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You don’t need to break the piggy bank with these 10 fun and cheap date ideas!

fun-cheap-things-to-do

I used to avoid dating as I always equated it to expensive dinners or movie nights. Well, that’s before I found out that I could plan a date without having to steal from my savings.

Thanks to some fun and cheap activities in Houston, I can surprise my boo with different date ideas aside from our usual gastronomical stops. With these budget-friendly date options, couples can just plan a date every single day!

Ready to impress your significant other? Join me as I explore fun and cheap things to do for Houstonian couples!

1. Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Levy Park

Media credit: @levyparkhouston

Website: http://levyparkhouston.org/ 

Address: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098

Contact Details: +1 713-522-7275

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM, 10:00 PM

Cost: Free

One of the cheapest romantic date ideas for couples in Houston is to plan some movie nights at Levy Park. Here, entrance is fee so you just need to spend a couple of bucks for your snacks and booze!

You can also spot some vending machines and food trucks parked around which are all budget-friendly food options to complement your movie date.

What’s great about Levy Park is that the place is entirely dog-friendly. So if you and your significant other can’t afford to leave your fur pals at home, you can let them join you as you watch a movie under the stars at Levy Park.

After watching a movie, you don’t need to feel rushed as you can just lounge around and enjoy the night breeze.

Pro tip: To avoid incurring parking fees, make sure to log in your entry time. Levy Park offers free parking for the first 3 hours so if you don’t want to pay extra, make sure to schedule your departure accordingly.

2. Kayaking at Buffalo Bayou

Media credit: @buffalobayou

Website: https://buffalobayou.org/ 

Cost: Starts at $55 per person

You and your loved one can get on a little adventure without tiring yourself too much. At Buffalo Bayou, you can catch the sunset while having a guided kayak on the bayou.

Here, you can get a chance to see the water trail and learn more about the history of Houston’s landmarks. After the sun sets, you and your significant other can also catch the bats migrating as they begin searching for food.

Meanwhile, if you want to paddle on your own, you can also avail of kayak rentals with Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours. This allows you to have a more romantic time together.

Pro tip: Consider volunteering for a bayou cleanup after your kayak trip. This will let you and your partner contribute to a healthier and cleaner bayou, making your romantic date even more memorable.

3. Feed the Animals at Houston Zoo

Media credit: @houstonzoo

Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/ 

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Contact Details: +1 713-533-6500

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cost: Starts at $27.20 per person

If you and your date love animals then a trip to Houston Zoo should be on top of your cheap date list! 

Here, you can see the amur leopard, green anaconda, ankole cattle, a capybara, and a Chilean flamingo, just to name a few.

Aside from seeing animals around the place, you can also attend the Meet the Keeper Talks, allowing you to get a closer look at how these dedicated zookeepers take care of zoo animals such as California sea lions, elephants, alligators, and birds.

If you and your partner need to recharge and refuel, there’s a cafe inside Houston Zoo that offers a menu using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring your meals are fresh and safe.

Pro tip: If you wish to avoid paying entrance fees, consider scheduling your romantic zoo date at Houston Zoo on the first Tuesday of the month. 

4. Shop at Discovery Green Marketplace

Media credit: @discoverygreen

Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/

Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

Contact Details: +1 713-533-6500

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Cost: Free 

If you and your partner love shopping but don’t wish to break the bank, then catch the night flea market at the Discovery Green Marketplace. What’s great about this market is that entrance is free!

You can catch local vendors offering handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry at reasonable prices, allowing you to shop on a budget.

If you’re both vintage lovers, you’ll love the unique vintage shops that grace Discovery Green Marketplace too! 

Additionally, you can expect to hear some live music while you’re shopping, making your fun and cheap date even more romantic.

Pro tip: Consider timing your cheap date during exciting events and festivals at Discovery Green Marketplace. This will allow you and your partner to experience thematic events as well as catch food and merchandise that are aligned with the team.

5. Have a Spooky Trip with Ghost Tours of Galveston

Media credit: @jlominac4

Website: http://ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com/ 

Address: 123 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550

Contact Details: +1 713-898-4488

Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Cost: Starts at $25 per person

If you want to score extra hugs from your partner, without asking for it, then plan a spooky date with Ghost Tours of Galveston!

You’ll appreciate supernatural stories shared by the residents, including historical accounts that happened in the area. You and your partner will also get to walk where the restless spirits are believed to exist, making your date feel more eerie.

Meanwhile, you can choose from their wide variety of ghost tours, depending on your interest. Most of the tours will just take around two hours so you can plan to continue your date elsewhere if you want to shake off the fear.

