DATE NIGHT IDEAS
It is mid January in Minnesota and we are again in the midst of a pandemic. With the ever changing guidelines on what is safe to do during this wave, who needs to quarantine, the various risk factors and risk tolerance people need to consider, as well as the changing landscape of what entertainment is available, couples who come to see me for couples counseling are struggling to find things to do together. We know that having a way to connect, to have fun and to relax with a partner is a key ingredient to a satisfying relationship as well as overall mental and emotional well being.
With that in mind, I have put together a list of potential date night ideas for couples in the Twin Cities. Take a look and grab an idea that is in line with your own pandemic protocols, or use this list as a jumping off point for your own creative date night ideas!
Dinner In: Cooking together can be an awesome way to connect. Preparing food together involves creativity, indulgence of our senses and team work. Good food also engages the same neural pathways as good sex! What’s not to love! If you’re already into cooking, grab a new recipe and your partner and get cooking! New and experienced chefs also enjoy the meal kit boxes that you can order to prepare together or pick up at your local grocery store. Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Home Chef, and Every Plate are examples of meal prep kits that can be delivered right to your door.
Games: If you have a favorite board game already, that can make for a fun date night. If you’d like to try something new, there are several games made specifically for couples that I highly recommend. Esther Perel, the famous sex therapist, has new game called Where Should We Begin which is a game of story telling that helps build intimacy. The Gottman Institute, a research based relationship advice institute, has this free card deck app which many couples enjoy. It has decks with intimate and interesting questions to ask each other, including a Salsa Deck which has questions about sex and a rituals of connection decks that helps couples identify ways to emotionally connect. If you’re looking for some games that are a little hotter, The Dating Divas have put together this enticing list of sexy date night games which includes some free printables.
Winter evening walks: Getting outside, even in the cold, is a great way to boost your mood. A little light exercise and fresh air can help complete the stress cycle, and I am a huge fan of couples doing things that complete their stress cycles together. A walk in the woods at night can add a little romance and a feeling of adventure. My two favorite walking paths in the Twin Cities that have lighted pathways are Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield and Hyland Park in Bloomington.
Skiing and ice skating: Cross country or downhill skiing and ice skating are great ways to get outside and be active with your partner. If these are activities either of you haven’t done before, learning something new can be a really fun way to get to know your partner in a new way. We are fortunate to have so many options for skiing and ice skating near us. Many Minneapolis parks have skating rinks and free ice skate rentals. Just search for the park closest to you. Our Three Rivers Hennepin County Parks also have some fantastic, groomed ski trails and ski rentals. Theodore Wirth Ski area is my favorite for cross country skiing. Hyland SKi Area in Bloomington has a downhill ski area and they make their own snow. These are only a few of the many options we have in the Twin Cities area!
Winter Outdoor Attractions: We have some fun outdoor winter attractions to go see as well! The Ice Castle is back, and it is in New Brighton this year. It is a huge castle made of ice! You can go anytime of day, but I recommend the evening when it is lit up. You’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time. The Art Shanties on Lake Harriet are also around until February 6th and are a fun and creative experience.
Dining Out: Minneapolis and St. Paul recently began requiring proof of vaccination or a negative covid test to dine in restaurants. For some people, this might be enough of a safety net to make eating dinner out an option again. Some new restaurants have opened up since the pandemic began and this might be a great time to visit them if your comfort level allows for it. These are a few on my short list: Khaluna in South Minneapolis, The Sioux Chef on West River Road in Minneapolis, Petite Leon in South Minneapolis and The Market at Malcolm Yards near the University of Minnesota. If you’re not ready for indoor dining, there are still some heated outdoor and unique Igloo dining options available. Here is a list of places to consider.
I hope this list gave you some ideas and sparked your creativity. Make it a priority to have fun with your partner this winter!