Sonic Drive In (77377)

Enjoy a date night in your car as you sip on specialty drinks, eat a hot dog or two, and enjoy a soft- serve sundae at Sonic. The nice thing about an experience like this is you can talk about whatever you want without the risk of other people overhearing.

Bring a notepad and pencils or pens from home and play Pictionary as you wait for the car hop to bring your food. This isn’t normal Pictionary, however. Recall favorite memories from your relationship history like your first date, a favorite vacation, your first kiss, or how you got engaged. Take turns drawing a memory that your spouse has to guess. Remember that the person drawing cannot speak or give hints, only draw. If you want to make it more fast paced- set a timer or watch the digital clock in the car so that the person guessing only has a designated amount of time to guess. Have fun with it!

Tomball Bowl (77377)

Enjoy a night practicing your bowling skills at Tomball Bowl. Go to their Rock N’ Bowl on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm-1am when the special effects lighting is on and the music gets turned up a notch. The lanes and bowling area are smoke free although, smoking is allowed at the bar equipped with smoke eaters. If you’re thinking of something a little more competitive, join one of their many bowling leagues. Some leagues even have cash prizes!



While you’re there, play John Gottman’s 20 Questions Game to help you rediscover your partner’s hopes, joys, stresses, worries, and inner world. Keeping up to date on each other will help keep your relationship out of the "gutter!" This is a way to really "pin" down what your spouse is feeling and thinking- not just learn about their favorite food and movie. After every bowl, take turns answering a question about each other. Either randomly select a number before looking at the questions or simply go straight down the list. Make sure to keep track of points (You receive the number of points indicated at the end of the question if you answer correctly. You get one point if you have a question answered correctly about you.) Add together your points from the 20 Questions Game and your bowling score to get your overall total and see who won!

20 Questions Game

Ask your partner the question. If your partner answers correctly (you be the judge), he or she receives the number of points indicated for that question, and you receive one point. If your partner answers incorrectly, neither of you receives any points. The same rules apply when you answer. The winner is the person with the higher score after you’ve both answered all twenty questions.(or in this case, one question after each bowl.) 

1. Name my two closest friends. (2)

2. What is my favorite musical group, composer, or instrument? (2)

3. What was I wearing when we first met? (2)

4. Name one of my hobbies. (3)

5. Where was I born? (1)

6. What stress am I facing right now? (4)

7. Describe in detail what I did today, or yesterday. (4)

8. When is my birthday? (1)

9. What is the date of our anniversary? (1)

10. Who is my favorite relative? (2)

11. What is my fondest unrealized dream? (5)

12. What is my favorite flower? (2)

13. What is one of my greatest fears or disaster scenarios? (3)

14. What is my favorite time of day for lovemaking? (3)

15. What makes me feel most competent? (4)

16. What turns me on sexually? (3)

17. What is my favorite meal? (2)

18. What is my favorite way to spend an evening? (2)

19. What is my favorite color? (1)

20. What personal improvements do I want to make in my life? (4)

21. What kind of present would I like best? (2)

22. What was one of my best childhood experiences? (2)

23. What was my favorite vacation? (2)

24. What is one of my favorite weekend activities? (2)

25. Who is my greatest source of support (other than you)? (3)

26. What is my favorite sport? (2)

27. What do I most like to do with time off? (2)

28. What is one of my favorite weekend activities? (2)

29. What is my favorite getaway place? (3)

30. What is my favorite movie? (2)

31. What are some of the important events coming up in my life? How do I fell about them?(4)

32. What are some of my favorite ways to work out? (2)

33. Who was my best friend in childhood? (3)

34. What is one of my favorite magazines? (2)

35. Name one of my major rivals or “enemies.” (3)

36. What would I consider my ideal job? (4)

37. What do I fear the most? (4)

38. Who is my least favorite relative? (3)

39. What is my favorite Holiday? (2)

40. What kinds of books do I most like to read? (3)

41. What is my favorite TV show? (2)

42. Which side of the bed do I prefer? (2)

43. What am I most sad about? (4)

44. Name one of my concerns or worries. (4)

45. What medical problems do I worry about? (2)

46. What was my most embarrassing moment? (3)

47. What was my worst childhood experience? (3)

48. Name two of the people I most admire. (4)

49. Name my major rival or enemy. (3)

50. Of all the people we both know, who do I like the least? (3)

51. What is one of my favorite desserts? (2)

52. What is my social security number? (2)

53. Name one of my favorite novels. (2)

54. What is my favorite restaurant? (2)

55. What are two of my aspirations, hopes, wishes? (4)

56. Do I have secret ambition? What is it? (4)

57. What foods do I hate? (2)

58. What is my favorite animal? (2)

59. What is my favorite song? (2)

60. Which sports team is my favorite? (2)

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili (77377)

Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili began as a tiny restaurant in Tulsa, OK back in 1975. It has now expanded to over eighteen locations across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas. The casual, relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and wide variety of burger choices make this place a real hit. The sausage chili cheese burger is to die for and don’t miss out on their delicious french fries- cooked with the skins on.

