Cheap Date Ideas for Teens

Being broke sucks. You have a job to earn a little cash, you get allowance, but really, how much can you possibly make flipping burgers and picking up around the house? If you're lucky enough to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you know dates can get expensive: the cost of movie tickets, flowers, and jewelry tend to add up after a while. If you want to show your significant other a great time without spending what little money you've saved, you need to plan some cheap dates that don't make you seem "cheap". Here are a few fun ones to try:

Beach Date: What's more romantic than a day at the beach with your lover? All you need is a beach blanket, soda, and pizza, and you got yourself an inexpensive date that's casual and relaxing. You'll be able to hang out with your boy/girlfriend in minimal clothing all day long, and you two can really connect while splashing around in the waves or laying in the warm sun. To make this experience more romantic, stick around past sunset and have a bonfire for two when the stars come out. Some of the best "beach date" locations include Hawaii, SoCal, and Florida.

Movie Night: Everyone knows going on a movie date can set you back $20 bucks or more after tickets, snacks, and drinks are bought. You can have a more intimate movie experience that's just as fun as the theater when you invite your date over for a home movie night. Download, borrow, or rent a newly released movie or two, pop some microwave popcorn, and cuddle up on the couch with your lover for a night of fun movie thrills. Netflix.com has some pretty cheap rental plans, as do local movie rentals.

Free/Cheap Concerts: Going to a concert with your girl/boyfriend gives you a chance to connect musically and personally while you wait in line for hours and watch an amazing show. Musical superstars can charge upwards of $300 apiece for concert tickets, but local and lesser known bands charge much less and sometimes even give free shows. Check out your city's local venues to find an upcoming concert, or go to Concertfinders.com to get a full list of shows in your area. Buy your date a concert t-shirt or autograph for a few bucks and he/she will always remember the fun time you had together.

Volunteering Together: Okay, this idea may sound corny, but volunteering as a date can really help you get to know your significant other while helping the world become a better place. From selling candy to cooking at a soup kitchen to rallying for your values, volunteering with your girl/boyfriend will bring you closer to your love and will help you and your significant other discover passions and causes to support. When you suggest volunteering together to your boy/girlfriend, they'll see you as not just a cool person but also as someone who cares about others. Additionally, while you won't get paid for being a volunteer, you will often get free food, souvenirs, and endless appreciation for your time. Check out VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities near you.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to take your boy/girlfriend on a fun date that won't leave your wallet hurting. Whether you watch a concert or movie, have a day at the beach or help hold a fundraiser, remember to have fun!