. Master the perfect pumpkin spice latte at home
Coffee shop dates are one of my favorite cheap winter date ideas. Pumpkin spice lattes are one of the most popular fall drinks at the coffee shops today, but many of them contain chemical additives or too much sugar.
Instead, try making this delicious drink at home. If pumpkin latte is not your thing — try making your favourite fall or winter drink. I love using oat milk for my homemade lattes.
I recently bought this espresso maker to learn how to make my favorite Starbucks drinks at home. It’s been so much fun and saves me so much money!
Read Next: 12 easy ways to get free Starbucks drinks
15. Cook a gourmet meal together at home
Spend the evening together recreating one of your favorite restaurant meals at home. Grab your favorite cookbook or search for recipes online.
This can be a fun way to boost your confidence in the kitchen and impress each other with your culinary skills.
If you’re a total novice in the kitchen, consider grabbing a meal kit such as Chef’s Plate instead.
When I first started learning how to cook, Chef’s Plate made it easy. They deliver pre-cut and pre-portioned ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes. Anyone can feel like a gourmet chef when using Chef’s Plate.
16. Enjoy the fall leaves
I love the vibrant colours of the changing leaves in the fall. Take a drive, or walk through a scenic trail and enjoy a picnic in the park. This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas for teenage couples.
17. Volunteer together
While it is good to give back to the community all year round, many families and children need attention around the holiday season.
Lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. There are so many opportunities – pick the one that interests both of you!
18. Visit a museum
Sometimes winter can get quite cold and all you want to do is be warm inside. Look to see if there are any free museum days to check out in your city. This is one of my favorite cheap winter date ideas.
If museums are closed in your city, consider checking out a virtual museum tour. Some of my favorites include the British Museum in London, The Guggenheim Museum in NYC, and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
19. Pick apples at a local apple orchard
This is one of the best fall activities. I love using the apples to make pie, jams, apple crisp and caramel apples.
20. Cozy up next the fireplace
Grab a warm blanket, a hot cup of cocoa and roast marshmallows together. This is a romantic winter date idea.
21. See your favourite band in concert
Check local concert listings and head with your sweetie to rock out at a show. This website offers daily deals on things to do in your city.
Another idea is to check out local live music. Sometimes you can watch bands play for free at local bars or restaurants. This is one of the best places to take your girlfriend in the winter.
22. Have a bonfire
Having a bonfire can be a great way to stay warm on a cold winter night. Grab some warm blankets and pour yourself a nice drink. This is one of the best cute winter date ideas.
23. Play card games together
When was the last time you played a card game? A little friendly competition can make date night a blast. Some of my favorite card games include Rummy, Spit, and Poker.
24. Browse a local art gallery
One of the popular events here in Toronto takes place every October called Nuit Blanche.
It is an evening where artists get to showcase their art for free all over the city. You can also find cheap tickets to art galleries and tours on Viator.
25. Eat take-out by candlelight
Skip the dishes and order your favorite take-out for delivery. I know most people like to eat take-out while watching TV, but you can easily transform the atmosphere by lighting a few candles and laying a table cloth on the table.
Put on some music and enjoy each other’s company. This is one of my favorite cheap winter date ideas.
26. Have a wine and cheese party for two
If you can’t make it out to winery, why not do the next best thing instead? — Throw a wine and cheese party for friends or just the two of you.
Pick up a selection of organic gourmet cheeses at a local shop. You can use a nice cheese board set and this affordable set of cheese spreaders to amp up your display.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a monthly wine club membership that sends you hand-crafted bottles of wine from local and intentional wineries. My favorites are California Wine Club and Vinesse Wines.
27. Visit a farmer’s market in the fall
Pick up an assortment of seasonal fresh ingredients to make a cozy meal at home. Lately, I’ve been using this cookbook to entertain family and friends. Her crowd-pleasing Cesar salad is the best recipe!
28. Make snow angels
There is nothing like going out after a fresh snow fall and enjoying the sights. This is one of our favorite cheap winter date ideas.
29. Drive around the neighborhood on Christmas Eve to see all the Christmas lights
Some neighborhoods in the city like to go all out when decorating their house for Christmas. It’s fun to drive around to see all the beautiful lights.
