Great Activities for Couples in the Winter Time

Skiing is perhaps one of the most popular winter activities.

Winter is often the time of year when couples tend to hibernate and perhaps even pack on a few extra pounds. If you are part of one of these couples, you are missing out on an array of fun activities that can not only keep you fit, but bring back fond memories of your childhood and how the first snowfall was a promise for hours of playtime. As an added bonus, all of these ideas make for great first dates.

Sledding

Sledding may result in spontaneous laughter.

Sledding is one of those childhood favorites that does not have to be just a fond memory. All you need is an adult size sled or two and weather appropriate clothing such as boots, hats, scarves and gloves, and you are set to enjoy hours of laughter, bonding and a good deal of exercise. Have a race or double up on the same sled and hold on tight. Check with your local chamber of commerce or parks and recreation department to get a list of public sledding locations. The last thing you want to do as a couple is get a fine for trespassing. To avoid injury to yourself or someone else, be sure to watch for others, particularly small children, and always stick to hills that are clear of trees and other obstructions.

Ice Skating

Public skating rinks are your best bet when it comes to safety.

You do not have to be a Brian Boitano or Peggy Fleming to enjoy a day at the local ice skating rink. All you need are a pair of skates---a good portion of public rinks have rentals for both kids and adults. Challenge your significant other to a race around the rink, a figure-skating competition, or simply rely on each other to keep from falling; a perfect opportunity to hold hands. Many rinks are open even after the sun goes down, providing the perfect romantic setting for a first date. Just be sure to keep your eyes open for other skaters and if you plan on checking out a local pond or other natural body of water, take proper safety precautions and keep off of any ice that does not appear safe. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends that the ice be at least four-inches thick for activities such as ice skating.

Sleigh Ride

A horse-drawn sleigh ride is like taking a ride back in time.

Nothing says romance like a nighttime sleigh ride through one of your local parks or perhaps the city streets of your town. Snuggle up with your special someone under a soft, warm blanket and take in the sites of snowmen, trees dripping with ice and, if the timing is right, the twinkling lights of holiday decorations. Be sure to pack a thermos of hot chocolate and bring a camera to capture those special moments that are bound to happen during this tour through your local winter wonderland. Create a play list of your favorite winter or holiday-themed songs and load onto an MP3 player to make the evening even more festive.

Camping

Winter camping provides new but fun challenges to couples.

While camping may seem like an activity fit only for warm summer nights, winter camping is also a popular activity. As a couple, learning to adapt to the cold weather and stay warm can be an effective bonding experience that can bring you closer to your significant other in ways that you never imagined. After you have made sure you have the proper tent and all of the necessary weather-resistant clothing, sleeping bags and other equipment, you will have plenty of time to bond, roast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate and do plenty of snuggling inside your tent. If you make your camping reservations at a state park, you may also have access to an array of on-site recreational activities such as hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and even horseback riding.

References

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Ice Safety - General Ice Thickness Guidelines