30 summer date ideas for teens
Get ready to create unforgettable summer memories with your sweetheart with these super fun summer date ideas for teens.
You know, if there’s one thing I regret about my relationship with my husband, it’s that I had to wait until I was 38 to meet him. When I think of couples I know who met as teens, and all those extra years they’ve been able to spend together, I feel kind of jealous.
That being said, as Ben is 3 1/2 years younger than me, I’m not sure I would have been interested n him when I was 16.
Even though it was decades ago now, I still those remember those glorious summers of my late teen years. Summers spent hanging with friends and going on dates that often involved little more than wandering around the city streets for hours, talking about life.
Although those were thrilling times, it doesn’t make for as much thrilling reading.
Luckily for you, my repertoire has extended somewhat since those days, which is why I can share my best summer date ideas for teens with you here.
Teen-approved summer dates
These summer date ideas are focused on cheap, generally accessible activities that make the most of the warm weather.
Attend a local fair or carnival
I once went to a school dance with a boy purely so I could get a specific dress.
Early in the night I ditched him. I then met up with my friends, including my crush, at the traveling A and P show, which was our equivalent of a local fair, before getting back to the dance in time for my dad to pick me up.
That crush later ended up breaking my heart, so maybe there’s a lesson in that.
Personal stories aside, the fair is a fun date for teens on a hot summer’s night. You can gorge on hot dogs and candy-floss, enjoy thrilling rides, and have a go at scoring big stuffed animals. What’s not to love?
Beach day
Spend a sunny day by the shore, swimming and soaking up the sun. if you’re after specific activities to do at the beach, check out these beach dates.
Bike ride
Bikes are a great way of exploring your surroundings, especially if you’re too young to drive (if that’s you, check out these date ideas for teens aged 13-15).
You can check out scenic trails or explore your neighborhood.
Brunch it
If you add brunch to your list of date activities, I can promise you you will have established a love relationship that will last a lifetime.
This may be an unpopular opinion but there is no better meal to go out for than brunch.
And since it’s summer, you’ll want to eat outside of course.
Build a sandcastle
Uplevel your beach date by unleashing your creativity and building an impressive sandcastle. This makes for a fun double date or group date too, as you can make a contest out of it.
Create a scavenger hunt
Plan a romantic or fun scavenger hunt with clues leading to special surprises for your boyfriend or girlfriend.
If you’re worried you lack the imagination and know-how to do it by yourself, here’s some tips on how to create a scavenger hunt.
DIY outdoor movie night
Set up a projector and create your own outdoor movie night in your backyard.
Follow these tips to make the most of your experience.
Explore the botanical gardens
Wander through beautiful gardens, admire the designs, and take stunning photos.
Farmer’s market visit
Explore a farmer’s market, sample fresh produce, and discover unique local products.
Fruit picking
Visit a nearby orchard or farm and pick seasonal fruits together.
Go-kart racing
Feel the thrill of high-speed go-kart racing and compete for the fastest lap time.
Go roller skating
One of the happiest birthday’s of my life was when I got a pair of boot skates.
Many a wonderful summer’s evening was then spent at the local skating rink, gliding around to 80s hits.
Hire some roller skates and enjoy this retro-inspired date experience.
Hiking adventure
Embark on a scenic hike and explore nature’s wonders together.
Host a BBQ party
Host a backyard barbecue with your friends for a fun group date and enjoy delicious food and great company.
Keep the food simple with summer appetizers, simple salads and summer grilling recipes.
Make a bonfire
Gather around a bonfire, make s’mores, and share stories under the starry night sky.
Ice cream date
Visit a local ice cream parlor and indulge in delicious frozen treats.
Or if you love to make things, try concocting your own homemade ice cream.
Outdoor concert
Attend a summer music festival or an outdoor concert and groove to your favorite tunes.
Outdoor photography session
Develop your photography skills by capturing specific moments and scenes that capture the essence of summer.
Picnic in the park
Pack a delicious lunch from this selection of romantic picnic foods and enjoy a picnic together amidst nature’s beauty.
Check out these tips for planning your picnic date.
Play mini golf
Shockingly, I bet my husband at a game of mini golf just last weekend. Before that, I had had to content myself with aiming for an improvement in my previous score.
The secret to my success is to always hit the ball at about 50-75% of the force I think it needs.
Take this tip with you on your summer date.
Play outdoor sports
Challenge each other to a game of golf, tennis or other two-person game.
Stargazing
Find a secluded spot away from city lights and spend the night stargazing together.
Take a road trip
Embark on an exciting road trip to a nearby town or city and explore new places.
Try a new water sport
Go kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling and embrace the adventure.
Visit a historical site
Explore the history of your town or city by visiting a local historical landmark.
Visit a local farm
Learn about sustainable or regenerative farming practices and interact with farm animals.
Visit a local zoo
Spend the day observing fascinating animals and learning about wildlife conservation.
Visit a water park
Experience thrilling water slides and enjoy a day of splashing fun.
Watch a sporting event
Cheer on your local high school team or catch a professional game.
You can enjoy the food and the atmosphere while still having plenty of time to talk.
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Find a scenic spot and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature’s daily spectacle.
Soak up the sunshine and soak up the love with these summer date ideas for teens!