Are you looking for cheap and fun date ideas near Grand Valley State University? Fortunately, there are plenty of date ideas that won’t put a dent in your wallet and will make for great memories!
For college students, Goodwill is the place to go for cute dorm decorations, cheap necessities, and incredible ugly sweaters. Oddly enough, going to Goodwill in Standale, Michigan could be a great date for a loving young couple. Students who attend Grand Valley can get there within 10 minutes by hopping on the bus or taking their car into town. What’s better than trying on funny sweaters and laughing at each other? College students are, lets face it, completely broke. We can’t afford to go into downtown Grand Rapids and dine at Bistro Bella Vita or Judson’s Steakhouse. But guess what we can afford, inexpensive shopping. God we love doing that, we do need some cheap way to fill up our closets, right?
Grand Valley in the winter is spectacular. The trees on campus are eye dazzling when they are filled with sparkling white snow. The campus, while not seeming like it would have places to stomp around with snowshoes on, has some beautiful hidden spots in it. The Arboretum is a beautiful sanctuary with trails winding in and out of lush woods and large openings to race your partner in. Yes, snow is chilly and pretty much sucks when you get it in your clothes, but good thing you got your honey there to heat you up. Snowshoeing is also a really fun way to get some probably much needed exercise in. Running around campus could be just as fun as the secret spot. Racing past fellow students and buildings gives you a chance to see how spectacular Grand Valley really is.
On campus there is a building by the clock tower called Kirkhof. Kirkhof olds two banquet rooms, multiple conference rooms and oh yeah, a whole hell of a lot of places to get something to eat. Whether it be handmade pizza from Ciao, fine Asian cuisine from Panda Express, or simply a coffee from the Lobby Shop, Kirkhof has all the first stops to making a perfect movie night. For 2 weeks at a time, the quaint little theatre in Kirkhof hosts a best selling movie. Movies have always a romantic setting, that’s a given. They’re sort of a first date ritual, if you will. I can’t say I’ve met anyone who hasn’t been on a first date to see a movie. The bonus? It’s free for students! That’s right, you don’t have to dig into your pocket change to pay for you and your dates tickets boys. So bring a blanket, sneak in some delicious food, and enjoy a good old first date movie.
For anybody in school, whether it be high school or college, football is automatically a sort of past time for early Saturdays. Getting up at the crack of dawn (actually like 10, but hey were tired kids), getting all snuggled up in your GV gear and painting the classic thick black stripes on your cheeks. Bringing you girl to a tailgate would probably make her whole day. Sub par food, lukewarm hot cocoa, loud music, and probably some early morning drinkers. But don’t worry, holding your loves hand throughout the morning is just what the doctor ordered. Forget tailgating all day, the game is when the real magic happens. Watching the sunset fall slowly on the players while being cuddled up next to each other screaming your heads off because “that was a bad call!!” Kissing under the stadium lights can be quite surreal, because no one will even notice you two lovebirds.
Puppies! I really don’t need to say more, but I will. Now, I get that most college students don’t have time for a dog, but that doesn’t matter here. The park, located in downtown Grand Rapids, will be full of pups from all over the area. You can pet as many dogs are you want and I’m positive no one will say a single thing. I really can’t imagine a better date than strolling through the park on a warm sunny day and playing with as many dogs as you can (lint rollers not included). The puppies will probably be giving you more kisses than your date, but then again, dog kisses are the best kind. The bus system from GV also goes into downtown Grand Rapids so don’t worry about gas money!
Coffee, coffee, coffee. I’m a bit of a coffee nut, having worked at 3 coffee shops by the time I was 17. If you’re not into coffee, that’s too damn bad, you’re going anyway. Madcap has everything from lattes, iced drinks, and the classic “I’m a man I don’t need cream” coffee. Coffee shops have always been a cute date destination. Sipping coffee and talking for hours could possibly be the start of a relationship.
