🌟 Fun Activities in Grand Rapids

Ready for date night? If you didn’t come with a plan (mountain biking or a pottery class?), take a look at some of these options - or just grab a dinner to go and find a spot in a park for a picnic. Here are some ideas:

  • Zip around downtown Grand Rapids on Lime’s electric bikes or scooters for a fun, eco-friendly adventure! 🌍

    • How to Ride:

      1. Download the Lime App: Available on iOS or Android.

      2. Find a Ride: Open the app to locate scooters or bikes within the 13-square-mile service area, covering downtown and nearby neighborhoods. 🗺️

      3. Unlock: Scan the QR code on the scooter/bike using the app’s green “scan” button. Cost: ~$1 to unlock + ~$0.25/minute (check Lime Access for discounts if eligible). 💸

  • Smash some pickleball shots on the first rooftop courts in Grand Rapids, with stunning downtown views! Perfect for beginners or pros. 🏙️

    • Address: 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (4th floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel)

    • Cost: ~$20–$40/hour per court (check for group rates or memberships).

    • How to Play: Book courts by calling 616-776-3279 or inquire at amwaygrand.com. Bring your own paddle or rent one on-site. Play singles or doubles on one of four courts, no experience required!

  • Stroll through 158 acres of gardens and 300+ sculptures, including the iconic 24-foot American Horse. Perfect for a romantic walk!

    • Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

    • Cost: Around ~$20/adult (check for discounts with memberships).

    • Details: meijergardens.org

  • Explore history, science, and a 1928 carousel. Great for a cozy, educational outing!

    • Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

    • Cost: ~$12/adult.

    • Details: grpm.org

  • Paddle through downtown Grand Rapids for stunning city views and a peaceful outdoor escape. Great for solo or tandem adventures! 🚣

    • How to Rent: Book through Grand Rapids Kayak Rentals (grandrapidskayakrentals.com) or visit their pickup spot at Canal Park. grandrapidskayakrentals.com

    • Cost: ~$25/hour for single kayaks, ~$40/hour for tandems.

  • Swing away at the Amway Grand Plaza’s state-of-the-art golf simulator room, offering virtual play on world-class courses! Perfect for golfers or a fun group outing. 🏌️‍♂️

    • Location: Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

    • How to Book: Contact the hotel concierge at (616) 774-2000 or book through amwaygrand.com .

    • Cost: ~$40–$60/hour per simulator bay (pricing varies by time; reservations recommended).

  • Roll into fun with duckpin bowling, a quirky twist on the classic game with shorter lanes, smaller balls, and three rolls per frame! Great for all ages. 🍻

    • Address: 200 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (inside Amway Grand Plaza Hotel)

    • Cost: ~$30/hour per lane (up to 6 bowlers, no shoe/ball rental fees).

    • How to Bowl: Reserve a lane at woodrowsduckpin.com or try walk-in (Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays best for availability).

    • Enjoy craft cocktails, beer, or tacos from Taco Alley while bowling. Happy hour specials Monday–Friday, 4–7 PM!

    • Check out the cozy lounge with plush seating and big TVs. 📺

  • Unleash your inner lumberjack with a thrilling axe-throwing session! Perfect for a fun group outing or a unique date night. 🎯

    • Address: 443 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

    • Cost: ~$25–$35/person for a 1-hour session (group rates available).

    • How to Play: Book online at flanneljaxs.com/grand-rapids or walk in (reservations recommended).

  • Watch fish migrate along the Grand River or enjoy a peaceful riverside walk.

    • Address: 560 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

    • Cost: Free!

  • Explore downtown Grand Rapids with a guided scavenger hunt app, solving clues and discovering hidden gems together!

    • Details: Purchase an urban scavenger hunt (~2 hours, ~$12.99/couple) via the Let’s Roam app (letsroam.com).

    • Pro Tip: Charge your phone and wear comfy shoes. Great for evening fun!

  • Get active with a playful bowling date, complete with laughs and friendly competition!

    • Location: Clique Lanes, 533 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (10 min from hotel).

    • Details: Modern lanes, ~$6/game per person, shoe rental $4. Open till 11 PM. Call (616) 456-6123 to reserve a lane or book at cliquelanes.com.

    • Pro Tip: Try glow bowling after 9 PM for extra fun!

  • Stroll hand-in-hand through trails and spot birds like cardinals and herons for a serene, nature-filled date.

    • Location: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (10 min from hotel).

    • Details: 6 miles of easy trails through forests and wetlands, free entry (donations welcome). Bring binoculars or rent them on-site (~$5/pair). May is peak migration season for warblers! Download the Merlin Bird ID app for free bird identification.

    • Highlights: Look for owls at the Wildlife Trail or visit the farm animals for fun. Trails open dawn to dusk.

    • Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and check blandfordnaturecenter.org for trail maps and events.

  • Paddle together on calm waters for a peaceful, active date! Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is easy to learn and perfect for couples.

    • Rental: Lakeshore Paddleboard Co. offers SUP rentals at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids (15 min from hotel). Single boards ~$30/hour, tandem boards ~$50/hour. Includes paddles and life jackets. Book at lakeshorepaddleboard.com or call (616) 430-1510.

    • Location: Reeds Lake, 744 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

    • Details: No experience needed; staff provide a quick lesson. Paddle at your pace, enjoying lake views and wildlife. Open till 8 PM in May.

    • Pro Tip: Wear quick-dry clothes and bring a waterproof phone case. Sunset paddling is romantic!

  • Enjoy a fun, low-cost game of disc golf at one of Grand Rapids’ top courses! Perfect for all skill levels, it’s a great way to laugh and compete together.

    • Location: Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (10 min from hotel).

    • Details: 18-hole course, free to play, scenic river views. Bring your own discs.

    • Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes and arrive early to avoid crowds. Great for sunset play in May!

  • Admire art from Renaissance to modern, with free admission on Tuesdays (12–5 PM) and Thursdays (5–8 PM).

    • Address: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

    • Cost: ~$12/adult (free on select days).

    • Details: artmuseumgr.org

🍽️ Date Night Restaurant Recommendations

Grand Rapids is a foodie’s delight! There are a thousand great restaurants to check out (Tupelo Honey, anyone?). Here are some restaurants that are perfect for your date night. Book early to be sure to have your spot!