25 Fun Date Ideas in Texarkana

Sometimes it’s easy to get in a slump when it comes to dates and things to do with your significant other. One of the things I’m asked all the time is “what is there to do here?” Well, the answer is there’s more than you may realize! That’s why I’ve put together this list of 25 fun date ideas in Texarkana. Grab this free printable and check them off as you go! GET MY FREE, PRINTABLE CHECK LIST WITH DATE IDEAS.

For even more ideas for things to do in the area, check out my ultimate guide to Texarkana.

Classic and casual dates.

Don’t overlook some of the more traditional but still fun date ideas in Texarkana. As you probably know, there are five thousand (I’m kidding, sort of) restaurants in Texarkana, with fairly wide variety. Plus, we have a movie theatre and a (not totally dead yet) mall.

• Go to a movie at Cinemark Texarkana.
• Enjoy coffee together at any of the best coffee shops in Texarkana.
• Play indoor, glow in the dark, mini golf at Starlite Golf Co in the Central Mall.
• Try the driving simulator game at RK City arcade.
• Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at some of my favorite spots in Texarkana: Fuji Kims, Ironwood Grill, Amigo Juan’s, Pop’s Place, Lost Pizza Company (get the blackberry mead if they have it), Benchmark, and Cafe Lucille.

Outdoor dates ideas in Texarkana.

Spending time together outside is my spouse and my favorite type of date. Whether it’s a picnic, a casual stroll, or taking on some sweet bike jumps out at Bringle Lake. Texarkana has some unique and fun ways to spend time together outside. A few things that I’d suggest: 1) go for a walk at Spring Lake Park on the Phillip McDougal History trail, 2) go for a walk at Bringle on the boardwalk and look for animals, 3) go for a walk on the Bringle Nature trail and have a picnic back at the spillway, 4) play disc golf at Spring Lake Park, 5) take pictures at the murals around downtown, 6) go for a walk or go fishing at Bobby Ferguson park by the fairgrounds. Here are a few more ideas for outdoor dates:

• The best parks in Texarkana.
• 5 state parks within 90 minutes of Texarkana.
• Waterfalls near Texarkana.
• Health and wellness in Texarkana.

Creative and unique date ideas.

For the creatives out there, or anyone looking for a unique date idea, there are lots of unique date ideas in Texarkana that align with your interests! Here are just a few ideas for an out of the box date idea, a niche date idea, and more. Here are ideas for artsy dates, gamer dates, sports focused dates, and more. Check them out:

Artsy dates.

If you and your significant other are into the arts, then you’re in luck: there are some fun date ideas in Texarkana that are artsy! Whether you just enjoy being a patron of the arts or if you’d rather make the art yourself, there’s something for everyone. Here are some ideas:

• Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council – (TRAHC) – There are two ways to enjoy an arts focused daytime date in Texarkana with TRAHC. You can browse the galleries at the Regional Arts Center (free) during their open hours. The second is to stop by their Pine Street location (318 Pine) and check out the Mayo Arts Makerspace. The drop in fee is $10 but you can stay as long as you want and create one of the ideas at the various stations, or just create your own thing. TRAHC also offers a wide range of classes you can take with your significant other for a unique date idea in Texarkana.
• The Crafty Nook – This cute (and cozy) spot is a craft cafe on the Arkansas side. There are a range of projects to choose from, you buy your project then head over into the work room to make a cozy drink, pull out the instructions, get your supplies and get creating. The DIY hat bar is so fun and a unique way to create something together. They also offer classes.
• Don’t forget to check the calendar for events happening with Tex Rep theatre, Silvermoon Theatre, or the Perot Theatre.
• Walk around downtown Texarkana on a Downtown Live night with Main Street Texarkana. The second Friday of each month, from 6 to 9 PM. These usually feature live artists, musicians, and shops staying open later.

Gamer dates.

For those that enjoy card games or other board games, there are a couple of really fun date ideas in Texarkana that revolve around gaming.

• Drop the various dice at Mana Brew to choose your drink, then take it over to the gaming area to play a variety of card and board games.
• Try another card game or get involved in a collaborative game experience at MeepleCity Games.
• Stop by the arcade at RK City Texarkana and try the different games.
• Enjoy Korean inspired corn dogs and more at Oh K Dog & Cheese, plus enjoy the games they have there while you eat.

Bookish dates.

