Growing up, I would vehemently deny the fact that I was born in the late 90s and often would surround myself with the coolest retro items. I was convinced that I was meant to be born in time for the rockin' 80s yet I couldn't really change the fact that I was stuck in the 21st century (without the cool hovercars). If you're like me and actively seek out entertainment past the delusion of the internet, here's a list of cool things to do that break it down to the basics but won't break the bank. (Disclaimer: I'll be basing most of these off Minnesotan attractions but I guarantee there are similar places in a town near you)

1. Rollerskating Rinks

YES, they really do still exist. Burnsville, Minnesota offers the rink to teenagers and adults alike for a cheap price all week long. You can enjoy a skate on authentic rollerskates for as long as you can handle under the lights while the DJ plays both new and old hits. With a request sheet displayed for your convenience, you can no doubt convince the DJ to spin something just for you. Need a break from the hard work of skating? Roll on over to the arcade which might be as old as the skates you're riding on. The games may not be as exciting as Deal or No Deal but they have the classics and that's all that really matters. The Snack Shack also offers a large variety of gourmet grease food such as nachos and hot dogs and slurpees galore. This place really feels as if it's pulled from a bad 80s romantic comedy and is a cheap night out. What more could you need?

2. Arcades

While authentic arcades may be about impossible to find anymore in this age of technology, Big Thrill Factory in Minnetonka, Minnesota is about as close as you'll probably get to the real deal. A literal playground for adults, BTF offers a wide variety of attractions such as the vast arcade, an adult playground and ball pit, adult bumper cars, a ropes course, and even a zombie escape room (it's just as legit as it sounds). This place is full of wild prints and neon colors and offers attractions that suit everyone. It's not as well known as you'd think it'd be so it's never overly crowded which makes the fun ten times more exciting. Get a group of friends and play a game of laser tag or see if you have what it takes to outwit a zombie! No matter what you're looking for, there's always something to do here.

3. Bowling

While bowling is anything but a lost game, the Lake Bryant Bowl in Uptown offers a classic version of the game. For $3 a game, this is not only a different bowling alley to try but also a cheap one too. Rather than overdressing the game of bowling as so many alleys do, this restaurant and lane has stripped down to the basics opting to delete the cosmic light show and fancy electronic score cards to keep a more classic design where players write in their own score sheets and even have people working behind the pins as it was in the beginning. With it's prime location in Uptown, you never know who will walk in to this well known lane and the people watching alone can be about as fun as the game itself.

4. Comic Book Shops

Comic books have become quite the lost art but Mind's Eye Comics in Minneapolis has kept the tradition of the colored print alive. Even if you're not an avid comic book reader, this is a cool changeup in the usual routine of life and hey! You never know what kind of books you can find lurking in the shop. You may just find something to change your mind on this lost medium.

5. Amusement Parks

Everyone is familiar with the famous scene in the Notebook in which Ryan Gosling climbs the ferris wheel to talk to the girl of his dreams. While not every guy in the world has the guts to do this, it doesn't take away from the fact that adventures and thrills are everywhere in amusement parks. Minnesota has the luxury of the indoor Nickelodeon Universe at MOA or the outdoor Valleyfair in Shakopee. Either way, both places are chalk full of rides, carnival games, prizes, food, and fun. A trip to either destination is sure to bring you to another time as you disconnect from electronics in your hand to the ones under your seat.

6. Drive In Movies

Drive Ins are unfortunately dying out across the country. If you find one it's a true treasure because usually it's more than just a car ride away. Minnesota is lucky to have three theaters throughout the state but the most popular by far is Vali-Hi drive-in in Lake Elmo. Catch a flick (or all three) every weekday and weekend. However if you go, make sure to get there plenty early as the lot fills up pretty quickly each week.

7. Go-Kart Racing

Burnsville, Minnesota is home to the Pro Kart Indoor Racing track which is a great activity for those with a need for speed. Grab a group or go solo, this place is a fast paced adventure that will be worth the extra dollars.

8. Malt Shops

Okay I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little disappointed in Minnesota for not having Steak N' Shakes here. After having a taste while in school, I've found myself craving it while at home. But the best part about not being able to go to the chain restaurant is it makes you branch out and try new places while searching for the perfect malt. If you're up for the drive to Minneapolis, Annie's Parlour is at a beautiful location with the absolute best malts in the state (or so they say). Personally I like the view more than the food but it's definitely the place to go for a night out. If you're looking to stay a little closer to home, Tommy's Malt Shop in Chaska or Savage offer interesting and different malts that you wouldn't normally see on the menu (my personal fave is the emily which has butterscotch and marshmallow swirled into a fudge shake). Either place you decide on will be worth the money.

9. Swing Dancing

St. Paul offers several different locations to go swing dancing throughout the week (with lessons prior of course). My favorite spot is in the Wabasha Street Caves on Thursday nights. The live swing band and the energy of the old bootleg caves make the night seem so alive. Grab a group of friends and venture on over for a night of spins, twirls, and grins.

Hopefully this list has helped you rekindle your inner old soul and possibly find something new and exciting to try out. Regardless of what you're looking for, there's always something fun to do, you just have to look a little harder.