If you are like me, you don’t love the cold weather and tend to be a homebody. But there are lots of great ways to pass your time in Des Moines in the winter months. Here are some great winter date ideas featuring both indoor and outdoor options.
Winter Date Ideas
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a quintessentially Iowan winter date idea. Here in Des Moines we have both indoor and outdoor options. Bundle up and head to one of these outdoor ice skating rinks.
Brenton Skating Plaza This amazing facility is open through January. Adult admission is $10 for two hours of skating. Reservations are recommended.
We are lucky to have many community ice skating rinks right here in the metro. Many are free of charge if you bring your own skates. Others have low-cost skate rentals. A word of caution, many of these community rinks are not staffed so skate at your own risk. Here is a list of a few:
- Johnston Town Center Ice Rink
- Indianola Ice Skating Rink
- Racoon River Ice Skating Rink
- Ankeny Community Ice Rink
- Valley Ice Plaza (West Des Moines)
Indoor Ice Skating
If you like the idea of ice skating but not the idea of being outside check out one of these rinks during open skate time.
- Metro Ice Sports Facility (Urbandale)
- Rec Plex (West Des Moines)
Get more detailed details on ice skating in the metro here.
Dinner Date
The food scene here in Des Moines can not be beat! Whether you want a multi-course experience or a quick bite with a cold drink. There is nothing like catching up with your date over a good meal. I am sure you have your favorite spots so I am sharing a few newer-ish spots.
- Bar Nico: Grab some delicious Mexican here.
- The Continental: Ok, technically not new, but it’s back after a few years.
- Destination Grille: This Grimes spot has a little bit of everything.
Also not necessarily new but Barntown Brewing has great food and during winter months you can book an igloo to dine in! At a minimum of $200 this may be more of a group date night, but it sure looks fun!
Check out this post with more great date night spots.
Good Clean Fun
There are lots of great places to kick back, unwind, and have some fun (and get a little competitive) on a date in the metro.
Arcades are back! And they are way cooler than when I was a kid; in fact most of the places listed have a restaurant attached. Check out Game Day in Merle Hay Mall or Spare Time in West Des Moines for games and bowling. If you’re just interested in playing some video games and having a drink, check out Up-Down or one The Operating Room’s three locations!
Video games not for you? How about axe throwing? While this may not be the most romantic date idea, for competitive couples this would be a winner. Just make sure to get a few practice swings in first; it is harder than you may think. Try your hand at axe throwing at Ironside Axe Club or Lumber Axe DSM.
At-Home Date Ideas
Sometimes it is just too cold to leave the house. That doesn’t mean you can’t still carve out a little time together. Grab some of your favorite snacks and drinks, throw a blanket on the floor (maybe by the fireplace), and have a picnic at home! Set up a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings and pretend you are in your favorite coffee shop. One of my favorite at home dates is to order some great food for delivery and watch a great movie together.
As you can see, Des Moines has plenty to offer in the winter!
Drop some of your favorite winter date ideas below.