While this might be a little further than other date spots, it’s worth the 20-minute drive. Now boys, this one is a little more for the girls, but I’m sure you’d be happy lounging with the other boyfriends and waiting patiently, am I right? Now, for girlfriends, this could be fine. A date and a shopping trip all in one, who could ask for more? I’d be pretty happy with this. Luckily, for the broke people (such as myself), there happens to be a lovely Forever 21 where everything is under $10. You didn’t hear it from me.
This one is obviously very simple. Sometimes simple is good though, it makes for plenty of one on one time, and cuts some of the awkwardness out. GV has a lot of trails to explore. Since you’re constantly moving, you don’t have the time to sit and stare at each other. Grand Valley’s campus is pretty damn sizey, which can make for a hell of a long walk.
When its warm out, a volleyball game is a must. Getting a bunch of friends together can drastically reduce the tension if it’s a first date. GV has volleyball courts located by the Ravines and the football field. It’s extremely close, it’s free, it’s active, and its fun. I’m a pretty horrible volleyball-er myself, but it’s hilarious to be around a ton of people who don’t know how to play either. If you somehow get hurt, your boo will be right by your side to nurse you back to health.
ArtPrize only goes on for a short time of the year, but it is incredible. Downtown Grand Rapids comes alive when hundreds of people bring their art down to be judged and viewed. You can walk around inside the many buildings or just stroll down the street. Doesn’t matter where you go, there’s a creation around every corner. It’s really a stunning area to be. Along with all the places to eat downtown, looking at art is one of my favorite things to do. I’ll admit, most pieces are extremely weird, but still fascinating and can spark multiple conversations.
Back again with the puppies, everyone loves puppies, everyone. Volunteering is such a great way to help out and personally, it makes you feel wonderful. Bringing your date to a shelter, I know, sounds weird. Believe me, it’s not. It’ll show your date that you actually care about animals and want to help, and caring is a very, very good quality. There are many animals shelters that are less than 10 miles away from GV. Kent County Animal Shelter, Humane Society of West Michigan, and Pleasant Dog are just a few. Loving on animals who don’t normally get hugs and kisses is extremely fulfilling and once again, no awkward silences when there are multiple animals all over you.
Alright, taking a bit of a turn here. Friends can have dates, in fact, friends go out on dates all the time. Not the romantic type, but you know what I mean. On a cold December night, I think the only things people want do is stay inside and stay warm during the week. Making popcorn, hot chocolate, getting snacks, and putting on an old classic. Maybe throw on some footie pajamas and just chill. You don’t always have to go out. Just stay home, throw on something funny, snuggle up with pillows and blankies, and just relax. You can also do this on a date, but you better get comfortable with someone first before you commit to this kind of chilling (because things could get heated and then super uncomfortable).
No, not the classic Y-Dance where everyone jumped in a circle and girls giggled when boys so much as glanced at them. I’m talking suit and tie (bowtie optional, but highly encouraged), blown out ball gowns, spending 3 hours on your makeup, and getting your hair done. If you’re not into this kind of thing, get out of here. Almost every girl I know loves getting all dolled up and being taken “out on the town.” GV has dances just like every other school, but most importantly is has the President’s Ball. The event takes place on February 3rd, and tickets are only $15 for the dance. If you wanna get fancy, it’s $30 for the dance and dinner (or you could shove your faces before hand). The dance takes place at the DeVos Place Ballrooms, but that’s only a bus ride away!
Grand Rapids is a pretty popular spot for concerts. Concerts are a classic date choice. Finding a cheap concert can be pretty easy considering there are concerts downtown every week. Bring a few friends too so you won’t be too uncomfortable with your date. Sing until you lose your voice and dance until you can’t feel your feet anymore. Trust me, it’ll make for a great nights’ sleep. And maybe even a sleepover with your date;).
Not particularly the most original date. But watching the stars is when I fell in love with my boy. I don’t know what it is about laying on the grass under a sky of twinkling lights, but it’s one of those magic moments you can’t really describe. No words need to be said, no actions, just peace. Cuddling under the stars is magnificent. If you haven’t tried it, I highly suggest you do. It’s free, it calming, and it’s the perfect way to get to know somebody.
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