Houston Chronicle: Houston BCycle is a cheap date
14 date ideas around Houston that will cost you $25 or less
Money may be tight, but that shouldn't stop you from finding the love of your life.
Ryan Nickerson, Staff writer
April 13, 2022Updated: April 13, 2022 2 p.m.
Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer
For many around Houston, going on expensive dates may not be in the monthly budget.
That shouldn't stop you from trying to find (or keep) the love of your life though.
If Houstonians get lucky enough to find someone to date who isn't fussy over price, we have some ideas for pleasantly surprising dates that cost less than $25.
Please note that eating beforehand is recommended for some of these ideas.
Pedal boats in Hermann Park
For just $12, you can rent a pedal boat at Hermann Park for 30 minutes. Each boat seats four riders, so you could theoretically split the cost even further by making it a double date.
After your ride, get some ice cream and call it a day. Just don't feed the ducks.
Boats are available to rent every day from 10 a.m. 5 p.m., according to Hermann Park's website. Times depend on the season and are subject to change based on the weather.
H-E-B picnic at the Menil
Go to the H-E-B on West Alabama and grab $25 worth of picnic supplies, blanket not included. Then head over to Menil Park and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Both the Menil and Rothko Chapel, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, are also free to visit.
Bicycling along the bayou
For those who want to work up a sweat and show off your calves, biking along the Brays, White Oak or Buffalo Bayou is a simple and cheap idea.
If you own your own bicycle, it's nearly free. If not, you can rent two BCYCLEs from one of the city's many stations. You could also rent an electric bike, but that costs extra.
We recommend that you eat first and ride before it gets extremely hot outside.
Al Quick Stop, then laughs at Rudyards
After starting your night with a quick bite to eat from Montrose's Al Quick Stop, take a short walk next door to Rudyards Pub for their free open mic comedy night on Mondays.
If you're busy Monday nights, head to Rudyard's The Riot Comedy Show on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start at $10 per person.
Explore Houston's museums and zoo
As we alluded to earlier, many of Houston's museums are free, with even more having free admission on Thursdays. The Houston Zoo also has free admission with a reservation on the first Tuesday of each month (September through May).
You can view a full list of museum times and openings on the Museum District's website.
Try Cidercade
Relatively new to the Houston scene, Cidercade offers a boozy twist to regular arcades that can make for a great date.
Admission is only $10 and gets you unlimited gaming for a fun, cost-effective option. Cider, hard seltzer, wine and/or hard kombucha will cost you extra.
Bats and margaritas near Buffalo Bayou
If you're 21 or older, head over to Margaritas To-Go on Washington Avenue and pick up some delicious refreshments.
Then head to the Waugh Drive bridge, home to an estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Watch the bats take to the skies at sunset, which can be romantic for the right couple. Just don't drink and drive or touch the bats.
Photoshoot at Houston's murals
It's hard to go anywhere in Houston without seeing street art and murals. Why not scope out some of the city's best while showing off your photography skills? Taking pictures at local murals doesn't cost anything and could bring your Instagram to life.
Lake Conroe road trip
We know gas is expensive right now, but if you're game for a short road trip, drive up to Lake Conroe. There are miles of hiking trails and several areas to set up a picnic. You can also take a dip in the lake, if you want.
Columbia Tap Trail bike ride to Neil's Bahr
Grab some bikes and head down the Columbia Tap Trail connecting Third Ward to EaDo. Then end your night at Neil's Bahr, an inexpensive video game bar with plenty to do.
But also be prepared to ride your bike back.
Explore the Buffalo Bayou Cistern
Going underground may not be the first idea that comes to mind when brainstorming a date, but it's certainly an option at the Buffalo Bayou Cistern.
For $8 per person, you can explore underneath the former water reservoir in Buffalo Bayou Park. There's art, musical performances and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
Tacos and beer on West Alabama
Tacos Tierra Caliente in Montrose is a delicious and affordable food truck. Grab some tacos and walk across the street to the famous West Alabama Ice House for some drinks on the patio.
Don't forget: Tacos Tierra Caliente is cash only.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is free and you don't need to be athletic or spend any money to enjoy it. Whether walking through the Eastern Glades or submerging yourself in nature at the Houston Arboretum, there's plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.
Coffee shop dates
It may be old-fashioned, but coffee dates are always available for those who don't want to empty their wallets. Houston has plenty of amazing and unique coffee shops to choose from.