From rent-a-pool parties to outdoor movie nights, these fun party ideas and unusual party themes will impress even the coolest of teens.
Coming up with a great idea for a teenager’s birthday party can be tough. They’re too old for party games and a disco in the village hall, but too young to do many of the things they’ll enjoy in a couple of years’ time, like going to festivals, gigs or nightclubs.
There are still plenty of fun ways to keep them entertained, impress their friends and make them feel special, though. We’ve got loads of great party themes and ideas for teenagers – from the adventurous, such as paintball, to the more decadent, like a sit-down dinner party.
Whether you want to throw a party at home, hire a party venue or take a day trip, these party ideas will give teenagers their independence AND a great time. Plus there’s something for every budget.
1. Outdoor movie night
If your teen is a movie buff, a movie-themed party is a great option. For teenagers lucky enough to have a summer birthday, you can take the action outside and set up an outdoor cinema in your garden.
Here's how to create an outdoor cinema:
– Buy, borrow or rent an outdoor projector and screen (or you can use a white wall or sheet) to show your chosen movies
– Place beanbags, chairs and blankets around the garden so everyone can snuggle up and get cosy
– String up fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere
– Serve popcorn, pizzas and bags of pick 'n mix for your guests to snack on
If you want to go all out with the movie theme, you could send your guests invites designed like retro cinema tickets or ask them to dress as their favourite movie star. Put a red carpet down in the garden for guests to make their grand entrance – it'll be great for taking selfies and making TikTok videos, too.
It's always a good idea to have a backup plan incase of bad weather so be prepared to take things indoors or put up a gazebo incase of a shower.
If your guests are staying over, a bell tent in the garden will be loads of fun and gives teenagers a bit of privacy, too.
2. At home pamper party
If your teenager spends hours watching makeup tutorials online, they'll love a pamper party with some of their closest friends.
Follow these tips for a fab pamper party:
– Set up stations in your home for different types of pampering – nails, hair, skincare etc
– Decide if you're going to hire in professionals to do some of the pampering, such as manicures or makeup, or if your guests would prefer to have a go themselves
– Towelling robes will make everyone feel extra relaxed and make your home feel like a spa
– Funny face masks and cucumber for the eyes will give everyone a laugh as well as feeling great
– Serve pizzas or food that's easy to grab without disrupting the fun. Or if you're going for the spa theme, go for smoothies and healthy salads
– Make foot baths using washing up bowls and a decadent foot soak
Find more tips for hosting a DIY pamper party here.
3. Crazy golf
Crazy golf has had an upgrade recently. Forget mini golf on the seafront, most towns now have a purpose-built indoor crazy golf venue complete with glow-in-the-dark balls and amazing obstacles built from car bonnets.
These impressive venues will meet the approval of even the coolest teenager and most have food, drink and party packages available.
Best of all, there's no hassle of hosting a party in your own home.
Some venues have a policy that under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. If you're planning on leaving them to it, it's best to check before booking.
4. Colour fight party
A colour fight party is ideal for an outdoor party in the summer months. It's brilliant fun, your guests will be talking about it for weeks afterwards, and they'll all get some amazing selfies for the 'gram.
How to host a colour fight party:
– Buy some Holi powder paints. Designed for throwing and used in the Hindu festival of love, spring and colour, they're widely available online
– You'll need a large outdoor space such as a garden or field (the paints are non toxic and wash away easily but some venues and parks won't allow them, so check any restrictions beforehand)
– Ask your guests to wear all white and not to wear anything that might get ruined, such as their favourite designer trainers
– Give everyone a pair of cheap sunglasses to protect their eyes
– Get throwing!
There are no rules when it comes to a colour fight, although you could always split your guests into teams if you wish.
Make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand for when they've finished, as well as food that can be eaten outdoors, such as hotdogs or a barbecue, to stop guests traipsing colour indoors.
5. Murder mystery party
If your teenager loves a whodunnit or a bit of drama, then a murder mystery party is a great – and grownup – party option.
You can buy murder mysteries games online. There are all kinds of different themes, from Harry Potter to masquerade balls. The games provide clues, evidence and lay out the scenarios surrounding the murder.
Teens get to dress up as characters and act out their role while quizzing others to try and find out who committed the crime.
6. Theme park party
Rollercoasters, candy floss and being scared witless – what's not to love?
A day at a theme park with a handful of their closest friends is a great birthday treat for thrill-loving teens.
Theme park entry can be expensive but there are often offers to be had. Keep an eye out for discount vouchers and deals in local papers, on money saving websites and with supermarket loyalty cards.