While you wait for your food, play a quick game of Would You Rather? by answering these questions:
  
1.      Would you rather go way back in time and meet your ancestors (Pre 1800’s) or go way into the future and meet your great grandchildren (Post 2200)? 
2.      Would you rather be able to fly or read minds? 
3.      Would you rather know the date of your death or cause of your death? 
4.      Would you rather take a European sightseeing vacation or go on a relaxed Caribbean cruise? 
5.      Would you rather have a rewind button in your life or a pause button in your life?

Denny's (77377)

Remember back to when you were a young couple- before you had any kids. Most likely, if you wanted to catch a last minute movie at 9 o’clock at night, the only problem was deciding what size of popcorn to get. And staying out past 7 p.m. was the norm for date nights. Now, it’s been a while since you’ve seen the moon. However, sometimes there’s a majestic feel to the night when you’re out late, it’s dark, and it’s just the two of you. Denny’s doesn’t scream romance like Paris but it’s open 24/7 and offers a $2, $4, and $6 value menu including the popular never ending pancakes, specialty desserts, and delicious breakfast platters. If you’re not up for a meal try a beverage like coffee, hot cocoa, or a milkshake. If you need, arrange for childcare and go at a time when you normally wouldn’t such as late at night after the kids are in bed or early in the morning- just to stir life up a bit. However, don’t drag the night owl out of bed in the morning or make the early morning riser stay up too late. That wouldn’t be fun for either of you.

Use these questions to initiate discussion:

1.      When was the last time you were out this late or out this early on a date together?

2.      Are you a morning or night person? Are you okay with that or would you rather be the opposite? 

3.       What is a good memory you have of your spouse while they are sleeping? Do they talk in their sleep? Does your spouse move around a lot? 

4.      Talk about the last dream you had. 

5.      Do you like being out at a time you normally wouldn’t be or would you rather have a regular timed date?  

Dollar Store Crafts (77377)

Be a little crafty and inventive on this date as you make something to put in your own home. Use the website Pinterest.com to search for “Dollar Store Crafts.” Browse through the many options and pick something you both would like to create together or choose something for each of you to do. 

Examples might include a 'do it yourself' flower ball bouquet, a 'do it yourself' mason jar solar light, or a 'do it yourself' cupcake stand to show off at birthday parties. There are so many options! Make a list of all the supplies you will need and head to Dollar General. Be creative while you’re there since you might not find the exact items you are looking for. Bring everything home and work on the projects together.

While you’re crafting, answer these questions: 

1.      Do you like to do crafts? Why or why not?

2.      What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made/ created? 

3.      If you could completely customize your home or apartment, what would you change? Is there anything you would keep exactly how it is? 

4.      What would your favorite color or color scheme be if you were styling your home? 

5.      If you could have a themed room just for yourself, how would you decorate it? What kind of stuff would you have in it? 

Target (77377)

Although a grocery store might not sound like the most romantic spot for a date night, you can still use the store to enjoy a creative date, leave feeling a closer bond to each other, and do it all for free.

Here’s how it works: split up for 10-15 minutes and find 3 or 4 items that describe the qualities you love about your spouse. For instance, Hershey Kisses could describe your spouse’s delicious lips or OxiClean could describe your spouse’s clean living habits. Be creative and have fun with it! Before you split, decide on a place and time to meet back up and share the items and the qualities they describe, with each other. Target usually has a small café/ food court where you can sit down, enjoy a snack, and talk about the items you picked out.

After you share your items and the qualities they describe, switch your items. Put them back where you think your spouse found them. Don't split up this time. Go with each other and take turns trying to find the exact spot where your spouse got that item.  Try not to give any hints!   

Fishing at Spring Creek (77377)

Being outdoors and experiencing the fresh air can lift your spirits and get you out of the grind of everyday life. One way to have an excuse to be outdoors is to go fishing. Whether you’re a professional or the closest you’ve come to a fish is on your flat screen TV, fishing can be a great opportunity for you to get out of the house and be together in a different scene. Stay local and try fresh water fishing along Spring Creek. If you need to purchase permits check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife website where you can purchase them online. Don’t let the idea scare you away if you’ve never been before. Consider asking someone you know who fishes to come along and show you two some basics. Or even research online to learn the basics before getting your supplies and going. Takemefishing.org has lots of information on fishing techniques and some video tutorials to help out.

