With winter just around the corner, we’re all anticipating having at least a couple of snow days. Having a surprise day off to spend time with your significant other is a refreshing change from the same old weekend date night routine. Don’t just resort to turning on Netflix and looking at a screen for the whole day; instead, try to do something engaging, or invite other people over. Here’s a list of ideas that you and your SO can try the next time classes are canceled:
1. Have a Board Game Day
Who says board games are just for kids? If you and your significant other are snowed in for the day, grab some friends and break out Monopoly or Clue. Playing games with both your S/O and friends is way more fun than sitting alone watching TV. If no one has board games in their room, there’s always charades or phone app games, such as “Heads Up!”. Beware, board games usually bring out a wildly competitive side to people, so don’t blame this article if y’all end up fighting over who’s winning!
2. Go Sledding
This activity is a snowy day classic. UMass has some fantastic hills to sled down, especially near the Orchard Hill and Central residential areas. It may be a hike to get back up every time you reach the bottom, but it’s so worth it. Don’t have a sled? No worries. Improvise by grabbing the plastic lid to a big storage container, or even a flattened-out cardboard box.
If the snow is pretty hard and icy, then you might not even need a sled—if penguins can slide down hills on their bellies, then so can we, right? Sledding is another activity that is usually fun for a group, but it also makes a cute idea for a date between you and your SO if that’s more your style.
3. Read Each Other’s Favorite Book
When there’s a complete snowstorm outside, there’s nothing like getting in your PJs and cozying up on the couch with a good book. If you and your SO live in the same dorm or house, try reading one another’s favorite book. You don’t always have to be doing something overtly interactive to feel like you’re bonding; giving each other’s interests a chance is a great way to become closer.
4. Play Cards
Similar to board games, playing cards is a good way to make use of a chilly, miserable day. Games like Skat and Spoons are way more fun when there are a lot of people involved, so get your friends to play with you and let the competition begin. If it’s a Friday night and you want to spice things up, there are drinking card games, such as Kings, that can get you tipsy after a few rounds.
5. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating, a classic rom com-inspired idea, is another great snow day activity. If the Mullins Center is open, find out if there is a free skate day/night. If Mullins is open, they offer free skate rentals for $5, and since college kids are usually poor AF, this is a great opportunity. Ice skating is an activity that gets you moving, and it’s something that you and your SO can struggle through together if you aren’t pros.
6. Cook/Bake
This idea only really works if you have a kitchen that you and your SO can use, but it’s a great way to spend time together while also creating a yummy treat. Even if you don’t have a lot of ingredients in your kitchen, there are some recipes that don’t require much effort. For baking, sugar cookies are a safe bet since they usually don’t require too many ingredients. For cooking, simple meals like pasta or chicken are easy to make, and you can add your own creative spin on the recipe. If you’re not sure what to make, browse through Pinterest for inspiration.