Grand Forks · Grand Forks County, ND
Cheap things to do in Grand Forks
Scout analyzed 41 Grand Forks places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
41
Matches
24
Typical spend
$35
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Food & Drink
Roadhouse Cafe
This 24/7 diner is good for a casual, affordable meal at any time, especially when traveling. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person for classic American diner fare.
Outdoors
Turtle River State Park
Turtle River State Park is suitable for a 3-hour outdoor excursion involving hiking or picnicking, costing around $7-10 for park entry. It pairs well with a relaxed morning or afternoon activity, perhaps followed by a meal in a nearby town.
Nightlife
Speedway 805 Grill & Bar
Speedway 805 Grill & Bar is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, offering American fare. Expect a visit of about an hour, costing roughly $15-35 per person, making it a straightforward stop.
Food & Drink
Sakura | Japanese Steakhouse
This Japanese steakhouse is suitable for a dinner outing, often involving a hibachi experience. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and between $30-$70 per person for food and drinks. Reservations are recommended for peak times.
Food & Drink
Eagles Crest Grill
This is a casual American restaurant suitable for family meals, offering standard steak, seafood, and family-style dishes. Expect a visit of about an hour, with costs typically ranging from $15-$35 per person.
Food & Drink
Urban Stampede
Urban Stampede is suitable for a quick coffee stop or a relaxed solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Outdoors
Lincoln Drive Park
Lincoln Drive Park is ideal for a free outdoor outing, offering bike trails and disc golf. Plan for a 1.5 to 3-hour visit, perfect for pairing with a picnic or a nearby casual meal.
Arts & Culture
Northern Air Action Park
Northern Air Action Park is a good stop for a family activity, offering go-karting and arcade games. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $20-50 per person for an active afternoon.
Nightlife
Brick & Barley Bar and Restaurant
This bar and grill is suitable for a casual evening meal or drinks with friends, especially if live music is playing. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $20-40 per person on food and a drink.
Food & Drink
Northside Cafe
This is a casual American cafe suitable for breakfast or lunch, offering an affordable meal that can last under an hour. It's a good stop for a quick bite or a family meal without needing reservations.
Outdoors
Sertoma Park
Sertoma Park is a free outdoor destination best suited for a 1-2 hour family outing or solo walk, especially when paired with a picnic. It offers Japanese gardens, trails, and a playground, making it a good choice for a relaxed afternoon.
Nightlife
The Hub Pub
The Hub Pub is suitable for a casual evening out, offering drinks and bar food. Plan for about 1.5 hours and expect to spend $15-40 per person.
Sports & Recreation
Ralph Engelstad Arena
This indoor arena is ideal for attending college hockey games or concerts, typically lasting around 3 hours. Expect to spend $30-$150 per person on tickets and concessions for a main event.
Food & Drink
Ely's Ivy
Ely's Ivy is a good spot for an evening meal or drinks, suitable for a date or a small celebratory dinner. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-75 per person for food and drinks.
Arts & Culture
Alerus Center
The Alerus Center is a large event complex suitable for attending concerts, sporting events, or conventions, often pairing with an overnight stay at the attached hotel and water park. Expect a few hours visit and costs ranging from $25 for a basic event ticket up to $150+ for premium seating or multiple activities.
Nightlife
The Loft
The Loft is a bar and grill suitable for a casual evening out with friends or a low-key date. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-$50 per person on drinks and pub fare.
Food & Drink
Starbucks Coffee Company
This is a reliable stop for a quick coffee and snack, good for a solo break or a casual meet-up. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.
Family
Splashers of the South Seas
Splashers of the South Seas is an indoor water park suitable for a half-day family outing, offering slides and pools. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for entry, making it a good option for active fun during a weekend.
Shopping
Ross Dress for Less
Ross is good for a solo or budget-friendly shopping trip to hunt for discounted brand-name items. Plan for an hour or more to browse, with typical spending around $20-$100 per person.
Food & Drink
Skies 322
Skies 322 is suitable for an evening dinner or special occasion, offering American fare and cocktails. Expect to spend $35-$75 per person for a 90-minute meal.
Nightlife
Parrot's Cay Tavern & Grill
Parrot's Cay is a lively spot for casual Cajun-style food and a wide beer selection, great for unwinding after work or a weekend outing. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $15-35 per person for food and drinks.
Outdoors
Sherlock Park
Sherlock Park is ideal for a free family outing, especially for younger kids to enjoy the adventure playground. Plan for a 1-2 hour visit, best combined with a picnic or other outdoor activities in good weather.
Food & Drink
The Spud Jr
The Spud Jr is a casual restaurant and bar suitable for a quick, affordable meal. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person for food and drink.
Food & Drink
Rhombus Guys
This is a good spot for a casual meal of pizza and beer, suitable for families or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-30 per person.
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
- 41 of the 41 analyzed Grand Forks places fit cheap day out.
- 22% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 73% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Upscale, Scenic.
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Staying over in Grand Forks?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Grand Forks — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
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