Fun and (almost) Free Date Ideas around Dallas

No matter how long you have been dating someone, whether it be a month or years – it’s always nice to change things up. It’s easy to get stuck in our bubble of eating at our favorite restaurants and visiting the same spots. I’m guilty of it but if you want to keep things interesting, you’ve to go explore and do things that you don’t always do. Dating doesn’t have to be expensive and some of the free things to do in Dallas is the best way to learn more about the person you are dating. I’ve found lots of fun activities around Dallas that will require little to no money.  Some of the best dates don’t even require any money and make for the best memories. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! If you don’t have a honey to take out, all of these things can be done with your best friend as well.

Fun and (almost) FREE Date Ideas around Dallas

Walk around the Dallas Farmers Market. The Dallas Farmers Market is opened (almost) all year long and it’s completely free to look around. Cut costs even more and take the DART Red Line.  If you plan on buying anything here, bargain with the retailers to get the best deals. For the best selection of products, come early in the day. For the best deals, come late in the day.

The Dallas Farmers Market is an excellent choice for a romantic and unique date night experience. Not only can you stroll through the beautiful outdoor market hand in hand with your significant other, but you can also indulge in a wide variety of delicious food and drinks from local vendors. From freshly baked pastries to savory tacos and refreshing cocktails, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, the market often hosts special events like live music performances, cooking classes, and wine tastings, providing a fun and interactive atmosphere for couples to enjoy. With its charming ambiance and abundance of tasty treats, the Dallas Farmers Market is the perfect spot for a relaxed and memorable date night.

If you want to get your hands dirty with The Dallas Farmers Market, they have volunteer opportunities which would be an amazing way to give back while spending time with your significant other.

The Dallas Farmers Market is located at 1010 S. Pearl Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75201.

Go window shopping at Highland Park Village.  Highland Park Village in Dallas is the perfect destination for a romantic and upscale date night experience. This luxury shopping center boasts a beautiful and picturesque atmosphere, with stunning architecture and lush greenery creating a romantic ambiance. This premier shopping area has over 100 stores and some of the best designer boutiques around. Although you might not be up to purchasing anything, it’s always fun to look at the high end fashion.

Couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the boutiques and high-end shops, window shopping or splurging on designer finds. There are also plenty of upscale dining options to choose from, including intimate restaurants and trendy cafes. With its sophisticated atmosphere and exclusive offerings, Highland Park Village is an ideal spot for couples looking to elevate their date night experience.

Highland Park Village is located at 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, Texas 75205

Take an ArtWalk Downtown. Public ArtWalk Dallas is a free, self-guided art walk promoting a healthy lifestyle through increased awareness and appreciation of public art in downtown Dallas. Going on an art walk is a fantastic way to spend a creative and romantic date night. Not only do you get to experience the vibrant art scene of the city, but you also have the opportunity to explore new neighborhoods and discover hidden gems. Walking hand in hand, you can admire a diverse range of artworks, from contemporary pieces to classic masterpieces, and discuss your impressions with your significant other.  The walk is a 3.3 mile route highlighting thirty pieces of art and architecture in the Arts District and downtown Dallas. Download the map below and start at any of the locations.

Spend an afternoon at the Dallas Public Library.  Going to the library may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a date night, but it can actually be a charming and intellectually stimulating experience for couples.You don’t have a library card? No worries, as long as you have an ID with a Dallas address you are able to get a library card for free! There are over 25 Dallas Public Libraries and you’re able to check online which location has the movie you want. I highly suggest checking out their downloadable media on the website for so many different ebooks, magazines, podcasts, newspapers and other media that is easily accessible and FREE! Take full advantage of everything the library has to offer. The library provides a quiet and peaceful environment where you can browse through books, magazines, and newspapers, and engage in thoughtful discussions with your significant other. You can also attend author readings, book clubs, or other cultural events, adding an educational and entertaining element to your date night. 

If you have little ones, I highly suggest visiting the library storytimes for fun interactions with other little kids and parents.

Take a class together at Klyde Warren Park. Klyde Warren Park is a fantastic destination for a lively and fun-filled date night in Dallas. This beautiful park offers a wide range of activities, including free yoga and fitness classes, live music performances, outdoor movie screenings, and more. Couples can also enjoy a game of ping pong, cornhole, or giant chess, or simply lounge on the spacious lawns and people-watch. With its stunning views of the city skyline and convenient location in the heart of downtown, Klyde Warren Park provides a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for couples to connect and have a good time.

