Low on cash? Lucky for you, the Detroit area offers a ton of great date options that are $25 or less. Here are a few ideas to keep the spark alive on a budget.

POP + Offworld Arcade 124 Cadillac Sq., Detroit; 313-961-9249; poppizzabar.com Located upstairs in the Checker Bar downtown, POP + Offworld is home to over 30 games. It also has live entertainment, a full bar, and food. It makes for the perfect, fun date. Photo via Offworld Arcade / Facebook Credit: Facebook, Offworld Arcade
Catfe Lounge 821 Livernois Ave., Ferndale; 248-733-3554; catfelounge.com Snuggle up to a few cats (and your date) while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Not only can you pet the cats, but you can adopt them as well. Photo via Catfe Lounge / Facebook
Elmwood Cemetery 1200 Elmwood St., Detroit; 313-567-3453; elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org Take a stroll through one of Detroit’s most historic cemeteries. They also host events and tours. Photo via Google Maps
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum 31005 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-626-5020; marvin3m.com Marvin’s is a unique, classic arcade. Opened in 1980, it has vintage, coin-operated machines, along with newer games. Photo via Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum / Facebook
Eastern Market Eastern Market, Detroit; easternmarket.org Eastern Market has everything from cafes, clothing stores, weekly farmers’ markets, and murals on many buildings. Spend your day with someone who you can buy plants with, because Eastern Market has a wide variety of fresh ones. Photo via Eastern Market Partnership / Facebook
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org The DIA has over 100 galleries and new exhibitions frequently. They also host workshops and have a cafe to grab a bite while looking at art. Photo via Detroit Institute of Arts / Facebook
Cranbrook Institute of Science 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3200; science.cranbrook.edu Get a closer look at the world at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Inside, you can explore everything from dinosaurs, outer space, different cultures, and more. Photo via Google Maps
The Schvitz 8295 Oakland St., Detroit; 313-871-9707; schvitzdetroit.com Enjoy a date at one of Detroit’s most historic bath houses. They offer food, saunas, massages, ancient therapies, a pool, and more. Photo via Google Maps
Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-541-5717; detroitzoo.org The zoo is not just for kids, but can also make the perfect date. Explore the wild animals, the butterfly house, the penguin exhibit, and 4D simulations at the Detroit Zoo. Photo via Detroit Zoo / Facebook
Cranbrook House and Gardens 380 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3147; housegardens.cranbrook.edu Cranbrook House has over 20 gardens surrounding it. They include the Sunken Garden, Reflecting Pool, Herb Garden, Japanese Garden, and many more. It’s perfect for a romantic stroll. Photo via Google Maps
Go Comedy! Improv Theater 261 E. Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale; 248-327-0575; gocomedy.net Go Comedy is the perfect place to watch a comedy show for a fun date. A cast of comedians perform improv and star in sketch comedy shows multiple nights a week. Photo via Google Maps
John K. King Used & Rare Books 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; johnkingbooksdetroit.com Book shopping can be a fun day-date for those who love to read. Explore the endless options at John King. You may find your next favorite book. Photo via Google Maps
Detroit Historical Museum 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-1805; detroithistorical.org Take a trip back in time and explore the history behind the Motor City. At the Detroit Historical Museum, you and your date can learn about 18th century Detroit, how cars were made, fur trading, and more. Photo via Google Maps
UFO Factory 2110 Trumbull Ave., Detroit; ufofactory.com UFO Factory has a full bar, food, music shows, art exhibitions, and free karaoke every Sunday. It also serves its homemade specialty — laika dogs. It’s perfect for a late-night date on the town. Photo via Google Maps
Planet Ant 2357 Caniff St., Hamtramck; 313-365-4948; planetant.com If your date is into humor, Planet Ant gives you the opportunity to see weekly comedy shows, take comedy classes, and see stage musicals and plays. Photo via Google Maps
The Creature Conservancy 4940 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-9324; thecreatureconservancy.org Explore wild animals that can’t be seen anywhere in Michigan. Some featured animals at the Creature Conservancy are porcupines, kangaroos, sloths, alligators, and more. Photo via The Creature Conservancy / Facebook
Nichols Arboretum (The Arb) 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor; 734-647-6700; mbgna.umich.edu The Arb is home to a peony garden. They smell good and will leave you and your date refreshed after strolling through them. Photo via Google Maps
Mexicantown Mexicantown (Southwest), Detroit Southwest Detroit is home to traditional Mexican food, bars and lounges, traditional bakeries, entertainment, and Latin art at El Museo del Norte. Many of the restaurants host live events, dancing, parties, and more. Photo via Google Maps
Belle Isle Conservancy 4 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; 313-821-5428; belleisleconservancy.org” If you want to feel warmth and see rare plants that are not in Michigan, Belle Isle Conservancy will make a great date. The green-filled dome makes you forget that you are in Michigan. In 2022, it closed to undergo a renovation — so plan this one for when it reopens in 2024. Photo via Belle Isle Conservancy / Facebook

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