A “mid” birthday party theme is almost as cringey to a teenager as the word “cringey” itself (ICYMI: apparently we’re not saying that anymore). Nearly everything is embarrassing to a teen, and when it comes to birthday parties , the two worst offenses are a “lame” theme and hovering parents. Most teens want to feel independent and grown up, especially around their friends, so a party theme that makes them feel cool and mature will win you major brownie points. The following teen birthday party ideas range from tried-and-true to trendy themes, on the cheaper side to more extravagant splurges, and each allows your kid and their guests freedom while still being supervised in some capacity.
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Escape Room or Murder Mystery
If your teen loves an interactive activity, consider taking them and a few friends to an escape room or hosting a murder mystery at home via an affordable kit . They might be less inclined to dress according to the theme of an escape room, but for a murder mystery at home, consider suggesting doubling the get-together as a costume party. For example, an ’80s summer camp-themed murder mystery would warrant the kids to dress up in Stranger Things -inspired clothing and hair. Playing a custom Spotify playlist in the background also adds to the immersive experience.
Amusement/Water Park
Amusement/water parks are classic birthday party venues that will always be cool to teenagers. If you live within a reasonable drive of one, pack the car with your kid and a few friends and allow them to take the lead through the park. For younger teens, trail them loosely and wait for them to exit each ride at a nearby bench or concession area. If they’re older and you feel comfortable, let them roam the park independently, but set up designated meeting times to check in.
Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a drive-in-style movie night in your backyard complete with a projector, sleeping bags and pillows, and plenty of popcorn. Knowing the teens are safe and entertained in your backyard allows you peace of mind and gives them ample independence. Set up a snack table outside with bags of pre-popped popcorn, boxes of candy, and any other food requests your teen has. And don’t forget to add a cooler full of water, soda, and juice.
Boat Day
If you live near a lake that offers pontoon rentals, see if your teen would be interested in spending the day on the water with a few friends. Some boat rental companies even offer double-decker pontoons with an attached water slide. Pack a few picnic baskets with cold-cut sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit, and plenty of water, and bring a supply of SPF to avoid any nasty sunburns. Most teens turn their noses up at sunscreen, so make it “cool” by handing out goodie bags with travel-sized bottles of sunscreen and a pair of trendy sunglasses for each kid — Target is a great place to find affordable options so you’re not breaking the bank.
Eras Tour at Home
If your teen and their friends are obsessed with Taylor Swift, nothing will catapult you to legend status like taking them to an Eras tour show . However, with the tour ending soon and ticket prices rivaling the cost of a mortgage payment, the live concert may not be doable. But, thanks to Miss Americana being a woman of the people, The Eras Tour Movie is available for streaming on Disney+. Deck out your living room in Taylor Swift-inspired decorations; set up a friendship bracelet-making station; and embrace three hours of teenage singing and dancing to the musician’s full-length show. Keep the good times rolling with a Grotesquerie marathon à la Travis Kelce for a Swiftie-inspired Barbenheimer moment.
Private Room at an Upscale Restaurant
Have a budding foodie on your hands? Consider renting a private room at an upscale restaurant of their choice. They’ll get to enjoy great food, treat their friends to a unique experience, and feel grown-up doing so. Upscale restaurants also usually encourage more formal dressing, so if your teen loves fashion , this birthday party idea also gives them the opportunity to don a fancier look for the evening.
Stay-Put Spa Day
Who needs to go to a spa when you can recreate the experience for your teen and their guests in the comfort of your own home? Ask your guests to dress comfortably (robes are optional, but a fun touch!). Give each person an absorbent microfiber headband , have a multi-pack of sheet masks on hand, set up a pedi station with bowls of warm water (one for each person, please!) for a relaxing foot soak , along with a pack of disposable pumice stones for exfoliating, disposable nail files , and plenty of polish. Finish it up with a rich hand and foot cream . For extra fun, have a hot tea station with various types of tea and sliced fruit, along with spa-worthy finger foods — and don’t forget to burn some candles for the perfect atmosphere!
Pool Party
A pool party is another classic birthday theme that never goes out of style. If you or a close family member have a pool, let the teens do their thing in the backyard while you supervise from the house or a separate area in the yard. Add floats, noodles, beach balls, and other pool accessories to keep the kids entertained. If you don’t have access to a private pool, see if your teen would be interested in spending the day with their friends at a public pool instead. Depending on their age, you could even drop them off and pick them up for an added element of independence.
Backyard Campout
Host a camping-inspired sleepover in your backyard for your teen’s birthday. Similar to the outdoor movie night idea, a backyard campout is a good mix of freedom and supervision while also providing the kids with a unique bonding experience. Set up a large tent and have your teen’s guests bring sleeping bags and pillows. If you have a fire pit, buy supplies for roasting hot dogs and s’mores. You can also set up yard games like cornhole and Giant Jenga, and don’t forget to set the scene with some music.
Laser Tag
Laser tag is like hide-and-seek with a twist: you can shoot your friends with lasers when you see them! Have everyone dress in dark clothing to maximize their stealth factor. Make sure to arrange a time in advance; as laser tag venues are usually very popular, they can get busy and waiting times can be long.
Mocktails and Painting
If your teen is particularly artsy, put an age-appropriate twist on Wine and Canvas with a mocktails and painting night. Set up mini easel stations for them and their friends and have them follow a painting tutorial or make their own unique creations. Create a few mocktails according to your kid’s favorite flavors or a fun theme, such as drinks inspired by famous artists.
Paintball Party
Speaking of paint — there’s always the option of paintball! It can be a little intense (pro tip: make sure all guests’ parents have signed the required waivers beforehand) but is a thrill for teens. Ask guests to wear old clothing that they don’t mind ruining, and bring plenty of towels so nobody gets paint in your car.
Thrifting Fun
If your teen is eco-conscious (or just into nailing great finds!), consider a group visit to a thrift store or consignment shop! Give each guest $10 or $20 (or have them bring their own money in lieu of gifts) and set them loose to see what cool clothing they can find. Then when they all return to your house, provide plenty of no-sew fabric glue, scissors, buttons, lace, patches, or even a tie-dye kit and challenge them to upcycle their new finds — you can find some great no-sew ideas here . Alternately, each guest can draw another guest’s name from a hat and choose the most hideous thrifted outfit they can find — then surprise the person whose name they drew. Afterward, everyone has to wear their new outfits out to lunch or dinner.
Beach Bash
A day on the boat isn’t the only way to have a birthday party at a lake. If you live near a lake with a beach, host a hangout for your teen and their friends to have fun on the shore and in the water. Pack a picnic-style assortment of food and drinks, and bring equipment for beach activities like volleyball, cornhole, and football. The kids can alternate between the sand and the water while you enjoy a book under the sun, keeping an eye on them from afar.
Birthday Bowling
Reserve a few lanes at your local bowling alley and let your teen and their friends knock over pins to their hearts’ content! Most bowling alleys offer food to round out the experience (because you know teenagers are gonna be hungry).
Game or Trivia Tournament
Whether your kid likes board games , video games, or trivia games, there’s plenty of opportunity for a fun game night birthday party. Have your teen pick a few of their favorite games to play, and up the ante by creating small prizes for the winner of each game. You can even set it up tournament-style, having a “big” prize at the end for whoever wins the most games.
Before you go, check out these celeb parents who know how to throw an epic birthday bash!
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