There's nothing wrong with asking your teen's friends to pay their way either.
Find brilliant theme parks near you here.
7. Trip to the nail bar
A trip to the nail bar with some friends is the perfect pampering treat for teenagers.
Some nail salons run parties where they'll let you and your guests take over the salon. You can put up birthday decorations and play own music while you have manicures and pedicures and enjoy some nibbles.
Even if your favourite nail salon doesn't currently offer party packages it's worth checking to see what they can do, many will be happy to oblige.
8. Festival party
They might be too young to head off to a festival on their own just yet but that doesn't mean they have to miss out. Throw your teen a festival-themed birthday party in your own garden or a nearby field.
Tips for throwing an amazing festival party:
– Give your festival a fun name. A play on Woodstock involving your child's name usually works. Think Isla-fest or Ben-stock for example
– Decorate your garden with flags, bunting and fairy lights and make signs to point to each area and attraction
– Create a chill out zone using beanbags and blankets
– Use tents and gazebos to make a main stage/disco room where you can have a DJ or play live music (your teen may have a friend in a band or who has some decks who'd love to play)
– Hire a food truck or make a food stall where you can despatch burgers, falafel and other festival food
– No festival is complete without face painting – for teens go glitter and gemstones rather than animal faces
– Neon bracelets and glow-in-the-dark paint will go down well after sunset, flower crowns will be a hit in the day
– Have a sleepover tent so guests can stay over night
Find more ideas for throwing a festival-themed party here.
9. Escape room party
Escape rooms are loads of fun for groups of teenagers. Locked in a room, they'll have to crack codes and solve clues to escape.
Most towns have an escape room venue and rooms come in loads of different themes from ancient Egypt and wizarding schools to futuristic zones.
Most escape rooms will be suitable for ages 11+, although some require an adult to play with groups aged under 16 – check before you book.
Discover some of our favourite escape rooms here.
10. Five-a-side party
Who doesn't love a kickabout? Book a five-a-side pitch for your teenager and their mates to have a game or hire a coach to teach them some tekkers.
You can take them for food after to celebrate their win.
11. Dinner party
Throw your teen a sophisticated soirée with a three-course dinner party. It's a great excuse for them to dress up in their finest prom gear and enjoy some good food.
Tips for throwing a teenager's dinner party at home:
– Put a dress code on the invitation so you don't get some guests turning up in black tie and others in jeans
– Make a special effort to lay the table with a white tablecloth, flowers and candles (electric tea lights are the safest option)
– Devise a menu with your teen, making sure you've asked for all your guest's dietary requirements. Three courses will make them feel really special
– You can do the cooking yourself or ask your teenager to help. Another option is to buy in some courses such as sushi for a starter or get a caterer to prepare everything
– Food doesn't have to be too fancy – spaghetti works well for a main – but make sure your plates look great for those all important pictures and videos
– Add some fun touches such as popping candy on the dessert to get guests talking
– If you think conversation might dry up, place some conversation starter cards on the table and get each guest to read one out. Try questions such as 'who would you invite to your dream dinner party?', 'which two celebrities do you think would make the best couple?', and 'what's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?'
– Most important of all, stay out of the way! You should be there to serve food and clear up (sounds familiar), then let the teens get on with it. They'll have much more fun without any adults in the room!
Check out our easy party food and canapé recipes for ideas.
12. Gaming party
What do lots of teenagers want to do for their birthday? The same thing they do most days – play video games!
Here are some tips for hosting a gaming party:
– If your guests aren't avid gamers, choose games that are easy to learn and fun to watch. Wii games, Mario Kart etc will go down well
– Make sure you have a big screen so everyone can watch, rather than huddling round a computer screen
– Charge up any accessories and controllers and have a few spare so you don't run out of power halfway through
– Consider splitting your guests into teams and having a tournament
– Rather than buying new games, you can hire them so you have a wide selection to play. Ask friends to bring their favourites, too
– Put beanbags and cushions on the floor so there's somewhere comfy for everyone to sit
– Food that can be eaten with hands is a good idea so you don't have to interrupt play. Think pizza, fried chicken, crisps and dips
– Consider buying a mini trophy or prize for the winner if you're hosting a tournament
Read our guide to the best games consoles for kids and teens.
13. Afternoon tea party
Afternoon tea is a fun idea for a small birthday party. Many upmarket hotels and restaurants offer afternoon tea and the treat of small sandwiches, cakes and scones often has a theme, many of which are teen friendly. Expect anything from fashion to science, Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland.
If you're near London, you can even have afternoon tea on a specially converted double decker bus.
Or whip up your very own with our top tea party recipes.
