33 Date Ideas in Houston
Looking for the perfect date ideas in Houston to up your romance game? This southern city is packed with fun activities, good food, and fantastic entertainment options for you and your special someone. Whether you’re looking for something romantic or fun and adventurous, Houston has something to offer everyone. Here are some of our favorite date ideas in the city.
Best date ideas in Houston
Looking for the best date ideas Houston has to offer? We’ve got the best picks for every budget:
1. Explore with Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for the NASA center in the city. This science museum has exhibits on everything from the history of space travel to the future of exploration. You can use CityPass to explore Space Center Houston and four other spots (of your choice).
2. Visit the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is also part of CityPass, and a great all-in-one date activity. You can take a peek at the cute animals, walk around chatting, and grab a bite to eat, all in the same place. Check out their event calendar, if you plan it right you might catch an elephant bath or a giraffe feeding.
3. Hike or bike through Discovery Green Park
Discovery Green Park is an 11.78-acre urban park in downtown Houston. It’s a good opportunity to do something active like hiking or biking. You can even pack a picnic blanket and lunch and enjoy the afternoon in the green grass.
4. Catch a show at The Heights Theater
For a night out on the town, catch a show at The Heights Theater. This historic theater offers a variety of live music and performances, from indie bands to stand-up comedy. There’s sure to be a show that you and your date will enjoy.
5. Take a cooking class at Central Market
Dinner dates are overrated, what about you learn how to cook together? Central Market has some exceptional cooking classes from Cuban classics to intense Italian dishes. If you’re looking for a shorter date experience and both work in the area, you can meet up for a lunch and learn. Cooking classes with Central Market are also available in Dallas.
6. Go stargazing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
For a romantic evening, go stargazing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum’s Burke Baker Planetarium offers shows about our solar system, as well as opportunities to view the stars through a telescope. This is a unique way to spend time with your special someone.
7. Take a dance class together
For a fun and active date, take a dance class together. This date idea is best for long-term couples willing to commit to learning something together. Houston has a variety of studios offering classes for all levels, from beginners to experienced dancers. Whether you want to learn salsa or ballroom dancing, you’re sure to have a great time.
8. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts is a great culture-focused dates. This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of art, from paintings to sculptures. Even if you’re not an art lover, you’re sure to find something to appreciate. Plus, you can also check it out via CityPass.
9. Go bowling at The Palace
For a fun and casual date, go bowling at The Palace. It features retro-style bowling lanes, and an upscale lounge. Not sure about bowling? They also have a 3D game experience called Dark Ride, arcade games and virtual reality set-ups.
10. Get your adrenaline pumping at Topgolf
Topgolf is Houston’s swanky entertainment venue. Here you can play golf in high-tech driving ranges, games, and a spot to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. It’s perfect for couples that are looking for a little friendly competition.
11. Spend a day at Kemah Boardwalk
Who doesn’t love a good amusement park visit? Kemah Boardwalk offers a waterfront entertainment experience that includes rides like Pharaoh’s Fury and Drop Zone. You can stop for some shrimp, a plate of friends, or even an ice cream cone. Plus, if you have a CityPass, you can include the boardwalk as one of your attractions!
12. Take a tour of Saint Arnold Brewing Company
If you love beer, take a tour of Saint Arnold Brewing Company. This local brewery offers tours of their facility, as well as tastings of their most popular products. You can learn about how one of America’s favorite drinks is made while enjoying some of your own.
13. Go kayaking on Buffalo Bayou
For a fun and active date you can go kayaking on Buffalo Bayou. This popular bayou offers a variety of paddling trails, perfect for couples looking to explore Houston by water. You can also enjoy the views of the city skyline as you explore the water.
14. Get your adrenaline pumping at iFLY Houston
Curious about what it’d be like to fly? For an adrenaline-filled date, check out iFly Houston. This indoor skydiving facility offers the perfect opportunity to get your heart racing. This date idea is a bit more on the expensive side, but it’ll definitely be memorable.
15. Visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
For a nature-filled date, visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. This 155-acre nature preserve is home to a variety of plants and animals. It’s the perfect place to take a walk or hike along the many trails throughout the park.
16. Go berry-picking
Who doesn’t love freshly-picked strawberries? There are plenty of local farms around the Houston area where you can pick your own fruit to take home. It’s a fun and affordable option for you and a special someone to do on a lazy afternoon.
17. Catch a movie at the drive-in
Moonstruck Drive In is open Thursday through Sunday, and gives you a classic old-school movie experience. You can catch a new movie or even a double-feature, grab some popcorn, and on Saturdays there are food trucks in the area. It’s an affordable and slightly more private cinematic experience for your next date.
