I love Valentine’s Day–it’s a fun excuse to eat heart shaped candy with my toddler and plan a date with my hubby. But, sometimes, when we’re burned out from working and chasing kiddos all day, it can feel like a lot of mental energy to concoct the perfect date night. Thankfully, my husband and I have agreed that we don’t always have to do something elaborate or expensive to show our love on Valentine’s Day. 

If you’re like me and want to do something special but simple with your romantic partner (or even with your kiddos!), here are a few ideas for Valentine’s dates in the DFW area. 

Picnic at the Dallas Arboretum

One of the nice things about living in DFW is that the weather can sometimes actually be pretty nice around the second week of February. This idea is especially perfect if you’re not able to swing a babysitter but want to do something fun as a family, but still romantic for the two of you. Let the kids run around while you and your partner sit back on a picnic blanket and enjoy some truffles or a bottle of wine. 

Bookshop Hopping

Love books or love someone who’s obsessed with books? Browse the shelves hand in hand, or see who can find the most interesting book cover first. There are actually quite a few adorable, independent bookstores in DFW, all within reasonable driving distance of one another. The Bishop Arts District boasts Poets Oakcliff and the cozy bar/coffee shop The Wild Detectives. Interabang Books has a great selection for the whole family, and Deep Vellum Books offers a wide array of indie authors. 

Have a Painting Night

While there are plenty of fun painting spots in DFW, you can also put together your own session for just the two of you in the comfort of your own home. Just stop by your local craft store for paints and canvases and spread some newspaper on your kitchen table. Add music and wine for more romance! There are also plenty of painting inspiration and tutorials online to help guide you. I love this idea if you can’t or don’t want to get a babysitter–you can either wait till the kiddos are in bed to set up your personal art studio, or let them join in the fun, if they’re old enough not to make too much of a mess. 

Cook a Fancy Meal at Home

Sometimes, fancy restaurants are overrated, especially if they’re crowded and noisy on Valentine’s Day. But there’s no reason not to share a delicious meal at home! Pick out your ingredients together at a boutique grocery like Eataly at NorthPark, dress up and wear aprons, put on some Michael Bublé, and enjoy a little quality time cooking together and savoring a fresh meal!

Try Something Sporty

Getting outdoors and/or exercising together can be a wonderful way to bond with your better half! If it’s a beautiful day, biking around White Rock Lake or hiking one of the many trails in the area is a great way to spend an afternoon (Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is one of our favorite trails). If you need to stay indoors but still want to do something active, ice skating at the Galleria or rock climbing at a local climbing gym are great options.

Go on a Roadtrip

Here is a list of drivable destinations around Dallas to celebrate your Valentine’s Day!

Murrell Park – A gorgeous natural getaway from the city, located on the north side of Lake Grapevine. Lakeside location offering a boat ramp & fishing, plus trails, a picnic area & campgrounds.

Turner Falls – It is located in Oklahoma featuring the tallest waterfall closest to Dallas. While that’s the main attraction in the area, the surrounding landscape is full of refreshing natural pools, hiking trails, and caves to explore.

WinStar World Casino and Resort – Only an hour drive from Dallas is the largest casino in the United States. This would be a fun day trip with your significant other.

Caddo Lake State Park – Caddo Lake is only a 2 ½-hour drive from Dallas. Encompassing one of Texas’ only natural lakes, this state park is draped in Spanish moss and full of secluded mazes of winding waterways.

What are your Valentine’s Day plans this year? Do you prefer going out or staying in? Let me know in the comments!

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Ana Dufreche is a luxury, lifestyle photographer servicing the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. She specializes in motherhood, family, and newborn photography. Her sessions take place outdoors, in-home, and at her studio. The ADP studio is located in Downtown Dallas!

I would love to begin planning your luxury portrait session. Contact me at https://anadufrechephotography.com/contact to learn more.