Did you know that Klyde Warren Park‘s classes are free? Klyde Warren Park offers a variety of activities from Boot camp, yoga, kids dance lessons to Guitar lessons. If you want to spend a little bit of money, stop by one of the many food trucks that frequent the area. Group activities aren’t your thing? No problem.  Relax in the 5 acre green space that Klyde Warren offers and enjoy soaking in some Vitamin D.

Klyde Waren is located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201.

Get back in shape. Working out together is a unique and healthy way to spend a date night. Not only does exercising together provide an opportunity to support and motivate each other, but it also allows couples to bond over a shared interest in fitness and wellness. Whether you choose to take a yoga class, go for a run, or hit the gym together, you can enjoy the endorphin rush and stress relief that comes with physical activity. Plus, sweating it out with your significant other can create a sense of teamwork and accomplishment, enhancing your emotional connection. With its numerous benefits for both physical and emotional health, working out together is a great choice for couples looking to prioritize their well-being and spend quality time together.

Workout together or train for an upcoming 5k. Set a goal to get back to the weight you were when you two met. Take a jog on Katy Trail. Walk around White Rock Lake. Make it a friendly competition. Whoever wins, has to do something for the other person.

Shake your groove thang. Yes, you read that right. Get out and let loose. Don’t spend all your money at the club. Have a few drinks at your place then head out towards the end of the night to dance the night away. Dancing is a fantastic way to have a romantic and fun-filled date night. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, taking a dance class or hitting the dance floor can be a great way to connect with your significant other and create memories. 

Visit the Crow Museum of Asian Art. The Crow Museum of Asian Art is an excellent choice for a unique and culturally enriching date night experience. This museum showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary Asian art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of Asia. Although, this museum is not open on Mondays – it’s always free to the public. 

Crow Museum of Asian Art is located at University of Texas at Dallas.

Discover Uptown on the M-Line Trolley. This vintage trolley takes passengers on a scenic ride through the historic and picturesque neighborhoods of Uptown and Downtown Dallas, providing a delightful and leisurely way to explore the city. Couples can cozy up in the comfortable seats and take in the views, or hop off at any of the stops to explore the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.  The trolley is completely free to ride (donations accepted).  Jump on and off the of the trolley to check out the many bars and stores that line the street. The M-Line is open 365 days of the year. Check out their route map and impress your date with this fun way to get around Uptown.  *Bonus* You’re allowed to bring your “well-behaved” pup on the trolley with you!

Leash your puppies and take them to a dog park together. Taking your dogs to the park provides an opportunity to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and socialize with other dog owners and their pets. You can play fetch, go for a walk, or simply relax on a bench and watch the dogs play. With its laid-back and casual atmosphere, the dog park can be a refreshing change of pace from more formal date night activities. Additionally, bonding over your shared love for your pets can strengthen your emotional connection and provide a fun topic of conversation.

Find a dog park around you and stop by for an hour or two. 

Take in the scenery at White Rock Lake. White Rock Lake offers a scenic and tranquil setting, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Walking around the lake can also be a healthy and rejuvenating activity, promoting physical fitness and well-being for both partners. Additionally, the lake is surrounded by several parks and trails, providing ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. Couples can take a leisurely stroll, jog, or bike around the lake, enjoying the picturesque views and calming ambiance. 

Bring your bike, roller skates, or tennis shoes. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy in the sun. If you want bonus points, bring along food for a picnic. If you want to stay inside, drive around the neighborhoods that border the lake, they are gorgeous. 

Love the outdoors? Don’t miss our on our list of Hiking Trails in Dallas

Shop at Estate Sales. Look for Estate Sales in some of the nicest neighborhoods.  Estate sales offer a wide range of items, including furniture, jewelry, clothing, and collectibles, providing a fun and eclectic shopping experience. Browse the sales together, sharing their discoveries and discussing their unique tastes and interests.  These sales are not only awesome because of the amazing finds, but the houses are gorgeous and it’s always fun to look around. If you want to find some real treasures be sure to plan ahead to find the sales and map your route. Check out estatesales.net or craigslist.org for a list of sales.

