This post: 55 Summer Date Ideas for Teens That Won’t Break the Bank
If your teen is looking to have fun with their crush this summer or they’ve been itching to ask someone out on a date but they’re a tad short on cash (like most teens are), we’ve rounded up a bunch of fun summer date ideas that are anything but boring AND, they won’t break the bank.
Whether it’s a special one-on-one date, a first date with someone they’re hoping to impress, or they round up a few of their couple friends and go on a fun group date, these date ideas will help your teen make amazing summer memories they’ll cherish forever. Check out these 55 fun summer date ideas for teens!
55 Summer Date Ideas for Teens That Won’t Break the Bank
Plan a Picnic in the Park
Sometimes, the simplest dates turn out to be the most special. Grab a comfy blanket, pack a cooler full of drinks and a nice picnic lunch (or pick up sandwiches or fried chicken along the way), and find a cozy spot in the park for a fun afternoon. Don’t forget to bring your favorite playlist and a frisbee!
Attend a Baseball Game
Looking for a date idea that’s more casual? Spend an afternoon at a baseball game munchin’ on peanuts and hotdogs. It’s fun, it’s inexpensive and it’s one of those low-pressure easy dates that anyone would love.
Go Hiking at Sunrise
Pick your date up at the crack of dawn, hike up the nearest mountain, and catch the sunrise while drinking coffee and munching on bagels or doughnuts. There’s just something about being outside and enjoying nature that’s really romantic and special. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
Go For a Drive
Crank up your favorite playlist, buckle up, and hit the road for a long drive to well… nowhere. Who says every date has to be planned to perfection? Sometimes, the most casual, impromptu dates are the best.
Go Out for Ice Cream
Is there anything better than ice cream to cool you off on a hot summer night? So, pick up your date, roll the windows down in the car, and head to the nearest ice cream parlor – make it three scoops so the date lasts longer.
Head to a Local Festival
Whether it’s an arts and crafts festival, an outdoor (free or cheap) music festival, or a summer food festival, heading to a fun local festival is a great way to hang out, get to know your date (or get to know them better) and enjoy the tastes and sounds of local fare without spending a fortune.
Go Stargazing
Wait for the perfect night… you know, when the stars are so bright that it almost seems like you can reach out and grab one and then call your crush and tell them you’re picking them up in 20 minutes (don’t tell them why). Grab a blanket and sit in the grass in an open field or just sit on the hood of your car and take it all in while listening to the crickets and soft music in the background.
Make Dinner Together
Even if you’re a little clueless in the kitchen, who cares? That’s the fun of it! Just pick a recipe you both agree on, put your aprons on, and get cooking.
Head to the Zoo
Are you ever too old for the zoo? Buy your date a big bag of popcorn and stroll along enjoying the elephants, polar bears, monkeys, and pink flamingos.
Have a Netflix Night
Escape from the heat of summer by planning a fun indoor movie night complete with popcorn, drinks, and movie-style candy (ahem… a must-have). Then, hunker down on the couch with your sweetie and watch a summer classic, comedy, or a super scary movie so you can snuggle in with your date.
Make a Few Furry Friends at an Animal Shelter
Is there anything more fun to do with your date than cozy up with a sweet puppy or cuddle up with an adorable kitten? This date won’t cost you a dime, but it will definitely fill your heart to the brim.
Tour a City
Rent a bike or scooter and dive into city life by visiting all the coolest Inta-worthy spots the city is known for. Grab a quick lunch at a little cafe, stroll through the streets, and hit a few shops for a relaxing and fun day you’ll never forget.
Play Mini Golf
When was the last time you (or your date) played mini golf? It’s a fun and (moderately) inexpensive thing to do that’ll get you both laughing… because seriously, is anyone really good at mini-golf?
Be Kids for a Day
Hit a Lego store at the mall and build something, have a water balloon fight, or break out a silly game you loved as a kid like Chutes n’ Ladders. You’re never too old to bring out the kid in you…
Spend the Day Spashin’ in the Pool
Perfect group date idea! Pack a cooler, a few sandwiches, and snacks, and head to the pool for a fun day in the sun. Be sure to bring your favorite summertime playlist, a few floaties, and water games (and the sunscreen, of course), and enjoy the afternoon chillin’ and being silly.
