Dinner and a movie has been the standard date for a long time, and with the blockbusters hitting the big screen this summer, who can complain? However, for those of you looking to shake things up a bit, here are a few entertainment options that will get you out of the darkness of the cinema for about the same price.

Stefanie Arias | 210SA Contributor

Next Stage Improv
The comedy troupe performs a weekly show at 10 p.m. Saturdays at the Overtime Theater, 1216 West Ave. The theme of each show is decided by the audience the week before, and the plots are created on-the-spot based on audience participation throughout the performance. Themes covered so far: kung fu, Harry Potter, Chuck Norris, disco and “The Golden Girls.” Tickets are $8. (www.theovertimetheater.net)

San Antonio Missions
The Spurs are done and football doesn’t start for a couple months. What’s a sports fan to do? Head out to Wolff Stadium and catch a few hours of baseball, that’s what. Even if you’re not a big fan, you might enjoy watching a kid tackle Henry the Puffy Taco or hearing the off-pitch (ha!) crowd singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Tickets range from $6.50-$9.50.(sanantonio.missions.milb!.com/index.jsp?sid=t510)

Ice, Roller Skating
Hey, Rocky and Adrian’s first date was at the ice skating rink and look how well that worked out. The Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods, 17530 Henderson Pass, is the only frozen rink in town. Public skating is every afternoon and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $6; skate rental is $3. (www.northwoodsice.net) For those of you more comfortable on wheels, The Rollercade, 223 Recoleta Road, is open daily except for Mondays. There’s Adult Skate from 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays, Top 40 Night from 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Night Skate from 8-11 p.m. Saturdays. Admission ranges from $5-$6.50; skate rental is $2. (www.therollercade.com)

Bass Pro Shops
Don’t scoff just yet. Not only does this mega-store have its own restaurant (Islamorada Fish Company — and, by the way, the venison-stuffed mushroom appetizer is killer), but it also has some stuff to do besides shopping. There’s a rock-climbing wall that’s open daily, $3.70 per climb; there’s also an arcade-style shooting range, 50 cents per play. If this still sounds lame, well then screw it — there’s a movie theater next door.  

Stefanie Aries | 210SA Contributor