The summer season is the best time for love and lust. You can be a lover, a hot girl, or both – we all know the sunshine brings joy and fun like no other time of year. 

Sometimes though, when it comes to dates, choosing the best activity can be difficult. Lucky for us, the Detroit-area has tons of options for all interests. We compiled a list of some of the best Detroit summer date ideas — all outdoorsy, affordable, unique, and fun. 

Read on for our recommendations. 

Get wine and hear music at Motor City Wine 1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit; motorcitywine.com Perhaps one of the most beloved patios in the city, MotorCity Wine offers more than just an extensive selection of red, white, and rosé wines. Its ample outdoor seating and cozy fire pits make it a perfect spot for summer evenings. Plus, the wine bar frequently hosts dining pop-ups and DJ entertainment, creating an intimate party atmosphere under the open sky. Credit: Lizz Wilkinson
Vibe out at a Dequindre Cut concert Campbell Terrace, Dequindre Cut; detroitriverfront.org For local music lovers, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a summer live music series at Dequindre Cut every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. through August 14. The event pays tribute to Detroit’s historic Black Bottom area, showcasing original music by talented local artists in collaboration with D. Cipher. The evening begins with a lively DJ set at 6 p.m., followed by live performances starting at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to fully enjoy the experience. The blend of good vibes, rich culture, and live music makes this event perfect for a unique and memorable date night. Credit: Facebook, D. Cipher
Play games at the Monroe Street Midway 22 Monroe St., Detroit; deckedoutdetroit.com Competition is always fun and flirty. In Downtown Detroit, the Monroe Street Midway offers mini golf, bumper cars, roller skating, and more that you and your date can play for free or super cheap. Plus, food and drinks are not far if you want to hang out longer. Credit: Facebook, Decked Out Detroit
Spend a day at Belle Isle Whether you want to have a picnic, swim at the beach, or visit the oldest aquarium in the country, Belle Isle has something to offer for everyone. Besides a $10 annual recreation pass (which is only needed if a park ranger is actually at the entrance booth), all Belle Isle activities are free of charge. Credit: Shutterstock
Play mini golf at Cranbrook’s artist-designed course 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; cranbrookartmuseum.org During the summer, Cranbrook Art Museum offers a unique twist on traditional mini golf with a course inspired by its art and design. Featuring ten custom-designed, art-inspired holes, the experience elevates mini golf for a fun and uniquely creative date. On Thursday nights, the course stays open late with a beer and wine cash bar from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Plus, ticket holders enjoy free entry to Cranbrook’s Art Museum galleries, and the Cranbrook gardens provide a perfect setting for a romantic stroll, so you can enjoy multiple memorable experiences in one date. Credit: Cranbrook on the Green
Detroit Fleat 1820 E. Nine Mile Rd.; 248-607-7611detroitfleat.com Detroit Fleat is a food truck park that rotates vendors year-round. Credit: Google Maps
See animals at the Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org If your date loves animals, strolling through the Detroit Zoo is an ideal way to spend time together. It’s not just for kids; the zoo offers a perfect setting for a memorable date. Explore wildlife, visit the butterfly house, marvel at the penguin exhibit, and experience 4D screenings. Plus, the zoo often has special adult nights so you can have even more fun. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Zoo
Take a hike on a local trail Detroit and surrounding areas all offer great nature trails to walk on, perfect for a hiking date where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while getting exercise together. We’ve got the Dequindre Cut, which is just one public trail of the Joe Louis Greenway, an upcoming 27.5 miles of biking and walking trails throughout the city and connecting suburbs. These greenways also connect to the Detroit Riverfront, which just recently got connected to Belle Isle, where there’s all the greenspace you need. The greater metro Detroit area also has a number of great hiking trails. Credit: City of Detroit
Attend a summer street fair or art fair Summer in Detroit brings us many street festivals and art fairs that are both fun and unique. There’s the Belle Isle Art Fair, Midtown Art Fair, and DIY Street Fair, plus many small art markets happening all of the time to keep an eye out for. For the many creative relationships in the city, these events offer an opportunity to enjoy live music, browse local art, and grab some food in the sun with your lover. Credit: Barbara Barefield
Treat Dreams 22965 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3440 | 621 E. 11 Mile Rd., Madison Heights Treat Dreams rotates its ice cream flavors often, but don’t think you’ll only go and find chocolate or vanilla. You might walk in and see lobster bisque or zucchini bread on the menu. The shop just recently opened a Madison Heights location that is walk-up and drive-thru only. Credit: Treat Dreams/Facebook
If you’re going to Canada, take the tunnel Especially if you want to get straight into downtown Windsor, the tunnel is a better option than the bridge when traveling to our neighbors across the river. While the bridge takes you to the freeway, the semi-trucks often make the commute slower, with more lineup and traffic. Credit: Shutterstock
Get steamy at the Schvitz 8295 Oakland St., Detroit; schvitzdetroit.com For saunas, massages, ancient therapies, a pool, local food, and more — enjoy a date at one of Detroit’s most historic bath houses. Credit: Michelle Gerard / Stock Detroit
Have drinks at a rooftop bar When it comes to drinking in the summer, nothing beats a rooftop lounge. Detroit boasts a variety of them, from long-standing favorites to brand new spots. There’s something undeniably lavish about sipping drinks with a view, making rooftop lounges a perfect choice for a romantic date or a fun night out with someone special. Credit: Facebook, Kampers
Attend a full moon party at Lincoln Street Art Park 5926 Lincoln St., Detroit; facebook.com/lincolnstreetartpark If you want to do something chaotic and lit with your date, take them to Detroit’s monthly full moon party. The atmosphere is charged with magical energy, creating a lively and unforgettable night where the fun doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. Credit: Google Maps
Thou shalt visit Eastern Market. Summer means it’s farmers market season, and Detroit’s top farmers Market is Eastern Market, filled with produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. On Saturdays, vendors sell everything from tacos to produce to flowers. On Sundays, the space is packed with local jewelers and artists. Surrounding walls and warehouses are adorned with murals and live music is played at nearby venues. This is one great place to take visitors who want to be immersed in Detroit’s culture. Credit: Shutterstock
The Congregation 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit; 313-307-5518; thecongregationdetroit.com The Congregation is a cafe built in a former church with a killer deck. Credit: Google Maps
Visit the Eleanor and Edsel Ford House 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org The Grounds of this historic metro Detroit mansion make for a beautiful romantic outing. While you can pay more for a tour of the inside of the house or enjoy a meal at the Ford House’s restaurant, simply walking through the super pretty gardens and landscape at this spot would promise an enchanting time with a lover. Credit: Facebook, Ford House
Thrift store date Shopping at second-hand stores is always a way to have fun and get new clothes at a reasonable price. Go with your date and pick out some fits for each other. See our list of must-visit metro Detroit vintage and thrift stores for some ideas on where to go. Credit: Facebook, Joy Thrift
Thou shalt see an outdoor movie screening. For a classic date that has been a metro Detroit tradition since 1950, bring your boo to the Ford-Wyoming drive-in and cuddle up for a movie. Or, be on the lookout for free movie screenings at Campus Martius and other local parks. Credit: Josh Kesner/Flickr Creative Commons
Take a stroll through Elmwood Cemetery 1200 Elmwood St., Detroit; elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org This one may sound strange, but it stands as one of Michigan’s most significant and oldest historic cemeteries. Beyond its purpose, the site hosts guided tours, or you can take a walk on your own. Some people are super into history or intrigued by death, and those people will appreciate a weird date like this. Credit: Google Maps

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...