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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Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

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What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

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Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

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S28: calendar experiences

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

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S16: editor picks

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Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

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S2 (A): top experiences

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Top 20 things to do in Boston

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S3 (A): trending experiences

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

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Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

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

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