Want to hear some fun First Date Ideas for Teens?
First dates are intimidating (for anyone). But when you’re a teenager going on your very first date, the anxiety can be overwhelming. Where should you go? How much should you spend? What will you talk about? Should you kiss them? There’s so many things running through your mind!
But take a deep breath – you’ve got this! Your first date should be fun, light, and exciting – not anxiety ridden. So we’re here to answer all of your first date questions, and give you some ideas for fun first dates that can help to ease the anxiety of dating for your first time.
First Date FAQ
Before we give you some date ideas, let’s answer some burning questions:
Where should you go on a first date?
We’ll dive more into this topic later, but for now, let’s keep it simple. A good rule for your first teenage date is to keep it local. Other than that, the skies are the limit! We’ll share some of our favorite first date ideas below.
How much should you spend on a first date?
As a teenager, you probably don’t have a lot of money to spend. The good news is, people who spend a lot of money on a first date are missing the point.
The point isn’t to financially impress your date – it’s to get to know them.
So you don’t have to spend $100 on dinner for your first date.
Rather, take them somewhere that you can talk and enjoy each other’s company. It doesn’t have to cost a lot (or even a thing). Some of the best first date ideas are free!
Who should pay the bill?
Twenty years ago, the answer to this question would have been simple – the man always foots the bill. But today, the answer isn’t so simple.
What if the woman wants to pay the bill? What if two men are on a date? What if two women are on a date? So to keep things simple, we say whoever did the invitation pays the bill.
What should you talk about?
As a teenager on your first date, you’re not expected to go too deep. Keep things simple.
What do you like to do? What do you want to be when you’re older? What are your passions?
You can talk about anything you want really. The key is to always be honest and open.
You don’t want your date to like you for something you’re not.
Be your authentic self and if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be. If it’s not, we promise, there will be someone else out there to date!
Are you expected to kiss your date?
As a teenager, it seems like there’s a lot of pressure for a kiss at the end of the date. In reality, you don’t have to kiss if you don’t want to.
If the moment seems right, sure, go in for a kiss. But if it feels like somethings off, lots of people wait until the second, third, and even fourth dates for a first kiss!
Good First Date Ideas For Teens
Okay, so now let’s get to the point. What should you do on your first date? Here are some of our favorite, low key first date ideas.
The Arcade
Why We Love It: The Arcade is the perfect place to go on a first date. Not only is it tons of fun, but it’s a great place to leave the pressures of the first date behind.
Think about it – taking a date out to dinner is stressful. What will you wear? What type of restaurant should you take them to? What will you talk about? Will it be awkward? How will the bill be divided?
There’s so much pressure that can come with a dinner date.
But not at the arcade! The arcade is a great place where there is absolutely no pressure!
Even if you aren’t great at striking up conversation, you and your date can still have fun playing the games together.
At the arcade, there’s always something to keep you busy, easing the awkward silences that can often come along with a first date (at any age).
Mini Golf
Why We Love it: Like the Arcade, a Mini Golf date is a great way to ease into getting to know someone without the awkward moments that can come along with a dinner date.
It’s quiet and calm enough that you can make conversation with your date, but also upbeat enough that you’ll stay busy enough to ease the silent moments.
Plus, as a teenager you should always keep the cost of a date in mind. You don’t want (and may not be able to afford) to spend a lot of money.
Mini golf is affordable and fun, and can give you and your date a good laugh along the way. Maybe you’ll even be able to get up close and show your date how to putt properly?
The Movies
Why We Love it: Okay, so we don’t ever recommend dinner and a movie for your first teenage date (for reasons you’ve probably already assumed). But a movie date is always a great idea.
Movies make an especially great idea for teens that are shy, very anxious, or worried that they won’t have anything to talk about.
Because really, there’s almost no talking involved. Plus, once the movie is finished, you will have something to talk about (the movie itself).
Skating
Why We Love it: Skating is a fun date no matter what your skill level. Neither one of you can skate? That’s a great situation for a good laugh!
One can skate and the other can’t? What a great opportunity to get close and help your date learn!
Both pro skaters? Time for some friendly competition.
Skating is a win-win for both of you any time of year, but is especially romantic in the winter. And if you want to do something a little different, try a roller skating rink!
Amusement Park
Why We Love it: Going to an amusement park can be an incredibly fun and exciting first date idea for teenagers. With all the rides, attractions, and games, there’s always something to do and talk about.
It’s the perfect place to break the ice and get to know each other while having fun.
You can hold hands while riding the roller coaster or scream together on the Ferris wheel.
The park provides a lot of opportunities to bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories.
There are also plenty of food and drink options, so you can grab a snack or meal and take a break from the rides.
Sporting Event/Game
A fun sporting event can be an opportunity to share a passion for the same team, player, or sport. The excitement of being at a live game creates a thrilling atmosphere and can help ease tension if the conversation becomes difficult.
You can cheer and scream together, analyze the game and bond over a shared interest.
The game can create a natural environment for conversation and discussion, and both of you will have something in common to talk about.
Zoo Date
The zoo can be a great date! It’s a fun and casual environment to get to know each other and bond over cute and exotic animals.
You can walk around together, talk about the animals and take a bunch of cute selfies.
The zoo provides plenty of opportunities to learn new things, get active and explore the outdoors. It’s a unique date that can lead to plenty of laughs and great memories.
So if you’re looking for a fun and relaxed first date idea, the zoo is definitely worth checking out!
Trampoline Park
Of course, these are just a few of the many fun and exciting dates for teenagers. Here are some of our other top suggestions:
- Have a picnic in the park
- Visit a museum or art gallery
- Try a new restaurant or cafe
- Have a game night at home
- Go to a live concert or show
- Visit a local farmers market
- Take a dance class together
- Volunteer at a local charity
- Go on a bike ride or hike
- Have a beach day
- Go bowling
- Take a cooking class together
- Go ice skating
- Visit an aquarium
- Try an escape room
- Play a game of laser tag
- Head to the batting cages
- Visit a local attraction, like a botanical garden or historic site
- Go to a concert
- Head to the local fair
- Walk around the Mall
- Have a fun Paint Night
Overall, when it comes to first dates for teens, there are a ton of great options out there! From something as simple as going to the movies or having a picnic, to more exciting activities like going to an amusement park or taking a cooking class, there’s no shortage of ideas to choose from.
The most important thing is to find something that you both enjoy and feel comfortable with, and to have fun with each other.
Whether it’s a casual hangout or an adventurous outing, the first date is all about getting to know each other and having a good time.
Plan something that is close to home, and remember – just be yourself!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.