Winter in Austin brings cooler temperatures that are perfect for romantic, cozy dates with your special someone. Though it lacks the snow associated with winter in other parts of the country, Austin still has plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities for couples to enjoy. Here are some fantastic winter date ideas to try in Austin this season.
Indoor Date Ideas To Warm Up With
When the weather outside is frightful, head inside for a romantic winter date. Austin has lots of great indoor options to choose from.
Cook a fancy dinner together. Cooking a meal together can be an intimate, bonding experience. Browse recipes, go shopping for ingredients together, then work side-by-side in the kitchen preparing the meal. Light candles, put on music, and make a whole evening of it.
Take a couples’ painting class. Get creative together at a couples’ painting class, offered at many Austin spots like Pinot’s Palette. You’ll leave with matching paintings and new skills. It’s an interactive, engaging date.
Go ice skating. Even without snow, you can still go ice skating inside at Chaparral Ice. Skate hand-in-hand around the rink for some wintry fun. Then warm up with hot chocolate afterward.
Visit a museum. Spend an afternoon wandering through exhibits together at the Blanton Museum of Art, Contemporary Austin, or another Austin museum. Follow it up with a discussion about your favorite pieces over coffee or a cocktail.
Do an escape room. Work together to find clues and escape from an elaborate themed room at an escape room like Escape Game Austin. It’s an immersive, exciting experience you’ll both love.
Don’t let winter weather stop you from getting outside. Here are some great outdoor date options for couples in Austin:
Outdoor Winter Date Ideas
Take a hike. Explore area parks and trails, like the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Barton Creek Greenbelt, or McKinney Falls State Park. Pack a picnic, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and traverse the trails together.
Go on a photo walk. Wander through a neighborhood or scenic area, camera in hand, and take turns playing photographer for each other. You’ll get some sweet couple’s photos. Popular spots include Mount Bonnell, Zilker Park, and the Hill Country Galleria.
Do a food truck and mural tour. Austin has amazing food trucks and vibrant murals throughout the city. Do a tour to sample food truck fare and take photos of each other in front of colorful murals.
Visit the Trail of Lights. Walk hand-in-hand through Austin’s beloved Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. With light displays, activity areas, and food, it’s a holiday tradition.
Go stargazing. Head just outside the city to darker skies and lay a blanket down to stargaze together. You could also take an evening canoe ride and view the stars reflected in the water.
Wrap Up Your Date Night
After your main winter date activity, extend the romance by:
- Grabbing dessert at a cozy cafe like Quack’s Bakery or Amy’s Ice Creams
- Listening to live music at a venue like Elephant Room or Parker Jazz Club
- Capping off the evening with drinks at a lively bar like Whisler’s or Nickel City
The possibilities for fun, memorable winter dates in Austin are endless. Just use your imagination, layer up, and get out there with your sweetie. No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring all that this charming city offers.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Dates in Austin
- 1. What should I wear for outdoor winter dates in Austin?
Even though Austin winters are mild, it’s still smart to layer up when spending time outdoors. Bring hats, gloves, and scarves, and wear shirts, sweaters, and jackets that you can take off as you get warm. Boots or other closed-toe shoes are also a good idea.
- 2. Where can we go sledding or snow tubing?
Since Austin rarely gets snow, you’ll need to take a day trip to places 1-2 hours outside the city for snow activities like sledding or snow tubing. Popular spots are Esperanza Hill Country Resort, Snow Ridge Alpine Lodge, and Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels.
- 3. What spots have outdoor fire pits in Austin?
Many Austin restaurants, coffee shops, and bars have added cozy outdoor fire features. Some top picks are Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, Contigo, Juliet Italian Kitchen, and Firehouse Hostel Lounge.
- 4. What is there to do at the Trail of Lights?
In addition to the light displays, the Trail of Lights has fun activities like live music, food trucks, petting zoos, carnival rides, and smore-making stations. Special themed nights include working dog night and culture night.
- 5. Are any outdoor pools open in Austin during the winter?
While most outdoor pools close for the winter, a few heated pools stay open year-round for lap swim and leisure activities. Options include Bartholomew Pool, Big Stacy Pool, and Ramsay Pool. Just check days and hours before going.