Who doesn’t love a book themed date? It’s my favorite theme. There are few ways to enjoy a literary inspired date activity in Texarkana, from bookstores, boutiques, and more, they are:

• The Stained Page – Not only is this cute spot, but it’s also a (used) book store! It gives off major Hallmark vibes and it should definitely be on your list. You can enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, non coffee drinks, baked goods (some are gluten free and vegan), play board games and browse the great selection of books.
• Friends of the Library bookstore – Did you know that there is a used bookstore in Texarkana that supports the Texarkana Public Library? The shop is only open on select weekends, but they have a great variety of books and it’s a fun spot to browse if you’re looking for a literary inspired date idea.
• Pick up a mystery book from Salty Boutique and Books then take it with you over to Taste and See. Enjoy some coffee or gelato while you open your books and see what you got!
• Pick out books for each other at Books A Million then enjoy them in the cafe while you also sip on a coffee drink.

Sportsy dates.

If you’d rather move and play some sports for a date idea, here are some fun things to do for a more movement focused date idea in Texarkana:

• Southwest Center (Texas side) – has two tennis courts and six pickleball courts. If you’re looking to learn more about pickleball, be sure to check out the Texarkana Pickleball Club. They offer lessons, groups, and matches for a variety of levels.
• Check the schedule for the Southwest Center (Texas side) and the Arkansas side recreation center for open gym times with pick up basketball or play basketball at Grady T Wallace park.
• Texarkana Golf Ranch and New Haven Golf Club both offer driving ranges and a full 18 holes.
• Indoor golf and golf simulators – There are a few of these to enjoy in Texarkana. Tee it Up Golf Lounge is in downtown Texarkana on the Arkansas side. Fairways Golf is on the Texas side of Texarkana.
• Sports focused places to eat – Bubbas and Walk – Ons are two spots to catch a variety of sports on tv and enjoy some good food.

Free and budget friendly ideas.

Texarkana has some fun ways to enjoy free and budget friendly dates. You can find a few more ideas in my guide for free things to do in Texarkana.

• Browse the aisles at a 26,000 square foot antique shop inside an old skating rink at Treasure Trove Antique Mall. (be sure to look up and spot the mirror ball that’s still there). Or, stroll any of the best flea markets and antique shops in Texarkana.
• Go for walks at any of local parks. Bobby Ferguson has a paved walking trail that is just under 1 mile. Spring Lake Park has a paved 1+ mile path. Bringle Lake has a paved walkway, a boardwalk, and ten miles of trails that wind through the woods.
• Play chess at the table at Bringle Lake West. The board is built into the table but you’ll need to bring your own pieces.
• Walk around a garden center and take photos with your favorite plants.
• Shop the thrift stores that have clothes (Goodwill/Salvation Army etc), pick out the most ridiculous outfits you can find for each other. Have a laugh. Or, take it to the next level and buy the outfits then go out to eat or go for coffee or drinks in them.

Live music dates.

Texarkana has a lively music scene! There are lots of restaurants around town that host local musicians on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. These schedules are often posted on the social media pages for the restaurant or business. A few hot spots to check out:

• 1923 Banana Club – fun fact: this is actually the coolest speakeasy I’ve ever seen, in the basement of the 1894 Building.
• The Wild Hare – a dive bar style spot in downtown Texarkana, often featuring EDM music and alternative music.
• Hopkins Icehouse – classic spot for local bands.
• La Fogata Bar and Grill
• Joe’s Pizza & Pasta
• Music and dancing – check out The Hideout, Crossties, and Whiskey River Country.
• See the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra perform at the Perot.

Romantic and elevated dates.

If you’re looking for a special date idea for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or any other special occassion, these are the places that I would recommend:

• Verona Wine Bar – A beautiful and classic, Italian style restaurant in downtown Texarkana. They have a huge wine selection and the food is always delicious. Reservations recommended.
• The Eagle Bourbon & Wine Lounge – One of the newest spots in Texarkana, they have a prime selection of bourbon and whiskey, along with wine and spirits. The lounge is beautiful and they just opened an outdoor patio with a fire pit and a TV.
• The Primary Commons – A new, farm to table style restaurant in Hooks, Texas (across from Local Habit). It’s beautiful and has a menu featuring local food sources, plus outstanding drinks. Reservations recommended.
• Benchmark American Brasserie – This is a great spot for gluten free needs and they can accommodate food allergies. They have a rotating menu of specials plus some items that are always on the menu. The salmon with wasabi style rice is my go to. Reservations recommended.

