5 great first date ideas for teens

Only 35% of teens ages 13-17 have dated or been in a romantic relationship.

So if you've never been on a date, you're not alone!

First dates can be daunting, especially if it's your first one ever. Whether you're new to the dating world or have been in it a while, these five first date ideas are:

• free or wallet-friendly.

• action-based to help calm your nerves.

• able to minimize the pressure for constant conversation.

• in public and during the day to keep you safer (and parents happy).

• tons of fun!

Scavenger hunts allow you to see how your date thinks creatively, solves problems, and handles challenges. Whether photo, video,or app-based, consider the following themes.

• Pick a color.

• Select a shape.

• Work from a list of your and your date's favorite things.

• Search for objects that look like letters of the alphabet.

• Look for different dog breed varieties or for an entire zoo.

• Go all-in on selfies by recreating poses of your favorite celebrity couples!

Skip the high-pressure dinner at a restaurant with these options that will feed your taste buds and your relationship.

• Food festival — They happen year round and are usually organized around a specific food (apples), dish (tacos), or cuisine (Italian).

• Farmers market — Vendors offer free samples and sell goodies made with their produce.

• Fruit picking — Some places let you eat as you pick. You can even plan a second date to cook up your fresh finds.

• Food crawl — Pick your favorite food (ice cream anyone?!) and visit several shops in search of the best.

Volunteering is a great way to get to know someone while giving back to your community. Options for teens available in most areas include:

• Animal shelter — Who doesn't love spending time playing with cats and dogs?!

• Community garden — Watering, pulling weeds, and planting make healthy food options available for everyone.

• Beach or park clean-up — Join forces to help the environment.

• Charity walk or run — Team up to raise money for a cause you care about.

They're classics for a reason! These activities have stood the test of time and continue to be great options for teen dates.

• Bowling — where striking out is a good thing.

• Mini golf — bad shots are half the fun.

• Game arcade — go classic video, physically competitive, or VR.

• Picnic in the park — bring food from home or pick it up on the way.

• Skating — couple's choice for roller, ice, or skateboard.

Too hot or cold to be outside? Explore some cultural spots. Fuel the conversation by telling each other what you love or connect with and why. Consider exploring:

• aquariums

• museums

• art galleries

Tackle those nerves! With these simple steps, you'll be ready for a great first date!