My mom used to tell me that marriage is like a bank account. It’s a series of deposits and withdrawals. Excellent marriage managers make sure what you put in outweighs what you take out, so your balance stays in the black.

The basic task of “doing life together” will throw withdraws your way. It’s not just conflict that depletes our balance; it’s stress at work, competing priorities and gradual disconnection. But building a great marriage requires intentional deposits. Yes, I’m talking about dates! The good news is, growing your marital bank account doesn’t require breaking your actual bank account.

Eight Unique Ideas for Dating in Dallas

Here’s a look at what we’ve explored plus a few things still on our list. Grab your guy/gal, get in the car, and go!

Take a Hike

You don’t have to drive hours and hours to enjoy natural beauty. You just have to know where to look! Here are a few trails we’ve tried:

For more, check out this DMagazine piece: Top 10 Trails for Hiking and Biking in Dallas.

Pack a Picnic

We tend to think food just tastes better outside. Blankets and bug spray recommended.

  • White Rock Lake. Stop at Whole Foods, Scalini’s or another local joint to pick up food. Our favorite spots to set up shop are TP Hill and Winfrey Point. Parking is available at both.
  • Lakeside Park. We like to pick up fried chicken at Bubba’s and head here after church if the weather is nice. This makes Sundays seem slower and more relaxed. (For lighter fare, check out Royal Blue Grocery in Highland Park Village)
  • The Dallas Arboretum. Cool Thursday Concerts are our favorite times to picnic, but really, any time is nice. Take your time strolling through the place, and find a spot that suits you. Picnic baskets, backpacks and wagons welcome!

Rome for a Night

Sometimes cooking at home keeps you in a rut. Set your budget, grab your bags and head to Jimmy’s Food Store, an East Dallas treasure sure to spice things up. Three things we love:

  • Pizza dough (plus all the fixings)
  • Italian sausage from the butcher’s counter
  • Strolling the aisles to find something new!

Smarter in 60 Minutes

This little game is an easy way to fight boredom in life and a relationship. Drive to your local Barnes & Noble, set a timer and let the game begin!

  • For 10 min., split up in the store. Each partner should pick a book you want the other person to explore. Meet back up at the coffee counter.
  • For the next 5 min., order a beverage, find comfortable seating, and swap books.
  • Now for 25 min., you will each explore the book your partner picked. Obviously, you can’t read the whole thing, but read enough to get the gist. (hint: Fiction is fine, but non-fiction is more fun for what’s next.)
  • Next, for 10 min., partner 1 gives a well-crafted summary of the book that was chosen. Act like an expert. How you fill in the gaps is really what makes the game!
  • For the last 10 min., switch partners.

Ditch the Car

Grab a bike and head to these hot spots on two wheels instead of four.

Go Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of Ryan’s favorite hobbies. We do it because he loves it, I don’t hate it, and it stretches us both beyond our comfort zone. We think this is good for relationships every now and then. Try it at Summit Climbing Gym.

Klyde Warren Park

There’s always something free happening here! Play ping-pong, foosball or chess. Join a weekend workout class led by some of Dallas’s top fitness studios. Sample the food trucks. Then head over to the Dallas Museum of Art, which is also free!

Take a Drive

If you need a change of scenery, take a quick trip to Waco. Sometimes car talk is just what you need to connect, followed by a stop at one of the following spots:

Take a moment this weekend to check in with your spouse over coffee, tea or your beverage of choice. Evaluate your deposits and withdrawals over the last few weeks. What’s in your account? How is your balance?