14. Rent-a-swimming-pool party
Most of us haven't got our own private swimming pool, but if you've got a large back garden, you can hire one. Companies will come and erect a large above-ground pool in your garden, ideal for an American-style pool party.
Rental is usually for a week minimum. If you haven't got room for a pool, you can also hire hot tubs.
Top tips for throwing an awesome pool party:
– Put up some tropical decorations including Hawaiian leis and fairy lights
– Fill your pool with fun inflatables such as unicorns and palm trees
– Have a shaded area and some suntan cream on hand to ensure your guests stay safe
– A summery playlist is key – best leave it to your teen
– Serve mocktails and fresh fruit to keep your guests hydrated; a barbecue is a good idea for food
– Teens are usually happy entertaining themselves but consider having a few fun games, such as pool float relays, up your sleeve to get the ball rolling
And remember, you're never too old for a water fight. Here's how to host the ultimate at-home water fight for all ages.
15. Bowling party
Everyone loves bowling, even teenagers. Hire a couple of lanes for your teen and their friends at the local bowling alley and leave them to it while you wait in the bar.
They're not going to want the full-on kids' party experience with a sit-down meal and party bags, but give them some cash to splash out on burgers and fries for everyone at the onsite café.
16. Retro theme party
If you've got a teen who's obsessed with a certain era, from the 60s to the 90s, then a themed party from that decade would be a great choice.
How to throw a retro party
– Send invitations themed to the era and ask your guests to wear an outfit from your chosen period
– Decorate your party space with posters and accessories from that era – Dig for Victory posters for the war years, Britney and Justin for the 90s
– Have a playlist entirely from the decade in question
– Choose food that fits in with the time period. At a 70s party you could have prawn cocktail, for example
– Consider having some themed entertainment such as a live band playing tunes from the day
17. Paintballing party
Paintball is great adrenaline-fuelled fun and gives teens an opportunity to burn off some energy outdoors. The aim of the game is to shoot enemies with coloured paint while avoiding being shot yourself. You can play in teams with friends or against each other.
Most paintball centres in the UK have an age limit of 10 or above (so your teenagers won't be surrounded by younger kids) and have loads of group booking options and party packages to guarantee you the best deal.
18. Classic sleepover party
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Teenagers have been enjoying sleepovers for years and having friends over for the night is a great way to celebrate their birthday.
Tips for a great sleepover
– Decide where they're going to sleep – if you've got more guests than your teen's bedroom can hold, maybe give over the living room. It's only one night
– Put down bean bags, blankets, airbeds, quilts and sleeping bags so everyone has somewhere to sleep. Ask guests to bring bedding if you don't have enough
– Get some movies and a killer playlist on standby to start the evening off
– Order in some pizzas (or make your own) and have plenty of snacks such as popcorn, sweets, ice cream, crisps and dips
– If you want some activities, buy some face masks and nail varnishes, get the karaoke machine out or buy a new video game
– Your teen could also try playing some simple games such as writing the names of famous people on Post It notes. Each guest has a note on their head and has to guess who they are by asking the other guests yes-or-no questions (or they can try using the app Heads Up to make it simple)
– Make yourself scarce: sleepovers are for sharing secrets, no one wants their parents hanging around!
Making your own pizzas can be a fun activity, try one of these simple pizza recipes if your teenager and their friends want to have a go.
19. Climbing party
When they were younger, your kids might have enjoyed clip and climb parties but teenagers and their friends will love the chance to try the real thing.
Book a group lesson at your local climbing wall where they can learn to climb with ropes and see how high they can go. Or treat them to a bouldering session (climbing without ropes).
Lots of climbing centres have cafés where they can have a drink and something to eat and discuss their endeavour afterwards.
20. Treetop adventure party
With high-rope obstacles and zip wires, a treetop adventure park is a great birthday party idea for daring teens. Under 16s may require a participating adult to join them but the staff will take care of everything else. Group discounts often apply, too.
Discover our favourite high rope adventure parks in the UK.
More teenage birthday party ideas
Still want more? These fun birthday party ideas are great for teens:
– Stand up paddle boarding group lesson
– Karaoke party
– Geocaching
– Dance class to learn the moves to their favourite music video
– Ice skating
– Surf lessons or wakeboarding
Take a look at : 21 fun things to do at home for teens (and adults)
From crafting DIY bath bombs to cooking up a Mexican feast, forging a glittering podcasting career or making some spare cash on Depop, these fun ideas will keep teens entertained when they're stuck at home.
Looking for more birthday party ideas for teens? Check out our articles below, or swap tips with other parents in our forum…