Pro tip: Food and beverages aren’t included in your ghost tour package. However, Ghost Tours of Galveston allows you to bring your own snacks and beverages that you can consume before or after the tour.

6. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Media credit: @hmns

Website: https://www.hmns.org/ 

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Contact Details: +1 713-639-4629

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Cost: $25 per person

For couples who love culture, history, or anything about sciences, then a date to the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must. Just make sure to allot more than just a half day to explore the place as there are several exhibits to see!

If you’re interested in the Egyptian collection, you’ll be glad to see decoCostd coffins and even preserved mummies from 2500 BC to 200 AD.

If you’re fond of gems, there are several collections that you can spot at the Houston Museum of Natural Science too!

For those of you who are curious about dinosaurs, the Houston Museum of Natural Science also has dinosaur fossils on display.

Pro tip: If you and your boo prefer a more hands-on experience, you may proceed to the Planetarium and Butterfly Center for more unique learning opportunities.

7. Visit the Menil Collection

Media credit: @menilcollection

Website: https://www.menil.org/ 

Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006

Contact Details: +1 713-525-9400 

Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Cost: Free

The Menil Collection’s admission is always free, making it a fun and cheap date idea for couples in Houston. Here, you can see over 19,000 sculptures, drawings, photographs, and paintings that you haven’t seen elsewhere.

You can also appreciate the amazing works of art from Africa, Oceania, and even from the Byzantine and medieval worlds.

Before going around the place, you and your boo can grab European-inspired meals at the Bistro Menil, located inside the premises. Their menu is budget-friendly too, so no need to worry about breaking the bank!

While paid parking is available near the area, you may consider riding the public transport for a more cheaper option too.

Pro tip: Since there’s ongoing construction, expect road closures around the Menil campus. Because of this, it may be a better idea to ride public transport to avoid being stuck in traffic around the area.

8. Watch a Performance at TUTS Alley Theatre

Media credit: @tutshouston

Address: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Cost: Depends on the type of show

If you and your partner are fans of contemporary and classic plays, then you should check the theater lineup at TUTS Alley Theatre. You’ll surely love watching Broadway shows here as well!

What’s great about TUTS Alley Theatre is that there are no bad seats in the house. Wherever you’re seated, you’ll get a great view and good sound acoustics, letting you appreciate the entire production.

Aside from plays, you can also catch ballet interpretation shows, complete with live orchestra, making the experience more memorable.

Pro tip: While TUTS Alley Theatre provides valet parking, there’s still a long queue of cars so make sure to be at TUTS Alley Theatre at least an hour before the show starts to avoid inconvenience.

9. Unleash Your Inner Child at Puttshack Houston

Media credit: @puttshack

Website: https://www.puttshack.com/locations/houston 

Address: 1200 McKinney St Suite 100 & 300, Houston, TX 77010

Contact Details: +1 346-509-7888

Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Cost: $14 per person

If you want to plan a date where you and your boo can feel like kids all over again, then you can go to Puttshack Houston. This time, we’re incorporating the world’s improved technology as you’ll get to play interactive games outside your screens!

You can also play classic arcade games such as Air Hockey and Stackers. And of course, as adults, you’ll also get to enjoy some interactive beer pong!

Meanwhile, if you want to play golf but want to keep it indoors, then you’ll love the upscale mini golf area at Puttshack Houston.

Food and beverages are also served at Puttshack Houston so no need to book a dinner reservation elsewhere!

Pro tip: To bring that childhood throwback up a notch, you and your partner can go to Puttshack Houston on a Wednesday evening. This will let you enjoy beats from the past, complete with music videos playing at the entire venue.

10. Roller Skating at The Daily Ashford Roller Rink

Media credit: @kinder_with_kate

Website: http://skatedairyashford.com/ 

Address: 1820 S Dairy Ashford Rd St, Houston, TX 77077

Contact Details: +1 281-493-5651

Operating Hours: Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Cost: Starts at $8

Another fun and cheap activity that will bring out the kid in you is The Daily Ashford Roller Rink. 

Whether you’re trying to impress your partner with your balancing skills or simply want to hold hands with your boo while avoiding falling on the floor, then roller skating is a great date idea for you!

Aside from being a fun date idea, roller skating also has its advantages when it comes to health! You and your loved one can enjoy a complete aerobic workout while enjoying your date.

Pro tip: While The Daily Ashford Roller Rink provides relatively budget-friendly Costs, you may opt for the cheapest skating schedule every Tuesday from 5 in the afternoon until 9 in the evening.
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