18. Take an underground tunnel tour
If you’re looking for hidden gems, an underground tunnel tour is what you need. Houston has the most extensive underground tunnel system in America. Over 6 miles long, these tunnels connect 95 city blocks to each other. Astroville Tours offers an extensive air-conditioned underground tunnel tour that allows you to explore them in comfort.
19. Explore the Museum District
If you’re a museum tour couple, Houston’s Museum District is for you. This area of the city features four walkable districts and is home to 19 different museums. These include options like the Holocaust Museum Houston to the Health Museum. You can meander through and check out the museums that interest you, or you can just enjoy what the neighborhood has to offer.
20. Rent a jet ski
Itching to explore Houston’s waterways? If you’re looking for a fun and exciting date idea, renting a jet ski is a good option. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some time outdoors and get your adrenaline pumping.
21. Head to a comedy show
It’s often said that comedy is a universal language, while that may not be true it is a stellar date idea. Houston is home to a number of comedy clubs, including Crush City Comedy, The Riot Comedy Club and Rudyard’s. So grab some tickets, get dressed up, and prepare to have a good time.
22. Go to the beach
Technically, you need to leave Houston proper to get to the beach, but it’s well worth the trip. Whether you and your date want to walk along the shore hand-in-hand or you’d prefer to have a swim day, the beach is a great place to have a date.
23. Get some feline therapy at El Gato Coffee House
El Gato Coffee House is a unique drink-only café that allows you to play with rescue cats. You can book an hour-long session right on their website. It that allows you to play with adoptable kitties and cats. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be in the cat adopting market to enjoy this fun venue.
24. Indulge in some sweets at Cloud 10 Creamery
A savory date doesn’t have to be all about dinner — sometimes you just need something sweet. Cloud 10 Creamery is an artisanal ice cream shop that has creative and ever-changing flavors. They also have vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy their sweet treats.
25. Play some laser tag
Laser tag is a classic date idea that’s perfect for couples who are competitive or just want to have some fun. It’s also a great way to blow off some steam if you’re feeling stressed. There are a few different places to play laser tag in the city, including Battlefield Houston and Laser Zone.
26. Browse a farmers market
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh produce and local goods. Not only that, they’re also a great place to play a date. Luckily, there are several choices in the city for you to choose from. These include Houston Farmers Market, Memorial Villages Farmers Market, and Westchase District Farmers Market.
27. See a live theater performance
Looking for a live entertainment experience? Houston has a handful of professional theater companies that put on Broadway shows and stage plays. You can find a show that interests you and enjoy a night out on the town.
28. Taste some wine at Memorial Wine Cellar
Memorial Wine Cellar is a family-run wine bar that offers a drink-in bar and a wine shop. They have a selection from all around the world and knowledgeable staff, so you’re bound to find something you like. Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date night.
29. Get your game on at Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s is a bar and restaurant that has an arcade, virtual reality experiences, and billiards. It’s the perfect place to let your inner child out and have some fun. And, if you get hungry, they have a full menu of food options to choose from.
30. Go for Cheese Tasting
Cheese is delicious, and it makes for a fun, cute, unique date idea. You can often find cheese tastings at wine bars, or you can go straight to the good stuff and head to a cheese shop like Houston Dairymaids. You and your date can taste different types of cheeses, and learn about the different flavors and textures that they offer.
31. Go sailing
Sailing is a romantic and adventurous date night activity you can do just outside of Houston. There are plenty of places you can head out near the city, and if you want it to be extra date-themed, aim for a sunset sail. You can hire a boat, or you can go on your own if you’re experienced.
32. Grab a cup of coffee
If you’re headed out on a quick, low-key, no-commitment first date, grabbing a cup of coffee is still a top option. There are plenty of local cafés in Houston like The Nook Café and Retrospect Coffee Bar where you can support your neighbors. It’s the perfect opportunity to chat and get to know each other better.
33. Enjoy the Houston Symphony
The symphony offers an evening of classical music that can be enjoyed by you and your date. The venue is elegant and sophisticated, providing a romantic backdrop for your date night. And finally, attending a symphony concert is sure to make you feel cultured and refined—two very important qualities in any relationship!
Found the perfect date idea in Houston?
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun night out, the best date idea in Houston is something that you’re excited about. It doesn’t matter if it’s active or low-key, what’s important is that you’re spending time with someone you’re interested with and getting to know them. With so many options out there, you’re sure to find something that you’ll both enjoy.
