Date Night Ideas in Grand Rapids

Tired of the same old dinner and a movie routine? Spice up your date nights with these unique and creative ideas in the charming city of Grand Rapids! Share a night out together that ignites the spark and creates lasting memories for you both.

For the Romantics

• Take a cooking class.
  At The Local Epicurean you and your partner can find hands-on cooking classes sure to fill both your hearts and stomachs! Learn to make your own pasta or choose from a variety of three-course meals such as the Ligurian Lobster or the Venetian Maderia Duck. This is a fun date night sure to spark the senses in more ways than one!

• Let out your inner artist.
  Get creative on your date at Brush Studio. Sign up for classes such as Paint Your Pet, Mystery Paint Night, and even Paint Your Date! Or enjoy themes that include lighthouses, water scenes, the Grand Rapids skyline, Bob Ross Landscapes, and so much more! What makes it even better? They provide all the materials and you leave the clean-up to them.

• Enjoy the views at Fred Meijer Gardens.
  Walking through the indoor and outdoor gardens and sculpture galleries has something for both of you to enjoy. Take a tram through Sculpture Park, visit the Japanese Gardens, or even catch a concert at the amphitheater. And the gardens are open year-round so check the calendar often for new and current events!

• Do a little wine tasting.
  Stop into Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery to sample more than 20 Michigan-made wine and ciders. No reservations are needed and tastings are only $8 per person (although subject to change per their website)! Try one of the popular fruit wines or branch out for something different with chocolate wine. And if wine isn’t your thing, no problem! Robinette’s is also known for their 125 acre orchard and delicious goodies from the Apple Haus.

• Attend a performing arts show.
  Enjoy live theater performances by talented musicians, dancers, actors, and singers at the Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Broadway Grand Rapids. You and your date are bound to have an inspired and memorable time.

For the Fun-Seekers

• Experience virtual reality.
  Immerse yourselves into worlds of zombies, apocalyptic landscapes, and the haunted wild west at Amped Virtual Reality. Choose from a variety of virtual escape rooms and multi-player games that are perfect for couples who want to add a little adventure into their date night.

• Kayak together on Reeds Lake.
  Rent a kayak at a kiosk and enjoy a lazy day on the water. Each rental includes your paddle and life jacket. And stand-up paddleboards are coming soon per their website - just another way you can enjoy a date at the lake!

• See the sights from the air.
  Experience the thrill of a lifetime when you view Grand Rapids from above in a helicopter at My Flight Grand Rapids. Choose from a variety of tours, with the Grand Rapids Quick Hop coming in at a very affordable $55 per rider! This one is sure to be a date to remember.

• Attend a beer tour at Founders Brewing Co.
  We all know that a list of Grand Rapids date night ideas isn’t complete without Founders! Serving Michigan since 1997, they’re one of the highest-recognized breweries in the country. Did you know our local gem is in the top 10 largest craft breweries in the country?

For the Budgeters

• The Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  You can visit the GRAM for free on Tuesdays (noon - 6p) and Thursday evenings (5-9p)! With a collection of over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and more, you and your date are certain to find some interesting conversation pieces. Perfect for couples who want something to talk about!

• Try your hand at fowling.
  Do you love football while your partner is more into bowling? Have a night out together to Fowling Warehouse where you can be obsessed with both! Enjoy unlimited play for only $14 per person and bring your own food or have it delivered. Make sure to check out the $2 Mystery Beer Machine and the Bonk Honk!

• Laugh together at The Comedy Project.
  Just outside downtown Grand Rapids is a comedy and cocktail theater where most shows are only $12 per person. Whether you’re into improv, sketch comedy, or variety shows, the two of you will find something here for an affordable date night. Want to step up your date game? Sign up for an improv class and try it yourselves!

• Swing dance at Ah Nab Awen Park.
  The Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS) is the largest dance group in Michigan “who dance because it’s fun.” Every Tuesday night at 7:00pm they host this free weekly event, open to all skill and ability level. Take your date and let loose!

Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or simply quality time with your partner, these date night ideas are sure to help you break free from the mundane and inspire connection.

Think it might take more than a blog to help you get to where you want to be with your partner? Let’s talk.