9 Date Ideas in Grand Rapids, Michigan
January 2020 by Greg Smolka
1. Do something for the 1st time
There's a number of new fun things to do in Grand Rapids. One of the most popular is axe throwing at a place such as Target Axe Throwing. Some of them offer alcohol and some don't. Be sure to find this out prior. Another popular attraction is Break Room Therapy which is West Michigan's only "rage room" experience. Suit up with your date and release some steam! Also, if you haven't had coffee or a snack in an igloo, here's your chance. Visit the Outside Coffee Co. Enjoy!
There's a number of new fun things to do in Grand Rapids. One of the most popular is axe throwing at a place such as Target Axe Throwing. Some of them offer alcohol and some don't. Be sure to find this out prior. Another popular attraction is Break Room Therapy which is West Michigan's only "rage room" experience. Suit up with your date and release some steam! Also, if you haven't had coffee or a snack in an igloo, here's your chance. Visit the Outside Coffee Co. Enjoy!
Target Axe Throwing
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Outside Coffee Co.
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Break Room Therapy
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2. Get into nature at the Blandford Nature Center
The Blandford Nature Center is a non-profit company with a mission to engage the community through nature. The center offers various programs for all ages and feature a few different walking trails on the 264-acre property. If you’re not a member, admission is only $3. In addition to the moderate walking trails, guests can also explore events the center offers. Grab your hiking boots and go for a visit!
The Blandford Nature Center is a non-profit company with a mission to engage the community through nature. The center offers various programs for all ages and feature a few different walking trails on the 264-acre property. If you’re not a member, admission is only $3. In addition to the moderate walking trails, guests can also explore events the center offers. Grab your hiking boots and go for a visit!
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3. Dinner and a walk on the Grand River
What’s more romantic than a nice evening dinner and a walk on the river? Grand Rapids has tons of restaurants to choose from. Cygnus27 is a 27th-floor up-scale restaurant that offers panoramic views of downtown GR. Sip on a cocktail and dine on Latin-inspired cuisine while watching the sunset over the Grand River. Other nice places to dine include (but aren’t limited to) Bistro Bella Vita, Leo’s, San Chez Bistro and Gilly’s at the BOB. After dinner, walk the river walk along the banks of the Grand River. |
Grand Rapids, MI - Ah Nab Awen Park
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4. Check out a brewery
You don’t have to throw a rock too far to hit a brewery in Grand Rapids. There are so many to choose from, but lets name a few of the top favorites. Founders Brewing Company has become one of the top breweries in the U.S., and it sits right here in downtown GR. Offering a variety of annual and seasonal brews, the bar and restaurant is full of open space with seating both inside and outside, and a variety of live performances on a weekly basis. Just a little outside of the metro area on Cherry Street is Brewery Vivant, a microbrewery with rustic farmhouse inspired beers and European cuisine. The company, operating in the refurbished historical funeral home, also takes pride in that the building is LEED certified, meaning it’s more sustainable to the environment. Thirdly, there’s New Holland Brewery, which has its second location on the West side of GR, The Knickerbocker. Originally started in Holland, Michigan, this brewpub proudly serves craft beer, artisan spirits, handcrafted cocktails, wine and cider as well as a rustic and unique food menu. On Saturdays, take a tour of of the distillery and see the magic behind brewing beer, and on Sundays, hop in during brunch for a different menu and $5 Bloody Marys.
You don’t have to throw a rock too far to hit a brewery in Grand Rapids. There are so many to choose from, but lets name a few of the top favorites. Founders Brewing Company has become one of the top breweries in the U.S., and it sits right here in downtown GR. Offering a variety of annual and seasonal brews, the bar and restaurant is full of open space with seating both inside and outside, and a variety of live performances on a weekly basis. Just a little outside of the metro area on Cherry Street is Brewery Vivant, a microbrewery with rustic farmhouse inspired beers and European cuisine. The company, operating in the refurbished historical funeral home, also takes pride in that the building is LEED certified, meaning it’s more sustainable to the environment. Thirdly, there’s New Holland Brewery, which has its second location on the West side of GR, The Knickerbocker. Originally started in Holland, Michigan, this brewpub proudly serves craft beer, artisan spirits, handcrafted cocktails, wine and cider as well as a rustic and unique food menu. On Saturdays, take a tour of of the distillery and see the magic behind brewing beer, and on Sundays, hop in during brunch for a different menu and $5 Bloody Marys.
