Modern dating has seen the fall of the good ol’ “dinner and a movie” classic and the rise of… well, just about anything you can think of. So where should you go in Detroit for a creative date that won’t break the bank? Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, these options will keep things interesting without racking up an enormous bill. Have a look.
1. For the music lovers: Third Man Records
Haven’t you always wanted a vinyl recording of you and your love belting out your best B-52s? The Cass Corridor location of Third Man Records has a Voice-O-Graph that will let you do just that. Whether you want to sing, read poetry, or just tell each other jokes, you have two minutes to create a memory that will get pressed onto a 6” phonograph record. Note: If you don’t have a record player, that might be something to purchase before the date…
2. For the sporty types: Try Fowling at the Warehouse
It’s like bowling, but without the really heavy bowling balls. Throwing a football at bowling pins with a backdrop of live music, food trucks, and an ample beer selection sounds like just the right kind of activity for a sporty couple who wants to keep it chill. Don’t expect any private romantic moments, just lots of laughs and some healthy competition.
3. For the intellectuals: After Dark at the Science Museum
A date to the science museum during the day is also a totally valid option in our opinion, but the After Dark program is adults-only and involves fun themes and specialty drinks. The event only happens once a month so you’ll need to plan well in advance, but with proper notice, you and your adventurous date can go all-out for the evening’s theme — like the popular Vintage Video Games night.
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4. For the romantics: Dearborn’s Ford Wyoming Drive-In Theater
Ok so the classic dinner and a movie might just be getting more classic: clean your car up and drive your sweetie to Dearborn and catch a movie at the drive-in. The Ford Wyoming theater is a true gem since so few of these theaters remain, and it shows films every night during the summer — including regular double features. The earlier movies tend to be geared more towards kids, but who says you can’t still enjoy a showing of Aladdin?
5. For the architects and history buffs: Tour The Guardian Building
This one’s a free outing! Ogle the 1920’s architecture and take in the artwork inside the National Historic Landmark that stands as an homage to Detroit’s financial success. Pure Detroit offers a guided tour with a preservationist if you want to get really nerdy, but you’re welcome to wander on your own as well.
6. For the art lovers: Friday nights at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Free for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents, you can culture yourselves with one of the DIA’s Friday Night Live! series in the Riviera Court. Live music and entertainment, good art, and did we mention it’s free? So if you’re looking for date night ideas in Detroit that won’t stretch your wallet, this is a classy option. Note: you can bond over wine and dinner at the Kresge Court cafe before the show, but you can’t bring it into the show with you.
Moving to Detroit with your family? It doesn’t have to be a headache. Check out our tips on making moving fun for kids.
