Dating as a teenager can be an exciting yet challenging experience. You want to impress your date and have a great time, but often have a limited budget.
Through my years of working with teens, I’ve learned that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to plan creative, meaningful dates. The key is focusing on getting to know each other, not trying to have the flashiest date ever.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide over 50 fun, inexpensive date ideas for teens based on real-world experience and expert advice.
Why Date Ideas Matter for Teens
Dating is an important part of the teenage experience. It helps you learn about relationships, build self-confidence, and make memories. Thoughtfully planned dates allow you to:
- Get to know your date better through fun activities and conversations
- Bond over shared interests like movies, music, games, etc.
- Have new experiences together like visiting a museum or festival
- Show your date you care by putting effort into planning something special
However, as a teen, you likely have a limited income from a part-time job or allowance. You don’t need to break the bank to impress your date. With creativity and advanced planning, you can plan dates that build your relationship without spending much money.
Tips for Planning Dates on a Budget
Here are my top tips for teens to plan affordable yet fun dates:
Take advantage of free activities: Museums, parks, beaches, and other public places offer entertainment at no cost. Do research to find free events happening locally.
Cook instead of eating out: Cooking a meal together at home is inexpensive and romantic. Pick easy recipes you can make together.
Matinee movies and discounts: See matinee show times and check for student discounts to make movies more affordable.
Group dates can cut costs: Double dates let you split costs and build new friendships.
DIY gifts show you care: Making something meaningful has more impact than buying gifts.
Take public transportation: Walking, biking, and public transit open up cheap date options.
Fun At-Home Date Ideas for Teens
Staying in for your date has many advantages – it’s free, comfortable, and private. Here are over 15 at-home date night ideas for teens:
Movie Marathon
Pick a genre you both love like rom-coms or superhero movies and watch back-to-back. Make popcorn, snuggle under blankets, and enjoy each other’s company.
Game Night
Break out board games and video games for some friendly competition. Mix up cooperative and versus games. Loser can plan the next date!
Bake Together
Look up an easy recipe for cookies, cupcakes or other treats. Bake while listening to music and enjoy the results together.
DIY Crafts
Make simple crafts like jewelry, art, or other DIY projects together. Get creative and make them as gifts for each other.
Scrapbooking
Dig out old photos and make a scrapbook for your relationship. Reminisce over memories and inside jokes.
Virtual Reality
Take turns trying VR games and experiences. This is an immersive way to explore new worlds together.
Dance Party
Crank up the tunes and have an impromptu dance party. Show off your best moves and laugh at yourself.
Karaoke
Sing your hearts out to cheesy pop songs. Take turns picking songs and put on performances.
Backyard Camping
Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and stargaze in the backyard. Trade childhood stories under the stars.
Exercise Class
Lead each other through at-home fitness routines. Try yoga, HIIT, aerobics – get your sweat on together!
Paint Night
Purchase inexpensive canvas boards and acrylic paints. Look up easy YouTube painting tutorials to follow along to.
Book Club
Pick a book to read, then discuss together over tea or coffee. Explore new stories and perspectives.
Make Music
Collaborate on song lyrics, record cover songs, or make beats on free digital audio workstations.
Solve a Puzzle
Puzzles engage your mind while chatting. Try jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, and more.
Study Session
Quiz each other to prepare for upcoming tests. Make flashcards and study aids for difficult subjects.
Spa Night
Exfoliate, give each other facials, experiment with nail art – pamper yourselves at home.
Video Chat Friends
Introduce your date to friends virtually. Play online games together or just catch up.
Fun Outdoor Date Ideas for Teens
Get some fresh air and adventure with these active outdoor date ideas:
Hiking
Explore new trails and parks in your area. Pack snacks and water and enjoy some exercise.
Picnic in the Park
Choose a scenic spot and pack a simple meal to enjoy outdoors. Bring a blanket, dishes, and games.