30. Stay in and relax
If you’re snowed in, one of the best activities is to just stay in and relax. Cuddle up with a warm blanket and watch winter classics together with tea and popcorn.
31. Be a tourist in your own city
Sometimes you can get great deals on tourist activities in your city during the winter months when it’s quiet.
Take advantage of this and have fun exploring your own city. I like using CityPASS or Go City to check for local deals.
32. Attend the Santa Claus parade
If you can’t make it to the annual Thanksgiving parade in Manhattan, check out the local parade in your city. Make sure to dress warm, bring an extra blanket and pack a thermos of hot coffee or tea.
33. Paint with watercolors
For many of us, we haven’t painted with watercolors since we were in grade school. You’d be surprised how fun this can be!
I went to a paint night with friends at a local restaurant. While I had fun, it cost $50 per person, which can get pricey.
Instead, grab a cheap set of watercolor paint and art supplies and paint a masterpiece together at home. This is one of my favorite cheap winter date ideas.
34. Book a last minute get away to a sunny destination
There are lots of affordable last minute sun destination vacations available after New Years. If you’re looking to escape the winter weather for a week, take advantage of one of these opportunities.
On a budget? Check out one of these 27 staycaction ideas that are actually fun. This can be a great way to feel like you’re on vacation without spending a lot of money.
35. Host a tropical party
If you can’t get away to a sunny destination, why not bring the tropics to your home?
There are plenty of tropical party decorations and supplies for cheap on Amazon. Don’t forget to get the little umbrellas for your tropical drinks!
36. Visit your local library
When was the last time you went to your local library? You’d be surprised at how much the library offers.
You can borrow books, magazines, e-books, music, take free classes, attend free events, and more! Book store dates are one of my favorite cheap winter date ideas.
PRO TIP: Instead of paying out of pocket for your date, I like to use Branded Surveys to earn free gift cards. This site is simliar to Swagbucks. You can get gift cards to stores like Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, and other popular retailers to pay for a date idea. Join Branded Surveys for free here.
37. Go to an ice hockey game
Professional sporting events can be expensive. But sometimes you can get cheap tickets on Groupon. Another alternative is to check out a community hockey game.
38. Decorate a gingerbread house together
You can buy a kit or make it from scratch at home. This is a fun activity to do with the kids too. This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas.
39. Warm up with Indian food
The cold winter months make me crave comfort foods. Indian food is one of my favourite cuisines and the perfect way to warm your senses on a cold evening. The aroma and spice add a wonderful touch.
40. Ask each other questions
If you feel like you and your partner haven’t really talked in a long time, I highly recommend asking each thought-provoking questions.
This is something I like to do with my boyfriend on a regular basis. You can search for questions to ask each other online, or pick up a book to help get the conversation started.
41. Skip the take-out and make Chinese food at home
Instead of ordering in – why not try to replicate your favourite Chinese dishes at home? You can even serve them in the cute take out boxes with chopsticks.
End the evening with a classic Kung-Fu movie. This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas.
42. Go indoor mini-golf
Mini-golf is a popular date night choice, but it can be expensive. Instead, set up a mini-golf course at home.
There are mini-golf sets you can buy online or your can create your own. Another idea is to do indoor croquet.
43. “Walking in a winter wonderland…”
Whether it’s in the evening or first thing in the morning, there is nothing like walking through freshly fallen snow – you know, before the streets get salted and the white snow turns to brown slush?
It’s so peaceful after a fresh snow fall to explore, take photos and enjoy.
44. Do a puzzle together
This is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening together. Set a timer to see how long it takes you to put together the puzzle.
This is a nice and relaxing activity. Pour a glass of wine and get the conversation stated.
45. Used bookstore date
I love going to used bookstores and browsing through the books – especially the travel section. It’s great excuse to plan your next trip or holiday.
46. Take a dance class
Ever wanted to learn how to Salsa? Why not sign up for a class – Groupon offers dance class coupons for individuals or couples.
47. Go indoor mini golfing
If you’re looking for a fun afternoon or evening out – indoor mini golfing is a great activity with friends. Invite other couples and then go out for frozen yogurt or coffee afterwards.
48. Have a hot chocolate competition
I love watching those baking compeition shows on the Food Network. Use this as inspiration to host a hot chocolate contest. You and your date can craft the most unique and delicious hot chocolate.