Go Thrifting Together
A lot of teen girls swear by the amazing bargains they find thrifting, but not a lot of guys go. Introduce your guy crush to the cool deals he can find by hitting the town’s best thrift stores.
Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
A lot of cities and towns offer a summer movie series where you can bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars for free. It’s a fun, casual date idea that’s great for couples or a group date!
Take a Ghost Tour
There’s nothing like a few spooky stories to bring you and your date closer together… literally! Check out your local listing for ghost tours they offer through historic or abandoned buildings – you might be surprised how much fun they really are!
Try Out an Escape Room
Escape the summer heat by spending a few hours working together to escape a room. It’s a great way to find out how well your boyfriend or girlfriend and you work together under pressure.
Ride a Roller Coaster
Whether you hit the local carnival or really splurge and head to a big amusement park, jump on the scariest, tallest roller coaster and get ready for some serious screams. It’s a great first-date idea.
Go Paddleboarding
Try stand-up paddleboarding on a calm lake or river and enjoy the tranquility of being on the water with your favorite cutie!
Visit a Museum
Nearly every town or village has a few museums (some that are free!) that you and your boyfriend or girlfriend have likely never been to. Perfect to escape the heat on a hot summer day or when it’s raining.
Make an Epic Dessert Together
Let your sweet tooth be your guide when you choose which epic dessert to make. Maybe it’s a colossal chocolate cake or an ice cream pie – whatever tickles your fancy, make it together! Check out these easy desserts ANY teen can make!
Go Rollerblading
Put on your rollerblades and glide along a scenic path or boardwalk. Stop along the way and take in the sounds of nature.
Plan a Beach Day
If you live near the beach, pack up the car and head out for a fun day in the sun and sand with your sweetie. If you round up a few other couples you can get a fun game of beach volleyball going or if you just want to chill, bring your favorite music and a good book, and catch some rays. (Don’t forget to take a romantic stroll on the beach at sunset.) Check out these fun beach games!
Make a TikTok Video
It’s time to get really silly and craft a video with your cutie. Love to dance? Want to do a skit? How ’bout making a recipe together? Pretty much anything goes on TikTok so you can have fun with this idea.
Have an Epic Water Gun or Nerf Gun Fight
If it’s blazing hot outside, break out the water guns. If it’s raining (or you and your sweetie need a reprieve from the heat), break out the Nerf guns! Ask a few other friends or couples to join in and have fun bringing back old memories, because seriously… you’re never too old for a water or Nerf fun fight!
Head to an Outdoor Water Park
Sure, it’s a tad more expensive, but you and your date will have a blast enjoying all the water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads.
Go Bungee Jumping
For couples with adventurous spirits, why not make some heart-pounding memories you’ll never forget? (You might want to ask your mom for approval just to make sure she doesn’t freak out.)
Go Kayaking, Canoeing, or Tubing Down a River
Cool off on a hot summer day by taking your date down a river. Choose your favorite transportation – whether it’s a kayak, canoe, or cruising slowly in an inner tube… it’s SUCH a fun date idea!
Go on a Zip-Lining Adventure
Soar through the sky on a zip line and get your and your date’s heart racing! You really can’t go wrong with this idea!
Enjoy a Beach Bonfire
If you live near a beach, grab your cutie (fun for a group date, too!) and spend an evening at the beach roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, listening to music, and enjoying a bonfire under the stars.
Play Rich for a Day
Hit the mall and visit the most expensive stores there. Then, pretend you’re loaded (you know… dripping in money) and try on clothes you could never afford… just for fun.
Go Indoor Rock Climbing
Even if you or your date have never rock climbed before, indoor rock climbing experts can show you the ropes. (Ahem… no pun intended.)
Go to a Drive-In Movie
Ready for some ‘ole fashioned date night fun? Go to a drive-in movie! They’re making a comeback which is great because they’re a ton of fun. Great date night idea for you and your crush or ask another couple and go on a double date.
