Date Night Ideas Houston
Looking to plan the perfect date? Whether it’s your first date or your 500th, there are tons of fun things to do in Houston and the surrounding area for couples. The best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. With these free and cheap date ideas in Houston, you can have a night to remember while staying safe during these uncertain times and without breaking the bank.
So if you are looking for ‘date ideas near me’ or ‘date ideas Houston’ or ‘date night Houston’ or even ‘places to go on a date near me’, we have you covered! Check out this list of fun, curated date night (and day) ideas for the Greater Houston area!
Editor’s note: This was a guest post by Dana DuTerroil and Joni Fincham, founders of Trip Chandler, a two-woman team who creates guides to Houston and give tours of the city to visitors and locals looking for something new to do.
Also, check out our other articles on the Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston and Restaurants Open Late in Houston, and the Top Romantic Hotels in Houston
Deal Alert – Romantic Tour in Houston for couples
An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Did you know that Houston has one of the best culinary scenes in the country? With more than 10,000 restaurants, which represent more than 70 countries and American regions, to choose from, Houston takes the cake on the best food scene. From food trucks to ramen places to healthy choices, Houston has it all. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere.
Get more information and check out the Romantic Tour in Houston for couples TODAY!!!
Date Night Ideas Houston – Romantic Things to do and Date Ideas for Night and Day!
1. Take a bike ride around the city
Rent Bicycles (check out a deep discount on bike rentals) or take your own bikes along the city’s expansive network of trails. Check out our guide to the best biking trails in Houston and the surrounding area and see the city from a whole new perspective.
2. Get a CityPASS and see the city’s best attractions
Image Credit – Kemah Boardwalk FB Page
Explore 5 of Houston’s top attractions, including the Houston Zoo, Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Kemah Boardwalk, and more, over the course of a weekend for nearly half off the regular price with Houston CityPASS.
3. See the bats fly at sunset at Buffalo Bayou
Meet at dusk for the evening emergence of Mexican free-tailed bats at the Waugh Drive Bat Colony Bridge along Buffalo Bayou. It’s a classic way to start a date night in Houston.
4. Go berry picking
Visit a local farm to pick strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and/or vegetables of all types depending on the season. Prices vary, but it’s normally very affordable and a great way to enjoy some fun outdoors. Great idea for a first date, especially if your date is into outdoor stuff.
5. Take advantage of free museum days at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Head to the Museum of Fine Arts on Thursday for free admission plus happy hour. Advance-timed tickets are recommended right now. Trip Chandler Tip: Take in the view from the top of the newly opened BBVA Compass Roof Garden across the street.
Also, explore other museums in the Houston Musem District with our article – 14 Best Museums in Houston!
Deal Alert – Enjoy the lowest price on Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston
Image Credit – Viator.com
Foodies wanted! Come enjoy diverse plates in the heart of Downtown Houston at some of city’s most famous restaurants. This tour will begin at the Historic Market Square Park (outside Niko Niko’s) where you will learn about Houston’s rich history, beautiful architecture, & diversity of cultures. Guests will enjoy first-hand views of the tallest building in Texas & the Downtown Tunnel System (1/3 of tour spent in tunnels) in the USA.
The tour consists of 3 stops where you will try 6-7 delicious food samplings including authentic Mexico City cuisine, traditional Asian novelties, Houston’s unique take on Italian-American, & dessert. These meals are pre-ordered & will be coming out nice & fresh for your whole group.
One of the best options for a Houston Date Night!
Get more information and book your Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston TODAY!!!
Date Night Ideas Houston
6. Romantic Date Idea in Houston – Stop and smell the roses at Hermann Park
Take time to smell the roses (and lots of other flowers) with a stroll through the McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park.
7. Unique Date Idea in Houston – Head underground for an Air-conditioned Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston
Did you know that Houston has the most extensive downtown tunnel system in the US? Join us on our Underground Tunnel tour (air-conditioned) without outdoor views for an in-depth look at the incredible metropolis below ground-floor in Texas’ largest business district including the most award-winning downtown skyscrapers which host many of Texas’ most noteworthy Fortune 500 corporate headquarters & historical venues.
As part of this day tour, we will visit multiple historical and artistic sections of Downtown Houston’s tunnels as well as the corporate buildings that lie on top of them. Make sure to bring your smile and camera as we will provide you with unique photo-op opportunities and inside secrets that most native Houstonians don’t even know about!
Book your Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston TODAY!
8. Date Idea For Active Couples – Hit the trails in and around Houston
Hike the trails of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center or any of the other great hiking spots in Houston. This is a great choice if you and your partner enjoy the outdoors. Houston has plenty of options.
