I’ve done my research and asked around campus. This collection of ideas has been refined to a list of 14 prime places and activities around Dallas.
1. Picnic in the park and a stroll down Katy Trail
Take a nice afternoon stroll down the Katy Trail and pack a picnic meal for one of the many parks around campus.
Willams Park, only a few blocks from campus, is a nice setting for a Valentine’s picnic. It has a pond with a fountain and even a “LOVE” statue.
If you really want to up the romance (and not leave campus), you can have a trunk picnic and watch the sunset from the top of Binkley.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtL8y6xnenv/
2. Museums
There are lots of museums around Dallas to choose from, but one of the most popular is the DMA.
Although you can’t go on Valentine’s day itself, the DMA has a late night on the third Friday of each month where you can stroll though the art galleries until 11 p.m.
Looking for something a little different? You can also visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
3. Sofar Sounds concert
Do you and your Valentine love music but can never decide where to go or who to see? Well, Sofar Sounds is the thing for you.
What’s a Sofar Sounds show? Sofar transforms everyday spaces – like a living room or retail shop – and turns it into a captivating venue for secret, live shows, creating an immersive experience that brings guests and artists closer together. Each Sofar is small, and typically features three diverse acts, with no headliner.
Choose a day, time and a general area, then wait till the day of to receive the instructions of where to go. If you are looking for something more spontaneous, this is it.
4. College cards for The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra offers passes for students called College Cards.
College Cards can be purchased at the box office for 25 dollars during normal business hours. You must show up in person and present a valid student ID to register and receive a college card.
Students are then able to see any number of performances offered by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. These are the perfect date nights for the more “refined” taste.
5. Dancing
Put some boots on and hit the dance floor this Valentine’s season. Head over to Cowboy’s Red River in Dallas for some two-stepping. Never danced before? No worries, they even offer classes.
If you are willing to venture a little further out of town, you can head to Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth for some country dancing too. (Also, most Thursday nights are college nights, meaning students get in free).
Boots not your thing? You can also take some swing classes with the Dallas Swing Dance Society.
6. Half Price Books/ Barnes and Noble
Go visit the giant Half Price Books off of E. Northwest Highway and give you and your date 10 minutes to find five books that you feel best describe you. Meet up once the time is up and talk about your choices. This is a great way to get to know your date a little better.
Or, you can do just the opposite and find 5 books that you think describe your date. Either way, its a fun way to find some new reads, learn more about your Valentine, hang out and maybe even grab some coffee while you’re at it.
7. Sunshine Miniature Trees
Go shopping for a little plant at the bonsai and succulent store in an old house on Greenville. Wander through the plants and have fun naming your new friend.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1685218/sunshine-miniature-trees/
8. Deep Ellum, Coffee and Beignets
Head to Deep Ellum and take a stroll. Take pictures with all the cute murals and shops. Afterwards, stop by Le Bon Temps for their French Fried Beignets and a warm cup of coffee.
9. Small movie theatre
Keep it classic and go see a movie at one of the smaller theatres around town. Visit Highland Park Village and go window shopping before the showing or go see an indie film at The Texas Theatre.
Want to stay close to campus? You can walk just across the highway to The Angelica.
10. Roller skating
Try a pair of white roller skates on for size and hang out under some 80s neon lights. Just try not to fall and embarrass yourself on your first date.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4n1uljF-LM/
11. Pocket Sandwich Theatre
Dinner and a show. Not far from campus, you can go see an interactive theatre performance. Yes, this means you can boo, hiss and even throw food.
12. Chocolate Secrets/Jazz Night
Take a visit to Chocolate Secrets and share some chocolate, macaroons and other sweets. Chocolate Secrets also has jazz nights, an art gallery and open mic nights.
13. Food trucks @ Klyde Warren Park
The perfect date for foodies. Visit Klyde Warren Park and enjoy the scenery and savor some food from the many food trucks they have on Food Truck Lane.
They also have Movies in the Park and various other events and classes throughout the year.
14. Arboretum
Enjoy nature and the flowers while taking a walk through the Dallas Arboretum. During the month of February they are offering “Daffodil Days” for five dollar admission.