Day trip dates near Texarkana.

One of the great things about living in the ArkLaTex is that there are so many options for day trips. A day trip makes a really fun day date and there are some great ones just a short drive from Texarkana. Here are some of my favorites:

• Jefferson (TX) – One hour drive. Jefferson has lots of fun antique shops, flea markets, and local boutiques to wander through. Be sure to add the Jefferson General Store to your list (and grab some treats while you’re there). Snap a selfie with the VW Bus photo op outside as well. Art on the Bayou is another fun stop, with a unique boutique to shop and a variety of art classes to try too. Caddo Lake State Park is also fairly close, and add a stroll on the trail by the Saw Mill Pond to your list too.
• Arkadelphia (AR) – One hour drive. In the summer months, floating the Caddo River with Caddo River Rats is a great way to spend a day. Arkadelphia is also very close to Lake DeGray State Park. Rent a kayak or canoe, enjoy the swimming beach, or have a picnic at one of my favorite state parks.
• Shreveport (LA) – One hour drive. There are tons of things to do in Shreveport. If you’re into cards or gambling, the new LIVE casino is supposed to be pretty nice. My favorite things? Strolling the R.W. Norton Art Gallery (free), stopping at Rhino Coffee (uptown location), browsing the Thrifty Peanut (Book Warehouse), shopping at Whole Foods, and eating at Ki’ Mexico.

Two more day trip dates.

• Natchitoches (LA) – Two hour drive. This super charming town in Louisiana is a little bit farther for a day trip, but it makes a great little getaway! Check out this things to do in Natchitoches post for ideas and inspiration.
• Sulphur Springs (TX) – Two hour drive. This small town in east Texas is one of our favorite day trips. The downtown area is charming and lots of fun to walk around. A point of interest: the two bathrooms on the main square that are mirrors on the outside, but you can see out of them from the inside!

Seasonal date ideas.

There are some things that are better in specific seasons. While winter is usually pretty mild, the summers in Texarkana can get very hot and humid. Here are a few ideas for things that only happen in certain seasons, or are best enjoyed in a specific season:

Winter

• Take a selfie with the state line Christmas tree, the decorations at the 1894 Gallery, and Alley Cats Coffee.
• Attend the Christmas parade in downtown Texarkana.
• Go to the Christmas on Main event at the Perot Theatre.
• Take off for a romantic holiday getaway in Hot Springs.
• Check out this list of 15 magical holiday date ideas around Texarkana.

Spring

• Wander around a greenhouse to look for unique plants. Here’s a guide to the best garden centers around Texarkana. Little Country Greenhouse in New Boston is always one of our favorites, and they have fun photo ops all year round (especially in the fall and Christmas time).
• Go for a hike at Bringle and look for wildflowers. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it back by the spillway. Please remember to pack all of your trash out with you!
• Take a day trip to Mt. Pleasant to pick tulips at Moody Blooms and hit up Huey’s Coffee (there’s a helicopter on the roof) while you’re there too.
• Spring is the best season for waterfalls near the ArkLaTex.
• Go see the tulips blooming at Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs.
• Attend the Twice as Nice Wine festival.

Summer

• Take a stroll at the Gateway Farmer’s Market (AR side) and the Texarkana, Texas farmer’s markets. Pick up supplies to cook a meal out of what you buy at the markets. The Texas side farmer’s market only runs in the summer months.
• Visit Cow Pen Bottom Farms for their “you pick” zinnia picking experience.
• Cool off at one of the best rivers and lakes around Texarkana.

Fall

• Go for a hike at Bringle and look for mushrooms.
• Take photos with the pumpkins at Williams Memorial Pumpkin Patch or choose pumpkins together at Little Country Greenhouse in New Boston.
• Go to Oktoberfest together.

More fun things to do.

Be sure to follow me on my social media channels for more inspiration for fun in Texarkana and across the ArkLaTex. I post videos regularly and I’d love to share them with you.

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I hope this post helps you plan some exciting and fun dates with your significant other. If you feel like it, tag me in your adventures and I am happy to repost them, or share your fun in the ArkLaTex Adventure Club on Facebook. Thanks for reading!

Make your own date night bingo sheet with this free, 25 date fun dates in Texarkana, and see if you can check them all off! Let me know if you do, because I might have a little prize for you.