Finding ways to get on dates during the winter is hard enough. Add in Covid-19 and your winter date options become even more limited. Especially if you focus heavily on social distancing.
My husband and I have not been out to eat in a restaurant since probably January. Sometimes that is the easiest way we could get on a quick date while we had help with our daughter.
Since the pandemic has started, we have probably only gone on 2 or 3 real “dates” by ourselves. Given the social distancing guidelines and the comfort level of our usual go-to babysitters during the pandemic, finding time to date has been hard.
Importance of Dating
1. Connection
In my favorite go-to books on improving your marriage by Lee Baucom and John Gottman, they both discuss the importance of connection in your marriage.
Dates will provide you with another opportunity to connect with your spouse. When I say connect, I mean more than just sitting down and talking about the finances and kids (although that is important too).
I mean that it gives you an opportunity to talk about what is on each of your minds. Your hopes, dreams, aspirations, hobbies, and whatever else might be on your mind.
Talking about this type of thing is what drew you to your spouse in the first place. Continuing to do so will ensure that you have a strong bond throughout your marriage.
2. New Experiences
Dating will provide you and your significant other with new experiences together. This can be especially important if you feel like your relationship has stagnated or become the same day to day.
It helps create new experiences and new memories that you can talk about and think about for years to come. Just one other thing to connect and bring you together through the years.
3. Something to look forward to
Going on dates will give you and your spouse something to look forward to. I don’t know about you, but my life is fairly routine and has become even more so since Covid started.
Planning dates or excursions would bring some excitement to your life and give you and your significant other something to think about and look forward to in the days leading up to it.
4. Fun
Going on dates is fun. Having fun and doing something enjoyable can help you reduce your stress levels.
It is important for your connection and relationship with your partner to create positive interactions with one another. Going on dates and having fun with one another is one way to do this.
5. Romantic feelings
Going on dates is how you developed romantic feelings for one another to begin with. After years together, and especially after kids, it can be hard to think of your partner as more than just a roommate or co-parent.
Making sure that you take time just for your relationship and doing something with one another will help those feelings stay alive.
Plus, it can bring back good memories of all the other romantic dates you’ve had with one another through the years. Reflecting on past positive experiences usually brings a smile to my face.
6. Helps communication
Being able to communicate with your partner is important. Going on dates gives you opportunities to communicate with your spouse that may not otherwise have been there.
Since dates are typically fun, it helps you develop a positive communication style with your partner that can carry over into those times when you do need to have those more difficult conversations.
If you are looking for additional ways to improve your relationship with your partner, check out my article Common Marriage Problems and How to Overcome Them.
List of Winter Date Ideas During Covid-19
Finding unique date ideas during the winter is difficult. Our typical go-to was always dinner, and maybe a move. Throw in covid-19 and those are no longer options for us.
Here is a list of great winter date ideas for during covid-19!
1. Go on a Hike
Living in Wisconsin, I think that I may be a bit spoiled with all the state parks, county parks, and hiking trails in my area.
One of our favorite go-to dates is to go on a hike to our local state park – High Cliff. There is nothing like doing something active and being out in nature to bring up your spirits.
2. Go Snowshoeing
Although similar to hiking, snowshoeing is another great option, especially during these winter months. Wearing the snowshoes is a different feeling and it works out slightly different muscles than hiking, so you may be sore the next day, depending on how far you go.
It’s just another fun way to get out and enjoy the snow that winter has to offer! If you don’t have your own snowshoes, there are places that will rent them to you, so look into it!
3. Go Skiing (Downhill or Cross Country) or Snowboarding
This may be a bit more of an expensive option than the others on the list, it is still a fun way to get outside during the winter with your partner!
Here in the Midwest, we have quite a few snow resorts to choose from. That means that even if there isn’t a ton of snow on the ground, many times these resorts can make the snow so you can still get the activity in.
Skiing, either downhill or cross country, or snowboarding can be a great way to do something active and fun with your spouse while still being socially distanced.
4. Cook a New Meal Together
I don’t know about you, but I find that often times we repeat the same meals over and over in our household.
One way to have a fun night together would be to cook a new meal together. This can include picking out the new meal, running to the store to get the ingredients, and then actually hanging out in the kitchen helping one another with the meal.
It can be a great way to bond while doing something new together.
5. Watch a New Netflix Series
As an alternative to going to the theater, one way to get some viewing time in is to watch a new Netflix series together.
Pick something you both think you will enjoy and then plan one night a week to try and watch an episode together.
The tricky part is not watching ahead if the show is really good and you have some free time alone!
6. Play a Game Together (video, card, board)
Another option for winter dates that adults tend to not consider when thinking of dates is to plan a night to play a game together. This is easy enough to do, even if you have kids.
You just play it after the kids go to bed at night!
There are so many different game options to choose from depending on your preferences.
Video Games
For the techy people, you may prefer to play a video game with your spouse. Options here can include anything from Mario to Fortnite to Stardew Valley. Really anything that peaks your interest.
If you’re interested in having a double-date, you could check out the online play options for something like Jackbox Games.
Card Games
Card games are something I think is often overlooked as a fun game to play together. You can play things like Kings Corners, Cribbage, or even something newer like Exploding Kittens or Boss Monsters.
Board Games
Board games are another fun way to connect with your spouse. I tend to like traditional games like Sorry or Mancala. But there are also more adult-themed games like Catan or Carcassonne.
7. Build Something New Together or Tackle a Project Around the House
Perhaps you are in the mood to switch up something around the house or take on a new project. Options for this can be simple or complicated.
My husband is currently helping me build a magnetic bulletin board. Even as something as simple as a decoration for around the house.
Alternatively, it could be a larger project like painting a room or refacing cabinets.
8. Snowman & Hot Cocoa
Get outside and play in the snow like you are kids! Make snow angels, build a snowman, build a snow fort, or have a snowball fight! This is an almost Hallmark-esque type activity that can give you something fun to do together.
Afterward, come inside, have some hot cocoa and cuddle up beneath a blanket to get warm.
9. Ice Skating
A lot of areas build outdoor ice rinks during the winter months. Grab your skates (or rent a pair) and get out there and ice skate!
10. Sledding
Another fun outdoor option is sledding. Grab a sled, some tubes, or whatever your preferred equipment is, and head down a local sledding hill!
11. Ask Each Other Questions
Have a night where you just ask each other questions to learn more about one another. In “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” book by John Gottman, there are plenty of questions to go over with your spouse.
We went through maybe one-third of the book already and I have learned quite a few new things about my husband!
Another option I read about is the book “101 Conversation Starters for Couples” by Gary Chapman.
Having this kind of date can grow your intimacy with your partner because you will get to know them even better.
12. Candlelight, Music, & Pick-Up/Delivery Dinner
While you may not be comfortable eating out in restaurants right now, you can still do pick-up or delivery.
Instead of eating it like just another night at home, spice it up, and create a really great atmosphere. Dim the lights, light some candles, turn on some of your favorite dinner music.
You can even go the extra step and dress up for one another like you were going out somewhere fancy! It will bring an extra level of excitement to a simple meal at home.
13. Snowmobiling
Another fun outdoor winter date activity is snowmobiling. If you are lucky enough to own one or have access to one, it can make for a great date!
You can snuggle up on the same snowmobile, take separate ones, and just enjoy the speed and scenery that the activity has to offer.
14. Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is another simple date for winter in the Midwest during covid. It is easy enough to stay socially distanced.
Pack some warm blankets, nice toasty beverages, and snuggle up on a chair while waiting for the fish to bite. Plenty of time to talk and snuggle.
15. Book a Hotel Room
Booking a hotel room may sound extreme. But, if you really need a night away together, it is an excellent option.
You don’t even have to travel far to do it. Just pick a nice local hotel and enjoy the change of scenery for the night. Order room service or pick up some food and snuggle up.
Try Out One of the Covide Winter Dates!
There is nothing more important than continuing to develop that close bond you have with your partner. Get out there and try one of our winter date ideas! Let us know how it worked out for you!
If you have other winter date ideas that you have tried and enjoyed, leave them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