Ideas includes frozen hot chocolate, cookies and cream hot chocolate, mexican hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter hot chocolate, and so on.
49. Go to an Escape Room
This may not be everyone’s thing – but it can be a fun and exhilarating experience together. Some Escape Rooms offer discounts online, so check to see what’s available in your city.
50. Build a snowman
If you get enough snow in your city, you won’t have to travel far to make a snowmen. Dress him up with a scarf, hat and carrot noise.
51. Head to a comedy show
Look for comedy shows in your city – many of them are free or affordable featuring local or new comedians.
For more popular shows, check to see if there are any discounts being offered. (I used to get discounted comedy show tickets through my University.)
52. Write a letter to each other in the future
Put together a time capsule or write a love letter to each other 10 or 20 years from now. Put it in a safe place so you’ll be able to retrieve it in the future.
53. Take a cooking class
With so many holidays taking place over the fall and winter months, go ahead and put your new cooking skills into action!
54. Watch all the movies nominated for an Oscar
Since the Oscars normally happen in the late winter, try to see all the movies that have been nominated for best picture, then cast your prediction. This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas.
55. Karaoke
When I was in Seoul, Karaoke was a popular activity and lots of fun to do with your sweetie and friends. There is a bar in my neighborhood that does karaoke every Saturday night. It’s free to attend!
56. Go bowling
Bowling is fun as a couple, but it’s even better with friends – make it a double date! Groupon offers lots of discounts and bowling packages for groups.
57. Go tobogganing or sledding
This activity is not just for kids. If you live in a snowy area, grab your favorite sled and have fun sliding down the hills.
Then afterwards, you can head to a local cafe and warm up with a cup of tea or coffee.
58. Restaurant Week
Here in Toronto we have an event called Winterlicious where a bunch of local restaurants offer a pre-fix meal for an affordable price.
Many big cities host a similar event as well. It’s a great way to try a nice restaurant at a reduced price.
59. Indoor paintball
This makes for a great afternoon of laughs and fun.
60. Snowshoeing
A great activity for those that love the snow – bundle up and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate afterwards.
61. Go to a poetry reading
Instead of the typical dinner and a movie date, why not attend a poetry reading instead?
Some places offer an open mic for people to go up recite their poem. If you’re feeling brave, why not go up yourself!
62. Trivia night at a local bar
This is great with friends too if you decide to do a double date.
63. Brunch at home
Brunch has become a staple here in Toronto and many big cities, but unfortunately it can get expensive.
Instead why not make a delicious brunch at home together with your sweetie. Enjoy all the mimosas you want! This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas.
64. Bake holiday treats together
I find a lot of people are busy nowadays and many don’t know how to cook or bake. Learn how to bake your favourite holiday treats at home.
Lately, I have been loving this dessert cookbook. The chocolate cream pie is my favorite!
65. Beer and wine tasting at home
Sometimes you can get free samples at local breweries and wineries, but instead invite over friends (or other couples) and ask them to bring over their favourite wine or beer. You can have your own beer and wine tasting at home.
66. Go to the casinos
While I don’t recommend gambling, sometimes it’s fun to go out to the casinos for a night.
Set a clear budget, such as $10 per person and make sure you stick to it. If you win money, use it to go out for dessert.
67. Read a book together
Pick out a book (new or old) and read it individually, but together. Once you reach the end of a chapter, take a break and discuss.
This is great to do at home, library, bookstore or at a coffee shop.
68. Unplug
Sometimes it’s nice to unplug from electronics and bond with sweetie.
69. Snow fight
Don’t be afraid to let your inner child out and play. Have a snow fight, then warm up inside with a warm drink by the fireplace.
70. No fire place, no problem
Turn on the TV to the fireplace channel and cuddle under an electric blanket.
71. Buy each other a present
Go to the mall and set a limit of $5-$20 each. Then split up and find a present for your sweetie with that budget. See who can pick out the most interesting and creative gift.
72. Write a fall or winter bucket-list together
Make it a date by getting together and making a list of all the things you want to do this fall and winter.
73. Play in the leaves
After raking up all the leaves in your yard, why not have fun playing in them together? You are never too old to be a kid again.
74. Plan the perfect Halloween costumes together
Instead of getting a Halloween costume from a bag, why not brain storm some ideas, then head to your local thrift store to search for the perfect outfit. You can easily create your own awesome costumer for less.
