11 Winter Date Ideas in Boston That Aren't Just Dinner & Drinks

Just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean you need to let a chill settle over your relationship. Add some spice to things with a fun date night snow tubing, dancing, exploring a museum, or engaging in an epic game of ping-pong.  by Celina Colby 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/harpoon-slopeslide-boston-445807">Snow Tubing at Harpoon Brewery</a> Info: Get out of a boring cycle of dinner and drinks by sailing down a man-made snow tubing lane at Harpoon Brewery in Seaport. Afterwards, grab a brew and a themed snack from the on-site concessions.  2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-9-best-outdoor-ice-skating-rinks-in-around-boston-this-winter-boston-437081">Go ice skating at rinks around Boston</a> Info: One of the perks of a chilly Boston is ice skating around the Hub. Go classic with a skate on the Boston Common Frog Pond or check out the completely free skating rink in Quincy. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-23-best-museums-you-ll-want-to-visit-in-boston-boston-409475">Visit a museum</a> Info: Whether you’re into art, science, technology, or history, Boston has a museum for you. Strolling through the halls of the city’s coolest museum is a great cold-weather date. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, check out these <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/11-quirky-and-unusual-museums-in-greater-boston-boston-1006563">quirky and unusual museums</a> or explore local museums after hours at <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/mfa-late-night-boston-1011395">MFA Late Night</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/after-dark-deception-cambridge-1011396">MIT After Dark</a>, or <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/harvard-art-museums-at-night--44-cambridge-1010226">Harvard Art Museums at Night</a>. 4) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/10-cheap-and-discounted-theater-tickets-in-boston-boston-1007979">See a theater show</a> Info: Snag a discounted ticket and see a local theater show. There are live performances of all kinds from comedy shows and the classic Blue Man Group to probing narrative plays on stage and classical concerts.  5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/20-places-to-enjoy-free-live-music-in-boston-for-every-day-of-the-week-boston-409538">Enjoy some live music</a> Info: Add a little interest to your evening at the bar by enjoying free live music at bars and restaurants around the city. Whether you’re into folk, pop, or <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/?search=irish+session">Irish tunes</a>, there’s something for every taste.  6) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/sowa-sundays--79-boston-ma-02118-1010307">Go vintage shopping</a> Info: Sustainability is sexy. By secondhand shopping you contribute to a healthier planet, but you can also hunt for unique treasures and unusual items. Peruse vendors at the weekly <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/sowa-sundays--79-boston-ma-02118-1010307">SoWa Vintage Market</a>, head straight to the source at <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-26-best-thrift-stores-in-boston-for-vintage-and-designer-finds-boston-445969">local thrift stores</a>, or check out a <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/small-mart-valentine-s-day-market-at-crystal-ballroom-somerville-1011259">pop-up market</a> complete with music and beverages. 7) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/new-bars-restaurants-now-open-in-boston-fall-winter-2024-boston-1010112">Go to an immersive bar or restaurant</a> Info: It’s so easy to get into a food rut with neighborhood spots that are comfortable and convenient. Mix things up by trying a new restaurant or speakeasy that offers more than just sustenance. Some notables are <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/loyall-counting-room-cocktail-bar-speakeasy-at-intercontinental-boston-boston-1009077">hidden speakeasy</a> you have to follow clues to get into or the <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/a-sanctuary-cafe-cat-cafe-opening-fall-2023-beacon-hill-boston-425479">cat cafe</a> where you can snuggle with kitties while sipping your coffee.  8) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-parks-winter-fitness-series--2-boston-1010962">Try a new fitness class</a> Info: Get fit together by trying a new fitness routine or class. The Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series is a free schedule of classes held at community centers around Boston, or you can try something spicier like pole dancing.  9) Go dancing Info: Going dancing is an old-school date that’s sure to charm your sweetheart. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/live-music-at-loretta-s-last-call-boston-406275">Line dance</a> at Loretta’s Last Call every Sunday and Tuesday, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-swing-central-friday-dance-cambridge-447372">swing dance</a> every Friday night at Q Ballroom, and shake it out during <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bachata-class-flow-studios--81-roxbury-1005844">bachata class</a> Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays at Flow Studios. 10) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-12-best-experiential-bars-around-boston-boston-397466">Get your game on, with a cocktail in hand</a> Info: Boston has tons of fun experiential bars that allow you to enjoy food and drinks while engaging in fun games. Try <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/flight-club-darts-boston-seaport-boston-364967">darts</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/spin-ping-pong-bar-seaport-boston-367352">ping-pong</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/pkl-boston-pickleball-bar-cocktail-lounge-south-boston-boston-386793">pickleball</a>, <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/axe-throwing-at-urban-axes-somerville-ma-somerville-366179">axe throwing</a>, and much more with your boo.  11) Learn a new skill Info: Taking a class is a great way to experience something new together. If you’re a foodie, check out this <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/pagu-sushi-hand-roll-class--4-cambridge-1009032">sushi hand-roll class at Pagu</a> or learn to <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/hand-pulled-noodles-from-scratch--3-cambridge-1008784">make hand-pulled noodles from scratch</a>. Get artsy with a pottery class at the <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/pottery-painting-at-the-clayroom-brookline/408876">Brookline Clayroom</a> or a <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/paint-byo-sips-brookline-1009268">paint and sip night</a> with a local artist. -- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3VGYGMs_vb/">Photo</a> by @boston_commoner

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S28: calendar experiences

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11 Winter Date Ideas in Boston That Aren't Just Dinner & Drinks

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