19 Dallas Date Ideas
It can be a challenge to come up with fresh, fun date ideas. You want to do something exciting to impress your special someone, and you don’t want it to be dinner and a movie — how boring! If you’re looking for inspiration for date ideas in Dallas that gives you an opportunity to head out on the town and take advantage of all the city has to offer, we’ve got some ideas for you. It doesn’t matter what you’re interested in, there’s something out there for every couple to do. Here are 19 of our top picks:
Best date ideas in Dallas
1. Visit the Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo has something for everyone, even two adults on a date. You can walk and see animals from all around the world, grab a bite to eat and even feed the elephants with a Backstage Safari. It’s a great in-depth get-to-know-you date idea. Plus you can get a discount on Tiger Tuesdays (the first Tuesday of the month) if you’re on a budget. Better yet, if you get a CityPass you can use it to get into the zoo!
2. Catch a flick at Inwood Theatre
If you’re going to go with the good ole classic movie night, you may as well make it somewhere impressive. Inwood Theatre is one of Dallas’ oldest movie houses, making it a charming place to take in a romantic show. While it plays new blockbusters, you also have the opportunity to watch indie films and late-night classics. Who says going the movies has to be boring?
3. Catch a Ranger’s game
Sports might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s a big difference between switching on the TV and showing up at a stadium. It’s an all-in-one date plan, you can enjoy a show and grab something to eat. From the moment you enter to the final inning, you’ll enjoy top level baseball action. Honestly, what’s more romantic than sharing an evening at one of America’s favorite pastimes?
4. Visit the observation deck of Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower gives you a breath-taking panoramic view of downtown Dallas, making it a romantic spot. They even have a specific “Love is in the Air” special date night package that gives you access to VIP elevator service, a digital picture, and two glasses of sparkling wine. The tower has both daytime and night viewing options, see the world in a different way and enjoy some good company!
5. Axe Throwing at Whiskey Hatchet
“Throw axes, drink whiskey,” is the Whiskey Hatchet‘s motto, which sounds like the perfect outline for a low-key date night. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a fun night out, axe throwing is the way to go. It’s a great way to let off some steam, and hurl some axes at the wall. While drinks can be a great activity, you’ll want to make sure you have yours after the axes have been locked up… just to play it safe.
6. Go bowling at the Bowl & Barrel
Dinner and bowling is a fun dinner-and-movie date night alternative, and the Bowl & Barrel has delicious food and lanes you can book. This Dallas establishment offers up a great experience for couples or friends looking to spend some time together. You can bowl on one of their 15 lanes, or grab a meat and cheese board and some drinks to enjoy together.
7. Play mini golf at Another Round
Mini golf is a fun, easy date night idea Dallas locals love, and Another Round makes it better. It has a 9-hole indoor golf course that’s perfect for getting a little competitive while having a good time. Once you’ve beaten their course, you can practice your stroke in the golf simulator and grab a drink at the bar. It’s the perfect interactive date idea that keeps you on your feet without having to put in too much effort.
8. Take a cooking class at The Cookery
Anyone can go out on a dinner date night, but only the truly adventurous sign up for a cooking class. This is one of those dates that can keep on giving, so long as you actually learn what you’re trying to. Whether you want to whip up some homemade pasta or roll up scrumptious sushi, The Cookery has something for you. Learn from top-rated Dallas chefs how to prepare something together and you can use a follow up date for practice. You can check out their class schedule to see what delicious dishes you can learn to make.
9. Play some games at Cidercade
Your teenage days might be behind you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little child-like fun date night. If you want to kick it old school, heading out to an arcade can be a good way to break the ice and get to know each other better. Whether you want to race cars or compete in a mini Super Mario Bros competition, there’s something for everyone. If you want a budget-friendly choice in Dallas, Cidercade allows you to play over 140 games for a single entry price.
10. Race in go-karts at Dallas Karting Complex
If you’re looking for unique, adventurous date ideas, go-karting should top your list. It gives you and your date the opportunity to get a little competitive with plenty of opportunity for laughs and good conversation. It’s an exciting activity that gives you something to do together, and you might be able to win! Dallas Karting Complex doesn’t require you to make reservations in advance or have a special license to get in on the fun.
11. Try to escape from The Ultimate Escape Game
The Ultimate Escape Game is one of Dallas’ best escape room experiences with games that can be played by couples. Escape rooms are interactive and rely on teamwork and communication to get through, which makes them an ideal date night activity. You and your beau will have to figure out how to work together to solve the puzzle, giving you ample opportunity to learn about them. But you’ll probably want to avoid being locked in a room with a stranger on a first date.
