20 Aesthetic & Budget Friendly Date Ideas for Teenagers
By Varun Pahwa • November 29, 2025
Five years ago, I was exactly where you are right now. Trying to plan cute dates as a teenager on literally no budget. And you know what? Those ended up being some of the best dates ever! 😊
Teen dating is honestly the best. You’re so in love, you actually have time to hang out, and everything feels like a romantic movie. I still look back and miss those days so much.
So this one’s for all my beautiful young readers. I’ve put together 20 fun date ideas that’ll give you all the cute photos without breaking the bank. 💕
20 Cheap Date Ideas For Teens
Couples’ photo booth sessions with props
💰 Cost: $5-10
⏱️ Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
✨ Vibe: Fun, silly, memorable
👥 Best For: First dates, anniversary celebrations, group dates
💡 PRO TIPS:
- Look for photo booths at malls, arcades, or movie theaters.
- Bring your own props (sunglasses, hats, signs) to save money.
- Keep the photo strips as cute keepsakes or stick them in your phone case.
Instagram-worthy location photoshoot date (graffiti art, colorful walls)
💰 Cost: Free
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Aesthetic, creative, trendy
👥 Best For: Couples who love content creation, Instagram enthusiasts
PRO TIPS:
- Scout locations beforehand. (colorful walls, graffiti, murals, cute cafes)
- Golden hour (sunset time) gives the best lighting.
- Use Pinterest for pose inspiration before you go.
Making bracelets for each other
💰 Cost: $5-15
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Cute, crafty, sentimental
👥 Best For: Intimate one on one dates, creative couples
PRO TIPS:
- Hit up dollar stores or craft stores for cheap beads.
- Choose each other’s favorite colors for a personal touch.
- Make matching sets.
- Add charms or letter beads to spell out initials.
- Keep them as relationship keepsakes you can wear every day.
Build-a-Bear dates
💰 Cost: $15-30
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Nostalgic, adorable, playful
👥 Best For: Couples who aren’t afraid to be silly, anniversary gifts
💡 PRO TIPS:
- Build bears for each other instead of yourselves.
- Record the heart ceremony for a cute TikTok moment.
- Add voice recordings inside the bears with special messages.
- Dress your bears in matching outfits.
Dessert dates (ice cream, donuts, bubble tea tastings)
💰 Cost: $5-15
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Sweet, casual, delicious
👥 Best For: First dates, casual hangouts, spontaneous plans
PRO TIPS:
- Try a dessert crawl and hit 2-3 different spots in one date.
- Share everything so you can taste more flavors.
- Look for aesthetic cafes with cute interiors for background photos.
- Challenge each other to try the weirdest flavor on the menu.
Water fights or Nerf battles
💰 Cost: $10-20
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Energetic, competitive, hilarious
👥 Best For: Summer dates, group dates, active couples
PRO TIPS:
- Hit up dollar stores for cheap water guns or use water balloons.
- Set up at a park or backyard for space to run around.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting soaked.
- Film the battle for funny content and bloopers.
Thrift store shopping and styling each other
💰 Cost: $10-30
⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Creative, adventurous
👥 Best For: Fashion lovers, couples who like trying new things
PRO TIPS:
- Set a spending limit before you go in.
- Pick out the most ridiculous outfits for each other first.
- Actually try on what your date picks. (that’s the fun part)
Alphabet dating
💰 Cost: Varies
⏱️ Duration: 2-4 hours
✨ Vibe: Spontaneous, unique, adventurous
👥 Best For: Long-term couples, people who want to try something different
PRO TIPS:
- Use a random letter generator app to pick your date letter.
- Plan dates based on activities, foods, or locations that start with that letter.
- Keep a list of what letters you’ve done.
Roller skating or rollerblading
💰 Cost: $10-20 (including rentals)
⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Retro, active, nostalgic
👥 Best For: Active couples, people who like throwback vibes
PRO TIPS:
- Look for cheap skate nights at local rinks. (often $5-10)
- Rent skates there or bring your own if you have them.
- Hold hands while skating for cute couple moments.
Drive-in movies or car movie dates
💰 Cost: $10-25
⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Romantic, cozy, classic
👥 Best For: Evening dates, movie lovers, introverts
PRO TIPS:
- If there’s no drive in nearby, park somewhere with a view and stream on your phone.