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5. Ice cream and a walk downtown
For a simple first date or just wanting to chill and talk, stop by Sweet Yo’s Frozen Yogurt at Rosa Parks Circle and sit outside. If you’re lucky, maybe there’ll be some live music on stage. If not, the skateboarders will keep you entertained. After that, take a nice scenic walk exploring downtown, or walk through the Grand Rapids Art Museum just steps away - and if you’re college student, you get in for free with ID! |
Grand Rapids, MI - Rosa Parks Circle
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6. Enjoy the Downtown Market
For a variety of eclectic food options, try out a couple (or a few) bites at the Downtown Market. From Slows Bar B Q, Tacos El Cuñado, Fish Lads to Rák Thai, there are plenty of options from around the world to choose from. And for dessert, there are a couple restaurants on the sweeter side like Love’s Ice Cream and Sweetie-licious Bake Shoppe. After you’ve tried a couple places, walk around and look at the little shops selling various home goods, from tea and spices, to flowers and home decor. On the upper level, explore the outside patio and the indoor greenhouse. And if you plan it out, you can even attend a cooking class on that second level as well.
For a variety of eclectic food options, try out a couple (or a few) bites at the Downtown Market. From Slows Bar B Q, Tacos El Cuñado, Fish Lads to Rák Thai, there are plenty of options from around the world to choose from. And for dessert, there are a couple restaurants on the sweeter side like Love’s Ice Cream and Sweetie-licious Bake Shoppe. After you’ve tried a couple places, walk around and look at the little shops selling various home goods, from tea and spices, to flowers and home decor. On the upper level, explore the outside patio and the indoor greenhouse. And if you plan it out, you can even attend a cooking class on that second level as well.
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7. Attend a concert and grab a drink
If you’re looking for a musical night out, you don’t have to look too far to find a venue in Grand Rapids, on all notches of the totem pole. From DeVos Performance Hall, where you can watch the symphony and off-Broadway musicals, to Van Andel Arena, where you can see big time performers. There’s 20 Monroe Live, a new venue that has already hosted performers like Jeezy, Chase Rice, and Modest Mouse. Getting more into the local scene is The Intersection and the Pyramid Scheme. All of these venues are near food spots, so it’s easy to grab a burger and enjoy a summer show with your date. |
Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena (Weezer)
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8. AJ's Family Fun Center
Treat your date out for a classic night of mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats and a round in the batting cages. After all that, there’s even an arcade for more indoor fun. When you’re hot and hungry, take a walk to the snack bar where you can enjoy hot dogs, pretzels, pizza and ice cream. Get the good deal with the $15 Fun Park Pass that comes with 18 holes of golf, 2 additional attractions (go-karts and bumper boats) and a choice of 4 arcade tokens or 1 batting cage token. For just $30, that’s a steal for a couple hours of fun!
Treat your date out for a classic night of mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats and a round in the batting cages. After all that, there’s even an arcade for more indoor fun. When you’re hot and hungry, take a walk to the snack bar where you can enjoy hot dogs, pretzels, pizza and ice cream. Get the good deal with the $15 Fun Park Pass that comes with 18 holes of golf, 2 additional attractions (go-karts and bumper boats) and a choice of 4 arcade tokens or 1 batting cage token. For just $30, that’s a steal for a couple hours of fun!
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9. Attend a Sports Event
Grand Rapids is the home of many sports teams. The teams are all competitive in their leagues which makes for a great game. Grab some affordable tickets and enjoy! A few of the teams are as follows:
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Fifth Third Ball Park - West Michigan Whitecaps
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There are so many ways to get out and have fun in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pick one and make it a great memory!