30+ Creative Ideas for Date Night in Grand Rapids

Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or just craving a special evening together, you’ve got plenty of versatile options for date night in Grand Rapids. From romantic candlelit dinners to something more laid back like glow-in-the-dark mini golf, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. I compiled a list of over 30 ideas to help you plan the perfect night out (or day date) with your special someone. In this guide, you’ll find options for just about every scenario. Which one will you go with?

Outdoor Date Night Ideas Grand Rapids

Drive to lakeshore and watch the sunset

While technically outside of Grand Rapids, nothing beats a Lake Michigan sunset.  It’s worth the 30 minute drive to the lakeshore to watch the sun sink into the horizon!  Bonus tip: consider packing a picnic lunch or dinner to up the romance.

Watch the sunset at Lookout Park

Lookout Park is one of my favorite locations for photoshoots, partially because it has the best view of the city. If you’ve never taken the time to watch the sun set over the skyline, it’s the perfect setting for deep conversations on date night.

Getty Drive In

This one is also a bit of a drive from Grand Rapids but 100% worth it! Located in Muskegon, Getty Drive In is the only drive-in theater in west Michigan and so, so fun! Who doesn’t want a classic date night double feature with a vintage feel?

Beer Tour in Grand Rapids

During warmer months, take advantage of Grand Rapids’ Refreshment Areas, where you can stroll outside hand-in-hand with beverages purchased from one of the 60+ participating businesses. It’s a fun and casual way to explore the city!

Ice Skating at Rosa Park Circle

Looking for a romantic & affordable winter date idea? Try ice skating at Rosa Park Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. It’s a ton of fun and a great excuse to hold hands and stay close…you know, for support.

Things to Do in Grand Rapids at Night

The Meanwhile Bar

People love this grunge bar in a popular hipstery neighborhood of Grand Rapids, and for good reason. Well known for its pinball, The Meanwhile Bar is a laid-back yet entertaining spot to grab drinks and challenge each other to a game.

The Pyramid Scheme

If you love music & dancing, try The Pyramid Scheme. This is another eclectic bar with pinball, but with the added bonus of live music. Typically, the bands play rock music so people like to dance here.

Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar

This two-story venue offers two date night experiences in one. On the first floor of Mojo’s, you’ll find the dueling piano bar (exactly how it sounds), while the second floor transforms into a high-energy club atmosphere with dancing & a DJ. It’s perfect for a playful and lively night out!

Grand Woods Lounge

Affectionately called The Woods, this lounge is super popular among young couples & college students. It’s a local go-to for drinks and dancing.

Unique and Creative Date Night Ideas in Grand Rapids

Take a pottery class at the Mud Room

If you’re searching for a fun, out-of-the-box date night idea to shake things up a bit, try The Mud Room. They offer a variety of classes from pottery painting, pottery wheel classes, and glass fusing

Great Lakes Glow Golf

Looking for a little friendly competition on your next date night in Grand Rapids? How about a glow-in-the-dark themed indoor mini golf course? Great Lakes Glow Golf is super fun and unique!

House Rules Lounge

Love board games? House Rules Lounge bar offers a ton of games to choose from alongside a full-service bar and menu. Spend hours playing your favorite classics or discovering new ones while enjoying delicious food and drinks together!

Wax Poetic Candle Bar

At Wax Poetic Candle Bar, the two of you can make your own custom candles! It’s in Eastown (a popular part of Grand Rapids) which is works out perfectly. The candles need 2 hours to set, so you can plan a whole day out of it and explore the city while you wait.

Take a cooking class at The Local Epicurean

Specializing in pasta-making, The Local Epicurean offers a range of cooking classes that make for a delicious and interactive date. And don’t forget you can always use what you learn for your next at-home date night!

Best Date Night Restaurants Grand Rapids

Gin Gin’s

This newer restaurant immediately became a well-loved local favorite. With upscale décor featuring leather accents and cozy ambiance, Gin Gin’s is the ideal spot for a romantic dinner in Grand Rapids.

Margaux

Located in the JW Marriot Hotel, Margaux is a perfect location for a date night dinner. This French-inspired restaurant is very high-end! They also feature the J-Deck, an outdoor patio right on the Grand River and it’s open year round (igloos in the winter). Very romantic!

Grove

Known for its bright and airy vibes, Grove focuses on farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients (lots of steak & seafood). It’s a refined yet approachable choice for a romantic evening.

MDRD

As the newest high-end restaurant in Grand Rapids, MDRD is a fantastic choice for a date night dinner. Located on the top floor Amway Hotel (a favorite location of mine for elegant sessions!), it offers the best views in the city. If Spanish tapas are your thing, give it a try.

Leo’s Seafood

Leo’s is an upscale and romantic option if you love seafood. They have the best seafood in Grand Rapids!

Fun Date Night Ideas in Grand Rapids

Dave and Busters

For a casual and playful night, challenge your date to arcade games and enjoy classic comfort food and drinks.

Visit Amway Hotel, I Don’t Care Bar (IDC) & Duckpin bowling

Make an entire evening of hanging out in Grand Rapids! Explore the historic Amway Grand Plaza where you can sip cocktails at the hidden IDC speakeasy, and try your hand at mini-bowling at Woodrows Duckpin.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway

For a fun tiki bar experience without leaving Grand Rapids, visit Max’s South Seas Hideaway. The menu ranges from sushi and spring rolls to poke bowls and tropical drinks.

The Intersection

For music loving couples, consider catching a live performance from up-and-coming artists at The Intersection. This iconic Grand Rapids music venue is sure to be a good time!

Big Mini Putt Club

While Big Mini Putt Club is newer to Grand Rapids, this mini golf course in a bar is incredibly popular. Not a fan of golf? They also have air hockey and darts.

Day Date Ideas in Grand Rapids

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park –

Frederik Meijer Gardens is a massive park featuring stunning gardens, sculptures, and a seasonal butterfly exhibit. You can spend your day date strolling through admiring the scenery!

Do a Museum Tour

Grand Rapids has no shortage of museums! Visit Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, all within close proximity for a fun-filled day date.

Go Thrifting & Antiquing

Explore unique finds at Urban Exchange, Rock Paper Scissors Consignment, Second Vibes, OTONO, and Lost & Found Treasures of Old and New.

Millennium Park

Another favorite photo location of mine, Millennium Park is massive and  offers hiking, a lake for swimming, and water sports.

Plane Watching at Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park

Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park is a relaxing spot with picnic tables where you can watch planes take off and land.

Grand Rapids Photographer

Hey, I’m Anika! I’m a Michigan based engagement photographer who is all about capturing the real, unfiltered moments—the laughs, the sweet glances, and all the little things that make your love story yours. I’m all about capturing photos that are filled with real moments that tell your story. No stiff poses, no stress—just you, your love, and a whole lot of magic. Now that you’re planning this romantic date, maybe you’re starting to think about a Michigan Wedding photographer too! Let’s connect! I’d love to hear all about it. Check out my photography packages, and contact me here make it happen!