Free Date Ideas in Houston for Valentine's Day (or Any Day)
Stop by Waterwall Park in the Galleria area for a free Houston date.
Image: Droneandy/Shutterstock.com
The best things in life are free. And free things combined with your favorite person is even better. As you plan a perfect Valentine's Day and date nights year-round, consider saving some money where you can—perhaps you'd like to save up your bucks for a nice restaurant meal, or even a ring (hint hint). From boat tours to open-air performances, treat your date to a rom-com-worthy day. After all, love doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Hold hands at Waterwall Park.
What better way to fall for someone than at a (man-made) waterfall? The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is located right outside the Galleria and has been a fan favorite since the 1980s. The 64-foot-tall structure of tumbling water makes for a picturesque backdrop to that cute kissing photo.
The Japanese Garden is a quiet corner of busy Hermann Park.
Stroll the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park.
Hermann Park is a great spot for a date. It has a reflection pool, an outdoor theater, rentable pedal boats, and a choo-choo train—what more could you want? If you're looking for some quiet away from the crowds, head to the Japanese Garden for a romantic stroll among cherry trees, azaleas, Japanese maples, crepe myrtles, and very cute ducks.
A romantic (and free!) picnic and show on the grass at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Image: Courtesy Jeff Myers
Watch a show under the stars at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
End your daytime stroll at the Japanese Garden with a free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Plan ahead if you want covered-seating tickets, but if it’s a spur-of-the-moment plan, you can always sit hillside where tickets aren’t required. Check out the website for the monthly show schedule, which always includes a variety of musical performances and dance productions.
The Wonderland sculpture at Evelyn's Park is for the couples who are young at heart.
Image: Christina Sizemore
Have a mad tea party at Evelyn’s Park.
Things are curiouser and curiouser than they seem at Evelyn’s Park, which boasts a large, whimsical Alice in Wonderland sculpture in the form of a table with bronze characters. Make sure to pack a picnic to join the feast, as the table has room for six to eight additional guests. Challenge your date to see who can find all 150 hidden elements throughout the sculpture.
The Rice Loop is a great place to take in the beautiful Rice University campus.
Walk the Rice Loop.
You don’t have to be a college student to enjoy Rice University's beautiful campus, by far the most picturesque in Houston. The Rice Loop is a jogger-friendly six-mile trail that encircles Rice’s grounds. Stroll along the loop itself or enjoy the canopy of trees within the campus for a romantic afternoon outside. Don't forget to stop by the Moody Center for the Arts, the on-site museum that also offers free admission.
Smither Park
Image: Courtesy Lindsey Jones
Pose for pics at Smither Park.
Located in a pocket neighborhood between Third Ward and the East End, Smither Park is part of the Orange Show’s permanent exhibit spaces. It boasts incredible mosaic sculptures and murals created by local Houston artists that you can enjoy—all for free. The park is also dog-friendly, so bring along a furry friend on your date.
Swan Boats on The Woodlands Waterway
Image: Courtesy Visit The Woodlands
Tour The Woodlands Waterway.
If you live north of Houston or you’re willing to make the drive, The Woodlands Waterway should be your first stop. You can enjoy water fountains that conduct a synchronized choreography to music and view the abundant public outdoor art sculptures. The Waterway also boasts a one-mile trail for a nice stroll.
Anna Rajagopal and Emma Balter contributed to this guide.
