12+ Best Things to Do in The Woodlands for Couples (2024)
Last Updated on January 4, 2024
At the northern end of Houston, The Woodlands is more than just a suburban escape from the busy Houston city living. It’s an absolute haven for just about anyone and everyone, but most especially for those looking for things to do in The Woodlands for couples.
From the glitzy streets of Market Street to the peaceful vibes of Lake Woodlands, there’s a date night waiting for every couple. Since moving to The Woodlands in early 2023, I’ve had to do my own fair share of date night planning.
Since my partner and I have date night every Friday after work, I’ve tried just about every date idea there is to try in The Woodlands and Spring area.
From amazing restaurants with great food and music to the many great places to shop, we’ve just about done it all at this point.
12+ Best Date Ideas in The Woodlands, Texas
To help you plan your date(s), I put together this list of the best date ideas in The Woodlands and Spring area. Sure, you’ve heard of “Netflix and chill”, but in The Woodlands, TX, date nights are elevated to a whole new level that’s hard to find anywhere else in the Houston metro area.
Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, there’s no shortage of date night ideas for a romantic date night with your sweetheart or significant other. Let’s dive in!
1. Shop & Explore Market Street
Website: Market Street
Address: 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Sure, Market Street is mostly known for its high-end shopping experience (think Saint Laurent, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc.). But in truth, Market Street is so much more than just luxury shops.
The plaza is also filled with other fun date activities, whether you’re looking to grab a bite (The Audrey & Uni Sushi are prime), hit up a Woodlands watering hole, or some other form of entertainment or relaxation (try the Woodhouse Day Spa or Reel Luxury Cinemas).
They also have a huge lawn at the center of Market Street, which hosts lots of free concerts and live performances pretty much all year round. You can check the schedule here.
With so many fun activities, great restaurants, and events happening year-round, there are lots of ways to make Market Street a fun date night spot.
2. Kayak With Riva Row or Lakes Edge Boat House
Website: Riva Row & Lakes Edge Boat House
Address: 2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands, TX 77380
For those who want to sprinkle a bit of nature adventure into their date night, Riva Row Boat House and Lakes Edge Boat House have you covered. Operating under the same company but with two locations, these boat houses offer tandem kayaks, single kayaks, standup paddleboards, water bikes, and swan boat rentals to choose from.
They also provide life jackets, oars, and all the equipment needed for you and your date to have a great time. You can rent your gear for any time of day, but why not beat the heat and wait till sundown?
You can go kayaking under the moonlight for a scenic and relaxing tour of Lake Woodlands and the Woodlands Waterway with your significant other and create a date night memory that’s unlike any other in the Houston area.
3. Stroll the Pathways at Lake Woodlands
The Woodlands, Texas is famous for its many waterways and dense forests, and Lake Woodlands is at the heart of it all. For a relaxing date night, head to the lake!
You and your date can take a stroll through the beautiful and relaxing pathways of Lake Woodlands, and maybe even watch the sun set over the calm waters if you time it right.
The area is home to lots of wildlife to see as well, and the pathways seemingly go on forever and feed into one another to give you lots of strolling routes to choose from.
Pro date tip: Stuff a backpack with a blanket, some snacks to eat, and something to drink, and take it with you. Along your stroll, find a nice open grass area and set up an impromptu picnic for you and your sweetheart.
It’s a cheap and easy date idea to make the most of a day/night out in The Woodlands, TX!
4. Picnic at the Town Green Park
Website: Town Green Park
Address: 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Speaking of picnics, the Town Green Park is yet another great place to head to for a nice picnic, complete with food, fun, and the works. The Town Park is a 4-acre space that comes complete with a healthy green lawn about the size of 2 football fields.
There are so many places in The Woodlands for a picnic, but The Town Green Park is one of the best for relaxing on a Saturday under the Texas sun with your loved one.
5. Texas TreeVentures: For the Thrill-seekers
Website: Texas TreeVentures
Address: 6464 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77389
If you and your date are more of the adventurous types, then this aerial adventure course is easily the best activity for your date in The Woodlands, TX.
As the name implies, Texas TreeVentures is an aerial course that is set among the tree canopies of Rob Fleming Park. It’s a three-level adrenaline rush with close to 100 challenges and all sorts of mentally and physically challenging courses to try.
It’s also a great activity in the Woodlands to try out with friends or the whole family. And yes, that includes kids so you can bring them along if you’re looking to plan more of a group adventure!
6. Explore Old Town Spring
Website: Old Town Spring
Address: 403 Main St, Spring, TX 77373
To be honest, I discovered Old Town Spring more recently when planning a night out for family and friends who were visiting for the weekend. And I’m glad I did– it’s an absolute must-visit.