9. Houston Date Night Idea from the comfort of your car – Catch a drive-in movie
Drive-In Movie Package for One Car includes
- Admission for One Car – up to the legal seat belt limit
- One Large or Two Small Popcorns (depending on availability)
- Two Drinks
- They also have the best sunset!
Get more information and book your Drive-in-Movie experience TODAY!!!
10. Houston Date Idea For Couples That Love To Work Out
credit: Levy Park
There are always free workout sessions being offered at various parks in and around Houston. Check out these great upcoming events at Discovery Green. There are also free online workouts currently offered by local parks like Levy Park, Discovery Green, and more for a safe and healthy at-home date idea!
Date idea in Houston for active couples – Jet Ski Rental in Seabrook
Cruise by the South Shore Harbour Lighthouse on your way into Clear Lake. Enjoy the over 2,000 acres of open water in Clear Lake with plenty of space to enjoy the speed and agility of these top-of-the-line Yamaha Waveruners. Cruise through the Kemah Channel and see Restaurant Row from a whole new perspective. Pop-out into Galveston Bay and keep your eyes open for the Dolphins! Get ready for an experience with Jet Ski Texas that you will be talking about for years to come!
Get more information and book your Jet Ski Rental TODAY!
11. Enjoy free art at the Menil
Meander the Menil Collection’s art-filled campus paired with a picnic on the lawn. Note: The Menil’s buildings are open Wednesday-Sunday. This is a great daytime date idea for Houston.
12. Date Night Idea for Couples Wanting to Stay In – Have a movie night at home
Do a movie night at home with a free one-month trial of Hulu. Choose from thousands of movies, from current hits to classics to cult favorites and more. Always a timeless idea for a date night in Houston!
13. Indoor date ideas Houston – Quirky but fun storytime for Adults!
Check out the popular Grown-up Storytime series. You’ll laugh, think, and maybe even cry at the various stories. The event is being held virtually right now, but once the pandemic ends, it will once again be held at a local venue on a recurring basis.
Our top choice for Fun date night ideas in Houston!
Date Night Ideas Houston
14. Fun Date Night in Houston – Have a laugh at a comedy show
Laugh until your sides hurt at one of the great free or cheap comedy nights in Houston. Many of these comedy nights have recently resumed after being postponed for a few months.
Romantic Date Idea in Houston – Private Splatter Paint Experience for 2 People in Kingwood
DIY art studio invites guests to get crafty and let loose having fun with splatter paint
About This Deal
- What’s included:
- Splatter Suit (Shoe Caps, Shower Caps, and Goggles).
- One 9×12 stretched canvas per person
- Glow Upgrade: $20 for groups of 2, $25 for groups of 3-4, $35 for groups of 5-6 – Paint under the glow of black lights with neon paint!
- Canvas Upgrade: Large Stretched 18×24 canvas available for a total price of $25
- Valid only at Kingwood location.
Get more information and book your Private Splatter Paint Experience TODAY!!!
15. Rock out with this epic Beatles cover band
Image Credit – Beetle Facebook Page
Hear the Fab Four cover band, Beetle, play their longstanding Thursday happy hour gig at the Continental Club from 7-10 pm.
16. Romantic Date Idea in Houston – Head down to the beach
Head down to Galveston and enjoy some coastal distancing from the rest of the crowd. A Galveston beach walk at the sunset is one of the top romantic date ideas for a date in Houston! Galveston is a fun place for your next date and for more reasons than the great beaches.
Deal Alert – Segway Galveston Sunset Tour – 2 adults for just $66.67
Catch the sunset at the Port of Galveston during this guided Segway tour along the city’s seawall, enjoying time to visit the historic Murdoch’s Souvenir Shop, admire the Tall Ship Elissa, and more. Visit more places than you could on foot—thanks to your personal Segway—and benefit from your guide’s local insight throughout.
Get more information and book your Segway Galveston Sunset Tour Today!!!
17. Houston Date Night Ideas – Go on a mural tour around town
credit: @streetartlibrary Instagram
Houston has a ton of great murals all across the city, from Montrose to the Heights to Eado. Take a drive around town and enjoy free public art. Another great thing for couples to do in Houston.
Deal Alert – Private Houston Mural Instagram Tour – just $59.94 for 2 adults!
Explore Houston’s colorful side and get a collection of Insta-worthy photos along the way. Pose in front of downtown’s most vibrant street art, including hidden murals that even most locals don’t know about. Cover lots of ground in an open-sided electric cart, and get personalized attention and tips from your street-savvy guide on this private tour. Update your profile pic with snaps in front of Houston’s best street murals Learn about the history and culture behind the city’s colorful street art scene Cruise around downtown’s Market Square in an eco-friendly electric cart Personalized tour is private or semi-private, with group size limited to five
Get more information and book your Private Instagram Tour today!!!