- Bring blankets, pillows, and snacks to make it cozy.
- Decorate your car interior with fairy lights for aesthetic vibes.
- Make a snack board in your trunk for Instagram-worthy content.
Picnics with aesthetic setups (fairy lights, blankets, themed food)
💰 Cost: $10-20
⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Romantic, aesthetic, peaceful
👥 Best For: Sunset dates, Instagram content, intimate conversations
PRO TIPS:
- Bring a vintage blanket or tablecloth for the base.
- Add fairy lights or LED candles if you’re staying past sunset.
- Use a wicker basket for extra aesthetic points.
- Golden hour lighting makes everything look beautiful.
Flower farm visits (tulips, sunflowers – very Instagrammable)
💰 Cost: $5-15
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Dreamy, colorful, Instagram gold
👥 Best For: Spring and summer dates, flower lovers, photographers
PRO TIPS:
- Look for tulip farms in spring or sunflower farms in summer.
- Wear flowy dresses or light colored outfits for the best photos.
- Bring a polaroid camera for instant keepsake photos.
Beach days with volleyball
💰 Cost: Free to $10
⏱️ Duration: 3-5 hours
✨ Vibe: Active, summery, carefree
👥 Best For: Summer dates, athletic couples, group hangouts
PRO TIPS:
- Bring your own volleyball to save money on rentals.
- Pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.
- Go in the late afternoon to avoid harsh sun and crowds.
- End with a sunset walk along the water for romantic vibes.
Bike rides to scenic destinations
💰 Cost: Free
⏱️ Duration: 1-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Active, adventurous, refreshing
👥 Best For: Morning or evening dates, nature lovers, active couples
PRO TIPS:
- Plan a route to a cute destination. (park, cafe, viewpoint)
- Bring a backpack with water and snacks for pit stops.
- Stop along the way for scenic photo opportunities.
- Pack a portable speaker for good vibes while riding.
Bowling
💰 Cost: $10-20
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Classic, competitive, fun
👥 Best For: Rainy day dates, group dates, casual hangouts
PRO TIPS:
- Look for discount nights. (many places do cheap bowling on weekdays)
- Make it interesting with a small bet. (loser buys ice cream after)
Go-karting
💰 Cost: $15-30
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Adrenaline rush, competitive, exciting
👥 Best For: Thrill seekers, competitive couples, group dates
PRO TIPS:
- Look for Groupon deals to save money on tickets.
- Film each other racing for funny reaction videos.
- Loser buys the winner their favorite snack after.
Rock climbing walls
💰 Cost: $10-25
⏱️ Duration: 1-3 hours
✨ Vibe: Adventurous, active, trust-building
👥 Best For: Athletic couples, people who like challenges
PRO TIP:
- Wear comfortable athletic clothes you can move in.
Escape rooms (great for group dates)
💰 Cost: $15-30 per person
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Thrilling, teamwork-focused, mind-bending
👥 Best For: Group dates, problem solvers, mystery lovers
PRO TIPS:
- Go with another couple to split the cost.
- Choose a theme you both find interesting. (horror, mystery, adventure)
- Many places offer student discounts on weekdays.
Trampoline parks
💰 Cost: $15-25
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Energetic, playful, nostalgic
👥 Best For: Active couples, people who love being kids again
PRO TIPS:
- Check for jump time deals during off-peak hours.
- Wear grip socks. (most places require them)
- Try dodgeball or basketball on trampolines for extra fun.
- Film slow-motion jumping videos for TikTok content.
Coffee/café dates with aesthetic drinks
💰 Cost: $5-15
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 hours
✨ Vibe: Cozy, relaxed, Instagram worthy
👥 Best For: First dates, study dates, rainy day plans
PRO TIPS:
- Find cafes with cute interiors and good lighting.
- Bring a book or play card games to make it last longer.
- Try each other’s drinks to see who ordered better.
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| WRITTEN BY
Varun Pahwa
Hey there! I’m Varun, founder of Uprisehigh.com. I’m committed to helping people through relationship problems and general life issues so they never feel alone.
While not blogging, you’ll find me lifting weights, spending time in solitude, seeking life’s answers or enjoying time with close ones.
Join me on Uprisehigh and just like a close friend, you’ll find me by your side on every step of your life journey!
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