1. Dye Your Dog in Texas
In Texas, it’s completely legal to dye your dog any color of the rainbow. While a few states restrict this practice for animal safety, Texas leaves it up to pet owners’ discretion, according to Leslie Ingraham from Wag!. That means you can turn your poodle into a flamingo or your terrier into a tiny blue dragon without breaking any laws. It’s a favorite among creative groomers who specialize in wild, colorful transformations.
As long as the dyes used are non-toxic and safe for animals, there’s no legal problem at all. Some Texas pet salons even offer competitions for the most outrageous dog designs. Whether you want subtle pastel streaks or full-on neon makeovers, your imagination is the only limit. In true Texas style, it’s all about going big—or going home.
2. Swim with Mermaids in Florida
In Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, it’s perfectly legal—and even encouraged—to swim with real “mermaids.” Professional performers dress up in elaborate mermaid tails and perform underwater shows for audiences, and they even offer special mermaid encounter programs. If you’ve ever dreamed of flipping your fins and pretending you’re part of a magical underwater world, this is your chance. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where mermaid swimming is treated like a legit career.
Weeki Wachee has been hosting mermaid shows since 1947, and they take it surprisingly seriously, according to Tracey Davies from The Telegraph. There’s even a rigorous training program for aspiring mermaids involving breath control and synchronized swimming. Visitors can join in through special events or lessons and live out a literal fairy tale underwater. In a state famous for its weirdness, swimming with mermaids might just be the most charmingly bizarre thing you can legally do.
3. Ride a Horse While Intoxicated in Colorado
In Colorado, it’s completely legal to ride a horse while drunk—because horses aren’t considered motor vehicles. DUI laws don’t apply the same way to animals as they do to cars, which means you technically won’t get ticketed for trotting home from the bar, according to Samantha Jarpe from FOX 31. It’s the kind of loophole that sounds made-up until you see someone actually doing it. Imagine swapping your Uber for a saddled-up mustang after last call!
That said, public endangerment laws still exist, so if you’re being a danger to others, you could still get in trouble. But just the act of being tipsy on horseback? Totally fine under Colorado state law. It’s a weird bit of freedom that feels very “Wild West.” Just make sure your horse knows the way home.
4. Fish with a Crossbow in Vermont
In Vermont, it’s completely legal to fish with a crossbow during designated seasons, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. That’s right—you can go full medieval archer on some unsuspecting fish. This method is mainly used for bowfishing carp and other rough fish, and it’s surprisingly popular among locals. It’s like combining “The Hunger Games” with a relaxing day on the lake.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department even offers specific guidelines on how to do it properly. There are limits on what species you can target and where you can fish, but crossbow fishing itself? Totally fair game. It’s a niche hobby, but one you can absolutely brag about. Who needs a rod and reel when you’ve got firepower?
5. Own a Tank in Alabama
In Alabama, you can legally buy and own a fully operational tank—cannon and all. The only real restriction is that the main gun can’t fire live rounds without a very specific and hard-to-get federal license. But if you want a street-legal, decommissioned tank to drive around your property? No law against it, according to Peter Suciu from Security Clearance Jobs.
Some collectors even outfit their tanks for parades and special events. It’s a jaw-dropping hobby that’s a little louder and a lot more expensive than collecting vintage cars. Alabama’s lax laws on military vehicles make it a haven for tank enthusiasts. Just be prepared for a lot of curious neighbors.
6. Toss Octopuses on the Ice in Michigan
If you go to a Detroit Red Wings hockey game, you might see someone throw an octopus onto the ice—and it’s still totally legal. This bizarre tradition dates back to 1952 when a fish market owner tossed one onto the rink for good luck. Amazingly, the octopus toss became a beloved ritual, and today, fans keep it alive. You can’t be arrested for it (though the arena staff might glare at you).
The Red Wings even celebrate it with their giant octopus mascots, Al and Al Jr. Some arenas have tried to tone it down for cleanliness reasons, but there’s no law against it. Fans simply sneak in their cephalopods and hope security looks the other way. Only in Michigan would a seafood throw become a cherished tradition.
7. Build Your Own Nuclear Reactor in California (Under Certain Limits)
It sounds crazy, but you can legally build a small, non-operational nuclear reactor in your backyard in California. As long as it doesn’t produce actual nuclear material or dangerous radiation, you’re fine under the law. Hobbyists have built low-energy “fusors” (devices that mimic nuclear fusion) in their garages without issue. It’s nerdy, complicated—and totally permitted if you follow federal guidelines.