18. Visit this purr-fect coffee shop right meow
Hang with the cool cats of El Gato Coffeehouse for an hour of feline therapy in their Cat Cottage. Reservations are currently required. Trip Chandler Tip: Set the mood with a look at Emily Ding’s mural, Oneness, depicting two elephants with intertwining trunks on the side of the nearby Nia Moves building.
Looking for a good date night in Houston? Look no further than this Coffee place!
19. Watch a movie in an old church
Take a seat in 14 Pews for interesting films screened in a former church (returning in September). ($10) Trip Chandler Tip: Discuss your movie reviews over Mai Tais at nearby tiki bar, Lei Low.
20. Houston Date Night – Take in the architecture of H-town!
Take a self-guided architecture walk and discover Houston’s history led virtually by docents from Preservation Houston. One of our favorites for Things to do in Houston for couples at night!
Date Night Ideal for Houston Couples – Take the highly rated 2.5 Hour Houston City Tour – 2 adults for $55 only!
A good choice for first-time visitors and residents alike, this tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city. Visit several well-known landmarks, parks, and stadiums including historic Market Square, Discovery Green, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, Buffalo Bayou, and more. You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the lavish homes and boutiques in River Oaks. A local guide shares insider information about what to see, where to eat, and what to do while you’re in town.
- Sightseeing tour of Houston
- Climate-controlled vehicle
- Small groups—maximum of 11 travelers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
Get more information and book your 2.5 hour Houston Tour TODAY!!!
21. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking laser light show
Mellow out at the laser light show set to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at the Planetarium in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. ($9)
22. Unique Date Idea in Houston – Boat tour through Downtown
credit: @buffalobayou Instagram
Go with the flow on Buffalo Bayou during their 30-minute Boat Ride. Even though the Public Pontoon Boat Tours still stand canceled, Private Boat Tours are available for booking.
Deal Alert – Private Sight Seeing Cart Tour of Downtown Houston – Under $50 for 2 Adults!
Explore the downtown area of Houston onboard in an enclosed golf cart during this fun excursion. Join your private guide and ride around the streets of Houston in your cart, learning about the city as you go.
Stop at several points of interest and picturesque spots to capture photos and get more in-depth information. Get a comprehensive overview of Houston Choose from several tour times to fit your schedule A private tour means a personalized experience Get insider tips on where to eat, drink, and explore.
Get more information about the Private Sight Seeing Cart Tour of Downtown Houston and book yours TODAY!!!
Date Night Ideas Houston – Fun, Romantic Things to do
23. Show off your roller skating skills
Couple skate on Thursdays during adult skate night at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink. ($7 entry; $3 skate rental)
Houston date idea for couples that love adventure – Tandem Skydiving Jump for 2 People
- Tandem skydiving let novices and experts alike leap from the sky after a thorough educational session, about 30 minutes of ground training, in a 3,600-square-foot hangar.
- Customers are attached to an experienced instructor.
- What to wear: comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and tennis shoes for the experience
- Whole experience may last up to four hours
- Must be 18 or older
- Weight limit for female jumpers is 220lbs, and male jumpers 240lbs. Must be body proportionate.
Get more information and book your Tandem Skydiving Jump Adventure TODAY!!!
24. Go on a group bike ride and make new friends
We are lucky that Houston has some fantastic biking trail options. Check out a social group bike ride, like Karbach’s Brews Cruise, Critical Mass, SW HTX Bike Club, and others. Visit BikeHouston.org for info about weekly and monthly rides in the area.
25. Discover your new favorite mystery novel
Hear true crime tales, thrillers, and mysteries at Murder by the Book’s author signings and readings, and browse their excellent collection of books while you’re there.
Unique Date Idea for Houston Couples – Haunted Houston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour – Starting at $33.06 for 2 Adults!
Image Credit – Traveler Photos on Viator.com
Explore the historic district of downtown Houston on a leisurely walking tour that combines a pub crawl with ghost stories recounted by your costumed guide. Your 2.5-hour evening walking tour visits four bars located in historic buildings that each boast spooky stories. Have time to sip a drink (own expense) as your guide illuminates the history of Houston through tales of rumored hauntings and other spine-tingling tales. 2.5-hour Houston ghost and pub walking tour Learn about Houston’s past while visiting pubs in historic buildings Have the option to purchase drinks at four stops Combine a history tour with ghost stories and drinks Includes guide and walking tour
Get more information on the Haunted Houston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour and book yours TODAY!!!
