Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your partner or ways to fall back in love with yourself, here are 10 date ideas in Mount Pleasant for lovers of all kinds:

For the lovely couples

Test your skills on the rink

From novices to pro ice skaters, all are welcome to participate in the public skates at Martin Arena. Usually hosted on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the next opportunity. Whether you’re gliding hand-in-hand or hugging onto the rails for dear life, ice skating dates are a bonding experience like no other.

2. Access your artistic side

The Painted Turtle Pottery Studio in downtown Mount Pleasant offers an all-inclusive pottery painting experience that will leave you and your partner feeling like modern-day Picassos. At the Painted Turtle, you can pick your own pottery piece and glazes to create your masterpiece. This date is perfect for those looking to enjoy their partner’s company and unleash their creative genius.

3. Kick it with kitties

Founded in 2018 by Mystie Beckwith, the Karma Kat Cafe allows you to live out your dream of being surrounded by the cutest of cats. Originally opened as a traditional cafe, Karma Kat Cafe is now a fully operational cat rescue, providing care and medical services to furry friends in need.

Alivia Cranick

Kristen Peters, left, and Ethan Eastman, right, enjoy the company of a few of many cats that reside at Karma Kat Cafe, Mount Pleasant, Mich., Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (CMLife | Alivia Cranick)

“We opened it as a business, but then we immediately realized that we need to become an animal shelter because of the need in the community,” Beckwith said.

Beckwith also said that every purchase made at the cafe goes towards the nonprofit Karma Kat Rescue organization, so not only is this an adorable date, it's for a good cause.

Whether you attend one of Karma Kat’s events, such as cat yoga, or just want to spend time with your partner in good company, this is the date for you.

4. Take a hike

Even in the chillier months, Mount Pleasant’s parks are perfect for a scenic stroll. Snowfall atop the trees provides your own personal winter wonderland for you and your partner -- just be sure to bundle up! Whether Mill Pond, Deerfield or Island Park, date night can be free (and freeing) with a romantic walk.

5. Serve up some romance

For a more traditional date night, there are a plethora of local restaurants in Mount Pleasant to enjoy delicious cuisine and stare into your partner’s eyes (if that’s what you’re into). For a more dimly lit, romantic experience, try Midori Sushi and Martini Lounge or Wood Shop Social.

If you’re looking to try new flavors with a fun atmosphere, Los Amigos and The Twisted Fork offer delicious plates and great experiences.

Wherever you choose to dine, you can’t go wrong with local.

For taking yourself on a date

1. Join the Silent Book Club

On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m., you can meet new friends and dive into your favorite book at Pleasant City Coffee. Hosted by For Art’s Sake, the Silent Book Club allows you to enjoy a hot beverage while reading in the company of others, no talking or book reports required.

For Art’s Sake employee Grace Yeomans said that the Silent Book Club is a great opportunity to “set time aside to just read” and “not worry about what’s happening outside of book club."

“You can meet new people to talk about books and get new book recommendations," Yeomans said. "Then, when it is time to read, you can just focus on you and the book. I highly recommend going.”

2. Test your trivia skills

Do you want to prove that you’re smarter than everyone else while enjoying your personal pizza? Look no further than The Cabin. On most Monday nights, The Cabin hosts trivia at 8 p.m., featuring different topics every week. Start your week off with a fun challenge and a great atmosphere. Check the restaurant’s calendar for other weekly events to fly solo or meet your friends at.

3. Break a sweat

MP Fit Club hosts a plethora of fitness classes to suit any individual’s style. Offering a one-week free trial, MP Fit Club’s owner and instructor Beth Kemler said she recommends trying as many classes as you can in seven days to find your perfect fit.

“We have everything from yoga to cycling to strength classes to kickboxing, just this huge range (of activities) for people to find what they enjoy the most,” Kemler said.

If you’re looking to find a supportive fitness community, MP Fit Club’s instructors will progress or regress any workout to meet your needs. Wary about trying a class? No problem. Kemler said that you’re welcome to schedule a free tour and speak with an instructor any time.

Whether you haven’t touched a weight in years or consider yourself a fitness guru, taking a class at MP Fit Club is a great way to get in a workout and have fun doing it.

“No matter where you're at, you'll fit in just fine,” Kemler said.

4. Show some creativity

If you’re interested in taking up an artistic hobby but don’t know where to start, Art Reach of Mid Michigan may be just the spot for you. Art Reach offers classes in painting, ceramics, bookbinding, soap making, jewelry making and much more. Take a few hours for yourself to learn a creative skill that may just become your new obsession.

5. Try something new

Is there a coffee shop you’ve been wanting to try? Or a day trip you’ve been wanting to take? Don’t wait for a significant other to come along -- try to enjoy experiencing new things on your own.