The moment you create dangerous byproducts, though, you’d be in serious trouble. But for the average backyard scientist just playing with deuterium gas and vacuum pumps? It’s all perfectly above board. It’s a fascinating loophole that feels like something straight out of a sci-fi novel. California truly is where dreams—good, bad, and bizarre—come true.
8. Race Lawnmowers in North Carolina
In North Carolina, racing souped-up lawnmowers is not only legal, it’s a popular competitive sport. Whole communities get together for these fast and furious grass-cutting battles. It’s exactly what it sounds like—high-speed, low-suspension chaos on wheels. And the best part is, there’s no special permit required to start your own local league.
Of course, you’ll need to take it off public roads to stay legal. Most races happen on private tracks or fairgrounds, complete with safety gear and lots of beer. The U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association even holds national championships. If you think NASCAR is too polished, this might just be your new thing.
9. Compete in a Rattlesnake Roundup in Texas
In Texas, it’s completely legal to participate in a rattlesnake roundup — where people catch wild rattlesnakes by the hundreds. These roundups happen every year in small towns like Sweetwater, and they’re treated as full-on festivals. Participants gather snakes using special tools, then show them off, weigh them, and sometimes even cook them. It’s one of those only-in-Texas events that sounds too wild to be real.
The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup is the largest of its kind and draws visitors from all over the country. You can legally catch, handle, and display rattlesnakes as long as you follow local wildlife regulations. The event is controversial with conservation groups but remains totally lawful and deeply rooted in tradition. If you’re looking for a bizarre way to get up close and personal with venomous creatures, this is it.
10. Open a Pirate Radio Station in Wyoming
Operating an unlicensed, low-power radio station is totally legal in Wyoming—if you stay within certain technical limits. Thanks to FCC Part 15 regulations, you can broadcast your own shows to your neighborhood without needing a big, expensive license. Think of it like your own personal podcast, but over the actual airwaves. In a state with wide open spaces, it’s a quirky but charming hobby.
People broadcast everything from local news to bluegrass jams to conspiracy theories. As long as your signal doesn’t interfere with licensed stations, you’re good. Wyomingites especially love how DIY the whole thing feels. It’s like stepping back into the golden age of radio, but with fewer rules.
11. Marry Your First Cousin in Tennessee
Shockingly, in Tennessee, it’s still perfectly legal to marry your first cousin. There’s no ban on cousin marriage at the state level, unlike in many other parts of the country. This is often brought up as a punchline, but legally, there’s nothing stopping two consenting adult cousins from tying the knot. It’s one of those laws that feels like it belongs to a different century, but it’s alive and well today.
Historically, cousin marriage was fairly common for keeping land and wealth within families. Modern attitudes have shifted, but the law stayed put. If you ever wanted a wedding with an extra-familiar guest list, Tennessee’s your spot. Weird? Absolutely. Legal? Completely.
12. Decline to Own a Fridge in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there’s no law requiring you to own a refrigerator—and in fact, some communities still use ice boxes. Particularly among the Amish and other off-grid groups, using modern electric appliances is entirely optional. You can live your whole life in Pennsylvania without ever plugging in a fridge and no one can make you. It’s one of those liberties you don’t think about until you hear someone choosing it.
Pennsylvania’s respect for alternative lifestyles runs deep in its legal structure. If anything, the state’s rural traditions encourage low-tech living. Whether you’re into minimalism or just hate appliance shopping, it’s completely fine. Just be prepared to explain your lifestyle choices to confused friends.
13. Legally Drive Backward on Certain Roads in Kentucky
In Kentucky, there’s no statewide law against driving in reverse—meaning it’s technically legal to back up for long distances, provided you do it safely. Some small towns even have local traditions of reverse parades, where cars drive backward down Main Street. It’s the kind of oddball celebration that could only happen in the South. Unless you cause an accident, nobody’s going to pull you over just for rolling in reverse.
Of course, reckless driving laws still apply, so you can’t be reckless about it. But slow, careful backward driving? Totally okay on many Kentucky streets. It’s a weird bit of road freedom you don’t see every day. Parallel parkers, rejoice!
14. Refuse to Wear Shoes in Public in Hawaii
In Hawaii, it’s fully legal to go barefoot almost everywhere—restaurants, malls, even grocery stores. While individual businesses can refuse service, there’s no statewide health code requiring footwear. You’ll often see locals and tourists alike strolling around shoeless without any hassle. It fits perfectly with Hawaii’s laid-back, beachy vibe.
The only real rule is if a specific building sets its own shoe policy. Otherwise, it’s “no shoes, no problem.” Some longtime residents even claim it’s healthier for your feet. In any case, you’re free to ditch your flip-flops and embrace island life at ground level.
