Updated on: Aug 31, 2024
Throwing a birthday party for your almost-teen can be tricky. Because your tween is in a period of transition, it can be challenging to throw an age-appropriate party. Do you throw them an extravagant party? Or do you invite a few friends over for a small sleepover? Luckily, we have generated a list of fun and fresh teen tween party ideas that your child will absolutely love!
Thinking of the perfect birthday party for your teenager can be difficult because they want more of an “adult” party. As a parent, you want them to have a good time with their friends, and thank you for the awesome party at the same time.
Teenagers are often overestimated when it comes to party planning, not all of them want an extravagant birthday party, most just want to go out with their friends to a special place or hang at home and throw a pool party. So, no worries about spending your vacation money on your teenager's birthday party just to excite them. There are plenty of teenage birthday ideas that are affordable and can cost you little to nothing!
Teen Tween Party Ideas: Gender Neutral
1. A Slumber Party… But Better
No matter what age you are, slumber parties are always a great way to have fun and keep the party going all night! But, take your slumber party to the next level by decorating the room or buying each party-goer a matching robe. Plus, the robes can double as a party favor!
2. Outdoor Movie Night
Watching movies is fun... but it isn’t very unique. Instead, set up a projector and decorate the lawn with blankets, and throw pillows. Serve popcorn and slushies to enhance the movie-going experience. This party idea can be fun for the whole family!
Teens love watching movies together. Put the party outside and they’ll think it is twice as special because it’s not something they get to do all of the time. You could have a popcorn and drink station and they’ll feel like they’re at a real movie, even put on a bonfire if the weather calls for it! You could have everyone bring their own chairs, blankets, and beanbags.
3. Pool Party!
If you have access to a pool, a pool party can be a great idea. Not only does it eliminate having to look for a venue, but it also is fun for every age range. All you need is cool floaties, a clean pool, and some snacks to create an amazing experience for every guest.
4. Add A Photo Booth
Photo booths are possibly the best part of every birthday party. Cramming yourself into this little box to take photos with your closest friends is always a memorable experience. Setting up a photo booth in your backyard can transform any party into something incredible. Every party-goer will be excited to bring home a visual memento from your birthday party.
5. Spa Themed Birthday Party
*Places cucumbers on eyes*... Everyone needs some pampering once in a while. Layout some face masks, face steamers, and nail polish, and create a serene oasis for your tween and their friends. Self-care is always important!
6. Tea Party
Some tweens want to feel as “grown-up” as possible, so high tea is a perfect way to throw your budding tween into a more sophisticated party experience. Just fill your kitchen with finger sandwiches, elegant teacups, and sugar cubes.
7. Video Game Themed Party
It isn’t uncommon for your tween to spend hours on end playing video games. So, throwing a party based on their favorite video games would make any gamer happy. Set up some gaming consoles, arrange a tournament, and set out some game-themed cake pops, and create a space your tween will love.
8. Luau Or Beach Theme Party
Say aloha to your next extravagant birthday bash. Luau-themed parties are perfect for any tween who loves bright colors, palm trees, and the sand. Amazon has a plethora of blow-up palm trees, tiki torches, and rainbow leis, to make any Luau party a more immersive experience. Here’s a tip: If you mix Sprite and Hawaiian Punch Polar Blast, and place Swedish fish at the bottom of a beverage dispenser it creates the perfect underwater-themed drink.
9. Karaoke Party
If your tween is musically inclined or just loves music, a karaoke party would be a great idea. You will need a microphone, sound system, and something to view song lyrics on. From ordering cake pops that resemble microphones to hanging up mini disco balls, this party can be entertaining for every guest (whether they want to sing or not).
10. Everyone Is An Artist Party
Whether your tween draws in their free time or takes art classes, being creative is an important form of self-expression and fun… so why not make a party out of it? You can either buy your own art supplies or hire a professional to teach a painting class. Try setting up each tween with an easel, paintbrushes, paint, and a water cup. Have someone take pictures during the activity, get some nice candid shots, and mail them to each guest as part of their thank you cards. Not only is this experience fun but also memorable since each painter will get to take home their masterpiece.
11. Space Themed Party (It’s Out Of This World!)
Whether your tweens are obsessed with movies like Star Trek and Star Wars or love NASA and all things space, a space-themed birthday party can be an out-of-this-world experience for all ages. You can order spaceship and astronaut cut-outs, silvery moon-like gumballs, and star-shaped balloons to turn your backyard into a real-life space expedition. Your guests will be over the moon about this space-themed event.