75. Go to a football game
Whether you see a professional sporting event or a local community team — bring a thermos of your favourite hot beverage to share together.
76. Enjoy a coffee date
Fall and winter are the perfect times to have a coffee date (or tea if you prefer). Stay at home or warm up at your favourite cafe.
Read Next: 12 easy ways to get FREE Starbucks drinks
77. Take a bubble bath
This is a nice way to relax and unwind. Light some candles, dim the lights, and enjoy a bubble bath together.
78. Play ping-pong
There are many ping-ping social clubs in the city or you might find one at your local community center.
When my boyfriend and I met, we started playing ping-ping together as a cheap winter date idea. It was a fun way to have friendly competition and stay warm indoors.
79. Go zip-lining
Fall is a fun time to go zip-lining through all the beautifully colored trees.
80. Create a masterpiece together
For those into the arts, why not paint a picture, or sketch each other. If you’re not into drawing you can build something together like sculpture.
81. Visit an ice sculpture festival
Most cities host an ice sculpture event each winter. Some of the artist create incredible work!
82. Meet for dessert
Instead of having a coffee date, why not meet up at a dessert cafe? There are milk bars that offer a variety of different flavored milk to pair with a freshly baked cookie or head to a local cupcake shop. This is one of the best cheap winter date ideas.
83. Visit a haunted house
Research to see if there are any haunted houses or tours in your city and pick the one that interests you.
84. Go for a manicure together
Most men are not open to the idea right away, but you’ll be surprised how much they love having their nails nicely cared for.
85. Go berry picking
After a morning of berry picking, come home and make jams, pie, etc.
86. Make a list of New Years resolutions
They can be as a couple together or individual resolutions. Help motivate each other by sticking to your plans.
87. Start a blog together
Have you ever thought about blogging? Blogging can be a great creative outlet and it’s a lot of fun to start a blog with your significant other.
If you’re interested in starting your own blog, check out my free step-by-step guide. It takes just a few minutes to get your blog up and running. Anyone can do it!
I started this blog when I was in college, not knowing anything about blogs. Now I love connecting with people all over the world. It’s pretty amazing how special blogging can be.
Need some inspiration? Check out the best ways to make money as a new blogger here.
88. Read ghost stories or watch scary movies
October is the time of year to watch scary movies and if you’re brave enough — read real life ghost stories about the city you live in. What’s your favorite Halloween movie?
89. Shop at a flea market
You might score on something great since many vendors like to clear out much of their inventory before winter sets in.
90. Create a haunted house
Turn your home into a haunted house and invite your friends over (or other couples) to spook them.
91. Go hiking
If you haven’t noticed by now, I love exploring nature and hiking is one of my favourite fall activities. You can even pack a small lunch and bring a thermos of tea or cider with you.
92. Make a scarecrow
You can make one or do a “his” and “her” combo. Use old clothes that you don’t want anymore or find the perfect outfit at the local thrift shop.
93. Go on a bike ride through the fall foliage
This is fun and a good way to get some exercise.
94. Thanksgiving picnic in the park
If you have lots of leftovers, why not turn them into a beautiful fall picnic in the park.
You can even make delicious turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert.
95. Let out your crafty side
Make Halloween, fall or Christmas decorations at home. Use Pinterest to get ideas.
96. Go on a hayride
Yes they are fun and if you go at night, you can gaze up at the stars.
97. Make your own mulled wine
Look for recipes online or in cookbooks at your local library. You can even invent your own mix!
97. Get lost in a corn maze
This can be fun and a little spooky. This is a fun fall date idea.
98. Take a free (or affordable) community education class together
You can learn how to speak a new language, daw, paint, take photos, and so on. This is one of my favorite cheap winter date idea.
99. Make your own holiday cards
Find a beautiful spot to do a photo shoot and snap away. There are affordable websites that allow you to upload your photo and print your card at home or at a print shop.
100. Visit the oldest graveyard in your city
Around Halloween it can be a little spooky, but it’s interesting to walk around and read the names on the tombstones.
101. Check out the local fall and winter festivals
Summer is not the only time to visit local festivals – there are plenty of events happening during the fall and winter months. Look for Oktoberfest, craft shows, one-of-a-kind shows, etc.
