
🌟 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:
Download the Lime App: Available on iOS or Android.
Find a Ride: Open the app to locate scooters or bikes within the 13-square-mile service area, covering downtown and nearby neighborhoods. 🗺️
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!
-
Cuisine: American, globally inspired
Vibe: Upscale, cozy, river views
Reservations: amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-by-wolfgang-puck
-
Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
Vibe: Elegant, perfect for a special night
Reservations: ruthschris
-
Cuisine: Modern Spanish
Vibe: Romantic, skyline views
Reservations: amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd
-
Cuisine: Seafood, American
Vibe: Upscale, intimate
Reservations: leosrestaurant.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Vibe: Classic, elegant
Reservations: thechophousegrandrapids.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: Italian, farm-to-table
Vibe: Warm, modern
Reservations: bistrobellavita.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: New American, local ingredients
Vibe: Cozy
Reservations: groverestaurant.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: American, riverside dining
Vibe: Casual, scenic
Reservations: linearrestaurant.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: American, Michigan-inspired
Vibe: Rustic, welcoming
Reservations: fortypearl.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: American, small plates
Vibe: Sophisticated, intimate
Reservations: reservegr.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: Farm-to-table, global flavors
Vibe: Vibrant, modern
Reservations: terragr.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: French, American
Vibe: Elegant, riverfront
Reservations: marriotthotels.com/hotels/travel/grrjw-jw-marriott-hotel-grand-rapids/dining
-
Cuisine: Spanish, tapas
Vibe: Lively, colorful
Reservations: sanchezbistro.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: American, meat-focused
Vibe: Rustic, trendy
Reservations: butchersuniongr.com/reservations
-
Cuisine: Nordic-inspired, local ingredients
Vibe: Cozy, unique
Reservations: sovengard.com/reservations