14 Best Cheap Date Ideas for Teens – Fun Under $20

Let’s be real: being a teenager and trying to plan a cool date is tough. Your budget is basically whatever you can scrape together from that last babysitting gig or a few shifts after school. The pressure to have a “perfect,” expensive date you see in movies is totally unreal. Well, I’m here to let you in on a secret: the best dates aren’t about how much you spend. They’re about having genuine fun and making a real connection.

As a veteran of the broke-but-wanted-to-have-a-good-time scene, I’ve mastered the art of the budget-friendly hangout. I’ve put together this ultimate list of cheap date ideas for teens that are all about creativity, laughter, and keeping your wallet happy. Every single one of these can be done for under $20 total, and most are even cheaper. Forget the stress, and get ready for some awesome cheap dates for teens that they’ll actually remember.

1. The Thrift Store Challenge

This isn’t just shopping; it’s an adventure. Head to your local thrift store and give yourselves a silly challenge. Maybe it’s “find the ugliest sweater,” “put together a full outfit for under $10,” or “find an item that reminds you of the other person.” You’ll be surprised at the hilarious treasures you find and the stories you create. It’s the ultimate icebreaker and one of the most fun cheap date ideas I’ve ever tried.

• Keep it Under $20: The goal is to browse and laugh, not necessarily to buy. If you do buy, set a super low individual budget ($5 each?).
• Pro Tip: Try on the goofy outfits and take pictures in the dressing room (be respectful and put everything back!). It’s free and creates lasting memories.
• Make it Even Better:
  • Grab a Disposable Camera beforehand to capture the finds in a fun, retro way.
  • A Mini Portable Photo Printer lets you print pics from your phone right away to make a mini scrapbook.

2. DIY Gourmet Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Skip the expensive ice cream parlor. Grab a cheap carton of vanilla ice cream from the grocery store and a few simple toppings—chocolate syrup, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and a can of whipped cream. The whole setup will cost you less than one fancy sundae out. Then, head to a park or someone’s kitchen and create your masterpieces.

• Keep it Under $20: Easily! A carton of ice cream and 2-3 toppings will likely run you between $10-$15.
• Pro Tip: Get creative with leftover candy or cookies from home. Crushed-up Oreos are a game-changer.
• Make it Even Better:
  • Reusable Silicone Ice Cream Molds are great for making your own popsicles beforehand.
  • A set of Funny Waffle Cone Bowls makes it feel extra special.

3. Park Picnic & Playground Games

A classic for a reason. A picnic doesn’t need to be fancy. Make some simple sandwiches, grab a bag of chips, and bring a blanket. After you eat, don’t just sit there—act like kids again! Swing on the swings, see who can go down the slide the fastest, or bring a frisbee. It’s active, relaxed, and a perfect setting for cheap dates that feel genuinely fun.

• Keep it Under $20: Pack food and drinks from home to keep costs near zero. If you buy, stick to simple snacks.
• Pro Tip: Go in the evening when it’s cooler and the golden hour light makes everything look amazing for photos.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Waterproof Picnic Blanket is a solid investment for any outdoor hangout.
  • A Light-Up Flying Disc makes the fun last well into the evening.

4. Coffee Shop Hop

If you’re both into coffee (or hot chocolate), this is a cool way to explore your town. Instead of settling at one place, plan to visit 2-3 different local coffee shops. Just get a small drink at each one. Compare the vibes, the music, and which one has the best pastry. It feels like a mini road trip and is one of the best cheap first date ideas because it keeps things moving.

• Keep it Under $20: Stick to a simple small coffee or tea at each stop. The total for two people should easily stay under the budget.
• Pro Tip: Walk or bike between locations if they’re close enough to make it more of an adventure.
• Make it Even Better:
  • Bring a deck of cards or a Travel-Sized Game to play at each spot.
  • A Reusable Coffee Cup is eco-friendly and might even get you a discount at some places.

5. Volunteer Together

This might sound like an unusual date, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Sign up to walk dogs at an animal shelter, help out at a local food bank, or clean up a park. Working side-by-side for a good cause is a powerful way to connect and see a different, caring side of each other. It’s a meaningful twist on cheap date night ideas.

• Keep it Under $20: It’s free! The only cost is your time and effort.
• Pro Tip: Choose a cause you’re both passionate about. The conversation will flow naturally from the shared experience.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A pair of Comfy Work Gloves are great for cleanup projects.
  • A Pack of Water Bottles to stay hydrated while you work.

6. Thematic Movie Marathon at Home

Way better than a crowded, expensive theater. Pick a theme—like “Disney Renaissance,” “So-Bad-They’re-Good Horror Movies,” or “80s Classics”—and binge-watch. The key is in the ambiance. Build a pillow fort, make your own popcorn, and turn off the lights. These cheap romantic date ideas are all about being cozy and comfortable together.

• Keep it Under $20: If you use a streaming service you already have, your only cost is snacks. A bag of popcorn kernels is super cheap.
• Pro Tip: Each of you pick one movie for the marathon so you both have a stake in the lineup.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Microwave Popcorn Popper makes perfect popcorn without the weird bag chemicals.
  • A Soft Fleece Blanket is a must for maximum coziness.

7. DIY Photo Booth Extravaganza

Create your own photoshoot. All you need is a phone, a blank wall (or a nice outdoor spot), and some props. Raid your closet for funny hats, scarves, and sunglasses. Make silly signs or just strike your best model poses. You’ll end up with a camera roll full of hilarious photos that are better than any stiff, professional shoot.

