Detroit area spots to impress your date for under $25 [PHOTOS]

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jan 13, 2023 at 3:25 pm

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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