Coming up with the perfect date idea is hard for everyone, even when you have a real job and a little money. It’s even harder when you don’t have jack and you have to ask dad for $20 to take your crush out. High school is hard enough without getting the reputation of being a terrible date. The perfect date might be elusive, but it’s not impossible, and we have tons of date ideas to ensure that you get that second date. This guide has 45 fun date ideas for teenage couples, ranging from first dates and free dates to fair-weather and winter dates. Alright, let’s go!
Couples Love These Date Ideas
Adventures from Scratch: Date Edition offers 50+ creative ideas for exciting dates! When it’s time to choose, all you have to do is pick a page and scratch off the silver surface to reveal your surprise activity. A helpful key allows you to choose specifics, so you can be sure the date is budget-friendly and meets the criteria you’re looking for. Bonus content, like conversation prompts and other interactive elements, will help you deepen your bond and make the most of your time together. Grab your copy today!
Teenage Date Ideas For First Dates
For a first date, you want something that allows you to get in a good conversation IRL. Movies aren’t really a good idea, and you don’t want something that’s too active. You also don’t want something that is super intimate, as you don’t want to scare your date off. So, think public but not super loud, and keep it light and fun!
Before you head out, check this list of “45 Questions to Ask on a First Date.” While there, you might want to learn about some “Things to Do on a First Date to Make a Good Impression.”
1. Hit up the coffee shop.
A coffee shop is the perfect first date idea. It’s public, but it’s generally quiet. They are usually comfortable and pretty environments, so you don’t have to do anything to create a romantic atmosphere. A two-person table in the corner allows you to get to know each other, and if the date goes terribly, at least you got a great coffee out of it. Either take your date to your favorite shop or ask them what their favorite is and go there. It will give you a chance to learn a bit about each other by analyzing your date’s favorite spot!
2. Grab an ice cream.
An ice cream date is perfect for a first one. First of all, everyone loves ice cream! Also, it’s lighthearted and fun. Grab a dessert from a street stand or your favorite ice cream shop and then take a walk through a nice part of town or a city park. A park bench is a great spot to talk, eat your ice cream, and maybe steal a first kiss.
3. Explore a nearby city.
Scavenger hunts are the perfect idea for a first date! Not only are they expertly created for friendly competition and fun, but it takes very little effort on your part! Let us guide you through town seeing the best sights, learning about local attractions, and snapping cute selfies together!
4. Stroll through a city park or botanical garden.
We know. This might sound boring, but—we promise—it can be very fun! If you’re skaters, bring your boards. If not, take a walk on foot. Gardens are great because they smell good. They are beautiful. They are pretty quiet. Botanical gardens make the perfect background for Insta shots and Tik Tok vids, and they are just romantic all on their own with no effort from you.
5. Try an escape room.
There is no better way to test your compatibility than to see if you can make it through an escape room together. They are exciting, fun, and a little bit scary! Plus, you will find out a lot about your date. You can see how they handle stress, what they are afraid of, how their mind works under pressure, and if they are competitive or not. Just make sure you take some time after you escape to talk for a while. Go for coffee or grab some ice cream after and talk about how impressed you were with their escape skills or lack thereof. This is a great double date idea too! The more brains the better.
6. Get in a good laugh!
You want someone with a great sense of humor, right? Someone funny and fun is at the top of most of our lists in a significant other. Pick a date that allows you to laugh at yourselves like a karaoke night. It might be kind of hard to find this in smaller areas, but if you live in a big city with a teen club, check out karaoke night or a comedy night. If not, just bust out your little sister’s karaoke machine and get after it.
It’s one of the best date ideas to see if you have similar senses of humor and if you can laugh together. If they aren’t fun, now you know, and you only wasted one date. Just remember not everyone is outgoing. They may not want to sing. You may not either. That doesn’t mean you can’t laugh together at the ones who do brave the stage!
7. Impress them with your trivia knowledge.
Join a local trivia game at a restaurant in your town. Some games have age limits, but not all do. Gather a few friends for this one, because you’re going to need all the brains you can get. In a lot of restaurants, the prizes are gift certificates, so you might even get your next date paid for!
8. Go on a ghost hunt!
Stay close to each other while you track down the spookiest sites in town. With a ghost tour from Let’s Roam, you’ll know just where to look! Share ghost stories while you earn points on challenges and snap pics. An experience like this is bound to bring you closer together!
