Planning the Perfect Date in Houston

Organizing summer travel plans, planning the kids’ schedules, and keeping up with your own work can make summer a chaotic time. But in the midst of this chaos it is important to set time apart for you and your partner to relax, unwind and reset. Fortunately, the City of Houston has a myriad of activities that can also be fun and unique date ideas! We understand that planning the perfect date during these busy times is not the easiest, so we went ahead and planned it for you! We've compiled an itinerary that features date ideas that are affordable, walkable, outdoors, indoors,  and will offer you and your significant other a great time! 

Pasha Volkov and Naama Machol ride the pedal boats at Hermann Park. They recommend bringing lots of water and sunscreen or choosing a cooler day.

12 p.m.:  Ride a pedal boat at Hermann Park Conservancy 
Head down to Hermann Park and ride some pedal boats on McGovern Lake. This activity allows  you and your partner to relax and pedal along the scenic, 8-acre lake. The boat can hold up to four people, so this activity also works for a double date! 
Location: Houston, TX 77030
Price: $13 per boat for 30 minutes and this purchase is made onsite 

12:45 p.m.: Pick up a snack or lunch at one of the nearby food trucks in Hermann Park

1:30 p.m.: Walk through the Japanese Garden
Only a short walk from the McGovern Lake (just under half a mile)  the Japanese Garden is   the perfect place to take a romantic afternoon stroll with your partner. The garden features a teahouse, cherry trees, waterfalls, bridges, and more!
Location: 6000 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Price: Free

Molly and Miles Marks enjoy a lovely afternoon exploring the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

3 p.m. : Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center 
Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, about a 3-minute walk from Hermann Park, this center offers several immersive experiences. You can walk through the Rainforest Conservatory, which is filled with over 1,500 flying butterflies and exotic plants, or learn more about the bug world at the Brown Hall of Entomology which is included in your ticket!
Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Price: $12 per adult ticket for admission into the Cockrell Butterfly Center only 

5:30 p.m.: Picnic at Buffalo Bayou Park 
The skyline view and picturesque scenery makes Buffalo Bayou Park a great place to have a romantic picnic. Buffalo Bayou features beautiful gardens, native landscaping, several walking trails, and public art. Bring a picnic blanket, bug repellent, a fun card game, and food! You can pack your own food or get takeout from a variety of restaurants that surround the park. 
Location: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Price: Free

Kenneth and Patricia Sax pose in front of the padlocks at the Love Lock Bridge that symbolizes undying love.

7 p.m.: Visit the Love Lock Bridge 
As the sun starts to set, walk over to the Love Lock Bridge which is only a few steps away from Buffalo Bayou Park. The concept of this bridge comes from the famous Pont des Arts bridge in Paris. Couples bring their own padlocks, usually customized, and then attach them to the fence to symbolize their undying love. This spot is great for sharing a special moment with your significant other and for taking lots of pictures!
Location: Houston, TX 77019
Price: Free but bring your own padlock!

This part of the fence at the Love Lock Bridge forms a heart around the Houston skyline.

Personally, I would want to go home at this point... but if you and your partner are up for it here is a list of bars with no cover fee to finish off the night! 

Behind Closed Doors: One of Houston’s newest speakeasies brings several different bars to one place. The concept is that behind every door there is a different bar with a different menu and ambiance. The bar serves a variety of wines, cocktails, and appetizers. 
Location: 310 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

Axelrad Beer Garden: Enjoy a drink in their huge indoor and outdoor spaces, which includes outdoor hammocks and picnic tables. This beer garden hosts weekly events like concerts, yoga, pop ups, open mics, and more! Make sure to check out their calendar to find more information. 
Location: 1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004

Wonder Bar: This bar transports you into a whimsical universe with its unique art installations and imaginative cocktails. Its trendy and aesthetic atmosphere makes it a great place for taking cute pictures with your partner.
Location: 2416 Brazos St, Houston, TX 77006

Saint Arnold Brewing Company: This is Texas’ oldest craft brewery that serves beer, cider, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. It features huge indoor and outdoor spaces, a great view of downtown, art installations, and more!
Location: 2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020

Editor's note: Find out date night ideas and traditions here plus dog-friendly date spots here.