Ok, I’ll be straight up with you.
Almost nothing here is actually in the city limits of Killeen.
It’s true. Killeen is not a mecca of culture, romance, and
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
What is more romantic than waterfalls?
Located in Belton near the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam, the Lampasas River comes trickling from the lake on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. And at that spot is located Chalk Ridge Falls Park.
And there are several spots you can hike to that include small waterfalls and areas you can comfortably wade into the water.
If you’re looking for a scenic hike with aquatic centerpieces, this is a great option just 20 minutes away!
Here’s a local’s preview of the Park.
Topsey Exotic Ranch
Is your special other an animal lover?
It’s hard to imagine a first date more likely to impress than a drive through the Topsey Exotic Ranch and Drive Thru Safari in Copperas Cove.
This ranch allows you to drive through in your car feeding camels, zebras, gazelle, ox, and even a (caged) tiger! It’s cheap, close by, and easy!
Dana Peak Park
Dana Peak Park is the #1 destination for lake activities (with a few exceptions, which we’ll get to shortly).
You can visit the swimming area. Set up the grill. Do a picnic. Take advantage of biking and hiking trails, or just chillax by the water.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake Kayaking or SCUBA
If you can handle the cold under the thermocline and you and your date have some SCUBA chops, Stillhouse Hollow has a solution for you! SCUBA Divers Paradise is a contender for your romantic venue needs.
Or, keep on top of the water with boat and kayak rentals. Make it a fishing trip or just a fun time paddling on the water.
These are a few of the things you can’t do at Dana Peak Park.
Skydiving in Temple
Now we’re getting extreme. I’d only recommend this as a date idea if you already have buy-in from your partner, or they’re going to be the ones kicking you out the door.
Not in Killeen but Temple (obviously), Skydive Temple is just a 30-minute drive from the Killeen area.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Had enough of the above, hot, outdoor date suggestions?
Well, this isn’t quite “indoor” but “incar”?
That’s right – a drive-in movie theater still exists, and not too far in Gatesville, TX.
The classic date night of the 1960s can’t go wrong! At the Last Drive-In Picture Show you can usually get a double feature, too. Stay in the car and A/C, or plop yourself on the tailgate and enjoy a movie under the stars!
Get showing updates on their Facebook page.
Cinergy Movie Theater
Sticking with movies, the Killeen area has several indoor movie theaters, including in Harker Heights and Killeen. But the top theater destination for a proper date night is Cinergy in Copperas Cove.
This place is like a Dave and Busters meets Alamo Drafthouse, featuring games, laser tag, and arcades outside, while enjoying a dine-in movie experience with the latest flicks.
Hill Country Wineries
For those with more refined tastes and a day trip to use, the Texas Hill Country is home to the State’s beautiful wine country.
This is a bit further out than the others on this list – located about an hour’s drive from Killeen. But you’ll find the fruits of your effort rewarding.
Don’t forget to check out the Pacific War Museum or LBJ Ranch while you’re at it.
Fire Street Pizza
Just looking for dinner ideas that are a little extra special?
Fire Street Pizza comes to mind.
Fire Street boasts classic Neapolitan thin crust, fire-baked pizza. They occasionally have events and live music, so be sure to check in on their schedule before you go.
Another spot that sometimes features live music in the Killeen area is the Joker’s Icehouse across from the airport.
Dead Fish Grill
Not feeling like pizza?
The Dead Fish Grill is the #1 seafood destination in the Killeen/Temple metro. It’s a popular venue for corporate events, hail and farewells, occassionaly live music, and, yes, dinners for two!
Salado Shopping
If your date is interested in artistic, homegrown, boutique shopping, the shops of Salado are prepared to serve!
And you can take a break with a craft beer or glass of wine from Chupacabra Craft Beer and Lone Star Winery.
Conclusion
Obviously, one of the best things about living in the Killeen area is that there is a lot more romantic getaway options than just these within just a few hours drive. Reunion Tower and Cowboys games in Dallas, bar crawls and Sixth Street in Austin, or the Riverwalk and Tower of the Americas in San Antonio.
Hopefully you’ve found some ideas to impress your date!