12 Winter Date Night Ideas in Des Moines
Winter can be a great time to reset and grow closer to your partner. Whether you want to get cozy indoors or explore the outdoors, we have something just for you. Grab your partner and pick a date night in Des Moines.
Bookmark these other fun date night ideas to do with your partner:
- 25 Des Moines Date Night Ideas
- Date Night: Pop-Up Christmas Bars in Des Moines
- 12 of the Best Fall Dates
- Date Night at Zoo Brew in Des Moines
- Best Spring and Summer Dates in Des Moines
1. Ice Skating
Ice Skating is a classic winter date. Embrace the ambiance of the outdoors at Brenton Skating Plaza or stay indoors at the Rec Plex, hold hands, and pretend to be teenagers again. Check out the list of ice skating options in Des Moines.
2. Go out for Dessert
Instead of dinner out (or after) try going for dessert. With dessert-type cocktails and delicious treats, you will find something to enjoy. Try Creme for their decadent treats or go on a Friday or Saturday night to experience music and cocktails too. Check out Cinnaholic for their famous cinnamon rolls. Another favorite is Thistle’s Summit, a gluten-free and vegan bakery.
3. Go to a Show
We are lucky to have a thriving theater community right here in Des Moines. Take in a play or show together at the Des Moines Civic Center. Enjoy performances by national acts at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place. Have an intimate theater experience at the Iowa Stage Theatre Company or laugh together at Teehee’s Comedy Club.
4. Go Wine Tasting
A glass of wine is good any night but especially when it’s a date night. Jasper Winery is conveniently located near Water Works Park in Downtown Des Moines. They offer samples, flights, and by-the-glass wines in their modern tasting room. They also offer reserved tasting experiences which include a Wine and Chocolate pairing, Wine and Cheese pairing, or the Jasper Special.
Vines to Wines in the Sherman Hill area has Tuesday and Thursday sessions for wine-making lessons. You make one type of wine. You come back two months later to bottle the wine and then take home 3 bottles of wine. Email Eric at eric@vinestowinesdm.com to make a reservation. Follow their events page for more information.
WineStyles Tasting Station has three locations across the metro. They have wine and craft beer tasting. Indulge in their chocolates, cheeses, and charcuterie.
5. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make something new and take a cooking class with Alessandra. From lasagna to polenta, there are so many class options to choose from. Each class lasts about two hours and is $60 per person. Bring your own beverages to enjoy while you cook. They provide wine glasses and openers.
6. Get a Couples Massage
Get into deep relaxation together and try a couples massage. East Village Spa offers guests the option to book an EV Signature, Prenatal, and Targeted Therapy massages of the same service length in one of three couples massage rooms if you prefer to relax together. To reserve the couple’s massage room for your bookings, call East Village Spa at 515-309-2904. Pro tip: don’t hesitate to get on the spa’s waitlist! While couples’ massages book ways out, the spa is great about texting the waitlist whenever cancellations open up a spot.
Serenity Massage has heated tables and a calming ambiance that will put you both into a zen state.
7. Be a Kid Again and Play at an Arcade
Pretend to be kids again and play at an arcade. Arcades have come a long way. Now you can get adult beverages and let your inner child out. Check out our list of Arcades and Pinball Machines here.
8. Cross-country ski or Snowshoe at Jester Park Nature Center
Take your date outside and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland at Jester Park Nature Center. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available. They have 6.1 miles of trail for you to explore. Afterward, warm up in their lodge and admire the scenery from inside.
9. Explore the Arts
Meander through the Des Moines Art Center together. Enjoy a night out at Mainframe Studios First Fridays. The first Friday of every month they open the studios up to the public. Wander through the variety of studios, and enjoy live music, drinks, and food.
10. Take a Dance Class
Want to take your dance moves to the next level? Check out Des Moines Ballroom for group and private lessons. Learn something new like the salsa or swing dance. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, dancing will bring you closer to your partner.
11. Take Out and a Movie at Home
If you can’t find a babysitter, don’t give up on date night! Order dinner from your favorite place, pick a movie, and cozy up on the couch. Some of our favorite takeout places are Wasabi, Jethros, and Gateway Market.
12. Try a New Recipe
Pick out a new recipe to make together at home. Homemade pasta, pizza from scratch, the possibilities are endless. YouTube is a great place to start to find a new recipe and to get tips on how to make new things from experts. A couple of favorites are Brian Lagerstrom, Pro Home Cooks, and Simply Mama Cooks.
