Teens just want to have fun and parties, especially birthdays, are the perfect excuse for festivities! The challenge in planning a teen party can be made easy with a few ideas. There is so much to think about when planning an exciting, yet age appropriate party. Here are some fantastic party planning ideas for teens.
When it’s celebration time for teens, the planning can leave parents a bit confused. A few suggestions can make throwing a party a success and a memory to be cherished. Starting by including the teen in the preparation is a no brainer and most teens jump on board with some clear party planning ideas.
Planning the Details
When planning a party for teens, there are a few things that you need to discuss.
- Budget
- Food
- Location
- Cleaning
- Music
- Neighbours
- Starting and Ending Times
- Security / Chaperones
- Guest List
- Insurance
- Drinks list
Party Ideas
Having a fun theme for your party with decorations, food such as platters, finger food and cakes, drinks and activities that all tie-in, will make this a memorable time for your child and help keep guests entertained – though this may only work for younger teens. Older teens may just want a simpler party. Some party ideas are:
Camping – Kids of all ages love to camp and teens are no exception. Simply reserve a campsite and send out the invites. Be certain to check park rules on minors and chaperones or consider a back yard camping extravaganza. For food, have on hand camping favorites from hot dogs (veggie dogs for the vegetarians), chips and don’t forget s’mores! Flashlights or headlamps make terrific party favors but consider handing them out as guests arrive. If allowed, sit around a bonfire, enjoying all kinds of stories.
Scavenger Hunts – Guys and girls alike respond to this idea. Enlisting additional parents as drivers is helpful. Split guests into groups and send them on a scavenger hunt throughout town. The trick is to require guests to take photos in front of each landmark they are sent to. Make certain the map is cryptic and encoded for a real challenge. Party favors can be t-shirts in different team colors and decorating the interior of the scavenger cars makes for unexpected fun.
Movie Fun – Choose a few of your favourite movie and set up an area with bean bags and mattresses. If the weather permits, you could set up outside using a DVD projector and screen, which can be rented. Create fun invitations the resemble movie tickets and give out glow necklaces to your guests. You could also get out your video camera and treat all your guests like movie stars.
Midnight Madness – Host a surprise that appeals to teens. Wake the birthday boy/girl with a group of friends and head to an all night diner. All guests should be encouraged to arrive in pajamas. After a midnight dinner head back home for a sleepover complete with a movie. If a pool or Jacuzzi is available, a nighttime dip is perfect and pancakes with sparkler candles in the morning are a great alternative to cake.
Sporting Fun – Does your teen play on a sports team? This is a great theme for kids of all ages, hosting on a sports field or court, having multiple fun games is a perfect party for those sport loving teens. Or maybe a pool party if the weather is appropriate.
Glam Day – If your teen is into all things girly, host a fun party where everyone can get dressed up and pose for photos on a red carpet. A photo booth would be a great addition to this as well.
Themes for Parties
Many ideas are born out of themes, you could have a
- Wild West party with lassos and bales of hay
- Hippie party with tie-dye activities
- Under the sea party with sharks, pearls and a pool
- Blast from the Past party where they can dress up in the clothes from the time eg. 20’s, 60’s or 70’s
- A Karaoke or gaming party with a portable karaoke machine, laptop, computer or a gaming system
Party Planning Curriuculum
If your teen loves to host parties, then this Party Planning curriculum is a great curriculum for them to complete. Things they will cover in this curriculum are:
- Party Purpose
- Details
- Selecting a Theme
- Choosing a Colour Scheme
- Following a Budget
- The Importance of Organisation
- Invitations
- Tips for Saving Money
- Decorations
- Menu Selection
- Activities and Entertainment
- Setting a Table
- Hospitality and Etiquette
- Planning for Problems
This is a great in-depth resource for teens who love to plan and organise parties. It explains everything that they will ever need to know, encouraging them to create their perfect party while staying on budget. Print off the curriculum and bind, to make it easier to read and complete each task.
You can grab this printable Party Planning Curriculum from Celebrate Every Day.
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