26. Date Idea for Houston Couples – Free your mind at the Rothko
Meditate and relax at the Rothko Chapel. Trip Chandler Tip: Plan your visit when the Rothko Chapel offers concerts on the plaza with complimentary beverages from St. Arnold’s Brewing Company. (Donations welcome)
27. Shop local at a farmer’s market
Browse Houston’s excellent weekly farmers markets to shop locally made goods. You can then spend the afternoon cooking for the next meal. That can make for a unique and fun date!
28. Date Idea For Active Couples – Kayaking in the heart of Houston
Kayak on Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake. ($5) This is another one of those fun things to do in Houston that’s perfect for active couples! Trip Chandler Tip: Whisper sweet nothings with the help of the Listening Vessels in the Wortham Foundation Gardens.
Fun things to do in Houston for couples at night – Glowing Kayak Tour for 2 people for just $50!!!
Your GlowRow tour will guide you along one of several locations on the Texas coast in clear kayaks lit up by special underwater LED lights that provide a lens in which you can observe the unique underwater world beneath you. Each kayak LED system has 7 different colors and settings to choose from, allowing you to choose your own vibe. Your tour guide will point out unique landmarks and wildlife as you paddle under the stars, as well as share any unique or interesting history and facts about the area.
Key Terms and Conditions
- 18+ ONLY Weight limit 400lb (combined weight) of two people.
- No bug sprays allowed
- What’s Included: GlowRow will provide the crystal clear kayak with lights & USCG flare kit, paddle with lanyard, USCG life jackets, flashlights, and an emergency whistle.
Get more information and book your Glowing Kayak Tour!!!
Houston Date Night – Romantic Things to do and Date Ideas for Night and Day – Continued
29. Drive around town and see some remarkable roadside attractions
credit: @jackie_t88 Instagram
Houston has a number of impressive attractions you can see from the comfort of your car or get out and see up close. Highlights include the President Heads sculptures, Beer Can House, We Heart Houston sculpture, and more. Check out our full guide to the best Houston roadside attractions for more info.
30. Active date ideas in Houston – Walk the loop at Memorial Park
Walk (or jog if you want to work up a sweat!) the trail at the best parks in Houston. One lap around the Memorial park trail is just under 3 miles, and you’ll enjoy some great trees and plants along the way.
31. Fun active dates in Houston – Head to The Woodlands for some outdoor activities
Cruise down The Woodlands Waterway on a water bike, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard for a relaxing date, and then enjoy some dining and shopping after.
Deal Alert – Houston Woodlands Indoor Skydiving – 2 adults for just $92
Try skydiving without the death-defying heights and high price-tag of jumping from an airplane! This indoor skydiving experience at iFly Houston Woodlands simulates the adrenaline rush of a freefall in the safe and adjustable environment. Enter the state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel and benefit from one-to-one assistance from your instructor as you master basic manoeuvres, soar high into the air, or (depending on your experience level) perform thrilling aerial stunts.
Two thrilling ‘skydives’ in an indoor wind tunnel No experience necessary: suitable for complete beginners Small-group tour with one-to-one instruction Choice of tour departure times throughout the day
Get more information and book your Indoor Skydiving Adventure TODAY!!!
32. Houston Date Night – Taste the city’s best local craft beers
Sip some local craft beers at any of our great Houston breweries, like Saint Arnold Brewing, Karbach, New Magnolia, 8th Wonder, and more. Most local breweries have an outdoor beer garden area that’s perfect for social distancing. Check out the best sushi deals and happy hours in Houston.
Deal Alert – Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour – Lowest Price Guarantee!
Starting just north of downtown, get a panoramic view of the city. Visit amazing murals, see historic East End landmarks, and you might meet one of the world-famous, Doomsday Wrestlers. Includes Local Group, Sigma Brewing Co, and 8th Wonder. If you love sporting events and stadiums, this is the tour for you. Another flat ride, this easy route also contains some of the more unique spots in Houston.
Get more information and book your Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour TODAY!!!
33. Cruise around the Ship Channel for free
Note: This is temporarily suspended at this time due to the pandemic but will hopefully return soon.
Set a course for adventure aboard the Sam Houston for a free cruise around the Houston Ship Channel. Advance reservations required. This is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Houston for couples.
34. Houston Date Idea For Competitive Couples – Friendly (?) game of paintball
Let your competitive streak shine with some outdoor paintball at Paintball USA. You can have lots of fun on your date without spending a ton of money. Don’t miss out on the big 90% discount (while tickets last).
35. Bring your four-legged friend out for a day at the park
Take your pups along on the date for some fun at any of the great Houston dog parks around the city.
What are some of your favorite date ideas in Houston? Let us know by commenting below!
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Travel on your mind? Check out Date Ideas Austin and Date Ideas San Antonio