Farmer’s Market
Wander the booths at a local farmer’s market. Sample fresh foods and support local growers.
Botanical Garden Tour
See gorgeous gardens and plants. Find cozy benches for chatting in beautiful scenery.
Take a Cooking Class
Take free or inexpensive cooking classes together at your local kitchen supply store.
Go Fruit Picking
Visit an orchard or berry farm and pick ripe fruit. Enjoy the fruits of your labor after.
Outdoor Movie
Many parks and towns screen free outdoor movies. Cuddle up with snacks.
Go on a Bike Ride
Explore your town’s bike paths and parks. Pack a picnic to enjoy at your destination.
Tour Local Landmarks
Visit famous statues, buildings, and murals in your area. Take lots of photos.
Volunteer at Animal Shelter
Spend time with adorable rescue animals in need of attention and love.
Visit a Farmers Market
Support local growers and makers. Sample fresh foods and handcrafted goods.
Go Rollerblading
Go for a fun skate at the park or boardwalk. Hold hands so you don’t fall.
Walk Through an Arts District
Peruse public art installations. Pop into galleries.
Go Mini Golfing
Challenge each other to a competitive round of mini golf. Win a cute prize from the gift shop after.
Find a Scenic Lookout
Watch the sunset from a mountain overlook or skyline viewpoint. Soak in the beauty.
Fun Creative Date Ideas for Teens
Flex your creative muscles with these fun, crafty date ideas:
Craft Greeting Cards
Make handmade cards for each other for upcoming birthdays, holidays or just because.
Tie Dye Shirts
Tie dye shirts in cool patterns to create matching outfits. It’s messy fun.
Paint Pottery
Browse ceramics to paint at a local pottery studio. Leave with professional fired pieces.
Graffiti Art
Find a sanctioned graffiti wall or use canvas to make street art together. Design throw ups, murals and more.
Make Beats
Use free online music software to craft original beats. Write lyrics over them.
Knit Hats or Scarves
Knit warm accessories together. It’s relaxing and you get new clothes out of it.
Make Photo Collages
Collect your best photos then make collages and prints using scrapbooking supplies.
Upcycle Used Books
Give old books new life by making them into art objects. Try carving into them or decoupaging images and fabric onto them.
Make Friendship Bracelets
Weave colorful friendship bracelets for each other using embroidery floss. Great takeaway keepsake.
Make Edible Art
Sculpt and decorate cookies, cakes, pastries into beautiful designs. Take photos before eating your masterpieces.
Make Terrariums
Collect small plants and bits of nature to display in recycled glass containers.
Make Playlists
Curate playlists that represent your relationship. Write love notes in the descriptions.
Science Experiments
Conduct DIY experiments like making slime, volcanoes or elephant toothpaste. Get nerdy together.
Fun Date Ideas for Active Teens
If you and your date like sports and other active pursuits, try these dates:
Go Bowling
Keep it classic with bowling. Play games and share nachos after.
Take a Dance Class
Try a new style like salsa, hip hop or ballroom. Twirl each other around the dance floor.
Go Rock Climbing
Climb challenging routes at an indoor climbing gym. Conquer your fears together.
Skating
Go ice skating in the winter or roller skating in summer. Hold hands for balance.
Play Laser Tag
Dive behind barriers and dodge laser fire. Let your competitive sides out.
Go Surfing
Take surf lessons together at the beach. Bond while learning this thrilling sport.
Play Tennis
Smash balls back and forth across the net. Maybe take a lesson to improve your game.
Go Swimming
Make a splash at a community pool or water park. Slide down huge waterslides.
Hit up the Arcade
Play crane games, air hockey, skeeball. Win tickets to trade for prizes.
Jump on Trampolines
Flip into foam pits and race each other into the sky at trampoline parks.
Go Canoeing
Paddle a tandem canoe across a lake. Soak in beautiful nature views.
