As a little kid, I could not wait to grow up. I hated having to follow rules and other people telling me what to do. It was my biggest pet peeve. As I got older, I realized growing up has its privileges but it isn’t always that great. Every now and then I like to revert to what I consider the epitome of a great childhood and go on a play date.

The best things about play dates are that it is easy to stay within a budget and it is literally a one size fits all type date. It doesn’t matter your ability, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, financial status, marital status, or even if you have kids or not; it is simply a time to have fun and get to know more about one another. Doesn’t everyone want to have fun?

There is a variety of things to do on a play date ranging from the juvenile to the sophisticated. These types of activities will help you learn how your partner deals with crowds, other people, and children alike. Plus, play dates can help you figure out if you all are compatible. I started collecting tea sets in 4th grade which has resulted in a fascination with all things tea. A tea party was an ordinary occurrence with friends in the neighborhood. Some people think tea parties are boring. But sitting down with my partner to a nice cup of tea and conversation always makes me feel good. It’s just one more thing to show how similar in temperament we really are.

Some of the entertainment venues like Disney World are budget busters. Although the rides are fun, activities plentiful, and food is great, I suggest you forego the cute little mouse for some of the smaller (i.e. cheaper) amusement centers. Many of these establishments remain open year round, regardless of the season. Remember to look for the discounts. Giving steep discounts near closing time or on nights where customers are historically few and far between is a regular occurrence.

I suggest checking your local area to see what entities are available in your neck of the woods. Here are a few other venues to check out:

Celebration Station, Easy Street, or Dave & Busters: All are similar in nature. It’s like Chuck E Cheese for grown ups. Arcade games, pool tables, miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, and simulation rides are the typical fare for these types of establishments. You buy tokens to use on the activities. Once the tokens run out feel free to leave. Don’t get suckered into buying more tokens. It is the easiest way to blow your budget.

The Science Center, Zoo, or Children’s Museum: I don’t know why people don’t think that adults want to learn about the habitats of different animals, how a bus works, or observing the stars in a planetarium. I like looking at the animals that I normally wouldn’t be able to see and learning new things. The price is usually less than $10 per person. Some of these places require that you have a child with you so double check before you go!

Gem Panning, Paint Your Own Pottery, or Karaoke Bars: Go searching for gold nuggets, sapphires or emeralds. Paint a masterpiece that you can use over and over again. Sing to your heart is content in a private room embarrassed in front of your party only. These activities are perfect for a duo or an entire family. The only thing is you sometimes have to pay for the item you paint, the tools to go gem panning with and/or time in the establishment. Call the business the day before to figure the total cost of the date. Don’t be afraid to tell them your limit and let them suggest the best deal for your outing.

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