Love Is in the Air

7 ideas for taking your date outdoors

3 Min. Read | Winter

Two sets of Bean Boot clad feet facing each other in the snow, one red Bean Boot raised as if they are kissing.

Doing something extra special for your loved one doesn’t have to be limited to fancy dinners and big nights out on the town. In fact, we think the most loving gestures can be found in sharing simple outdoor experiences together. Not only is the fresh air good for you, but the opportunities nature provides are sure to make you feel closer than ever – friends, family and significant others alike.

We’re not just speaking from the heart here; spending time outside has been proven by science to have a positive impact on relationships. So check out our best outdoor date ideas below – and get ready to rack up some serious brownie points!

1. Get caught up in a sunset

Watching a sunset together is a classic any time of year, but according to NOAA meteorologist Stephen Corfidi, the crisp, dry air of winter creates colors that are even more brilliant. So find a perfect spot with a clear view of the horizon, bring a Thermos of hot chocolate, huddle under a blanket together, and enjoy a free light show provided courtesy of nature.

2. Get all starry eyed

You don’t have to call it a day once the sun sets. The night sky offers its own brand of romance, and it gives you the opportunity to woo your partner with a legendary love story. When Queen Cassiopeia was exiled to the stars, her husband, King Cepheus, was so overcome with grief that he asked Zeus to subject him to the same fate so he could forever be with his beloved queen. And that's where you can still see them today, Cassiopeia one of the brightest constellations in the sky, clinging to one other in a never-ending celestial embrace.

EXPERT TIP:

Longer twilights during winter make sunsets linger, so you’ll have more time to take in the beauty of the moment.

Three kayakers on the water around Fort Point Channel.

3. Be tourists in your own town

If you can’t have a night out on the town in the traditional sense, hop online and plan a stroll through your local area. Chart a course down streets and trails you’ve never explored, through parks you’ve never visited, and to places you’ve never noticed before. Winter should mean the streets will be relatively quiet, making your adventure all the more intimate. And you’ll be shocked at all the things you’ve never noticed before in your own city or town. You can also expect lots of hand holding. Bonus!

A couple standing with their bicycles in front of a fountain.

4. Plan a year of spontaneous adventures

Devote a day to planning a whole year’s worth of outdoor activities together – with a catch! Get twelve slips of paper, write down things you’ve always wanted to do (remember, you’ll need ideas for all four seasons) and place them in a jar. Make sure everyone contributes – and don’t reveal your ideas and ruin the surprise! At the beginning of every month, draw a random adventure from the jar and either go do it or start planning. It’s something you’ll look forward to every month and a great way to keep relationships fresh and exciting.

EXPERT TIP:

View the event calendar for your local store to see if Outdoor Discovery Programs is hosting any classes near you. Nothing in your area? Buy or rent some gear and check out our guides on how to get started snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, paddling, hiking, camping and more.

5. Learn something new together

This one is great for partners, families and friends – and is tailor-made to bring you closer. If you’ve been eager to try a new outdoor activity, but have found the prospect a little daunting, a course, tour or trip with Outdoor Discovery Programs is the easiest way to get out there and share amazing experiences. They’ll provide all the gear and guidance you need, so you can focus on making great memories together.

A person with pink mittens holding snow in the shape of a heart.

6. Spread the love by volunteering together

Here’s something a little different. Showing kindness toward others will not only send your love meter soaring, but it’s also a great excuse to be outside together. Spend your day distributing care packages through your local food bank or Meals on Wheels, participating in community cleanup efforts, walking dogs for a local animal rescue, or helping kids enjoy winter activities; they’ll all provide a healthy dose of fresh air and plenty of positive vibes.

A couple in L.L.Bean Boots by the campfire.

7. Cuddle around the campfire

Chocolate is one of the quintessential gifts for your sweetheart, but we think it’s even better combined with marshmallows and graham crackers! So light up the fire pit, grab a warm blanket, and gather ‘round for a night out that’s all about being cozy together. Add a bottle of wine or a Thermos full of cocoa to the equation and you’ve got yourself a casual, stress-free (but still totally romantic) date idea.