Venture through Half Price Books. Learn about each others interests. Half Price Books has a little bit of everything and books are dirt cheap. Bookstores offer a wide selection of books, magazines, and other reading materials, providing a fun and engaging activity for couples to share. Couples can browse the shelves together, discussing their favorite authors, genres, and titles. They can also recommend books to each other, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s interests and personalities. Head to the clearance section and see who can pick the best book. Im not a huge book person but I could spend hours in there going through all of their books and games. If you’re looking for some extra cash, they will also buy media from you!

Start a project. Your project doesn’t have to be too big or anything complicated. Don’t get too ahead of your self but find something that will challenge you both to make things fun.  The Home Depot offers free weekly workshops. Find all the Home Depot Workshops here, be sure to plan ahead because you have to register for each class. 

Get Inspired by Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Visiting the Dallas Museum of Art is a wonderful date idea for couples who appreciate art and want to immerse themselves in cultural experiences. The museum features a diverse collection of art, including works from around the world and spanning multiple eras and mediums. Couples can explore the galleries together, discussing their favorite pieces and interpretations. The Dallas Museum of Art  offers free membership. The free membership includes general admission viewing the museum’s collection galleries and most exhibits. They are open Tuesday – Sunday.  Check their website before going, there are charges for late night visits and some exhibits!

Follow local influencers online.  Many of us work with local companies, so we’re always having giveaways to events, movie screenings and more.  Search all of your social media platforms by using keywords to find the coolest spots. I highly recommend doing a bit of research and finding some of the best hidden gems that aren’t always on the top of everybody’s list. Check out this list of local Dallas bloggers.

Take Advantage of Deal Sites. I check Groupon often. Groupon offers a wide range of deals on various products and services, including restaurants, activities, travel, and more, making it a one-stop-shop for finding discounts on your favorite things. They usually have museums or restaurants on there that are new to me that I love to snag for a cheaper price. It’s a great way to find new activities in the area including fun things to do, spas, and activities for all ages.

Visit the Dallas Zoo. You can spend all day at the Dallas zoo watching and discovering animals. Ride the DART there and receive a discount. The Dallas zoo features a wide variety of animal exhibits, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and many more, providing a fun and interactive experience for couples to share. Couples can explore the exhibits together, learning about different species and their habitats. You can also attend animal encounters, shows, and other educational events, deepening their knowledge and appreciation of wildlife. The zoo offers beautiful outdoor spaces and picnic areas, providing a romantic and picturesque setting for couples to enjoy a relaxing day out.  If you visit during off season, tickets can be as low as $5! Connect with them online so you know when Dollar Days roll around.

Volunteer your time. Volunteering allows couples to work together towards a common goal, fostering teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people who share similar interests and values. Not only will this make you feel better by helping those less fortunate, you’re doing good at the same time. I encourage you all to volunteer AT LEAST once at North Texas Food Bank. They are always in need of volunteers in all aspects of their business from clerical help to special events or helping in the garden.

Tour Deep Ellum Brewery. – On Saturdays from 11am til 5pm Deep Ellum Brewery hosts an open house for you to come and check out the space. There are brewery tours at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. It costs $20 but you will receive 3 beers and a DEBC logo glass! There is also live music from 3:30pm-6:30pm.

Deep Ellum Brewery is located at 2823 St Louis Street, Dallas TX 75205

Give Thanks.  Thanks-Giving Square is a private, interfaith and educational venue welcoming people of all nations, culture and religious traditions.  Thanksgiving Square is a beautiful and unique park that was designed to inspire gratitude and unity among people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The park features a beautiful chapel, a museum, and various art installations, providing a tranquil and serene setting for couples to explore and reflect. Couples can also participate in guided meditations, prayer services, or other events focused on gratitude and mindfulness. The unique spiral-shaped building is the “Home of American Thanksgiving” and features a nearby meditation garden.

Keep Learning. Learning a new skill can be a fun and challenging experience that encourages couples to step outside their comfort zone and grow together. Whether it’s cooking, painting, dancing, or rock climbing, learning a new skill can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence. Couples can also use this opportunity to support and motivate each other, creating a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. Search online for lectures, watch TED, and expand your knowledge. Here is a good starting point: http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm

Grab a drink at a dive bar. Unlike more upscale bars or restaurants, dive bars often have a unique and quirky charm that can add to the overall experience. They can be great places to meet new people and socialize, and many have a loyal following of regulars who can add to the fun and lively atmosphere. Going out can be expensive, especially if you’re picking up the tab for you and your significant other. If you’re thirsty, head to a local dive bar for cheap drinks and a good time. We all know the most fun is at dive bars.