With its historic charm, Old Town Spring is home to more than 100 unique family-owned shops. These shop options include restaurants (Corkscrew BBQ is my favorite place to eat in Old Town Spring), an escape room, a speakeasy, a wine room, museums, and galleries. They also have lots of options to shop for clothing, jewelry, furniture, and collectibles.
No matter what you and your date are looking to get into, Old Town Spring has something for just about anyone looking to have a great date night in The Woodlands and Spring Texas area.
7. Wander the Woodlands Waterway
Is the Woodlands Waterway the most famous place in The Woodlands, TX? I can’t say for sure, but it’s definitely one of the best places for a date in The Woodlands, let alone all of the Houston, TX area!
Most consider the waterway the lifeline of the city, and for good reason. As the name implies, the Woodlands Waterway winds through much of the township itself, but it’s much more than just water. It’s a perfect blend of local culture, food, and fun.
You and your loved one can grab a drink and dinner at one of the waterside restaurants, enjoy the public art, or simply walk and talk in the sun. There’s so much to do along the waterway so you’ll never run out of ways to relax or play.
8. Relax at Northshore Park
Website: Northshore Park
Address: 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
The Northshore Park is, you guessed it, another greenery park situated along the lake that provides a fun space to spend time with your date. Weekend or not, Northshore Park provides so much to do.
You can take a stroll along the paved walkway, play a game of volleyball, lay out in the sun in the grass field, go fishing, or even catch a live music event. The park hosts several live events year-round including live music, boat races, and more.
With easy access from Pines Dr., it’s a fun local favorite for many couples including my partner and me.
9. Visit The Botanical Garden Park
Website: Woodlands Botanical Garden Park
Address: 1880 Hughes Landing Blvd, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Especially in today’s world of technology, constant notifications, and hustle, botanical gardens make the perfect places for a relaxing and peaceful time with your significant other. In The Woodlands, the Botanical Garden Park right off of Hughes Landing Blvd is your best bet.
While you can definitely visit to check out the garden, this place is for anyone and everyone who wants to go on a lowkey and more relaxing date.
The park includes benches for taking a convo break, an observation deck to soak in all the views, and even a stainless steel sculpture titled “Midgard Glacier” by sculptor Julie Speidel.
10. Catch a Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Website: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Address: 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
One of the best ways to start a great date night is with some great live music. And where better than at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion? Hosting a large number of both small and large format concerts throughout the year, it’s the perfect spot to dance the night away.
The pavilion also hosts holiday-centric festivals throughout the year, so there are always fun things to find here no matter what time of year you’re visiting.
11. Grub at Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing
If all else fails and you and your partner just want to get to grubbing, be sure to visit Hughes Landing. The Restaurant Row area is overflowing with great restaurants to grab a nice meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a lavish meal, this place has got you covered and then some!
Some of my favorite places for a meal at Restaurant Row are Azzurro Coastal Cuisine (Italian), Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex and Tequila (Tex-Mex, obviously), and Local Pour (American).
12. Explore the Waterway Square
Address: 31 Waterway Square Pl, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Right at the heart of The Woodlands, TX area is Waterway Square, a vibrant area featuring a colorful water fountain, lots of art pieces, and several great restaurants. There’s even an open space where concerts happen often so you and your date are bound to find something fun to do in the area.
Pro tip: The Waterway Square is the perfect destination for a happy hour date! TRIS is an amazing restaurant and bar with $2 off beers and wine during happy hour, as well as some small plates for under $10.
The double-deck patio at The Goose’s Acre Pub hangs right over the waterway for amazing brews and views, and Churrascos is a great spot for happy hour and great food.
7 Other Noteworthy Date Ideas in the Woodlands, TX for Couples
- Go Shopping at The Woodlands Mall
- Take Pottery Classes at Clay Bar Co.
- Hike through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve
- Go Searching for Local Art (since Glade Gallery is permanently closed)
- Enjoy Escape Games at Escape The Room Woodlands
- Buy Local at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill (open every Saturday)
- Unwind at the Spa at The Waterway
Date Night in The Woodlands, Texas: Closing Thoughts
With its huge list of activities, scenic views, eateries, nature parks, and shopping options, The Woodlands is one of the best hotspots in the Houston area for couples.
From traditional dinner dates at Market Street to tandem kayaking out in the sun through the waterways, there’s truly no end to the fun and romantic things to do.
So, whether you’re visiting from Houston, TX, or are lucky enough to call The Woodlands home, be sure to explore these date night treasures with your husband, wife, or partner.
After all, it’s not just about the date but about the memories you create together. Enjoy!
