Asking somebody out isn't easy, especially if it's somebody you really like. But one thing that may help is coming up with something cool to do. And that's where the real skill comes in.

So what's your idea of the perfect date? "Take the supersonic Concorde to Paris. Climb the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Hold hands. Kiss," suggests Phil, 16. Rrrright, sounds great. But for most teens with limited cash flow, going to the movies or hanging out at the mall is all we can afford. The problem is, that can really get old really fast.

"Definitely," says Sari, 15. "We usually end up not going anywhere. We either walk around aimlessly or just sit around complaining that we're bored."

Fortunately, there are great dates that won't wipe out your wallet — it just takes a little thought and some creativity. To get you started, Teen Talk presents ... 10 dates for $10 or less!

  1. Take out a book on astronomy. Locate a lookout that's not too near bright lights, and take turns finding your favorite constellations. City-dweller or not a fan of the great outdoors? Many college planetariums are open to the public during the school year and offer free admission. Hold hands under the real or fake stars.
  2. Make it a Toll House night. Buy all the ingredients for your favorite cookies, turn on some music, and fire up the oven. You can have even more fun by making cookies in different shapes or by adding some food coloring. A blue chocolate-chip cookie shaped like a slug? Um, sure. Why not?
  3. Your town may offer complimentary tours of local industries — often with free samples at the end. Go behind the scenes at ice cream factories, dairies — even a car manufacturer. Dress up in your gaudiest clothes and play tourists for a day. Wear nametags, and don't forget your camera!
  4. Get physical! Hiking, biking, and swimming are great ways to leave your date breathless. For rainy days, bowling, indoor ice-skating, and roller skating are retro fun. Bonus: find a rink with pinball machines and Ms. Pac Man!
  5. Visit your local coffeehouse and match wits over your favorite board games. Don't like java? No problem. Hot chocolate is just as intellectual.
  6. Buy a disposable camera, and go out on the town with a theme. Pose with every port-a-potty you see, snap shots of cool graffiti (but don't actually create the graffiti!), or capture elderly couples in love.
  7. Go to an exotic market or specialty food shop and buy fruits, vegetables, and other foods you've never tried. (Kumquat, anyone?) Go home and conduct a taste test. For added fun, blindfold your date and make her guess what she's eating.
  8. If you live near a big city (or even if you don't), scout out local 18-and-under clubs. Even if you don't dance, the people watching is priceless.
  9. Play the "Naked Chef" (with your clothes on), and cook your date a fabulous meal. Even if it's just macaroni and cheese, your guest will appreciate the effort. And it's a lot cheaper than eating out.
  10. A fun date doesn't always have to be about you, you, you. Volunteer with a nonprofit organization and help someone in need. Besides doing good, you can often learn new skills, too — like playing with power tools.