Finding time for a date night when you have kids can feel like a luxury, and once you finally get that sitter, it’s easy to spend half the night deciding where to go.
The good news? You don’t need a big budget to have a great night out in Detroit.
Here’s one fun, easy weekend date idea that costs less than $50 and still feels like a night off.
A sweet and simple Detroit date
Start your evening at a local favorite like Cannelle by Matt Knio or For the Love of Sugar. Split a dessert and grab a latte or mocktail, and you’ll spend around $20 total and set the mood for a relaxed night.
Cannelle by Matt Knio closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s a perfect first stop before heading out for an evening walk. For a later option, For the Love of Sugar stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, giving you time to linger over dessert or stop in after another activity.
From there, take a short drive or stroll to the Detroit Riverwalk. The skyline views, breeze off the water and people-watching make it feel more like a getaway than a quick night out.
If the weather’s chilly, the Detroit Institute of Arts often hosts late-night hours on Fridays with free admission for residents, according to the Detroit Institute of Arts. You can walk hand-in-hand through the galleries before heading out for something sweet. Between dessert, coffee and parking, you’ll stay under $50 easily.
Why it works for parents
Parents don’t always have the energy for a full dinner and movie marathon. A dessert-and-walk date keeps things light, short and easy to plan. It’s enough to reconnect without needing a long babysitter shift or fancy clothes. You get conversation, quiet and a reminder that you’re more than just your kids’ parents for a few hours.
How to plan your night
Check hours before you go, since bakeries and cafés close earlier on weekdays, while the Riverwalk is open late. Parking at Rivard Plaza or near the Renaissance Center is free or low-cost in the evenings. If you’re visiting the DIA, bring your ID for resident discounts.
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, swap the walk for an indoor stroll at the Fisher Building or explore Detroit’s Guardian Building. Both are stunning and cost nothing to visit, according to Visit Detroit.
Plan it
- Hours: Cannelle by Matt Knio, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; For the Love of Sugar, 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays
- Location: Downtown Detroit
- Cost: Around $40 total for dessert and coffee for two
- Parking: Free or low-cost at Rivard Plaza or nearby garages
- Accessibility: Indoor seating, stroller-friendly, public restrooms nearby
- Best for: Parents looking for short, affordable date nights
Updated October 2025