Free or Cheap Date Ideas
You don’t have to break the bank to have a great date night! You don’t have to spend anything at all, actually. The point of a date is to get to know each other or to spend time with someone you like. It doesn’t need to be fancy or super impressive. Some of our favorite date night ideas are totally free.
9. Go window shopping.
Shopping is not a cheap date, but window shopping is totally free! We love this date because you can easily find out what your bae likes before holiday time or Valentine’s Day pops up. You can take mental notes and start saving up for something you know they will love. Plus, if you remember that skirt she showed you on your first date, months later, you’re going to get some serious best boyfriend points!
If you’re pretty good with talking and listening, then this is a fun idea. If you struggle to hold a conversation, then you might want to look for something a little bit more active! See the outdoor date ideas section below!
10. Get a game night going!
Game night is a fun time that’s easy to set up and doesn’t cost a lot of money. Gather a few friends and make it a double date. Games are more fun with a few more people. If you have no money, have each person bring their favorite game and you can play one round of each. You can also buy a new board game or try out a virtual game night from Let’s Roam!
Not only is this a fun activity, but you also get to see how competitive your date is, figure out what their favorite childhood games were, and hear stories about their family game nights. You can learn a lot about each other on game night, and the only money you will need to spend is monopoly money…assuming your raid mom and dad’s pantry for snacks!
11. Teach your date your hobby.
If you have been talking for a while, it’s time to teach them your favorite hobby. Are you a DIY pro? Then, teach them how to build or paint something! If you have an athletic skill, ask them to come play along. If you’re an artist, a musician, or whatever, share it. However, if you really want to look good, forget your hobby, and ask your date to teach you their thing!
12. Play frisbee.
If the weather is nice, a frisbee costs like $1 or less at the dollar store. Grab one head for an open area. If your town has a frisbee golf course, then competing in a game is a lot of fun, but if not, just toss the frisbee around while you talk. Pack a picnic dinner and watch the sunset. It’s a romantic date that doesn’t cost anything.
13. Stargaze.
If you have been talking for a while and want a romantic date, find a high place to go stargazing. This could be a mountain peak, the roof of your house, or an open field. Stargazing doesn’t cost anything and seeing what animals and random shapes you can find is one of those inexplicably fun things that most people like doing.
P.S. most guys are actually better at deep conversation when they aren’t face-to-face with the other person. Research shows they feel more open when both people are facing the same direction. So, you may find that your boyfriend is a better conversationalist when you’re stargazing!
14. Explore the thrift store.
Thrift stores are a fun teen date because you can find some seriously awesome stuff in there, especially if your town has true vintage flea markets. Try on all the 80s puffy dresses and ridiculous ugly sweaters. Set up your own little photo booth and go crazy with the Insta shots. You might even find an outfit for your next date!
15. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to bathe the pooches and take them for walks. If you and your date are animal lovers, consider setting up a day for you to visit your local shelter and help out! This will allow you to spend time together and do something that makes the world a little better place!
16. Have a movie night.
While a movie theater isn’t a good first date (and it’s not cheap!), you can totally have a movie night at home! Binge-watch some Netflix or pull out an old favorite from your childhood. Tell your date to bring their fave too. Pop some popcorn and make some hot chocolate. If your town has a drive-thru movie, those are great options too!
17. Go putt-putt.
Mini golf is just fun and easy for everyone. It’s good for a duo or a group of friends, and it’s usually pretty cheap. For a little extra closeness, you can always help each other with your form.
18. Help out a neighbor.
Spend an afternoon together making someone else’s day a whole lot better. Rake the leaves, mow the lawn, or clean the pool for one of your neighbors. You just wanna hang out with your boo, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. You’ll still have a blast, and you will be doing something kind for someone else! You never know how much they might need it.
19. Volunteer to babysit.
Do you have little siblings, or does your date? You might be surprised how much fun they can be! Volunteer to hang out with them for the day while your parents get away. Build a sandcastle. Build forts. Make giant leaf piles. Do all the stuff your parents don’t ever let them do. Eat ice cream. Jump on the bed. Then, when it’s their naptime, you can chill together for a Netflix binge.
20. Exercise together.
Is your girl a yoga lover? Does your boyfriend love a HIIT workout? Might as well get looking good together. We love this date because you get in some good habits. You don’t have to spend anything at all, and it’s fun! Try out one of those couple’s acro-yoga videos and see how you do. Once you’re good and sweaty, go for a swim in a pool or the local lake!