• Keep it Under $20: Completely free if you use what you have at home.
• Pro Tip: Look up “DIY photo booth backdrop ideas” on Pinterest for inspiration using streamers or old wrapping paper.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Phone Tripod with Bluetooth Remote lets you get both of you in the shot perfectly.
  • A Prop Kit with mustaches and lips on sticks makes it instant fun.

8. Go on a “Best Of” Tour

Be tourists in your own town. Decide on a category and go find the “best” one. It could be “the best taco,” “the best slice of pizza,” or “the best park bench for people-watching.” You don’t have to buy a full meal at each place—just split one item so you can try more spots. It’s a fun, active, and delicious cheap date ideas for teens adventure.

• Keep it Under $20: The key is sharing! Splitting one item per location lets you sample more without breaking the bank.
• Pro Tip: Make a scorecard on your phone to rate each place you try.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Portable Phone Charger is essential for a day of using GPS and taking pics.
  • A Cool Travel Tumbler to share a drink along the way.

9. Board Game Cafe at Home

Many cafes charge a cover fee to play games. Skip the fee and create the same experience at home or in a quiet corner of a library. Dig out old board games or card games you have. Classics like Uno, Jenga, or Scrabble are always a hit. A little friendly competition is a great way to bond and laugh.

• Keep it Under $20: Free if you use games you own. You can often find cheap games at thrift stores too.
• Pro Tip: If you’re at home, bake some pre-made cookie dough together for a cheap and tasty snack.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A brand new, fast-paced game like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is hilarious and easy to learn.
  • A Sand Timer Set can add tension to any game you make up.

10. Sunset or Stargazing Watch

Nature puts on the best show, and it’s totally free. Find a good spot with a clear view—a hill, a quiet beach, or even a parking garage rooftop. Bring a blanket and just talk while you watch the sky change colors or the stars come out. It’s simple, romantic, and provides the perfect setting for a real conversation, making it a top-tier cheap romantic date ideas.

• Keep it Under $20: Zero dollars. Just you, your date, and the sky.
• Pro Tip: Download a free stargazing app to help you identify constellations.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Comfy Outdoor Blanket is essential for comfort.
  • A Pair of Budget Binoculars can bring the moon and stars closer.

11. The DIY Spa Night

Pamper yourselves without the price tag. Raid your kitchen for face mask ingredients (honey, yogurt, and oatmeal work great). Put on some relaxing music, light a few candles (safely!), and give each other hand massages. It’s a chill and surprisingly fun way to spend an evening, and a great example of cute cheap date ideas.

• Keep it Under $20: The DIY route keeps costs near zero. You can also find affordable single-use face masks at most drugstores.
• Pro Tip: Cucumber slices on the eyes are a cliché for a reason—they feel amazing!
• Make it Even Better:
  • A set of Soft Headbands to keep hair out of your face.
  • Scented Epsom Salts for a relaxing foot soak.

12. Bookstore or Library Adventure

Get to know each other’s minds. Wander the aisles of a bookstore or library. Show each other your favorite books from childhood, pick out a book you think the other would like, or find the weirdest book you can in the nonfiction section. It’s a quiet, intellectual, and free date that sparks great conversation.

• Keep it Under $20: Free to browse! If you find a book you love, see if you can check it out from the library instead of buying it.
• Pro Tip: Hit up the used book section for incredibly cheap finds.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A nice Set of Bookish Sticky Notes for marking pages.
  • A Compact Book Light for reading in a cozy, dim corner.

13. Creative Crafting Session

Get your hands dirty with a shared art project. Go to a dollar store and pick up some supplies—a couple of small canvases and cheap acrylic paint, or a pack of air-dry clay. Then, put on some music and create something. You can paint each other’s portraits (hilarious results guaranteed) or make each other a small gift.

• Keep it Under $20: Easily. A trip to the dollar store for art supplies will cost you just a few bucks.
• Pro Tip: Don’t take it too seriously. The mess and the mistakes are where the fun is.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Beginner Acrylic Paint Set gives you more color options.
  • A Tabletop Easel makes it feel like a real art class.

14. The Playlist Exchange

This is a modern, super-personal cheap first date ideas. Spend time together creating playlists for each other. You could make a “mixtape” of songs that remind you of them, or songs you think they’d love. Then, take a walk or just hang out and listen to the playlists together, explaining why you chose each song. It’s a deeply thoughtful and connected way to spend an afternoon.

• Keep it Under $20: Free if you use a free streaming service.
• Pro Tip: Make a physical “cover” for the playlist by drawing on a piece of paper—it adds a sweet, personal touch.
• Make it Even Better:
  • A Bluetooth Speaker so you can listen anywhere.
  • A Splitter Headphone Adapter so you can both listen privately on one phone.

The Real Secret to a Great Date

As you can see, the best cheap date ideas for teens have nothing to do with money and everything to do with intention and creativity. The goal is to find activities that let you talk, laugh, and be yourselves. Whether you’re goofing off in a thrift store or sharing a quiet moment watching the stars, these cheap dates are the ones that build real memories.

So, stop stressing about the cost. Pick an idea that sounds fun to both of you, and focus on the connection. The most valuable thing you can offer on a date is your genuine attention, and that’s completely free. Now go have some fun