7 Healthy and Fun Winter Date Ideas in and Around Philly
Because you can't spend the entire winter watching Netflix and cuddling in your cozy blanket nest.
Our list of winter dates that are fun and healthy-ish, including time spent at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. / Photograph by Matt Stanley
As the days get colder and the nights get longer, it can be tempting to let every date night turn into takeout and a movie on your couch. And while there’s nothing wrong with taking it easy during this bustling season, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house, to try something new together, and to ignite the romantic spark with a good ol’ fashioned date night.
Luckily, Philly offers plenty of winter-friendly ways to explore the city and get active with your partner. To help you kick off the planning of your perfect romantic excursion, here are seven ready-to-try winter date ideas. They don’t require you to completely freeze your buns off, they’re good-ish for you, and they won’t totally break the bank. Sounds like a win in our books!
Date #1: Test your skills at indoor mini-golf.
Ready to spice things up with some friendly competition? Take your best shot at Libertee Grounds, Philly’s indoor mini-golf course slash beer hall. As you putt your way through (the green spells out “Philly”), enjoy a selection of pan-Asian comfort food, plus craft beer, wine, or cocktails if that’s your thing — and if that’s not, check out their non-alcoholic mixed drinks on the menu. $10 per person, plus food and drink.
Date #2: Play board games!
If you want to increase your bragging rights — or redeem yourself — head to Thirsty Dice to face off over a board game. The Fairmount-based gaming cafe offers a selection of 950 different games, plus a solid food and drink menu if you’re still hungry, as well as a coffee bar and milkshakes (which can be made boozy) for a sweet nightcap. $7 per person, plus food and drink.
Date #3: Go rock climbing.
Rock climbing is an ideal winter activity because, well, you do it indoors around here. Put on your own climbing shoes or rent some from Tufas Boulder Lounge in Kensington, then chalk up for a challenging workout that’s perfect for pairs — especially if you’re belaying. $18 for a day pass, plus $5 for rental shoes — though, Tufas operates on a sliding-scale price model.
Date #4: Spend time at the Waterfront.
If you and your boo don’t mind the cold, have yourselves a date down at the Delaware River Waterfront. First, spend an hour or two checking out locally produced art and enjoying scenic views at Cherry Street Pier, where artists-in-residence have set up shop in repurposed shipping containers. On the weekends, the pier often hosts artisan markets or live performances that feature local crafts, goods, and creators — check the schedule to see what’s coming up on the calendar. Free, pay for what you buy.
After, stroll 10 minutes down the Delaware to Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Whether you’re a skating pro or a total wall-grabber, you’re bound to have fun with each other on the ice. Plus, when your fingers and toes reach utter numbness, you can warm up and grab a bite to eat in the lodge or cozy up around one of their fire pits. Prices vary on activities.
Date #4: Get outside.
To really get your blood pumping, meet up for a morning jog, stroll or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail. Depending on your preferred distance, start wherever you’d like and plan on ending near the South Street Bridge and Schuylkill Banks Park. This will put you in perfect proximity to a comforting, warming, and delicious snack spot: Rowhome Coffee. The shop’s classic breakfast sandwiches are the perfect way to start your day (especially the ones served on a soft pretzel!). Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea as you enjoy good company and conversation. Free access to SRT; pay for what you buy at Rowhome Coffee.
Date #5: Heat things up.
Head over to East Falls Glassworks to warm up while playing with molten glass. Sign up for a beginner-friendly workshop to learn how to make your own stemless wine glasses, vases, decorative bowls, and more — then take home your creations as souvenirs from your outing. It’s the most expensive date in our guide, but it’s a truly priceless experience! Workshops starting at $95 per person.
Date #6: Immerse yourself in nature.
This time of year — as the days get shorter and the trees shed their leaves and everything gets grayer — is a perfect setup for a bad case of the winter blues. So why not head somewhere that’s still vibrant and green where you can surround yourself with growing things and dream of spring? Longwood Gardens — whether you go for their festive holiday display (through January 7th) or hit up their winter wonderland (January 20th through March 24th) — is the perfect place to lift your spirits and enjoy a romantic wander with your date, mainly thanks to the botanical displays in all their glory. $30 per person.
Date #7: Find your flow.
For obvious reasons, this time of year is great for hot yoga. Don’t think yoga is synonymous with relationship building? Think again! The practice can help improve your communication, intimacy, and mental clarity. Luckily, the region boasts a ton of hot yoga studios — peep our ultimate guide here. Prices vary across studios.
This guide has been updated since it first posted, and includes reporting by Adjua Fisher, Bailey King, and Micah Zimmerman.
