🌟 Fun Activities in Grand Rapids

Make your date night or free time during the retreat unforgettable with these activities! Here are some highlights:

🚴‍♀️ Ride Lime Bikes or Scooters

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). 💸

🎨 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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

🏛️ Grand Rapids Public Museum

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

🚶‍♂️ Fish Ladder Park

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

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

  • Cost: Free!

🎭 Grand Rapids Art Museum

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

🥏 Disc Golf at Riverside Park

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!

🏄‍♂️ Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Reeds Lake

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!

🦅 Nature Walk & Birdwatching at Blandford Nature Center

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.

🎳 Bowling at Clique Lanes

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!

🚶‍♀️ Urban Scavenger Hunt with Let’s Roam

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!

🍽️ Date Night Restaurant Recommendations

Grand Rapids is a foodie paradise! Here are 15 restaurants perfect for your Friday date night, all offering online reservations. Book early to secure your spot!

  1. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck (Amway Grand Plaza)

  2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Amway Grand Plaza)

    • Cuisine: Steakhouse, American

    • Vibe: Elegant, perfect for a special night

    • Reservations: ruthschris

  3. MDRD (Amway Grand Plaza, 27th floor)

  4. Leo’s

  5. The Chop House

    • Cuisine: Steakhouse

    • Vibe: Classic, elegant

    • Reservations: thechophousegrandrapids.com/reservations

  6. Bistro Bella Vita

  7. Grove

  8. Linear

  9. Forty Pearl

  10. Reserve Wine & Food

  11. Terra

  12. Margaux (JW Marriott)

  13. San Chez Bistro

  14. Butcher’s Union

  15. The Sovengard