Whether you are newlyweds, a longtime couple, or something in between, venturing out on weekly date nights is one of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to keep your relationship fresh.
And when it comes to scheming up ideas for new and exciting dates, Houston couples have it easy. Our sprawling city is a treasure trove of fascinating museums, spectacular theater, and nationally renowned restaurants to explore.
I’ve listed 14 of my favorite Houston date spots below.
- Watch a movie at the Showboat Drive-In
In an age when drive-in movie theaters have all but disappeared, the Showboat Drive-In pays homage to a bygone American past time. One admission gets you a double-feature, so swing by the concession stand for some popcorn and gummy candies before snuggling into the front seat together.
- Play old-school pinball at Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs
Every first and last Friday night of the month, Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs opens its doors to the public. $15 gets you unlimited plays on the nearly 200 classic arcade games within the two-story, 1,000-square-foot showroom. You can challenge your partner to classics like pinball, air hockey, and Pac Man, before sharing a drink at the adjoining lounge.
- Spend a day at Hermann Park
As one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the city, Hermann Park even has its own guide for lovers who pay a visit. Spend a day strolling down the wandering tree-shaded stone paths of the Japanese Garden before going for a pedal boat ride among the ducks, water fowl, and fish of McGovern Lake. After working up an appetite, split custom grilled cheeses on the Pinewood café dining terrace overlooking the lake.
- Go fruit picking.
There are many wonderful farms in and around Houston where you can your own fruits, from juicy strawberries to sweet Muscadine grapes to plum kumquats. Check out Fun Farms Houston for a list of pick-your-own farms, such as Griffin Berry Farm in Beaumont, Jollisant Farm in Plantersville, and Blessington Farms in West Houston.
- Play bocce at the Brooklyn Athletic Club.
After a round of bocce, you and your partner can sip cocktails by the outdoor fireplace. Feeling hungry? Try out a couple of the kitchen’s innovative seasonal entrees, such as the spicy seafood puttanesca with gulf shrimp and black mussels, or the black pepper crusted ribeye with brown sugar butter.
- Enjoy spectacular views of the city from the JP Morgan Chase Tower.
You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy spectacular views of Houston from 60 stories up on JP Morgan Chase Tower’s observation deck. The deck offers the highest public view of the city, and is open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM during the week.
- Take a salsa dancing class at SSQQ Dance Studio.
Seasoned instructors lead salsa dancing classes for students of all experience levels at the SSQQ Dance Studio, where you can hone your salsa skills on the big dance floor beneath the glow of colorful lights. Midway through the class, you and your partner can practice your newly learned steps or socialize with other students over beers.
- Go bowling at Bowlmor.
There is no shortage of bowling alleys in Texas, but Bowlmor is not your standard bowling alley. The massive venue boasts 39 glow-in-the-dark lanes and a full service bar with cushy armchairs and intimate tables. Challenge your partner to a game of bowling and indulge in a specialty cocktail and upscale nibbles.
- Ride a rollercoaster at Kemah Boardwalk.
When was the last time you or your partner road a roller coaster? If amusement parks have faded into a hazy childhood memory, you are long overdue for a visit to Kemah Boardwalk. This cheerful playground is home to classics like a Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as a high-powered wooden coaster with an exhilarating 92-foot drop. Afterwards, the two of you can check out one of the park’s waterfront restaurants, shops, or seaside shows.
- Indulge at The Chocolate Bar.
What better way to stir up romance than with chocolate, nature’s tastiest aphrodisiac? At The Chocolate Bar, the two of you can linger at an intimate table over sips of frozen hot chocolate, cocoa de menthe, or buttery caramel latte. Share a slice of moist chocolate cake or scoops of homemade ice cream, or sample chocolate-covered strawberries, orange wedges, and blackberries.
- Peruse the Museum of Fine Arts.
At Houston’s nationally renowned Museum of Fine Arts, you can admire major works from artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso. Then, you and your partner can head across the street to the Cullen Sculpture Garden to peruse the work of greats like Matisse and Rodin.
- See a show at Zilkha Hall.
Smaller and more intimate than its sister theater, Sarofim Hall, Zilkha Hall’s jewel-box theater seems made for romantic evenings. Sink into one of the cozy seats, grab hold of your partner’s hand, and watch a theatrical, dance, or music performance.
- Take a cooking class at Urban Chef.
Sharing a meal can be even more special when the two of you have worked to cook it yourself. Don’t have award-winning culinary skills? Don’t worry! Urban Chef features date night classes where you and your partner can join other couples to whip up romantic dishes under the guidance of top chefs. After learning to cook international delicacies, you can sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor in a romantic dining room under the glow of candlelight.
- Attend an IMAGO Couples’ Workshop.
The IMAGO Couples’ Workshop is a weekend-long retreat featuring the most powerful and effective relationship education today. When you enroll in a workshop, you will spend the weekend learning how to build a healthier and happier relationship and change hardship into growth and bonding.
Have you been to any of these spots, or do you have a favorite Houston date spot of your own? I’d love to hear some of your own Houston Date ideas! And if you’ve attended the IMAGO Couples Workshop, don’t forget to pay it forward by sharing your experience with others whose own committed romantic relationship could benefit from the world’s most powerful relationship education weekend.