12. Plan a food-focused date
If you’re dating someone who’s old school or you simply want a free meal and your date’s paying, then going classic might be your best bet. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with this date night classic.
Weekend brunch at Husdon House
Whether you’re a morning person or it’s the morning after brunch, Hudson House is a delicious date idea. There are 4 locations of this joint (with 2 on the way) where you can order up a scrumptious toast — French or avocado, it’s your choice.
If you’re looking for a straight-up lunch date in-between meetings at the office, take a peek at:
- Commissary
- Postino
- Sushiya
Dinner at Bowen House
If it’s a first date, you don’t want to go full 5-course meal. That’s where a romantic cocktail bar like Bowen House comes into play.
It’s not as cheap as heading to McDonald’s but you’re not shelling out $80 for a steak like you would at Harper’s. You and your guest can share a charcuterie board and order a drink each for less than that.
Not quite your taste? Other couples in Dallas enjoy:
Grab desert at Pop Factory
Desert is by far the most important meal of the day and the perfect date night idea in Dallas.
Other unique desert ideas in Dallas include:
Free date ideas in Dallas
13. Take a walk or bike ride through the Katy Trail
Thirty minutes of exercise per day is the recommended dose for keeping your physical and mental health in tip-top shape. What better way to ensure you get that than exploring a beautiful trail with a special someone? Located in the middle of Dallas, Katy Trail is the perfect way to get some fresh air and spend time with a date. Plus, if you’re looking to add a little spontaneity to the afternoon, this 3.5-mile trail is dotted with charming restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, making it an ideal “choose your own adventure” fun date night activity.
14. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
Art is a classy and sophisticated date choice, and the Dallas Museum of Art offers over 110 years of history and one of the country’s biggest art collections at no cost to you. That’s right, the Dallas Museum of Art currently has a ticket entry price of $0. They have a combination of classic paintings and sculptures, mixed with more modern pieces, so there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. While tickets to this downtown Dallas staple are free, they do recommend that you reserve them online beforehand to ensure you get a spot on date night.
15. Shop the Farmer’s Market
The Dallas Farmer’s Market is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a convenient option for a leisurely, fun date idea. It doesn’t cost you anything to wander around and eye the local goods, but you might end up forking over a little cash so you can take a few things home. From artisan cheese to delicious seafood, the market has a wide variety of food options. But if you’re dead-set on keeping the date low budget, many of the vendors offer samples for you and your guest to taste test!
16. Volunteer together
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community while getting to know your date on a deeper level. Dallas is a big city, and there are plenty of opportunities for you and your special someone to pitch in. From delivering meals to the older generations to helping enhance guest experience at the Dallas Zoo, there’s plenty you can do around the city. Finding the perfect date opportunity boils down to figuring out what the pair of you are interested in doing together.
17. Take a free class at Klyde Warren Park
If you and your date are both fitness buffs (or are interested in trying it out) Klyde Warren Park offers free classes and events. Pilates, yoga and body bootcamp are all options that you can add to your schedule. Not interested in getting a workout in but still looking for outdoorsy date ideas in the area? You can also aim to hit up a unique food truck — like Taste of Cuba or Bruno’s Italian Ice instead. Or, combine both! Hanging out in Kylde Warren Park is a great way to keep it low-key while raising that heart rate!
18. Stroll around the Art Walk
The Dallas Art Walk is a great date idea if you want something free with no specific time commitment. You can go for a short stroll with a coffee in-hand as a first date. Or you can plan something a little longer where you stop at particular spots. If you want something that’s a little more involved, you can check to see if there are any events (free or paid) you are interested in attending.
19. Visit the public library
The library probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you’re brainstorming date ideas in Dallas, but it’s a stellar budget-friendly pick. Besides being free, there’s surprisingly plenty to do. Library events vary but include things like:
- Board game hangouts
- Afternoon movies
- Book club
- Drawing class
- Guitar class
- Trivia
It’s a low-key, relaxing and fun date idea that gives you an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company without too much pressure. Not to mention, you take advantage of your tax dollars hard at work. Check out their events calendar to see if there’s anything that sounds like fun.
Ready to plan a date?
Going on a date doesn’t have to mean stressing about picking the right thing and ultimately choosing to hit up McDonald’s because you don’t have anything better. There are plenty of fun Dallas date activities that you and your special someone can go on — there’s no need to compromise on adventure. Need great date ideas from another city? We’ve got great lists for Austin, Houston, and New York City too!
