20 Detroit date ideas for when it's freaking hot out

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eat on a restaurant patio

Many eateries in the area offer al fresco dining where you can savor delicious food while basking in the sunlight. It’s the perfect setting for a date, whether you’re enjoying a chill brunch, a romantic dinner, or a casual lunch. The relaxed atmosphere and fresh air create a memorable backdrop for sharing good food and quality time together.

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.

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.

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.

Cool off with some ice cream from a local shop

When it’s a scorching summer day like some we’ve had recently, there’s nothing better than a frozen treat to cool you down. Whether it’s a first date or you’re married with kids, ice cream can make for a perfect yet simple choice. Nothing beats a local ice cream shop dishing out soft-serve and hard scoops on those hot days.

Take a day trip to Windsor

Tell your lover you want to take them out of the country. They’ll be impressed… until they realize you mean Windsor. Really though, Canada is right across the river from Detroit, and there are some great outdoor spaces, unique shops, and tons of delicious international cuisine. It’s a perfect getaway if you're looking to explore somewhere new with your partner and experience a different atmosphere just a stone's throw away from Detroit.

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.

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.

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.

Wander Eastern Market on the weekend

easternmarket.org

Summer means it’s farmers market season, and in Detroit, Eastern Market is the top spot. It features fresh produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. Saturdays offer everything from tacos to local produce, while Sundays showcase local jewelers and artists amidst murals and live music nearby. The cultural hub with cafes, clothing stores, and a bustling community atmosphere is a perfect place to spend a day exploring with someone special.

Get coffee at a local coffee shop

If your crush is a coffee addict or a tea lover, they would likely enjoy exploring some new cafes in the city. It’s a chance for them to discover their new favorite drink or a cozy spot to work. For ample outdoor seating and good vibes, consider places like The Congregation, Cafe Noir, and La Ventana.

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.

Pick out summer fits at a local thrift store

Explore metro Detroit's vintage and thrift stores for a fun date idea, and help each other find hot summer outfits. Shopping second-hand is a budget-friendly way to have a blast finding unique pieces. Check out our list of must-visit spots for some inspiration on where to go.

See an outdoor movie screening

For a classic date that has been a metro Detroit tradition since 1950, bring your boo to the drive-in and cuddle up for a movie under the stars. Or, be on the lookout for free movie screenings at New Center Park, Campus Martius, and other local parks.

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.