Acuity: intake form - date field workaround

Hi, 
I need to look at options for collecting a date value in the booking process.

Currently, a text field is being used in the intake form but this has implications when using this data in the CRM (data synced using Zapier). We are trying to remove manual checking where possible and maintain a smooth user experience. 

Are there any workarounds suggested for getting reliable date values without a date picker field option? It's just Acuity in use, not a SS site.  

Thanks!

Any updates on this one? 

Date fields are essential to any intake form. Any update?