Creative places to go on a date

Grab a box lunch and a comfortable pair of shoes and head to a local park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. You and your date can get to know each other in a quiet setting without a waiter interrupting to refill your waters. If any of your nearby parks have a nature center or some other form of educational outreach, use this as an interesting and unique activity while you're there. This will give you something to talk about if you're feeling a little tongue-tied.

When you can, choose a large park with plenty of vegetation so that, if the mood hits, the two of you can duck behind a tree for a little makeout session.

There's nothing like a little good-natured competition to bring you and your date closer together. An evening at a local arcade can lend itself to some fun and flirtatious ribbing.

If your date is up for something a little risque, a Burlesque show can be a great form of entertainment that is sure to give you something to talk about after the show. A lot classier than a strip club, but no less sexy, it can really get those hormones going, paving the way for a truly "successful" date.

Many cities have touristy train rides that serve a fancy dinner or host wine tastings while racing through the beautiful countryside. While it's true that this particular activity will cost more than dinner and drinks at a restaurant in town, you can be sure that your date probably hasn't had a date quite like this one.

Make your date laugh, without all the performance anxiety. Catch a show at a local comedy club for a fun evening. Even if the comedian sucks, you and your date can have fun ripping on them after the show.

Note: Don't heckle the performer during the show, that's just plain rude and your date will probably not be impressed.

Pick a sunny afternoon and take your date to the lake for some swimming. If you can find one, try an area that isn't too busy so you don't have to wade through oodles of children and old guys in speedos. Added bonus: you get to see your date half naked.

Head out to a nearby race track to watch the ponies, the dogs, or some really fast cars. Make a few good-natured wagers to really get into the races. And remember: the stakes don't have to include money. ;)

Whether you're a kingpin or you can't stay out of the gutters, bowling is an activity almost everyone can enjoy. Throw in a couple of bowling-pin shaped beer bottles and a plate full of greasy fries and you've got yourself a good time.

Whose heart wouldn't melt at the site of all those cute fuzzy animals? Even some of the hairless ones can be quite endearing. If you can, try to find one of the wildlife parks that let the animals live in a more natural setting, because it can sometimes be a little depressing to see those big beautiful animals cooked up in a little cage. Driving through a wildlife retreat, feeding buffalo out of your car window, will surely make the date memorable.

A few other similar options:

The Aquarium - The beauty of the sea can be quite romantic, and the seals are always adorable.

A petting zoo - Some hands on fun that's sure to please. After the date, you can say "How many of your dates ever included getting chased around a barnyard by geese? See how I spoil you, baby?"

Ice skating and roller skating can take you back to your younger years, and give you a great excuse to hold hands. Bonus: if your date isn't very good at skating you can put your arm around them for...um...stability.

Cotton candy, carnival games, and death defying rides...what could be more fun? Sure, this one could get a little pricey, but can you really put a price on holding your dates hair back as she throws up after that third ride on the zipper? No. You can't.

Go golfing! Mini golf can be a lot of fun if you've got any good courses in your area. Unfortunately, many of them turn out to be a little lame. Still, if you can find an indoor one it's a good way to stay active on a rainy day date.

If, on the other hand, it's a beautiful day, try your hand at a round of real golf. Most courses rent clubs for a small fee, and many send a beer cart around as you play! Golf courses can be beautiful places to steal a kiss.

Tip: When playing a round of real golf, opt for only 9 holes instead of the whole 18. If you or your date are new to the sport, you could end up taking hours and hours to finish an entire 18 holes, and you'll be too sore for some after-game nookie.

It's not just an awesome 80's movie anymore. Many cities have science centers with dozens of interactive exhibits that let you and your date play, discover, and learn. It may sound like something better suited for a family of four on a Sunday afternoon, but you'll be surprised how much fun it can be to spin a two-ton granite ball with your bare hands, wander through the dinosaurs, or challenge an industrial robot to a game of tic-tac-toe.

Going to a concert together can be fun, but it's loud and all of your focus is on the band on stage. As a better option, you and your date can have a great time rocking out at a rock and roll museum or exhibit in your area.

Seattlites are lucky enough to have the amazing Experience Music Project. Cleveland has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other cities around the U.S. have their own piece of music history. No matter what your taste in music is, you and your date are sure to have a good time.

A farmers market or street fair can be a great outing on a nice day. The two of you can sample farm fresh produce, sift through homemade crafts, and marvel at unique antiques. Perhaps you can shop for delicious fresh ingredients for a picnic at a nearby park.

Bonus: Guys, farmers markets are great places to pick up large bouquets of beautiful flowers very cheaply. Get bonus points when she stops to use the restroom by greeting her with a big bouquet when she comes out.

Anyone can go to a movie on a date, so why not make it a little more interesting by taking your date to a drive-in movie? It may be a bit of a drive to your nearest drive-in, but it's sure to be a date that will stand out.

BONUS: If the movie sucks you and your date can crawl into the back seat and make your own entertainment.

Whether you're a die hard sports fan or not, going to a professional sports game can be a lot more fun than many people realize. So grab yourself some hot dogs, a couple of $12 beers, and go cheer on your team!

Tip: Baseball is probably one of the cheapest professional sports to attend. Some of the cheap bleacher seats can go for as low as $7/ticket. If you're not worried about seeing the sweat dripping off the athlete's foreheads, then these cheaper seats are a good way to have an inexpensive good time.

Bonus: If one or both of you aren't rabid sports fans, try making a friendly wager on the outcome of the game. And remember, there are a lot of things you can bet that are more fun than money. ;)

Be a tourist in your own city. It's amazing how many people never take the time to experience the attractions their own city has to offer. Look for tours and other tourist attractions that most people take for granted.

Tip: In addition to being entertaining and fascinating, Seattle's famous Underground Tour has a lot of rickety steps and uneven paths that give you a great excuse to hold on to each other...for balance, of course.

A night at the casino can be a unique way to have some fun on your date. You don't have to gamble away hundreds of dollars to have a good time, just play around on the nickel slots. If you're not lucky enough to be in Nevada or one of the few other places where gambling is legal, look for a Native American casino in your area.

Maybe you're not into the golf carts and plaid pants, but you can still go golfing. Why don't you check out your local Disc Golf course? This unique game is growing more and more popular, and it's likely your date hasn't tried it yet. You can have fun trying this new sport together.

Whether your can't hit a single note, or you're a seasoned crooner, karaoke can be a great way to make a night out at a bar a little more fun and memorable. Even if you don't get up there and sing (and you really should!) the two of you can enjoy watching the good, the bad, and the really really bad.

Brewery tours are a fun way to get free or really cheap beer samples. It's a great start to the normal "let's get some drinks" date that everyone makes.

Many coffee shops and even bars have started stocking their shelves with board games. A little competition can spice up a date, especially when fueled by cocktails.

Tip: I'd stay away from some of the games that take a long time, such as Monopoly. You don't want to be stuck in the bar all night haggling over properties, when you could be running off to collect your winnings in a more private setting.