Hula Hooping
Learn hoop dance moves together. See who can keep their hips gyrating the longest.
Play Frisbee Golf
Toss flying discs into chain basket targets across a course. Enjoy friendly competition.
Take a Barre Class
Strengthen and tone core muscles through ballet-inspired moves.
Go Horseback Riding
Ride horses through the wilderness or on scenic beaches. A romantic activity.
Educational Date Ideas for Teens
Learning new things together stimulates your minds and brings you closer. Try:
Museum Visits
Explore exhibits on history, art, film or whatever interests you. Spark conversations.
Planetarium Show
Learn about space and the cosmos under immersive dome projections. Gaze at stars after.
Aquarium Visit
Observe incredible sea creatures through aquarium tunnels and tanks. Pet stingrays.
Botanical Garden Tour
Read placards to identify exotic plants and learn about ecosystems.
Take a Class
Learn new skills like coding, pottery, magic tricks or improv acting in affordable group classes.
Tour a Historic Home
Walk through antique homes. Imagine what life was like in earlier eras.
Visit a College Campus
Tour prospective colleges and visualize your future adventures there together.
Attend Lectures
Look for free lectures at colleges, libraries and museums on intriguing topics. Expand your knowledge.
Go to a Book Reading
Support local authors at free bookstore events. Discuss themes and ideas after.
Take a Craft Class
Learn skills like ceramics, jewelry making, woodworking and more from experts. Make artful souvenirs.
Tour a Science Lab
See where medical, physics, chemistry or engineering magic happens on college campuses.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Brush cats, walk dogs and learn about pet care while helping a good cause.
Fun Dates for Rainy Days
Don’t let bad weather ruin your date. Try these indoor activities when it’s raining out:
See a Movie
Catch a blockbuster, indie flick or classic cinema. Sneak snacks in your bag.
Go to a Concert
Dance the night away seeing live music. Rock out together.
Take a Cooking Class
Develop kitchen skills and sample the fruits of your labor.
Play Indoor Mini Golf
Navigate an intricate blacklight mini golf course.
Go Shopping
Try on crazy outfits and accessories. Compliment each other’s styles.
Make Crafts
Get creative making pottery, candles, terrariums or whatever strikes your interest.
Visit the Zoo
Observe all kinds of animals in enclosed indoor habitats. Learn fun animal facts.
Rent a Paddleboat
Paddle across an indoor lake for a unique experience.
See a Comedy Show
Crack up seeing stand up comics or improv troupes perform live.
Play Arcade Games
Play skeeball, air hockey, racing games and more. Win tickets for prizes.
Bowl
Stay dry while knocking down pins. Eat greasy alley fries.
Go Go Karting
Race electric go karts on indoor tracks. See who achieves the fastest lap time.
Check out an Indoor Playground
Climb through multi-level structures. Slide down huge slides. Feel like a kid again.
Visit a VR Arcade
Enter immersive virtual worlds together. Live out your fantasies.
See a Psychic
Get your palms read and fortunes told. Will your love last?
Romantic Date Ideas for Teens
For when you want to get a little sappy and sentimental, try:
Recreate Your First Date
Go back to the first place you really connected. Relive your first moments.
Watch the Sunset
Drive to a scenic viewpoint and watch the sun dip below the horizon wrapped in each other’s arms.
Plan a Special Picnic
Pack your partner’s favorite meal and dessert. Feed each other under the stars.
Stargaze
Lay a blanket in an open field or park. Gaze at the cosmos. Contemplate your vast love.
Cook a Romantic Dinner
Make your date’s favorite meal. Dine by candlelight.
Write Love Letters
Pen old-fashioned love letters. Seal them with a kiss.
Make a Custom Music Playlist
Curate romantic songs that remind you of your relationship. Listen while slow dancing.
Exchange Promise Rings
Give inexpensive but meaningful rings as symbols of your commitment.
