Five Healthy (and Active) Winter Date Ideas Around Boston

Photo via Getty Images

Looking at Boston winters with a glass half full approach can get a little cumbersome when the grey and cold carry on…and on…and on. Even if you love the winter, there comes a time when you love to hate it—like when it’s June 1 and you’re still wearing any type of jacket. Luckily, cuffing season is upon us, so you don’t have to weather it alone—if you don’t want to, that is. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, looking for a new adventure to take your budding love interest on, or just need to take yourself out (#selfcare anyone?), here are five healthy (and active) date ideas around Boston to keep the spark alive and well.

Photo courtesy of Samuels & Associates

Date #1

First: Go ice skating at the rink at 401 Park in Fenway
Then: Sample your favorite Boston dishes at Time Out Market

What better way to celebrate winter than by testing out your skating legs on a giant sheet of ice? Thanks to an influx of skating rinks in Boston from Fenway to the Seaport, you can now glide and toe turn with your special someone taking pictures of their perfect arabesque, or spend an hour or two belly laughing at the fact you both can’t keep your legs underneath you. Either way, it’s bound to be a good time. Plus, the Fenway ice skating rink is sandwiched between the new Trillium Brewing tap room and Time Out Market. If you’re looking to indulge, grab a beer before heading over to the market to sample dishes from some of the city’s top restaurants, including Best of Boston winners Saltie Girl and Craigie on Main. Opt for juices and salads from Revolution Health Kitchen if you want to keep it on the healthy side, but don’t miss the Union Square Donuts outpost and treat yo’self to a delectable fried treat.

Date #2

First: Get out of the city for a snow tube adventure
Then: Treat yourself to a drink or two at a local brewery

Calling all adventurous couples, wanderlust souls, and restless travelers in need of an escape from the city. Load onto a tour bus with Sourced Adventures, ship out from the North Face store in Cambridge, and head to a local mountain for snow tubing (the destination is TBD so make sure to check the website). You’ll enjoy 1-2 hours of tubing at your leisure, and unlike skiing or snowboarding, no experience is needed to enjoy this thrill ride. Then, afterwards, the bus will make a detour at a local brewery so you can chat with your date and mingle with others on the trip. Look for other organized getaways leaving from Boston by the ride-share company Ridj-it, and if you want to take your date on a local adventure, opt for one of these close-to-home winter sport destinations.

Photo by Central Rock Gym

Date #3

First: Go bouldering at Central Rock Gym
Then: Attend a healthy cooking class at the Kitchen in the Boston Public Market

The new rock climbing gym in the North End is a little taste of rock climbing in the middle of the city, sans the intimidation factor. In other words, it’s a perfect place for you and your plus one to learn a new skill together. The facility is expansive and features a huge bouldering wall, meaning you won’t need to wait turns or clip into a harness—just start climbing and see how far you can get. When you’ve tired your grip and your back muscles are screaming, head to the Boston Public Market and make your own healthy fare during a cooking class at the Kitchen. Check their programming for everything from free nutrition workshops, to pastry classes, to gnocchi making.

Photo provided

Date #4

First: Throw Axes at Urban Axes in Somerville
Then: Slurp down fresh smoothies at Nu Kitchen and Cafe

Did you know there’s almost five different ways to throw an ax? It’s not so much about the distance or the power, but the technique and the precision—and experts at Urban Axes in Union Square will show you how. Play up the competition and make a game out of it with your partner or settle the score to see who can get the most bullseyes. Urban Axes does offer food and drinks while you play, but if you hold off, you can walk down the street to Nu Kitchen and Cafe for smoothies and grain bowls. Split the Oahu acai bowl and the chipotle avocado and lime bowl with pulled pork to get a taste of both savory and sweet flavors.

Coolidge Yoga / Photo provided

Date #5

First: Take a yoga class at Coolidge Yoga
Then: Relax during a movie at Coolidge Corner Theatre

For the most zen date of your life, take a yoga class at Coolidge Yoga in Brookline. Every Saturday and Sunday, you can drop in for a $6 community vinyasa flow class designed for all levels. The studio also hosts a ton of informative workshops like sound bath meditations and yoga for bone health in case you and your partner are the ultimate yogi couple and want to dive a little deeper into your practice. After you’ve found your center, head around the corner to the Coolidge Corner Theatre and catch a new hit or an old classic.