Outdoor Date Ideas for Teenage Couples
If your love interest is the outdoors type, you’re in luck. Outdoors dates are easy to plan. There are literally a million things to do. Just choose a pretty spot that sets the mood and bring some food, and you are good to go!
21. Take a hike.
Hiking is a fun way to spend an afternoon date, and it’s usually completely free. Make sure to pack snacks, a blanket, and plenty of water! Bring your swimsuits too. Any good hiking trail has some sort of waterfall or pool to swim in! After your hike, find a campsite or firepit to make s’mores and watch the sunset! It’s a perfect day that’s almost free!
22. Show off your climbing skills.
If you’re brave and athletic try rock climbing for an active date. Most cities have indoor rock climbing walls, but you could also take a tour for rappelling or rock climbing in your local state park. If you have never done it before, then definitely go with one of the indoor rock walls!
23. Amuse each other.
If you got that summer job and you have a little extra money to spend, head for the water park or amusement park and spend a day riding the rides. Race down the slides, cuddle on the lazy river, and chow down on irresistible carnival food!
24. Take a ride.
A bike ride is a perfect alternative to hiking. It’s active, but not quite as hard as a tough hike. You get to see pretty scenery and have plenty of time for chatting. Plus, doing something active helps you have conversation easier and it not be so awkward. Take some food with you and stop at a good overlook for lunch or dinner!
25. Go jump in a lake!
Head for the nearest body of water and spend a day swimming. It’s cheap and easy. You don’t have to worry about what to wear. There isn’t much planning needed. It’s perfect. Just pack some snacks and some sunscreen, and you’re good to go.
26. Rent a kayak.
To see if you are compatible, then there is no better way than to rent a two-person kayak or canoe. If you can make it through the day on the river without breaking up, then you have a real chance! Don’t forget to pack the food, and you might want to do a little YouTube tutorial on how to steer before you go…just saying!
27. Watch a game!
If your town has a major or minor league sports team, then book some cheap tickets and go watch the game. Baseball games for example are super fun. There is usually free entertainment at the stadium included in your ticket price. Buy some sodas and hot dogs, and you might even win some free prizes during the giveaways that most stadiums have during downtimes in the game! At many parks, the outfield seating is either very cheap or free. Just bring a blanket or a couple of lawn chairs.
28. Chill at the beach.
Most beaches don’t cost a thing. Pack up the blanket and a frisbee or volleyball and go! You can surf, boogie board, or dance in the waves all day… or just hang on the sand. It’s up to you two. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. A beach day is a good day, any way you go about it!
29. Hang a hammock.
If your date is more of a bookworm or napper than the athletic type, then hang a hammock in your local park and spend the afternoon in it together. Read a book. Play video games on your phone, or just chill and talk.
30. Go on an art walk.
Have you ever checked out the street art in your city? Public pieces can be super impressive! You just need to know where to find them. With the guidance of Let’s Roam, you’ll have all the info you need at your fingertips. Just download the app and check the locations for art walks and mural hunts!
Winter Date Ideas for Teenage Couples
Winter dates get a little harder and require a bit more planning. You can’t just go outside and run around, but we still have plenty of options to keep you guys entertained and keep the sparks flying through the cold weather!
31. Celebrate the holidays with a tour of lights.
There is nothing more magical than all the fancy houses in town, lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. Hop in the car and take a drive. Just stop by Starbucks first and grab some cocoa. Jump out at each house and get a snap or two for Insta and then hope to the next neighborhood. It’s an easy date that your bae will love.
32. Go ice skating.
If your local park has a skating rink in the winter or you have a stadium near you, then strap on your ice skates and show off your moves…or lack thereof. If you can’t skate at all, that’s fine, they will just spend the whole date in tears from laughing, and that’s great too. Part of being a great couple is learning to laugh at yourselves!
33. Cook for each other.
If you don’t know it yet, the way to most people’s hearts is through their belly. So, if you want to impress your date, spend some time making dinner for them yourself! Surely, you know how to make something, even if it’s chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. Make some cookies too!
34. Visit a museum.
Winter weather can be gross, so head inside for a day at one of your city’s museums. Pick something fun like a discovery museum or wildlife museum. If your date loves art, then suffer through some art exhibits for them. Some cities have some weird and funny museums, so do a quick Google search and see what’s available in your town. You might be surprised!
35. Have a bonfire.
Winter is the perfect time to get cozy by the fire. If your family has a firepit, use that. Maybe your local beach allows bonfires, build one there. If you have a pasture or large yard and your parents won’t freak out, build a small fire there. Roast some hot dogs and make some s’mores. Invite your friends, crank your favorite songs, and end the night stargazing. Perfect.
