Fun and (almost) Free Date Ideas around Dallas

Whether you’re dating your boyfriend / girlfriend or spouse, it’s always nice to change things up. It’s easy for us to get stuck in our bubble of eating at our favorite restaurants and visiting the same spots. I’m guilt 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 cash.  Some of the best dates don’t even require any money. 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. 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. Interested in going? The Dallas Farmers Market is located at 1010 S. Pearl Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75201.

Go window shopping at Highland Park Village. 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. If you’re feeling ballsy, enter the stores, try on the fashionable wears and have your own fashion show. 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. 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. 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 a class together at Klyde Warren Park. 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.

Get back in shape. 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. 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.

Discover Uptown on the M-Line Trolley. The trolley is completely free to ride (donations accepted) and will take you up and down Mckinney Ave. 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. So simple, but still lots of fun. Find a dog park around you and stop by for an hour or two. 

Take in the scenery at White Rock Lake. 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. 

Hiking Trails in Dallas

Shop at Estate Sales. Look for Estate Sales in some of the nicest neighborhoods. 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. 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!

Practice Yoga and Meditate. Cosmic Cafe has yoga and mediation classes every day of the week. They suggest a $5 donation but it is not required. These classes are a great way to meet people and try out different forms of yoga while improving your mental state.  

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. 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 bloggers online.  Many of us work with local companies, so we’re always having giveaways to events, movie screenings and more. Trust me, it pays off! Check out this list of local Dallas bloggers.

Take Advantage of Deal Sites. I check Groupon often. They usually have museums or restaurants on there that are new to me that I love to snag for a cheaper price. It’s also 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.  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. 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. – *Currently on hold* On Saturdays from 12pm til 3pm Deep Ellum Brewery hosts an open house for you to come and check out the space. There are brewery tours at 1pm and 2pm. The open house costs $15 at the door but you can order tickets online for $15. During the open house you will get 3 beers and a DEBC logo glass!

Give Thanks.  Thanks-Giving Square is a private, interfaith and educational venue welcoming people of all nations, culture and religious traditions. The unique spiral-shaped building is the “Home of American Thanksgiving” and features a nearby meditation garden.

Keep Learning. 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. 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. Maybe even make a list of things to buy in the future.

Set up a Potluck Dinner. 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. 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.

The best dates don’t have to be expensive, just fun!  What is your favorite (cheap) date idea?