Dinner.
Concert.
Ball game.
Netflix and chill (once the kids are in bed).
These are the default date-night ideas for so many couples, and while they aren’t bad, they can get a bit lackluster. Fortunately, there are other ways to reconnect with your partner and make good use of the babysitter budget. This calendar of ideas will breathe new life into dating. Use it as a guide to up the romance this year, one month at a time.
January
Head to Aspen Peak Cellars in Bailey, and book their snowshoe and fondue special. For less than $80 per person, you get an hour and a half guided hike, wine tasting flight, appetizers and wine pairing, fondue (and more wine!), plus live entertainment.
February
What could be more magical than a night in a castle…especially one made of ice? Pack warm layers and boots, and make the drive up I-70 to Dillon to check out the Ice Castles in all their splendor. After your tour (and selfies), grab dinner and a warm drink in town.
March
You’re familiar with bingo, but have you ever tried lotería? If not, you’ve got a chance to play this traditional Mexican game (while drinking beer and brushing up on your Spanish) at two Denver breweries: Dos Luces Brewery on Sunday nights, and at Cervecería Colorado every Tuesday.
April
Explore something new together at the Denver Art Museum during Untitled Fridays—where the museum stays open late and admission includes additional performances and interactive art making with local creatives. This year’s Untitled Fridays happen in April, July, and October.
May
Have a good laugh together affordably at an improv comedy show at the Bovine Metropolis Theater. See their online calendar for a wide range of shows on weekends and throughout the week. From the theater, walk just a short distance to dinner or drinks in downtown Denver.
June
What beats a drive-in for rekindling youthful romance? Colorado has several spots to choose from, including the Denver Mart Drive-In, Fort Collins’ Holiday Twin Drive-In, Buena Vista’s Comanche Drive-In, and Pueblo’s Mesa Drive-In, all of which open for the summer.
July
Travel back in time together at the annual Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur. The summertime fest often features a themed weekend dedicated to all things romance—though really, any weekend is good for knights, turkey legs, acrobats, musicians, and mead.
August
Share a thrill on a zip line tour at Castle Rock Adventure Park. Plan for a three hour date as you try all 10 zip lines. To really reconnect, spend a full-day cheering each other through a high ropes course, the 42-foot climbing wall and rappelling stations, and ninja warrior course.
September
Say goodbye to summer together at Iris Floral Farm in Lakewood. Their Date Night on the Farm includes a chance to walk hand in hand picking flowers on the farm, plus wine and light refreshments, and instruction on creating a gorgeous centerpiece to take home.
October
Enjoy the fall weather on a challenging hike up the Royal Arch Trail in Boulder. Start the 3.5 mile climb at Chautauqua Park Trailhead, and enjoy great views with your partner at the top. For a more romantic experience, try a less-crowded early morning or weekday date.
November
Considering the stress of impending holidays, it might be good for you and your beau to get some energy out—this time via ax throwing. Hit up DAGAR in Downtown Denver, Bad Axe in Colorado Springs, or others, and indulge in some friendly competition.
December
End your year of romance by skating together under the stars. Evergreen has one of the coolest (pun intended) outdoor ice skating rinks in the state. While it’s closed for the 2019-2020 season due to construction, it typically opens by mid-December.