36. Build a snowman.
If your part of the world gets lots of snow, then have a snowman-building competition. Challenge your date to see who can build the most unique snowman. Post the pics on your Insta stories and have friends vote on a winner. Loser buys dinner!
37. Go sledding!
You don’t need a sled to go sledding, anything that’s flat will work. Find a hill near your home and challenge each other to a day of racing. It’s a playful date that’s fun and active, and you can always warm up with some cocoa by the fire later!
38. Make a time capsule.
If you have been together for a while, and you know you will be for a good while longer, sit down and make a time capsule. Grab a coffee can and put some special things in it. Notes you have written to each other, pics of the two of you, even write down your dreams that you have together and what you think your future will look like. When the ground warms up enough, you can bury it somewhere that’s special to the both of you. In a few years, go dig it up and have a laugh!
39. Have a study date.
Studying sucks, but it’s part of the game. Winter is especially busy with semester tests and crap. So, have a date where you bring whatever material is the hardest, and you and your date help each other out until you ace it! If you want to impress her dad, a study date is a pretty good way to go about it.
40. Visit an arcade.
If you are gamers, head for the arcade! Even better, most bowling alleys have an arcade attached. It’s a great place to spend the night because you have everything you need in one place. You can bowl a couple of games, eat the food, play a few games of air hockey, and you can spend all your money trying to win her one of those stuffed animals out of the stupid claw machine!
41. Go shopping together.
Your bf/gf probably has great taste. They are dating you, right? So, get their opinion on the perfect gift for mom. Spend the day at the mall or Target doing your Christmas shopping together. Pay attention while you shop to all the things they stop to stare at say they like and then go back and get stuff for them later!
42. Explore indoors.
You don’t need to go outside to have a scavenger hunt. You don’t need to do any planning at all either. Hop on our Let’s Roam app and download our guided indoor scavenger hunt for couples. We will take care of all the planning, and you guys can just have fun. You will compete in ridiculous challenges, complete with photo challenges and unique activities designed to help you get closer. These hunts are fun to do by yourselves or with another couple! Once you have downloaded the hunt, you can do them any time.
43. Throw your own dance party.
Set up a speaker and your Spotify list and impress your bae with your best moves. Sing along at the top of your lungs. Have a dance competition. Get close during the slow jams, and show off your moves on TikTok! Are you even a couple if you don’t compete in TikTok dance challenges? We think not!
44. Have a retro night.
Go old-school with a date from your grandparents’ era. Talk to memaw and peepaw and see what they would have done for a date when they were 16? Once you have your date planned, you can even see if they have any of their old vintage clothes you could borrow, or you could hit up the Goodwill and see what you find. Go all out. Take tons of photos, even better if you can get one of those Polaroid cameras that spits out vintage-like photos. These will be great for your time capsule later! Plus, you will remember this silly date forever.
45. Engage in some friendly competition!
Forget the board games and bust out the physical ones. Have a bean bag fight. Compete in an Indian Leg Wrestling match (Seriously, Google it!), or test your flexibility with a game of Twister. If nothing else, you will get a good laugh out of it and get all tangled up together.
Closing Thoughts
Dating is hard at any age, and it’s super hard when you don’t have any money, and you may still be a bit awkward! Don’t worry though. You’re going to do fine. Pick one of these fun activities that you think your date will love and go for it! If they hate it, try again next time. To take some of the pressure off, make sure that you alternate planning your dates! This way both of you get to do the things you want to do, and you both get to try new things, together!
Let us know which date sounds fun to you, and where you are going to go in the comments!
For more amazing, adventurous, and cute date ideas, check out “Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition“. These awesome books are expertly crafted to create sparks. There are over 50 perfectly planned dates, tons of conversation starters, and even a journal for documenting your dates!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best outdoor ideas for teen dates include stargazing, making s’mores over a bonfire, or having an adventure day with kayaking, biking, or hiking.
First dates for teens include city scavenger hunts, strolling through a nearby park, taking in a comedy show, or exploring a botanical garden.
Winter date ideas for teens include ice skating, building a snowman, going on a tour of holiday lights, in-home scavenger hunts, or making a time capsule!
We get it—sometimes, cash is hard to come by. Don’t worry! Pick your next date from this list of the best free or inexpensive dates for teens! For more ideas, check out Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition!