3 Places for Animal Lovers to Take a Date in San Antonio, TX
Whether or not you’re autistic, or an ADHDer or AuDHDer, or even if you’re in the neuro-majority, it’s always a good idea to put some thought into where to go on a first date. Traditionally people have tended to make reservations at elegant restaurants, but this can lead to awkwardness if social chit-chat is not your strength.
There you are, sitting across a table with crystal goblets and linen napkins, trying to act like you’re used to that level of fanciness. What are you supposed to talk about? What if you use the wrong fork, spill your water, drip marinara on your white shirt, or get spinach stuck in your teeth? The more you worry about it, the less comfortable you feel making conversation. If it’s taking all your concentration just to be in that environment, how can you two really get to know each other? And isn’t that what dating is all about, getting to know each other?
Instead of going to a restaurant, where the only entertainment is your conversation, find out what your date is interested in. Then choose an activity you can do together related to shared interests. If you both love Pokémon, consider playing Pokémon Go together. If you love mysteries, try an escape room. Couples who share an interest in comic books, or Star Trek, or Supernatural, can find conventions to attend together. But, what do you two have in common?
If You Love Animals
One question that often comes up early in those first getting-to-know-you conversations is to talk about your pets. Do you both have pets? What kind? What are their names? Chances are you will find that both of you are animal lovers. If that’s true for you and your date, and you live near San Antonio, TX, then you’re in luck. Here are three great places to go on a first date. One of them might be the perfect idea for you and your date. Who knows? It might become your new go-to dating spot.
Many neurodivergent people love animals. Of course, so do many in the neuromajority, but the ND passion for an interest can be intense, and splendid. If you and your date are animal lovers, there are several places in San Antonio you may want to consider for your date.
San Antonio Zoo
A trip to the San Antonio Zoo is an ideal first date for a couple who loves animals. Conversation will come naturally as you walk and talk about the animals you see, and compare your favorites. You will probably find that the ticket price of $23.50 is worthwhile, since the Zoo is operated by the San Antonio Zoological Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to their vision of securing a future for wildlife. The Zoo’s mission is to inspire people to love, engage with, act for, and protect animals and the places they live, through sharing their passion for animal care, education, and conservation. Their Center for Conservation and Research includes projects on three continents, focusing on rare and threatened species and imperiled ecosystems.
Be sure to check out any special events and shows that are available on the day of your date, as well as the beautiful Zootennial Carousel. When you’re ready for a break, get a table at the Beastro Restaurant and enjoy familiar, comfort foods: burgers, pizza, and chicken tenders, with a view of the lake and the carousel.
The San Antonio Zoo is located near the Alamadome Stadium, at
- 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212-3199.
If you have questions:
- Check out their website at https://sazoo.org
- Call them at (210) 734-7184
- Fax (210) 734-7291
- Email [email protected]
San Antonio Aquarium
If you and your date love sea animals, the San Antonio Aquarium will be a great first date. The Aquarium, known as the premier family entertainment center in Leon Valley since 2014, invites you to experience thousands of species and interactive exhibits. They love making once-in-a-lifetime experiences possible.
The San Antonio Aquarium may be small as compared to some other aquariums, but they are rich with interactive exhibits, where you can feed, pet, and interact with many different animals. Here are just a few of the animals you may meet on your date at the San Antonio Aquarium:
Here are some of the animals you might meet at the aquarium, and this is just the beginning!
Mammals
| Fish
|
Birds
| Reptiles
|
Did you notice that “mermaid” is listed above under “Fish?” Maybe it should have been listed under “Mammals.” Of course, mermaids are mythical creatures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a selfie with one at the San Antonio Aquarium. If you know a child who is having a birthday, you can arrange for a mermaid to make an appearance at the party, to turn a pool party into a birthday they’ll remember.
If a day at the aquarium sounds like an ideal date to you, you should make plans to go. Find the San Antonio Aquarium at 6320 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, close to Leon Valley, just off of 410 Loop NW, near Rue Francois Street, between Grass Hill Drive and Thistle Drive.
- Tickets cost $22.95
- Additional tokens may be purchased for special events, like feeding and meeting animals
- Call for information at (210) 310-3210
- Email [email protected]
- Check out their website at https://www.sanantonioaquarium.net
Tuxedo Cat’s Coffee
If you and your date both love cats and coffee, then you can’t do better than Tuxedo Cat’s Coffee for a first date meet-up. The barista serves up organic, gluten-free specialty coffee brewed from Texas-sourced beans. You’ll find cat-inspired fancy Catspresso beverages like the William Shakespurr, Great Catsby, and Sir Isaac Mewton. If you’re lucky, you may get to meet the resident tuxedo cat, Mina.
Do you also love plants? If so, then you’re in luck, for you’ll find Tuxedo Cat’s Coffee at the Palm Buddha Plant Nursery & Gardens located at 6075 Heath Road, San Antonio, Texas 78250. This is an idea first date for cat lovers and coffee lovers alike.
Why Take a Date to See Animals?
If you and your date both love animals, one of these spots may be the perfect place to meet for a casual date. And who doesn’t love animals? Most of us do. You won’t be lost for something to talk about when you’re surrounded by animals, exhibits, or even the local coffee house cat. No more awkward silences staring at each other from across a table. Get out there and commune with nature in the form of animal destinations and events. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Antonio, Texas. Try it!
