Meow Wolf’s Guide to Date Nights in Dallas

Dating in Dallas can be a choose-your-own-adventure with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re keeping it platonic on a friend date or ready for sweep-them-off-their-feet vibes, these carefully curated activities are sure to impress your future plus one.‍

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The Arty Date‍

The Dallas Arts District, the largest arts district in the United States, has multiple museums and performance halls to wander through and wonder at. Check out the classical collection of African, Asian, and European art at the Dallas Museum of Art. There’s even a recreation of a villa formerly inhabited by Coco Chanel! The Nasher Sculpture Center has a world-class collection of three-dimensional work, plus a bucolic garden in the back that’s definitely worthy of a stroll. 

A quick drive away is the Dallas Design District, where many independent galleries exhibit work from artists ranging from emerging to high-profile. Conduit Gallery, Cris Worley Fine Arts, Erin Cluley Gallery, Galleri Urbane, 12.26, and Keijsers Koning are just a few must-sees. Check the Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas website for the latest openings. 

Within walking distance is the Dallas Contemporary Art Museum, which features envelope-pushing work and celebratory events including food trucks, DJs, and even the occasional art-centric tattooist. 

And, whether you’re still getting to know one another or ready to level up your pairing, an afternoon spent at Meow Wolf’s new exhibition, The Real Unreal in Grapevine, TX will give any couple lots to talk about for dates to come. Use the trip to see if your companion likes to dig deep into the mysteries of life or just enjoy experiences as they come. ‍

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The Foodie Date

The arrival of Eataly in 2020 in NorthPark Center was a HUGE deal, and the spot is still an exciting destination for Dallas foodies. The immersive Italian experience has three onsite restaurants, plus plenty of classes and parties. Or just grab a glass of vino and wander around, picking up picnic essentials. 

If cocktails are the star and food is secondary, Las Almas Rotas Mezcaleria in Fair Park has a mind-blowing cocktail with your name on it. This “shrine to the spirits of Mexico” offers a vast selection of tequilas and mezcals alongside classic burritos, tacos, and tortas. The beloved lounge Cosmo’s in Lakewood possesses a retro vibe, a delectable menu of Vietnamese food, and one of the best jukeboxes in town.  

For a day date, take your sweetie to Sunday’s cash-only Thai Food Market, held every weekend from 10am to 3pm at the Buddhist Center of Dallas. Get there early for the best selection, and claim a spot to nosh by the koi pond. 

If traditional with a twist is on the menu, the intimate Cry Wolf has adventurous apps and entrees served in an unpretentious setting. Book two seats at the bar to watch its culinary crew combine innovative ingredients right in front of you.‍

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The Geeky Date‍

It’s cool to be a nerd in Dallas. There are SO many places to meet adorable geeks into the same sci-fi, cosplay, and fantasy classics you are. If you’re new to town, give the Disco, Texas Insta an immediate follow. This party, organized by DJ Blake Ward, features themes that put the joy back into dressing up. Taking their stylistic cues from Wes Anderson films, ‘70s roller discos, and magical fantasy realms, each Disco event goes beyond the dance floor with costume contests, games, and performances. 

If you need pre-party inspo, take your date to Common Ground Games, Dallas’ Dungeons and Dragons hub, for a role-playing sesh. Also friendly to LGBTQIA+ “Gaymers,” this welcoming spot has leagues for everything from Pokemon to Magic: The Gathering and is conveniently just a few doors down from Zeus Comics. Once you’ve locked down the dork of your dreams, take them to the pop-up cyberpunk- and cosplay-centered Club Kaiju, which offers ravey events at different bars and lounges around the Metroplex. 

Wanna make things costume-free so your date can know the REAL you? Free Play Arcade offers classic video games and cocktails in Arlington, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, and Richardson locations. Or take a trip out to Carrollton, the city’s karaoke hub. Spots like City Night KTV have curated playlists served up alongside Kung Pao Chicken and Crab Rangoon.

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The Outdoorsy Date

Our landlocked city may have no mountains or coastline, but the Texas prairie has plenty of pretty. A wander through the Trinity River Audubon Center offers easy trails nestled inside the country’s largest urban hardwood forest. With lots of fauna and flora to explore, it’s also an excellent option for aspiring wildlife photographers. 

A short drive from downtown, the Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve has nine miles of hiking, ranging from easy to slightly challenging. Admire the blooms and butterflies but avoid snakes during your stroll. 

Surround your (soon-to-be) significant other with the beauty of White Rock Lake by renting a paddle board or kayak at Dallas Paddle Company. The lake is mercifully speedboat-free, making for a gentle journey, although you’ll want to avoid getting in the water as swimming isn’t allowed.

If more adventure is on the agenda, a day trip to spot fossilized tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas offers a Jurassic-sized adventure—bonus: the drier the weather, the more tracks you’ll see. And finally, if your date’s adventure-loving aspects are low, take them for an amble along the Katy Trail followed by a burger and brew at the Katy Ice House.

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The Sporty Date

Dallas LOVES its teams, regardless of whoever is winning or losing this season. But if you want to stretch your options beyond watching the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, or Stars, our sporty dates will take you off the sidelines and into the action. 

Does your golf handicap = never hitting the ball? You can still feel like a pro at Top Golf. Perfect for the city’s fiery temps, this climate-controlled experience offers games for all skill levels, cocktails, and onsite food. Each bay holds up to six people, so bring some friends if you’re unsure about showing off your skillset solo. If that’s too high-stress, the mini-golf Another Round in North Oak Cliff offers two interactive nine-hole courses adorned by some artists you just might recognize from your last Meow Wolf jaunt. 

Want sports with a snack? Grapevine's Chicken & Pickle hits all the trends in one location with indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, plus a menu of hot chicken, biscuits, and barbecue. Fulfill your need for speed on the multi-level racetracks at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in the Colony. 

And, If you’re still swiping left, perhaps joining a league at Soccer Spectrum will help you meet that special someone by (literally) playing the field.