Dinner and a movie may be fine for the older set, but teen daters are looking for far more fun, safe and youthful ways to get to know a potential love interest better.
The pastime a teen couple might enjoy would depend entirely on the interests of the boy and girl. Athletic types may opt to go hiking or roller blading, while brainiacs may appreciate the museum or theatre. Whatever their pleasure, here are a couple of sources of entertainment the can get the ball rolling.
BOWLING – This fun activity is ideal because it incorporates something that is physical but low key enough so that you and your date can talk. It is also conducive to hand holding, especially if you have to carefully instruct your date on how bowl a strike.
CONCERTS-teens who share a common interest in music, and have the same taste in bands and genres, will have fun connecting in this way. Whether the concert is great or turns out to be a dud, it will be a memory they can share for some time.
BILLIARDS OR MINITURE GOLF – Besides being incredibly relaxing, both of these sports require concentration, but are up close and personal enough for enlivening “get-to-know-one-another” conversations. A great first date activity.
BIKE RIDING AND EXERCISE RELATED EVENTS -Can be ideal for teenagers who are health conscious and want to hang out with someone with similar interests in fitness.
MUSEUMS OR THE ZOO-fun for people who tend to want their entertainment to be informative as well as enjoyable.
ONE DAY CLASSES – Local newspapers will offer a wealth of info on classes available in your local area. Firing pottery, jewelry making or painting can be a way to share a passionate and creative side with your date.
AMUSEMENT PARKS-This is a stress free way to get closer to your dream girl or guy, particularly if you have a fondness for roller coasters-as you round that curve you can ever so slightly place your arm around your gal pal shoulders as she snuggles towards you for safety-that is-if she doesn’t get sick on you first!
COOK OUT OR BEACH PARTY – If you are enthusiastic about large, social gatherings, then a cookout or beach party would be a great place to hang out, and will allow both of you to interact as a couple.
VOLUNTEERING – Civic-minded youths might find volunteering at places like Habitat for Humanity or engaging in walk or ride-athons right up their alley for recreation.
What is great about all the above scenarios, is that they are healthy, foster cooperation and can be indulged publicly, allowing the teens to find out who their date is, without the false sense of intimacy that hanging out in one another’s bedrooms might create.
Finding a common interest would be a first step in establishing a bond that could last for years, and develop memories that are the hallmarks of the teenage experience.
