Ann Arbor · Washtenaw County, MI
Cheap things to do in Ann Arbor
Scout analyzed 98 Ann Arbor places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
98
Matches
24
Typical spend
$40
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Eberwhite
Bloom Wellness Spa
Bloom Wellness Spa is good for a relaxing solo treat or a special occasion like a birthday. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $100-250 per person for services like massages or facials.
Wellness
MassageLuXe
MassageLuXe is suitable for a solo relaxation session or as a treat for a special occasion. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and typically $80-$150 per person for a massage service.
Mitchell
Decode Ann Arbor - #2 in the USA
Decode Ann Arbor is an escape room for groups of friends or family, taking about 75 minutes to complete a puzzle. Expect to spend $30-40 per person. This is an activity on its own, suitable for an afternoon or evening outing.
Sports & Recreation
Timber Trace Golf Club
Timber Trace Golf Club is suitable for a 4-5 hour outing, perfect for a morning or afternoon of golf followed by food and drinks. Expect to spend $50-$150 per person for a round and refreshments.
Northside
Leslie Park Golf Course
Leslie Park Golf Course is ideal for a 3-4 hour golf outing for individuals or small groups, with prices typically ranging from $30-$70 per person. It's a solid choice for a weekend activity that combines sport with scenic views.
Bryant Pattengill West
University of Michigan Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course is good for a few hours of outdoor sport, potentially including a meal at the on-site restaurant. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a round of golf.
Food & Drink
The Hen Ann Arbor
The Hen is a solid choice for a casual brunch, perfect for kicking off a weekend day or meeting friends. Expect to spend an hour and $15-30 per person.
Food & Drink
Comet Coffee
This coffee shop is a good stop for a quick, relaxed break, suitable for pairing with shopping or a walk downtown. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes and around $5-12 per person for a drink and pastry.
Lakewood
Zingerman's Roadhouse
Zingerman's Roadhouse is a good spot for a substantial meal, offering American comfort food with a gourmet twist. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $30-70 per person for food and drinks.
Angell
Gallup Park
Gallup Park is a great spot for a relaxed family outing or solo adventure, offering walking paths, playgrounds, and water activities like canoeing or kayaking. Plan for a couple of hours and expect minimal costs unless renting equipment.
Food & Drink
Gandy Dancer
Gandy Dancer is an elegant spot for a dinner out, ideal for a longer meal focused on seafood, steak, or pasta. Expect to spend $50-100 per person, and reservations are recommended.
Mitchell
Socotra Coffee House
Socotra Coffee House is good for a casual solo stop or a relaxed meeting over coffee. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-$15 per person for drinks and a light bite.
Bryant Pattengill East
Venue by 4M
Venue by 4M is suitable for a dinner outing, possibly followed by drinks, and can serve as a destination for special events. Expect to spend $30-70 per person for a visit of about 1.5 hours.
Old West Side
Frita Batidos Ann Arbor
Frita Batidos is a good spot for a casual meal of Cuban street food and tropical drinks, often pairing well with a downtown Ann Arbor outing. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes and about $15-35 per person for a meal and drinks.
King
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
This is a great spot for a relaxed few hours outdoors, offering a mix of gardens, woods, and a conservatory. It's suitable for families or a solo walk, and can easily be paired with a picnic or a meal out in Ann Arbor. Parking is typically easy, though fees apply.
Food & Drink
Knight's Steakhouse Downtown
Knight's Steakhouse Downtown is a good choice for a traditional steak or seafood dinner, often paired with a pre-dinner drink or a post-dinner stroll. Expect to spend $50-$100 per person for an hour and a half visit.
Eberwhite
HOMES Brewery - Brewpub
HOMES Brewery is good for a casual meal or drinks with friends and family. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-$50 per person on food and drinks.
Arts & Culture
Michigan Theater
This historic theater is good for catching an arthouse film or live performance, often pairing well with dinner nearby. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and about $10-20 per person.
Old West Side
The Chop House Ann Arbor
The Chop House is suitable for an upscale dinner, often for special occasions or a refined date night. Expect a visit of around 1.5 hours with a high per-person cost.
Wines
Barton Nature Area
Barton Nature Area is a free outdoor park ideal for a 2-hour family or solo adventure, offering trails, picnicking, and river views. It pairs well with a picnic lunch or a trip to a nearby cafe before or after your visit.
Food & Drink
Palio Ann Arbor
Palio is an Italian restaurant with a rooftop patio, suitable for a dinner outing, especially on weekends. Expect to spend $35-75 per person for food and drinks.
Outdoors
Island Lake Recreation Area
This large state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor adventure, offering space for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing for a low per-vehicle entry fee. It pairs well with a packed lunch or a drive-thru meal on the way.
Outdoors
DTE Energy Foundation Trail
This trail is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity like hiking or biking, potentially costing a small amount for a park pass. It pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activities in the area.
Old West Side
The Last Word
This stylish cocktail bar is ideal for a relaxed date night or pre/post-dinner drinks. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person on drinks and small bites.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 98 analyzed Ann Arbor places fit cheap day out.
- 32% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 52% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Upscale, Scenic, Adventurous, Quiet.
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