 While you’re waiting for your big catch, use these questions to initiate discussion: 

1.  Do you like seafood? What’s your favorite seafood dish? 
2.  If you could fish in any lake or sea in the world, where would it be? Why? 
3. When’s the last time you went fishing, if ever? What was your experience like? 
4. What’s your favorite kind of sushi? If you’ve never had it, would you ever consider trying it? (Sounds like another date idea!) 
5. Would you rather live in a sailboat on the ocean for a year never touching land but have all the supplies you need available or live off the land on a beautiful island- working and sweating for your food and provisions? 
6. Have you ever been on a cruise? What was your experience like?     
7. If you could breathe underwater for 24 hours (like a mermaid), how would you spend the day?

Family Farm Health Food Store (77377)

     

 This health food store, Family Farm Health, is different from any other you’ve been to before. Of course, they have a large extent of organic, natural products to choose from but they also provide various services like iridology, foot reflexology, acupuncture, sound therapy, ear candling, raindrop therapy, and nutritional counseling. Call ahead of time to set up an appointment for one of these. Sometimes the procedures can be done that day. They also offer various classes like Smoking Cessation, Hypnotherapy, Essential Oils for Babies and Kids, Help for Depression and Anxiety, Essential Oils for Ideal Physique, and a few others. Check out their calendar of events for details.

Find a service or class that both of you would be interested participating in and make a date of it. At some point on the date talk about what being healthy means to you. Consider one way you each would like to improve your health. (Eating more vegetables, walking more, turning to more natural products, or whatever you choose.) And decide to support each other in your goals. Think of one way you each can support your spouse in his or her goal to be healthier.

Say "I Love You" Without Words at Premier Cinemas (77377)

This newly remodeled movie theater, Premier Cinemas, is famous for their cheap prices and clean facility. It is a smaller theater which means you won’t get bombarded with people like you do at the Mega Plex. 

Instead of just ordering a treat for yourself at the concessions, order for each other. Determine what you think your spouse would pick and order for them. Talk about how well you did after receiving your treats. Before the movie starts, find a way to say “I love you” without actually saying it. You both should know the symbol so you can do it back to your spouse when you receive it. For example, when holding hands, squeeze your spouse’s hand three times and wait for the response. You can use this symbol in places where talking is not customary, like movie theaters!

Five Guys Burgers & Fries (77377)

The first Five Guys Burgers opened in 1986 in Arlington, VA and was voted #1 burger in the metro area. It has now expanded to over 1,000 locations. One of the reasons why the food is so fresh is that nothing is ever frozen, only cooled. They use their ingredients quickly and the burgers are made to order. There are over 250,000 different ways you can customize your burger. You can also watch the employees cooking your food and how they handle it- right in front of you. The fries are hand cut and cooked in peanut oil which adds a unique flavor and texture.  They also come in large portions. Customers consider the small fries to be enough for two people to share and make sure to try their popular Cajun Fries. This location has very friendly, quick service.

As you enjoy your customized burgers and Cajun Fries, play "20 Questions"- but with a twist. One of you pick a favorite memory of you two in your mind. Don’t tell your partner what it is. Your spouse has to guess the memory by only asking less than 20 yes/no questions. Think of fun dates, memorable holidays, favorite vacations, romantic nights, etc.

Learn Glass Blowing (77377)

Come and watch a free demo on glass blowing at Houston’s open access studio, Three Dimensional Visions. The demo is performed and narrated by artists. Afterwards, browse through the art gallery filled with beautiful, original glass pieces. If watching isn’t enough for you, sign up for a glass blowing class where you can make and take home your own pieces of art. 

On the way there or while browsing the art gallery, follow John Gottman’s counsel of nurturing your fondness and admiration for each other by thinking of 3 positive characteristics your spouse has and an instance where he or she showed that characteristic. Maybe you love your wife's sense of humor after she was able to laugh at herself when she tripped down the stairs in public. Or maybe you noticed how thoughtful your husband was when he sent a random text in the day just to say "I love you." If you are having a hard time coming up with characteristics, start thinking more loosely. Even if your spouse has shown that characteristic only ONCE, share it anyway! 

Pick your own Fresh Fruit (77377)

Pick your own fresh fruit such as blueberries, blackberries, figs, jujube (Asian dates), Asian persimmons, Asian pears, and pumpkins at the family owned and operated Matt Family Orchard in Tomball. The Matt Family planted their first tree in 1997 and now have over 40 acres, a picnic facility, and a barn with flushable toilets. It’s common to see wildlife around the orchard while you’re there such as deer, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, hogs, rabbits, roadrunners and more. Tours are also available if reserved ahead of time.   


While there, increase your relationship knowledge by asking each other these open ended questions: 

1.      Where would you most like to travel?

2.      What is your favorite childhood memory?

3.      If you could choose any superpower what would it be and why? 

4.      What’s something funny that happened to you this past week?

5.      What’s your favorite day of the week and why?