Planning the perfect date night with your boo can be super romantic but it can get expensive. Some of the best dates are the ones that come at little or no cost, whether it’s sitting outside and chatting the time away, hearing a musical performance at a park, or taking a hike in the middle of nature. The budget shouldn’t stop you from having memorable dates. Fun romantic activities with your love don’t have to cost a dime and Dallas has so many possibilities of free date ideas that you can enjoy whether you are looking for something adventurous or cozy and romantic. So go ahead and try out every one of these fun (and free) date ideas.
1. Cedar Ridge Preserve
Just 20 minutes outside of downtown Dallas there is a pretty neat nature preserve that will make you forget that you are minutes from the city and the traffic we complain about all the time. It is dog friendly (just make sure your furry friend is leashed up) and go ahead and explore the native foliage and wildlife that is perfect for a more outdoor and adventurous date.
Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75249
Hours: Tues. – Sun. 6:30 a.m. – dusk
2. Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is a classic go-to affordable date night spot for several reasons. There are all sorts of events going on all the time (such as salsa dance lessons) that make for a great activity to do together, with plenty of space to walk around, and a whole lot of lawn for picnics as well. Grab a picnic blanket, and some snacks, and have a nice evening together.
Location: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily
3. Dallas Museum of Art
Right next to Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Museum of Art is great if you want a more chill, inside date activity. (It is also perfect for hot summers and rainy/cold weather). Admission is free, although at the moment they do prefer to reserve your slot online. If you aren’t able to just go to the Guest Services Desk and they will take care of you there.
note: special exhibits require a paid ticket for admission.
Location: ;
Hours: Tues. – Thurs. : 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Fri. : 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sat. – Sun. : 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Closed Mon.
4. Uptown Adventures on the M-Line Trolly Ride
Take a ride on a trolly and explore the blocks of McKinney Avenue. Use it as transportation to another location on your date night, or sit in and ride the entire route which is approximately 1 hour.
Pro tip: your well-behaved fur baby can come along too!
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. : 7 AM – 10 PM | Fri.: 7 AM – Midnight Sat.: 10 AM – Midnight | Sun. / Holidays: 10 AM – 10 PM
5. White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is a popular free attraction in Dallas with so many activities to do at this park. You can bring a blanket and have a picnic, go rollerblading, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and many other activities.
The view is beautiful so it also makes for a great spot to catch the sunset together.
Location: 8300 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 7521
Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
6. Mural Exploring at Deep Ellum
The Deep Ellum ( or Deep Elm) entertainment district is known for its vibrant street murals, quirky art galleries, and long-time concert venues for indie and blues. With so many murals going up constantly, it makes for a great mural exploring adventure and getting a taste of Dallas’ quirky side.
7. Spray Paint At The Fabrication Yard
Speaking about murals, have leftover spray paint cans from your last DIY? Grab them and head over to the fabrication yard, a free and legal art park where you can paint art pieces on walls together.
Pro tip from the founders: If you are skilled, feel free to paint anywhere. If you are practicing, please respect the existing art and paint on the metal building.
Location: 611 Fabrication St, Dallas, TX 75212
Hours: Open 24 hours
8. Explore The Crow Museum of Asian Art
Another art museum to add to your list to check out on date night is The Crow Museum of Asian art located at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Location: 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Hours: Tues. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | CLOSED Mondays
9. Pioneer Plaza Drive
The beautiful bronze statues that feature a re-creation of a cattle drive with longhorns being driven by three cowboys on horses make for a great date photo op as well as an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of downtown Dallas. The Pioneer Plaza features a waterfall, man-made cliffs, and native plants.
Location: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Open 24 hours
10. Check out The Shops at Lower Greenville
Is it a beautiful day outside but you don’t know what to do? Grab your date and take a stroll around the shops at Lower Greenville! The neighborhood is always filled with activity, especially at night! The buzzing nightlife is a perfect way to wrap up the evening.
A great shop to check out is Bullzerk which features all the Dallas-themed merch you can think of, along with nick-nacks from your favorite shows like The Office, Parks and Rec., and more!
11. Discover Bishop Arts
Bishop Arts needs to be on your date night bucket list of things to do if you haven’t already, like ASAP. There are all sorts of unique small businesses in the bishop arts area that you can discover to meet your window shopping needs. Everything from donut shops, ice cream parlors, and even an art gallery!
Pro-Tip: At night, you will occasionally see a street performer singing or a musician playing soothing tunes that you can enjoy from the comfort of a bench. One of our favorites for sure!
Location: Bishop Arts District
12. Ronald Kirk Bridge
The Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Trinity River. Right next to Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, it is a fun location to explore when you are on a date. They often have free games, activities, and of course a beautiful view of downtown and the Trinity River.
Feeling like walking a trail together? There are multiple trails to explore if you want to walk (or jog for those looking for an active activity) where you get to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Pro Tip: The view is especially great at night, with beautiful sunsets.
12. Fair Park
In case you didn’t know, the Fair Park is open even when the State Fair Of Texas is here. It houses the African American Museum, The Children’s Aquarium, and the Hall of State. They are all free admission + free parking.
(It is also the home to the Texas Discovery Garden, which has a $10 admission per person fee.)
Location: 3809 Grand Avenue / Dallas, TX 75210
Hours: 6 am – 9 pm
12. Katy Trail
Wanting to enjoy nature but don’t still want to feel close to the city? The Katy Trail goes through many of Dallas’ most lush and densely wooded areas in the Turtle Creek area including several parks. Not only can you discover new parks, but it also allows you to explore, play, and do other fun things.
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