Cheap Date Ideas: 25 Fun Things to Do for Under $25 in West Michigan

1 – Play Pinball

Several local venues are just waiting for you to drop in and see who can get the high score.

Two great places to play:

The Pyramid Scheme offers 24 different pinball machines. You could play a lot of pinball for $25! (Bring quarters.)
Address: 68 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost: Starts at just 25 cents
Pro-tip: If this sounds like a date you’d like to take the kiddos on, they also offer all-ages pinball on Saturdays & Sundays from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.

Pinball Land Retro Arcade is an open play pinball and retro video game arcade. No quarters needed, just pay the admission fee and play during your allotted time.
Address: 114 Courtland St, Rockford, MI 49341
Cost: 2 hours for $15
Pro-tip: Level up and play all day for just $5 more.

2 – Play Games at House Rules

404 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Self-described as a friendly local game store meets bar & lounge, $25 will get you gameplay and goodies at House Rules Board Game Lounge.

Their bar features 20 rotating local craft beverage drafts, as well as packaged drinks, non-alcoholic options, and snacks. BYOFood, but not your own alcohol.

Cost: $2.50 per hour per person up to a maximum of four hours
House Policy: Choose from hundreds of games in their lounge library, or bring your own. There are no drink or food minimums beyond the gaming fee. 
Pro Tip: Make reservations online, this place gets busy.

3 – Crack Up at The Comedy Project

540 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The Comedy Project is a comedy and cocktails theater just outside of downtown GR. With improv, sketch comedy and variety shows, you’ll find something here for your affordable date night.

Cost: Shows range from $7/person Mondays, $17/person weekends, and $17/person for late night weekend shows
Pro Tip: Love improv? Sign up for a class and try it for yourself!

4 – Horrocks Market

4455 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

Did you know Horrocks Market isn’t just for grabbing amazing produce and specialty snacks? On select nights, you can catch live music and food trucks out in the garden area, and it’s totally free to enjoy!

It’s the perfect low-key date night. Grab a drink from the bar inside and stroll through the greenhouse while listening to live music.

Cost: FREE
Details: Check Facebook for event schedule.

5 – Go to the Movies — for Less Than $25

2175 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331

Yes, going to the movies can be one of your cheap date ideas!

Catch one of these showtimes at the GQT Ada-Lowell 5 Theater and you still might have $$ for popcorn:
Tuesday all day – $6
Matinees (noon – 6 PM) – $7.25

Cost: $6+
Pro Tip: Buy the refillable popcorn bucket or soda and enjoy unlimited refills for FREE during your movie!


Additional Locations:
GQT Holland 7 – 500 S Waverly Rd, Holland, MI 49423
GQT Grand Haven 9 –17220 Hayes St, Grand Haven, MI 49417

6 – Big Mini Putt Club

70 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Mini golf, but make it cool. Big Mini Putt Club brings all the fun of a classic putt-putt date indoors with craft drinks and funky vibes.

It’s just $9 a person Sunday – Thursday (or $8 if you swing by during Happy Hour before 6 PM). Whether you’re showing off your short game or for the arcade games and giant Jenga, this is an affordable way to mix things up.

Cost: $9+
Pro Tip: Swing before 6 PM for Happy Hour and play for just $8

7 – All You Can Bowl Tuesday

5775 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, MI  49426

Tuesdays at Hudsonville Lanes are where it’s at. For just $8 per person, you get unlimited bowling and shoe rental from 3 – 8 PM—yes, really!

It’s a great competitive midweek date idea that won’t break the bank.

Cost: $8
Pro Tip: Just a heads-up: it’s walk-in only and they might pair up small groups, so bring a buddy or two and make it a mini party!

8 – Pickle & Pin

662 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Head to Pickle & Pin for some friendly competition with pickleball and top-of-the-line golf simulators. You can reserve courts or bays, or just drop in for open play.

They also offer memberships with extra discounts—and don’t miss their special events like Glo Ball, Dudes Drinks & Drive, and Women’s Wedges & Wine.

Cost: Pickleball courts run $24–$40/hour for up to 6 people. Drop-in free play is $10 per person.
Pro Tip: Reserve a court or golf simulator to guarantee your spot, or drop in for some casual play.

9 – Rapid River Stillhouse

401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Rapid River Stillhouse brings Nashville flair to Bridge Street with this fun 30 story bar. You’ll find rooftop views, live music, and whiskey tastings.

Grab a drink, enjoy some Southern bites, and settle in for a night that hits all the right notes.

Cost: $25+
Pro Tip: Weekends fill up so get there early to grab a table by the stage.

10 – Explore Grand Rapids Art Museum

101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

It’s no secret that you can check out all the amazing art at the GRAM on Tuesdays for free, but did you know you can visit on a Thursday night for free, too? It’s true!

This is a great way to visit without any pressure to stay for a long time. Enjoy the beautiful building, take in some art, learn something new, and be on your way.

Cost: FREE
Details: Admission is free on Tuesdays (Noon – 6 PM) and Thursday evenings (5 – 9 PM).

11 – Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House

450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Touring this historical gem is pretty unique as far as cheap date ideas go.

I was able to attend a private dinner event here once — it’s so cool.

I’m kind of an architecture nerd, but going through the Meyer May House would be fun for anyone!

Cost: FREE
Details: Only open Sunday (12 – 3 PM), Tuesday & Thursdays (10 AM – 1 PM).
Plan on about 90 minutes to complete the full tour and watch the accompanying informational film.
Pro-tip: Make reservations far in advance for this one, tours fill up quickly.

12 – Find a New Place to Hike Together

West Michigan has a surprising number of awesome hiking trails, with many located in and around Grand Rapids.

