As the weather plunges further down the thermostat, trying to go on fun dates becomes a little more difficult. But believe it or not, there's more things to do than Netflix and chill in the winter. Check out these fun ideas if you're having trouble finding fun things to do with your date!

1. Hiking

Bundle up, pack snacks, a camera, a thermos of hot chocolate, and take a hike (literally)! It's a fun way to spend time together while also exercising and doing something energetic. It's a perfect date for people who hate being stuck inside in the winter, and getting to enjoy the view at the top while sipping on some hot chocolate is so relaxing and endearing.

Tip:
Try to plan it out so you can watch sunset from the top

2. Fondue

What you'll need:
2/3 cup of half and half
12 oz. of milk chocolate, or 1 bag of milk chocolate chips (2 cups)
2 tablespoons of orange-flavored liqueur, kirsch, brandy, or half and half
Whatever you want to dip (strawberries, poundcake, marshmallows, bananas, etcetera)

What to do:
1. In a saucepan, heat half and half and chocolate on low heat. Make sure to stir constantly (chocolate burns easily) until chocolate is smooth
2. Remove from heat. Stir in liqueur, then pour into a fondue pot (or whatever you have)
3. Spear dippers and enjoy!

Tip:
Can also be done with a double or group date with a lot of people!

3. Hockey / Basketball Game

4. Volunteer

Winter is a time a lot of organizations and programs needs help and volunteers. Soup kitchen, thrift stores, and animal shelters all get really busy during the holiday season and what better way to have a feel-good date night that to volunteer in your community! You can search for your nearest food bank on Feeding America, or just check out which places in your area are looking for help in the next couple of months. Volunteering is such a great way to give back and help people in need -- it's a great feeling to share with your date.

5. S'mores & Movies

For those lazy, cozy, nights by the fire, put on a mutual favorite movie, make a bunch of s'mores, and snuggle up! It's relaxing, intimate, and makes a boring Netflix and chill date much more gratifying.

Tip:
Try making these s'moreos for a fun twist on normal s'mores!

6. Make Vanilla Ice Cream (Using Snow!)

What you'll need:
4 cups of snow
1/2 cup of half and half or whole milk
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract

What to do:
1. Stir together the half and half, sugar, and vanilla together until sugar is dissolved
2. Put the 4 cups of snow into a big mixing bowl. Pour the milk and sugar mixture over the snow and mix it in with the snow until it's a crumbly-smooth consistency
3. Place it in serving bowls, add toppings, then enjoy!

7. Look at Christmas Lights

One of the prettiest parts of the holiday season is driving through neighborhoods and looking at their Christmas lights. Listen to some nice music, drink hot apple cider, and enjoy the Christmas spirit!

Don't let the cold weather keep you from going on fun dates! Most of these ideas are cheap and easy to do -- and I guarantee you'll have a blast!