Watch the Sunrise
Wake up early to welcome the dawn wrapped in blankets. The sunrise symbolizes your growing relationship.
Have a Spa Night
Draw baths, give massages, light candles. Pamper each other.
Make Art For Each Other
Express your adoration through poetry, song, paintings or crafts.
Watch a Romantic Movie
Snuggle up with romantic comedies or dramas. Shed tears together.
Fun Date Ideas for Competitive Teens
If you and your date both have a competitive edge, try these dates:
Mini Golf
Keep track of your scores. Reward the winner with a kiss.
Bowl
See who can knock down the most pins. Loser buys milkshakes after.
Play Pool
Challenge each other to a game. Up the stakes with bets.
Take a Cooking Class
See whose dishes come out tasting better.
Play Trivia
Join a live team trivia night. Prove your random knowledge.
Race Go Karts
Bump and nudge to get ahead. Don’t play too dirty.
Enter a 5K Race
Train together then set PRs in an organized run. Award medals after.
Play Ping Pong
Volley the ball back and forth. Fight for every point.
Play Foosball
Try to score goals on the mini soccer table. No hands allowed.
Have a Dance Off
Show off your best dance moves. See who can out jam the other. Record and share online.
Play Laser Tag
Hunt each other down. Try to rack up the most points.
Enter an Escape Room
Collaborate to solve puzzles before time elapses. Put your thinking caps on.
Creative High School Date Ideas
Here are unique date concepts to stand out:
Recreate an Amusement Park Ride
Build a DIY rollercoaster from cardboard. Use your imagination.
Have a Living Room Campout
Pitch a blanket fort. Tell ghost stories inside by flashlight. Make s’mores in the oven or microwave.
Hold a Photo Shoot
Play model and photographer. Edit images after – make them trendy or whimsical.
Perform Science Experiments
Make elephant toothpaste or slime. Get a hands-on science lesson. Wear goggles and lab coats.
Make an Obstacle Course
Set up a timed obstacle course in the yard. Vault over hurdles and skip through sprinklers.
Have a Meme Competition
Find funny photos and make witty memes from them. Roast each other all in good fun.
Recreate a Movie Scene
Act out an iconic moment from your favorite movie. Post your reenactment online.
Make TikTok Videos
Film funny skits, dances, or challenges. Duet each other’s clips.
Play Retro Video Games
Relive throwback games like Mario Kart or Dance Dance Revolution. Immerse yourselves in nostalgia.
Do Mystery Box Painting
Have each other secretly paint something. Wrap canvases. Unwrap and finish each other’s art.
Give Each Other Makeovers
Experiment with hair, makeup styles, and outfits. Don’t take yourselves too seriously.
Make a time capsule
Put meaningful mementos and predictions for the future in a box. Bury it to unearth years later.
Conclusion
Dating as a teenager is a thrilling time to get to know yourself and build meaningful relationships. While dating can be challenging on a limited budget, it is certainly possible to plan fun, creative dates that allow you to bond without breaking the bank.
The key is focusing on shared activities that facilitate conversation and exploration, not extravagances. Simple pleasures like cooking dinner together, stargazing, visiting museums, and playing games build intimacy. When you put thought into planning dates that align with your mutual interests and values, you demonstrate caring.
Affordable dates planned with intention allow you to make treasured high school memories. One day you may look back fondly on nights spent chatting over ice cream, adventuring through the botanic gardens, or laughing yourselves silly during karaoke. Dating is temporary, but the lessons you learn about empathy, vulnerability and sacrifice lay the groundwork for future healthy relationships.
While youthful attraction fades with time, true love rooted in friendship weathers life’s storms. So relish this special time in your lives. The excitement and exploration of adolescence soon gives way to adult responsibilities. For now, focus on laughing often and supporting each other through difficulties. If you can emerge from the crucible of high school dating as better, kinder, stronger people, you will be equipped to build an enduring love in the years to come.