Make Every Date Night Special with These Local Spots

You know that amazing feeling when you finally get a night away, just you and your person? You’re so excited and then get stuck on what to do or just feel that need to change it up a little.

We’ve totally been there and don’t want you to waste a minute trying to figure it out.

So we created a list of 20 unique date night ideas we think you’ll love. Take a walk downtown, eat outdoors, try axe throwing or just chill with a drink in a garden – make the most of your evening away together.

The best part? These out-of-the-box ideas aren’t just great for a date – they’re fun for friends, too!

So next time you get the chance to get away, check this list and make it a night to remember.

1 – Delicious Date Night Ideas

Yummy food is a given for an epic date night. Try these Lansing area eateries for amazing ambience and delicious eats.

Royal Pot
4750 Hagadorn Rd Ste 40, East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 483-2780

They have a robot! And it brings you your food! This Chinese eatery serves up hot pot, meats, vegetables, soups, fried rice and more. Their signature sauce is amazing, but don’t worry if it’s not your thing; you can make your own sauce.

Lansing Shuffle
325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 940-4365

This venue operates as a food hall, hosting five chefs who are each passionate about putting their spin on upscale street food, thus offering a unique culinary experience. You can enjoy a little of this and a little of that, allowing you to sample a variety of foods.

BONUS: Come for the food, stay for the shuffleboard, DJ trivia nights, cocktail classes and more.

Brody Square – Eat at State
241 W Brody Rd, East Lansing, MI 48825
(517) 355-7470

Brody Square is an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall, offering a variety of food choices, including vegetarian and vegan options. You can check the menu ahead of time to see what will be offered and ensure any dietary restrictions are accommodated.

Don’t forget to visit Dolce for dessert, where you can enjoy creations prepared by MSU Bakers featuring Michigan-made Hudsonville Ice Cream.

2 – Culinary Date Night Ideas

Add some spice to your relationship by taking a cooking class together. Immerse yourselves in the art of culinary creation while igniting your passion for each other.

The Local Epicurean
2843 E Grand River Ave, Ste 100, East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 619-0588

The Local Epicurean offers private cooking classes featuring your choice from more than a dozen seasonal menus, along with special events like our Supper Club and wine tastings.

Bradley’s HG
319 E Cesar Chavez Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 999-0399I

Casual, flavorful and better than takeout. Sign me up! Bradley’s HG offers cooking and baking classes for all skill levels plus casual mixology classes to take your date from start to finish.

Le Chat Gourmet
11874 Bunker Hwy, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
(517) 663-7322

All skill levels welcome! Tie on your apron strings and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure. Classes offered year-round.

3 – Creative Date Night Ideas

Collaborating to craft something extraordinary has the power to forge a profound connection between two individuals. It could be the process of molding a fresh piece of pottery, shaping a mesmerizing blown-glass ornament or vase, or even concocting a distinctly fragrant candle.

Try these local places for the perfect artsy date night.

Lansing Makers Network
2730 Alpha Access, Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 234-4566

Unlock your creativity and fuel your passion for creating. Class offerings in the past have included woodworking, jewelry making, pottery, laser cutting and more.

Wheelhouse Studio
1103 South Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 712-9013

Get hands-on and make a mess! Schedule a date night and learn how to throw pottery. You and yours can create items from clay or glaze a pre-fired piece. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks! Prices for supplies and Swayze fees may vary. Platonic date nights are welcome.

Tiny Bit of Wood
507 E. Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48912

Choose from a wood-working class or drop in for a monthly Art Bar class. The woodworking classes focus primarily on hand tools and are designed for everyone.

What is an Art Bar you ask? Instead of going to the bar to order a drink you order an art kit to experiment with.

What’s on the menu? Acrylic, watercolors, clay, pastels, wood burning, nature print making and more.

The shop is set up with a bohemian atmosphere with plenty of seating so you can mingle with other people while you do some art.

4- Outdoorsy Date Night Ideas

Being out in the fresh air offers a refreshing and romantic escape from the everyday, allowing couples to enjoy each other’s company as well as the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Try these outdoor date night options in Lansing for a change of pace.

Fortitude Farms and Events
4377 S M-52, Owosso, MI 48867
(989) 265-2921

Enjoy a date night amongst the flowers when you book your private picnic for two. Sip wine, enjoy charcuterie and watch the sunset.

Summer Circle Theatre
542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 353-4725

Set the mood with open-air ambiance. Pack a picnic dinner or purchase food onsite. Summer performances are free and so is the parking!

5 – Sporty Date Night Ideas

If you or your sweetheart is a sports fanatic, Lansing offers an array of exciting options for a fun-filled date night that will spark your excitement for the game and create unforgettable memories.

MSU Athletics
Campus of Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823

Attending a sporting event for a date night provides an exhilarating atmosphere filled with cheers, team spirit, and shared excitement. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

Lansing Lugnuts
505 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 485-4500

Take your sweetie out to the ball game! Theme nights, fireworks, and special events make this a fun and interactive adventure. Make sure to take note of the stadium policies before you go. Most importantly to note is that Jackson Field is cashless.

Corrigan Oil Speedway
779 College Rd, Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-5404

Get your adrenaline pumping with a night of thrilling crashes, roaring engines, and a unique blend of excitement and laughter.

6 – Active Date Night Ideas 

High energy date nights are the perfect recipe for excitement and adrenaline! These dates offer couples a chance to ignite their passion and create unforgettable memories through thrilling activities and adventures.

Axe Throwing & Rage Room at High Caliber Karting and Entertainment
1982 W Grand River Ave, Suite 800, Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 721-1790

Where else can you gear up and use a sledge hammer to break things….and not have to pay to replace it? Try your hand at axe throwing, race around the indoor go kart track, dodge gellyball blasters and more.

Footgolf at Royal Scot
4722 W Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906
(517) 321-6220

Try your hand (or rather foot) at Footgolf. Choose from a 9-hole or 18-hole course. Great for all skill levels. Bring your own soccer ball or rent one onsite.

The Pod Lansing Escape Room
934 Elmwood Rd, Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 798-0279

Choose your own adventure and see if you have the skills to escape your fate! Work together to figure out puzzles and clues before time runs out.

Homebrew Tabletop Game Lounge
219 1/2 N Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
(517) 775-4246

Laughter, strategy, and a little feel-good competition await you as you choose from traditional games such as checkers or chess or try out a new game. Snacks and beverages available to purchase as well.

Robin Theatre
1105 S Washington Ave, Lansing, 48910

The eclectic event space hosts poetry, live music, comedy, and more! Check their events page for upcoming performances.

What Date Night Ideas Did We Miss?

Where are your favorite date night spots in Lansing? Let us know!