10 Crazy (Legal) Date Ideas

If you’re tired of the standard dinner-and-a-movie, here are 10 crazy (legal) date ideas that can make for a memorable experience. (The editors insisted on the “legal” part.) A word of caution: Many of these may not be appropriate for a first date, when your goal is to make a good impression, not scare off your date by demonstrating how crazy you are. “Crazy dates” are best when you’re further into the dating process with someone, or even married–hey, married couples get to go on dates too.

1. Renaissance faire. Ren faires offer many opportunities for silly, sexy fun. You might even find a special gift at one of the craft shops. Make sure your date is someone you like enough to spend the whole day with. Alternatively, if one or both of you attend regularly, you can arrange to meet at the faire. Choose a rendezvous that's easy to find, like the front gate.

2. Laser tag. If your date is the active, competitive type, chasing each other around with laser guns can be an ideal crazy date. Everyone enjoys acting like a kid once in a while, and it’s less messy than paintball. Forming a team with your date and competing against others can also be a bonding experience.

3. Playground. If you or your date is a single parent, a playground date can be ideal; the two of you can talk while the kid is on the swings. In the evening, a kid-free playground can also be a great crazy-date rendezvous. If it's someone you know and trust, a playground at night can be an ideal spot for intimate conversation. (Caution is advised for first dates, though - you don't want to risk coming off creepy.) 

4.  Ballooning. Drifting with the breeze, watching the landscape below…what could be more romantic? This crazy date is pricey, so save it for special occasions when you want to create an unforgettable experience. Bring a picnic lunch and maybe some wine. 

5. Miniature golf. Like laser tag, this allows some friendly competition, but in a bonding way that’s not likely to create friction. (For similar reasons, avoid the video arcade, unless your date really loves videogames.) Have fun with the crazy décor, and let dedicated golfers play through so you can have more one-on-one time. If you’re lucky, you may get to create your own definition of  “play through.”

6. Star party. Amateur astronomers gather with their telescopes for these get-togethers, and often invite spectators to attend. See if there are star parties in your area; you can spend the evening gazing at the stars and learning about our universe. If it’s going well, you and your date can go off together to explore more local phenomena.

7. Geocaching. If you and your date share a taste for geekly pleasures, spend an afternoon together in a public park with your favorite GPS device. Geocachers always leave little prizes behind; let your date keep the prize you find. It could become a treasured reminder of your crazy date.

8. Scavenger hunt. Create your own clues, and plant them around your home, in a public place, or anywhere you like. Your date has to follow them to the prize, perhaps encountering riddles or private jokes along the way. Make the prize something worth the effort, like tickets to a concert or movie.

9. Farmer's Market. Anybody can go to the grocery store. By taking your date to the farmer’s market, you create a unique experience, and support local small businesses at the same time. Plus, the shapes of the vegetables provide many excuses for playful flirting if the date's going well.

10. Shakespeare in the park.  You don’t have to know iambic pentameter to enjoy an evening in the park together. Bring sunscreen, a blanket and a picnic. (P.S. If the play is Romeo & Juliet, leave during intermission. That way, it's still a happy ending!)

If these date ideas just aren’t crazy enough for you, you can read my companion article, “10 Crazy (Illegal) Date Ideas.” (Editor’s note: No, you can’t.)