Big Date: The Joys of Childhood

What do you want to be when you grow up? Now there’s a question that’s asked too frequently of our youngsters. I get the sentiment, believe me, and the Big idea behind that question. It’s important to look to the future, have goals, make plans, and as Seinfeld’s George Costanza says…yada, yada, yada. But why must we be in such a hurry to grow up? As they say, you’re only a kid once.

                In a recent watching of Big, the 1988 critically acclaimed Tom Hanks movie in one of his breakthrough roles, I turned to my wife as the film was ending. “This movie is a goldmine for date ideas.” And so it was, as the inspirationally Big idea to channel my inner child into my dating life was led by one of the greatest actors of all time. Hanks plays the adult version of the featured character, Josh Baskin. At least, from a physical standpoint, he looked like an adult. But mentally, Josh was still the 12-year-old boy. And I’m not saying that as an insult at all, but rather, as a compliment. Let me explain.

                In all fairness, Josh Baskin’s motivation to become Big was getting turned away from riding an amusement park ride due to his lack of height. Moments later, he stumbles upon an antique fortune teller machine called Zoltar. Josh wishes to be Big, after which the unplugged machine dispenses a card stating, “Your wish is granted.” The following morning, waking up in his bunk bed, he soon realizes his wish was granted. He had chest hair! 😊

                After a bit of research, and with the help of his best friend Billy, Josh learns that he wouldn’t be able to locate the Zoltar machine for another six weeks. With his hope at shedding his adult body and returning to his kid-like physique temporally put on hold, Josh decides to get to work. Literally. He gets a job at the MacMillian Toy Company as a data entry clerk, though he quickly rises the ranks when the company’s owner is impressed by his kid-like enthusiasm and toy insight. And just like that, I’ve already shared the Big two elements that made up our incredibly childlike date inspired by this 80’s feature film. It was simple. It was fun. The way a childhood should be.

                First up was visiting a toy store. Though it wasn’t MacMillian Toys, or FAO Schwartz as shown in the film’s most iconic scene. You likely know the one. But if not, it’s the moment Josh and the owner of MacMillian’s lead us through rousing duet renditions of “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” on the walking piano of the toy store, FAO Schwartz. As for me, I located a store called Toyology Toys, situated a mere 15 minutes away. It proved the perfect place to kickstart our Big-time date. My wife and I loved walking throughout the store, especially when we stumbled upon a toy that reminded us of our own childhood. They had pogo sticks, and of course, skateboards (admittedly, two things I’ve always been awful at). We also spent a decent time at the puzzle section, as my wife is a Big fan of that hobby. As for purchases, my wife ended up getting some contraption that she literally remembers putting in her hair as a child. Despite my encouragement, however, she wouldn’t relive it to that extent. But our nine-year old daughter sure did! Leaving the toy store in smiles, just like a child, it was time for the date’s second half.

                In my pre-date research, I discovered the well-known Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum was just 1.7 miles down the road from the toy store. WOW, that worked out well, I thought. And this is no ordinary museum. Check out what the company’s website says about themselves…

                “Take a stroll through mechanical history! Enjoy over 5000 square feet of vintage coin-operated machines, macabre, oddities, unusual nostalgia, and the newest video game crazes. Admission is ALWAYS FREE. The experience is fun and unforgettable for ALL ages.”

                The coin-operated arcade/museum was both a children and adult’s paradise. Upon entering, my wife first exclaimed, “look at the pinball machines.” Her giddy-like enthusiasm was evidence enough that an arcade was the perfect date location to get in touch with our inner child. And sure enough, there was a wall dedicated for just pinball machines. I took a turn on the Avengers machine, while she quickly put me to shame by mastering another one.

Outside the perfect Big-inspired date location.

It was so fun to play some of the classics, such as skee-ball, hoop shoot and more. But perhaps, even more exciting was seeing all the unique games and oddities scattered about. I even got to play tic-tac-toe against a chicken (no joke). I didn’t find Zoltar, but I found one or two odd machines that may have been his second cousins. My wife then insisted we had to try a claw machine, which I’ve always despised. You know they’re rigged, right? Or am I the only one who always comes away empty-handed? That is, until my wife found one at Marvin’s where everyone was a winner. We each took a turn, and amazingly, walked away with matching little duckies.

Our meager number of tickets were used for an airhead and a few tootsie rolls. That sounds about right. Before leaving, I knew our trip would not be complete without attempting Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). At one point, during my 2nd song of 3, my wife informed me that people were watching. I didn’t care. I was in the zone. Like a kid.

We decided on eating there too, which included the perfect childlike meal of cheese sticks, chicken nuggets, fries, and slushies. I owe a special shoutout to Zoltar and Josh for inspiring our visit to an arcade. It was wonderful!

The only requirement for a Big-inspired date is to bring back the fun from our childhood. For you, maybe it will be a toy store and an arcade, as it was for me. For others, perhaps the movie’s moments of walkie talkies, amusement parks, trampolines, remote control cars or silly string might be just the fun you and your date need. Or for the daring types, sticking your head through a car’s sunroof or dropping water balloons on someone’s head might be your kind of fun. (Though I cannot in good conscience condone that last one 😊.) The movie’s moments where Josh does take part in adult-like activities even inspires potential dating fun with activities such as dancing and paddleball. See what I mean? No matter if it’s a first date, blind date, or one with your forever companion, Big truly is a goldmine for dating possibilities.

Until next time, keep dating.

Brent

BUILD YOUR OWN DATE – BIG

Note: The following ideas all came from the movie. Feel free to use one, all, or something else. The choice is yours.

Locations:

·         Visit a toy store

·         Play an arcade

·         Go-karting

·         Amusement Park

Activities:

·         Do something you enjoyed when you were 12.

·         Drive remote control cars

·         Paddleball

·         Jump on a Trampoline

Food:

·         Pizza

·         Slushies

·         Cheese sticks

·         Chicken Nuggets

·         Mac and Cheese

Brent Bonus:

·         If you’re really feeling childlike, you could always start a silly string fight with your date. What could go wrong? 😊