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23 Super Fun Teen Tween Party Ideas

Teen Tween Party Ideas

Updated on: Feb 24, 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.

Native 1080P 350ANSI 13000L 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 Projector Raydem Video Outdoor Movie LED Projector Supports 4K, HD, Compatible with TV Stick,Phone to Enjoy Home Theater

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💡【Compatible with Multiple Devices: 】 Perfect for gaming or hosting a movie night! In addition to side-by-side dual-HDMI for your laptop or gaming console, it includes classic video game single 3.5mm A/V port, two USB ports plus standard 3.5mm audio jack option. Easily connect with your TV, smartphone, external speakers, tablet, laptop, gaming consoles, etc. Connect a laptop with HDMI to watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
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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.

Zcaukya 12 Pack Inflatable Floating Drinking Holders, Drink Floats Inflatable Cup Coasters for Pool Party

12 Adorable Shapes + 1 Air Pump.
Premium PVC, durable, odorless and reusable.
Easy to inflate and hold up well.
Hold the drinkings floating on the water.
Add great fun to your summer parties.

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.

Portable Inflatable Photo Booth Enclosure (White, Two Doors, 8.2x8.2x8.2ft), staelea Inflatable LED Photo Booth Tent with Air Blower and Remote Controller, Photo Booth Backdrop for Wedding Event

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★Colorful led Light:Led booth is 7 colors red, green, blue, yellow, purple, cyan, white.controled by the remote. It will light up your party.
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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!

JODSONE Gel Nail Polish Kit with U V Light 32 Colors Gel Polish Nail Kit Soak Off Gel Nail Set Manicure Tools Nail Gel Kit Gifts for Women

35 PCS Gel Nail Polish Set: This is a gel nail kit with super multi-color gel nail polish.It includes 32 bottles of classic gel nail polish (7ml each), 1 bottle of base coat, 1 bottle of no wipe top coat, matte top coat, a high-power professional nail lamp, and some nail manicure tools.the nail set has all the colors you need, You don’t need to go to a nail salon anymore, you can create all kinds of beautiful nail styles at home.
150W Super Fast Nail Lamp: It has 45 dual-light source lamp beads, which not only cures quickly but also cures nails without dead spots; it has a LCD display and 4 timer buttons, which make it more convenient for you to use; smart sensors, just put your hand in and the light will turn on automatic light, release, the light will automatically go out. Suitable for professional salons and personal families.
32 Colors Gel Nail Polish: It is composed of 9 healthy ingredients. It is healthy, low odor, high gloss. It includes black, white, nude, purple, blue, green, red, pink, yellow and other classic colors. The gel polish needs to be cured under LED lights. If you use it properly, it can last for more than 3 weeks.
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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.

Jusalpha® Elegant Tea Cup and Saucer Set-Coffee Cup Set with Saucer and Spoon FD-TCS03-4COLOR

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Dishwasher-safe, Non-microwavable.
Capacity: 7 OZ

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.

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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.

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FIVE SHAPES—There are five different shapes inflatable toys in one package. 2 pcs inflatable palm trees, 2pcs inflatable flamingos, 4pcs inflatable beach balls, 1pc inflatable banana and 1 pc inflatable parrot.
DURABLE PVC MATERIAL—Our inflatable toys are all made of durable PVC material which is waterproof and non-toxic. They would not burst easily. You could use them for long time once you buy one package.
APPROPRIATE SIZE—The sizes of our floats are: Inflatable Palm Tree: 22.3inch(W) x 33.8inch(H), Inflatable Flamingo: 18.1inch(W) x 19.7inch(H), Inflatable Beach Ball: 8.6inch(Diameter), Inflatable Banana: 25.2inch(L), Inflatable Parrot: 29.1inch(L) x 22.4inch(W).
IDEAL for SUMMER PARTY—Suitable for summer party decorations, like Hawaiian theme party, beach party, pool party or any other tropical theme party. With our Hawaiian floats, it could make your party more festive. They are not only party decorations but also backdrop and props for your photos.
WARM TIPS— Please keep the products out of fire and sharp articles.

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.

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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.

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PERFECT SPACE PARTY DECORATIONS - To the Moon, Rocket, Outer Space, NASA or Astronaut etc, any party you want, take them for your party or gifts to your family and friends, make an impression.
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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.

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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.

Legendog Dog Birthday Party Supplies Dog Paw Print Balloons Cat Birthday Hat Happy Birthday Banner Foil Balloons Lets Pawty Letters Balloons Decorations

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

Grace Kreber

University of Iowa

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Helena Jones

Walsh University

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Jack Leduc

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

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Morgan McHose

Loyola University of Chicago

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Nadeen S El-Ansari

University Of Massachusetts Boston

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