Hit a Local Flea or Farmer’s Market
Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! You can find so many weird, interesting, and cool things at flea markets, and farmer’s markets always have cool things you try like homemade jams, jellies, and dips. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with a date when you’re stumped on what to do.
Have a Game Night
Whether you break out the old favorites (like Monopoly) or try out a few new games, you can have a blast with a few other couples (or alone) playing board games. Don’t forget lots of drinks and snacks! Stumped on which game to play? Check out these popular games for teens.
Make Your Own Pizza
Umm… not just any pizza. Try something different and unique. Check out these fun pizza recipes!
Visit an Aquarium
This idea probably tops the list as the most expensive, but if you’re in the mood to splurge on your date (just a quick FYI, it’s okay to go Dutch!), this date idea is sure to impress.
Hit the Local Food Trucks
In the mood for tacos? Chilly cheese fries? Mexican? A slushie? Pick up your favorite girl or guy and check out your town’s local food trucks. It’s a fun, inexpensive date that’ll let you fill up on your favorite foods!
Check Out a Brand New Breakfast Spot
Looking for a casual date idea that’s different and not too stuffy or romantic? Why not make a breakfast date and dive into some chocolate chip pancakes or waffles piled high with strawberries and whipped cream? It won’t break the bank and it’s a fun, no-pressure way to spend a morning with your crush.
Take a Nap in a Hammock Together
Who says you have to do something on a date? A date can be anything you’re both in the mood to do. So, why not find the coziest outdoor spot you can find (like a relaxing hammock) and catch a few Zzzzs together?
Volunteer Together
Put some good out into the world by volunteering for a cause you’re both passionate about. Check out the Humane Society, a local food pantry, or Habitat for Humanity – whatever speaks to your heart.
Have Lunch on an Outdoor Patio
Whether you whip up your own lunch and eat it on your backyard patio or you head out in search of the best restaurant patio in town, just being outside can make you and your date feel like you’re both on vacation.
Run a Marathon Together
Summer is the perfect time to get in shape – so, why not make a vow to do it with your boyfriend or girlfriend? Create a training schedule and then run a marathon together.
Watch the Sunset
Those summer sunsets can surely stir up a little romance. So, grab your favorite girl or guy and head to the highest and best place around to watch the gorgeous sunset. (The perfect spot to sneak in a kiss!)
Do a DIY Project Together
Build a bench for your boyfriend’s bedroom. Make a headboard for your girlfriend’s room. Or, find the perfect tree and start building a treehouse. Whatever the two of you fancy, DIY projects can be a fun way to come together and get really creative.
Do the Most “Touristy” Thing in Your Town or City (That You’ve Never Done)
Check out that one touristy spot that you’ve both been secretly wanting to go to but haven’t yet. Make sure you take lots of selfies so you always remember.
Go to the Gym Together
Hop on the treadmill side-by-side, spot each other when you’re lifting weights, and challenge each other to a certain number of reps. As an added bonus, grab a healthy salad at a nearby restaurant afterward.
Make Smoothies Together
There’s a smoothie out there for everyone… even for people who don’t think they like smoothies! From berry smoothies to thick smoothies that mimic classic desserts, you and your cutie are bound to find one you love. Looking for smoothie recipes? Check these out!
Have a Couples Photo Shoot
Visit Insta-worthy, scenic places and take a bunch of couples photos and then post them on Instagram for the world to see.
Check Out an Arcade or Go-Kart Track
Want to have fun with your date without having to hold a conversation the whole time? Go-karting or going to an arcade is a great way to have fun and laugh without any pressure.
Get Pedicures Together
More guys are getting into pedicures and… why not? Shouldn’t they enjoy being pampered, too? So, visit your local nail salon, sit side-by-side and get pampered together.
Bake Cookies
What teenager doesn’t love cookies? That’s what makes baking cookies such a fun date idea! Even if you’ve never baked a cookie in your life, you and your crush will have a blast making them together.
Have a Coffee Date
Head to the nearest Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, or cafe and sip on your favorite iced coffee while getting to know each other – the perfect first date idea that won’t empty your pockets.
Summer date ideas for teens don’t have to break the bank! With a little creativity, you can plan a memorable date you and your date will always remember!
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