6 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 six 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
First: Go indoor mini-golfing at Libertee Grounds ($10 per person, plus food and drink)
Then: Test your board game skills at Thirsty Dice ($5 per person, plus food and drink)
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Ready to spice things up with some friendly competition? First, take your best shot at Libertee Grounds, Philly’s indoor mini-golf course slash beer hall. As you putt your way through the nine holes (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 your thing, check out their non-alcoholic mixed drinks on the menu. After, walk 10 minutes to Thirsty Dice, where you can increase your bragging rights — or redeem yourself — while facing off over a board game. The gaming cafe offers a selection of 800 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.
Date #2
First: Go rock climbing at Tufas Boulder Lounge ($18 for a day pass, plus $5 for rental shoes)
Then: Refuel with plant-forward grub at Reap Mini Mart (pay for what you order)
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Rock climbing is an ideal winter activity because, well, you do it indoors. Slip on your own climbing shoes or rent some from Tufas in Kensington, then chalk up for a challenging workout that’s perfect for pairs — especially if you’re belaying. If you’re feeling an endorphin rush after your climb, feel free to run all the way to Reap Mini Mart. There, you can sip on one of their delicious smoothies or replenish with a plant-filled salad or grain bowl. Bonus: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream — home to fun flavors like Wedding Cake and Powdered Jelly Donut — is right across the street. Just sayin’.
Date #3
First: Explore local art at Cherry Street Pier (free)
Then: Ice skate at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest ($5 per person, plus $12 per pair of rental skates)
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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. 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 ($30 for 90 minutes; reservation required).
Date #4
First: Jog, bike, or stroll the southern portion of the Schuylkill River Trail (free)
Then: Grab a pretzel breakfast sandwich at Rowhome Coffee (pay for what you order)
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To really get the blood pumping, meet up for a morning jog or bike ride along the SRT. 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.
Date #5
First: Stroll through the storied grounds of Laurel Hill (free)
Then: Heat things up with a glassblowing class at East Falls Glassworks ($90 to $130 per person)
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Okay, so maybe walking through a cemetery doesn’t sound super romantic, but hear us out: Snow’s gently falling from the sky and you’re weaving your way through the scenic pathways surrounded by historic mausoleums and gorgeous old trees, enjoying a quiet moment with your date. Pretty romantic, no? Once you’re good and frozen from your winter stroll, head over to a pre-booked class at 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!
Date #6
First: Immerse yourselves in nature at Longwood Gardens ($30 per person)
Then: Taste local wines at Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery ($15 per person)
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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 8th) or hit up their winter wonderland (January 21st through March 26th), is the perfect place to lift your spirits and enjoy a romantic wander with your date. After checking out the botanical displays in all their glory and wandering the garden’s 1,000-plus acre property, head to the nearby Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery for a tasting. Walk-ins are welcome in the tasting room, where they’ll serve you up a flight of four single-ounce pours of their made-in-Pennsylvania wines. You can snack on cheese and crackers there, or BYO food pairings for a low-key picnic-style date.
This guide has been updated since it first posted, and includes reporting by Adjua Fisher, Bailey King, and Micah Zimmerman.
