Things delightful when the weather is frightful

As cold fronts move across the Wasatch Front, don’t let one of them be from your significant other’s icy stares because you’ve allowed date night to lapse. From cooking classes to the comedy club, there’s a little something for everyone to help keep things spicy this winter. Enjoy!

Explore the deep at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

With more than 4,000 animals and 650 species spanning a variety of habitats, it’s easy to get completely immersed for several hours at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Meander through the South American gallery full of free-flying birds and exotic fish to the Penguin Research Station in Antarctica, then on to the 40-foot tunnel where sharks, sea turtles and stingrays swim overhead. On certain dates, the aquarium also offers yoga classes in front of the shark tank and in the rainforest.

Yuk it up at Wiseguys Comedy Club

Head to WiseguysComedy.com to check out the roster of comedians set to perform at the comedy club’s three locations in Ogden, Downtown SLC and West Jordan. Big name comics and emerging comedians alike take the stage, so find an act that suits your fancy and book tickets, or head to the downtown location for open mic night on Wednesdays.

Soak it in at the hot springs

There is no shortage of hot springs to choose from within a few hours of Salt Lake Valley. Drive a couple hours south to Monroe to relax in bathtubs filled by natural hot springs. Less than an hour away in Midway, soak, swim, snorkel or scuba in the geothermal spring of Homestead Crater, a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock formation. To the north in Honeyville, Crystal Springs has offered deep soaking delights to generations of Utahns.

Sample fromage at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese

On certain Fridays, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese puts on a paid cheese tasting event at their Midway creamery that allows attendees to sample new varieties before they hit the market, rub elbows with the cheesemakers, and tour the facility, all for just $15.99 per person.

Get schooled at Park City Culinary Institute

Park City Culinary Institute—which is actually located in Salt Lake City now—offers 2-to 2.5-hour cooking classes centered around learning a new type of cuisine. Sip sake while learning how to make ramen, get educated on the wines and cheeses of Spain, or master the art of tamale making while tasting tequila.

Immerse in culture at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Browse the diverse collection of work—from ancient Mediterranean to modern—at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts before heading to lunch at the Museum Cafe. Follow along on Instagram (@utahmuseumoffinearts) to find out about special events and new exhibits.

Hit the perfect drive at Topgolf

You don’t have to be a seasoned golfer—or even remotely skilled at hitting that infuriatingly small white ball—to have a good time at Topgolf. Order a handful of appetizers to share, and a couple of boozy beverages, and your golf swing will be smoother before you know it.

Sample spirits at High West Distillery

High West Distillery’s Wanship-based production facility, tasting room and kitchen is the perfect mix of rustic meets modern. Learn about the distillery’s spirits with a flight of five samples, tour the facility, and have lunch or brunch with beautiful views of the mountains. High West also has a supper club that pairs a multicourse meal with their huge variety of whiskeys.