Cost: FREE (potentially a small parking fee)
Pro-tip: Pack some bug spray and sunscreen, maybe even pack a picnic!
Favorite Local Hikes: Cascade Peace Park, Saugatuck Dunes, The Ledges, and Seidman Park

13 – Give Fowling a Try at Fowling Warehouse

6797 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Fowling = football + bowling!
Yes, it’s weird, and yes, it’s super fun.

Fowling Warehouse offers Open Play hours daily for adults 21 and up.

Cost: $15 per person for unlimited Open Play, Two for One TWOSDAYS: 2 for $15 Open Play

How it Works: Two ways to play. Reserve a lane or open play. See an open lane? It’s yours – start playing.
Lanes full? Call “next” and wait. Winners stay, losers find another lane.

14 – Get Cozy Over a Locally-Brewed Coffee

Grab your favorite game or a deck of cards and head to a local coffee shop.
Get cozy with a latte and chat the afternoon or evening away.

Cost: Varies
Pro-Tip: Lyon St Cafe is open till 7 PM Tuesdays-Fridays and The Stray is open till 10 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays, often featuring entertainment. If you’re up for some poetry, Scorpion Hearts stays open until 7 PM on poetry nights.

15 – Hit the Driving Range or Try Mini Golf

When weather allows, practicing your swing at a local driving range can be a fun way to spend time together. It’s like a grown-up version of putt-putt golf (which is totally an acceptable date idea, too).

Cost: Varies, but most places you can hit a lot of balls for $20!

16 – Catch a Lake Michigan Sunset

Grab a book, pack a picnic, and head to the big lake!

Pick almost any Lake Michigan beach – they’re all a great bet.

Stay for the sunset and seal the deal as the most romantic, cheap date idea ever.

Cost: A small parking fee possible
Bonus Idea: Stop for ice cream on the way home — you won’t even have to share or wipe sticky fingers and faces.
If you’re in Grand Rapids, you have to stop at the Sugarbar for extreme milk shakes–and if you’re closer to Holland, Captain Sundae gets my pick (team Pirate’s Booty Sundae forever).

17 – Do a Little Wine Tasting

How can wine be one of the cheap date ideas? You go to a wine tasting!

Places around greater Grand Rapids like Robinette’s and Cascade Winery all offer tastings for a small fee.

– Cascade Winery/Sierra Rose Cellars, 4665 Broadmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
– Robinette’s, 3142 4-Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 ($9 per person)

If you’re up for a drive, Saugatuck is a treasure trove of tasting rooms.
Grand Haven also has a Lemon Creek Winery, 12 Corners tasting room, and our personal favorite – Fox & Hen Winery.

Cost: Varies, but it’s very easy to keep your date night visit under $25 for two people.

18 – German Pretzel and Beer

642 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Head to Küsterer Brauhaus, where you can snack on a giant soft pretzel for just $6 and pair it with a delicious German beer.

Even better? There’s a whole wall of board games you can grab and play right at your table. And the moment you walk in, you’re hit with the amazing smell of warm pretzels and beer cheese.

Cost: under $25
Pro-Tip: If you’re up for some live music head next door to Rapid River Stillhouse

19 – Kick it Old School With Open Skate at Tarry Hall

3330 Fairlanes Ave, Grandville, MI 49418

Roll down memory lane in some roller skates! Tarry Hall offers adult skate on Thursdays from 8:30 – 11 PM.
Hold hands, race, eat snack bar candy and have a wonderful retro time.

Cost: $8 -$12 to skate and $2 for roller skate rental or $3 for rollerblades.

20 – Experience the Classic Yesterdog in Eastown

1505 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Can you really call yourself a Grand Rapidian if you’ve never had a Yesterdog?

Probably not.

Stop at this iconic GR restaurant for hot dog or two. While you’re in Eastown, you may as well stay awhile and stroll the brick road for more cheap date ideas like a stop at Sticky Fingers candy store or Spirit Dreams.

Cost: Hot dogs start around $3

21 – Outdoor Movies: Drive-In or Movie in the Park

Summertime outdoor movies are super fun.

There are several drive-ins around West Michigan where you can score a double feature for less than $20/couple.

Local parks also feature FREE concerts and movies in the park throughout the season. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks (even beer and wine are okay in most places) and grab a couple chairs.

Cost: FREE or less than $20/couple

22 – Go on an Insta-Worthy Photo Tour of GR

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Instagrammable spots around Grand Rapids.

Mural tours show off the splashiest, most creative walls and streets around town.

You can also take this riverwalk tour downtown Grand Rapids and see cool sculptures to serve as your selfie backdrops.

Either way, these cheap date ideas will help you see the city and get your steps in at the same time

Cost: FREE
Pro-Tip: Make it a day-date so you have great lighting for all your photos!
Don’t hesitate to ask someone to take a photo for you or prop-up your phone and set the self-timer.

23 – Learn to Swing Dance in Downtown GR

Try your hand at swing dancing at Ah Nab Awen Park (303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) or the Public Museum.

The energy is contagious and it might be your new spring and summer cheap date ideas staple!

Practice your moves every Tuesday night at 7 PM at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. All skill levels and abilities welcome.

Cost: FREE

24 – Grab Dinner Ingredients from the Farmer’s Market

Greater Grand Rapids is filled with quality Farmers Markets in the summer season.

Challenge yourselves to pick out all the ingredients you need for a locally sourced dinner for under $25.

Cost: under $25
Pro-Tip: Fulton Street Farmers Market tends to have the most options and excitement–but Holland is hot on its heels!

25 – Volunteer Together

Do a little good with your date night and volunteer together.

This might require some advanced planning as some volunteer opportunities require training, but it’s sure to be worth it!

Cost: FREE

More West Michigan Fun