Relive Your Childhood on a Date
If you’re looking for the perfect springtime date to make a great first impression—or to really get to know someone without being stuck in front of a movie screen for two hours—think children. I don’t mean to procreate already, of course! I mean think back to your own childhood days and remember what you loved to do. Try to recreate that open joy with your date by doing something that you love—or loved—to do.
The park is an ideal place to do this. You can do anything from skating to reading aloud, biking or fishing to pushing one another on the swings. At some parks, you can even see animals or purchase snacks or sno cones, which are the embodiment of childhood, in my humble opinion. Our favorite local sno cone sellers also feature great music, so why not kick off your shoes and dance while you’re at it?
Sno cone food trucks are another great childhood favorite of mine, as are days at Chuck E Cheese (then known as Showbiz Pizza) racking up points and playing games. Sure, the ball pit is gone, but it was sort of pee-gross anyway, right?
Another great option is to hit a carnival. Carnival season is coming up soon—many schools have them in April or May—and these events make for perfect dates. One of my favorite dates with my husband was a carnival during which he spent about $25 trying to win me a stuffed animal. There’s also, of course, the rides, the music, the food—the whole carnival package.
Ball games are also in the near future, and if you like baseball that’s definitely a fun date reminiscent of childhood! Wear your team’s color (some friendly rivalry is fun sometimes too), a ball cap, and your favorite shades for a sunny game—or bundle up together in a blanket for a cool night game. Don’t forget the cold Bud and hotdogs! For an even cheaper date, just watch a local Little League game and cheer the kids on. Trust me, it’s still quite a bit of fun!
If the ball fields aren’t your thing, there are always the indoor amusement parks. Our area has a couple that feature NASCAR rides, adult arcades, go-kart rides, miniature golf, and plenty of other activities. Whether you choose the family style one or the one for grown-ups, you are bound to have fun together.