Ideas to Help You Date Your Sweetie All Year Long
Rewind three years ago to when my husband and I made a daring resolution to spend more time together. Just the two of us. Once a week.
It was a lofty goal, but each week we devised a plan and did what we could to stick to it. Everything from lunch dates when the kids were at school to morning coffee dates to a few special nights-on-the-town.
While I didn’t keep a tally of how many dates we went on, I think we came close to 40. Taking the time to intentionally connect once a week was refreshing and fun!
So as we kick-off a New Year, I wanted to share 12-Months of Date Night Ideas to help inspire you!
Now all you need to do is call the sitter and grab your significant other. Cheers and Happy Dating!
Interesting Grand Rapids Date Ideas for Every Month of the Year
January: Ice Skate Downtown
Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Celebrate the start of a New Year with a trip onsider celebrating anytime this month with the quintessential Grand Rapids experience: Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle.
There’s something magical about grabbing the hand of your date and taking a spin around the rink.
Add the ambiance of festively lit trees and an admission price of only $3 per person (skates included) and you have a romantic, but inexpensive night on the town.
Ice skating not your thing? Try sledding or snowshoeing instead.
February: Attend World of Winter & Valent-ICE
Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Cupid is calling!
Bundle up and bring your partner downtown to World of Winter, Grand Rapids’ annual festival aimed at getting our community outside to enjoy the season.
Notable events include Valent-ICE, an impressive ice sculpture show featuring over 50 works spread around downtown. Many events are free.
March: Bust a Gut at Laugh Fest
1806 Bridge St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Comedians from all over the country gather to laugh away the winter blues at Laugh Fest.
This 10 day festival brings together comedy, performance, film and a variety of seriously funny stuff that makes us laugh.
All proceeds benefit the cancer, grief and support programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
April: Catch a Dazzling Show at GRPM Planetarium
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Head down to the Grand Rapids Public Museum and watch a show “under the stars.”
For just $5, you can snag a ticket to the planetarium and watch one of the amazing rotating shows.
Or add-on full admission and wander all three floors of fun including the Streets of Old Grand Rapids.
May: Enjoy a Romantic Dinner with a View
MDRD
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 27th floor, 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dinner with a view? Yes, please!
Take the elevator to the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and you’ll arrive at MDRD (pronounced “Madrid.”)
Soak in the panoramic views of the Grand River and Grand Rapids skyline with spring in full bloom as you savor amazing Spanish cuisine.
June: Hit the Beach
The Farmhouse Deli, 100 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, Michigan 49406
Oval Beach, Perryman St. & Oval Beach Drive, Saugatuck, MI, 49453
Saugatuck Chain Ferry, 528 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI, 49453
Grab a blanket, but don’t fill the picnic basket!
Farmhouse Deli in Douglas has all the goods you’ll need for dinner on the Lake Michigan shore. After stopping at Farmhouse Deli for your picnic provisions, drive to Oval Beach.
Or if you’re feeling adventuresome, hop on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry (the only one still in existence in the country!) and walk the trail to the beach. Pick the perfect spot and relax.
July: Shop Fresh
Fulton Street Farmers Market, 1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Downtown Holland Farmers Market, 150 W. 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
To market, to market!
Shop together for some delicious local produce at Fulton Street Farmers Market or the Holland Farmers Market.
Make your way home and cook a fresh meal for the two of you to enjoy al fresco
August: Art & Entertainment
Grand Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ah, those summer nights!
Grab your dancing shoes and spend an evening on the Grand Rapids Art Museums’ outdoor terrace.
On Thursday evenings they have live music, dancing, and food trucks. Then head inside to cool down and explore the art exhibits for FREE.
September: Escape in 60 Minutes or Less
The Ruse
25 Division Avenue S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Take your date for 60 minutes of interactive fun at The Ruse, an Escape Room in Downtown Grand Rapids.
Solve puzzles and challenges while racing against the clock.
Work with each other as you try to break free — both an exhilarating and unique night out!
October: Drink Cider by the Fire Pit
Virtue Farm
2170 62nd St, Fennville, MI 49408
Fall and flannel pair perfectly with cider.
Take a road trip 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids to Fennville, the home of Virtue Cider.
Unwind with a glass of Michigan Brut, play yard games, and cozy up by a fire pit.
Check their event calendar before you go and you may find they have a Spooky Trail Walk or a Cult Classic Movie playing on the lawn.
November: Time for Brunch
The Little Bird, 95 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Nonna’s: The Trattoria, 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301
Breakfast dates are often overlooked, but shouldn’t be.
The first meal of the day is often a less expensive alternative to going out for dinner.
And the best part? West Michigan has a ton of establishments with amazing brunch options.
Of note: Avocado Toast at The Little Bird; Granola Bowl at Nonna’s: The Trattoria.
December: Christmas and Holidays at FMG
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
A Winter Wonderland awaits when you and your sweetie stroll through the Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
See 42 decorated international trees, soak up the warmth in the Conservatory or bundle up and discover the beauty of the outdoor Japanese Gardens in wintertime.
We’d love for you to share your date nights around West Michigan with us. On Instagram tag @grkids and use #datenightgrandrapids. We can’t wait to see your adventures!