Indulge in Chocolate. Stop by Dude, Sweet Chocolate to taste test their amazing sweets. Pick out your favorite to purchase and enjoy it on your next date. Dude Sweet Chocolate is located at 408 W Eighth St #102, Dallas, TX 75208.

Play House at Ikea. Ikea will suck all the time out of your day. The place is massive and there is so many things to look at. Take your loved one there and check out the cool gadgets. Ikea is known for its modern and stylish furniture, as well as its innovative design and space-saving solutions. Couples can walk through the store and get inspiration for their own home decor projects or pick out items together that they both love. Maybe even make a list of things to buy in the future.

Set up a Potluck Dinner. Setting up a potluck dinner can make a great date idea for couples who want to have a fun and low-key evening with friends. Potluck dinners are a great way to bring people together, and can allow couples to share their cooking skills and favorite recipes with each other and their friends. By inviting friends to bring a dish, couples can create a relaxed and social atmosphere where everyone can contribute and enjoy each other’s company. Invite over your other couples and enjoy a potluck dinner. Organize the event to make sure all aspects of the dinner is covered.

Spend the day partying at Texas Live. Skip purchasing tickets to the big game and spend your afternoon at Texas Live. There is events going on all the time there, restaurants, live music and more. It’s a great time whether there is a game playing or not.  Texas Live is located at 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011.

Visit the Grassy Knoll. The grassy knoll of Dealey Plaza is a small, sloping hill inside the plaza that became infamous following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The Dealey Plaza Historic District was named a National Historic Landmark on the 30th anniversary of the assassination, to preserve Dealey Plaza, street rights-of-way, and buildings and structures by the plaza visible from the assassination site, that have been identified as witness locations or as possible locations for assassins.

The Grassy Knoll is located at 413 Elm St (in Dealey Plaza Historic District) Dallas, TX 75202.

Show off your athleticism. Grab a ball or your tennis rackets and make a stop at your local park. Take advantage of the park and use it to the fullest. If you’re feeling brave, pack a picnic and some wine.

Cook a meal for each other. You can make the main dish and your better half can make the dessert or vice versa. Use My Fridge Food to type in the food you already have in your fridge and it will pull up many recipes for you to choose from.

Make a Bucket List. By working together to create a list of things they want to do, see, or accomplish, couples can spark creativity, inspire each other, and plan future adventures. A bucket list can include anything from traveling to new destinations, trying new foods, learning a new skill, or even doing something adventurous like skydiving or bungee jumping. By making a bucket list together, couples can learn more about each other’s interests, passions, and goals, and work together to achieve them. With its potential for excitement, inspiration, and bonding, making a bucket list can be a fun and memorable date idea for couples who want to create lasting memories together. Each of you can write down things you want to do in the area. Each month try to mark off one item on the list.

Watch planes take off and land at Founder’s Plaza. Founders Plaza is a public observation area located near the airport, where visitors can watch planes take off and land on the runway. It also features a variety of aviation exhibits, including an actual DC-9 aircraft that visitors can explore. The plaza has a picnic area, benches, and a playground, making it a great spot for couples to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With its mix of aviation exhibits, outdoor activities, and great views of airplanes taking off and landing, visiting Founders Plaza can be a unique and memorable date idea for couples who want to experience something new and exciting together.

Founders’ Plaza is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Explore the Dallas Underground Tunnels. The Dallas Pedestrian Network, also known as the Dallas Skywalk or simply “The Tunnel,” can make a fun date night for couples who want to explore the city in a unique way. The network is a system of underground tunnels and skywalks that connect many of the city’s downtown buildings and attractions, allowing pedestrians to walk from place to place without having to go outside. 

Visit the Meadow Museum of Art. The Meadows Museum of Art is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. It boasts over 15,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, spanning from the 10th to the 21st century. Art is a great conversation starter, and visiting a museum together can provide an opportunity to discuss and share your thoughts and opinions about the artwork on display.

Complimentary admission on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

The Meadows Museum of Art is location at 5900 Bishop Blvd. Dallas, TX 75205.