12. Cupcake Decorating Party
Decorating cupcakes, cookies, or cake pops is a delicious and fun treat for your tween guests. Set out some pre-made cupcakes, piping bags, and sprinkles, and watch your guest use their imagination and creativity to create some amazing sweet treats. You could either suggest a theme for your baked goods or give creative freedom. A decorating competition could also be a fun addition! PSA: Always remember to check food allergies before buying certain ingredients.
13. Visit Their Favorite Restaurant
Not all tweens want a big birthday bash, some prefer a more private party with one or two friends and some close family members. For them, going out to a nice dinner could be the perfect way to spend their birthday. Remember to book your reservation ahead of time and get a headcount before you go.
14. Dog Party
Who doesn't love dogs? Get creative with this theme, get doggy-themed decor, games, doggy plates, put dogs on the birthday cake! Take your party to the next level and let your guests bring over their dogs to play in the yard for a fan meet-and-greet.
15. Instagram Party
What teenager doesn't love Instagram? I would recommend this kind of party for your daughter because we all know that teenage girls love getting their photos taken and enjoy all-out photoshoots with their friends whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Maybe you could be the ultimate photographer! Your daughter and her friends will love you and think you are the coolest mom because you captured their “best side” in the ultimate lighting. You could set up a background on a wall in your house and put up “special” lighting to make them feel like they are at a real shoot.
You could even add accessories for them to put on and party balloons for your daughter to hold up with her new age.
16. Minute To Win It Party
Minute to Win It games are perfect for teens because they get bored doing something too long anyway. These games are super easy to put together and literally only take a minute to play! They make for lots of laughs as they are silly and challenging to do for anyone. Teenagers will play the games to the extreme just to up the antics a little bit.
17. Night Games Party
Night games are so popular with teens because something about doing anything after dark is more compelling to them. Teens love to post about their night games, which makes for a great party theme. To spice up the game night, have them go outside and play music and leave snacks and drinks for them to enjoy between games! Glow sticks are a MUST for this theme party.
18. Emoji Theme Party
Have you ever seen a teen not use an emoji in their text message or Insta post? Never. That’s why it makes for an awesome party theme. The best thing about an emoji-themed party is the cake and cupcakes that you get to make that resemble the real thing! They are so cute to look at, but even better to eat. You could even make a game, getting everyone to try to make the face of the emoji and have them vote who is the best/most accurate.
19. Giant Slip N' Slide Party
If your teen’s birthday party is in the summer then this should be your first idea. Slip n’ slides are fun for literally all ages and do not cost much; you don’t even have to buy a “real one” just use a roll of plastic and you are set! They can entertain teens for hours as they try to do stunts down the slide and add soap to see who can go down it the fastest.
20. Teen Beach Party
Teens in the North crave some sunshine and the beach. We can’t always take the party to the beach, so we bring the beach to the party! There are endless beachy decorations out there that can really give the teens the illusion that they are somewhere tropical for the day. You could even make Piña Coladas and daiquiris (virgin of course), so your teens can really feel the beachy vibes.
21. S'mores Party
The thing about s’ mores is that you can just make the simple marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker combination OR you can put literally any toppings you want on them, which makes them a favorite for everyone. Teenagers love having fires together because they get to gossip, eat their favorite treats, and tell ghost stories to scare their friends.
22. Makeup Party
Take out the eye shadow and blush! If your teen loves makeup, she will love this fun party idea. You can hire a makeup artist or if you're trying to save some $$$, head over to the dollar store and get some small makeup items. For extra excitement, come up with a makeup contest or themes for your teens to follow when painting their faces!
23. Laser Tag
Laser tag has been getting cooler and cooler, thanks to new places offering fun courses. They're an inexpensive way to let your teen's guests have fun!
Teen Tween Party Ideas: Conclusion
Don't stress too much about planning a party for your tween-ager or teenager! These Teen Tween Party Ideas are so versatile and can be used at any age or gender and will be a hit with them and their friends. Hopefully, these birthday party ideas inspired planning your child's special day!
Written by Helena Jones; Contributors: Morgan McHose, Jack Leduc, Grace Kreber and Nadeen El-Ansari