7 Fun and Unique Birthday Party Ideas For Teenagers

Inside this post: Not sure what to do for your teenager’s birthday this year? No worries, we have you covered! Here are seven birthday party ideas for teenagers that are sure to be a hit!

Remember how easy kid’s birthday parties used to be? A simple cake, some balloons, and a few party games used to do the trick.

It feels like as our kids get older their parties need to get more elaborate, but that’s not the case. Tweens and Teens still love to act like kids…they just want to feel more grown-up when doing it.

To make the big kids happy, you usually just have to employ a three-tiered strategy:

• Good party food and drinks
• Fun theme
• Opportunity for some great Instagram photo opps

Not sure where to get started?

We put together a few of our favorite ideas with some recommended party supplies. All of these themes are scalable, so you can go big and fancy or simple and selective.

We recommend keeping the birthday teen involved so you can get a sense of what they feel comfortable doing, plus everyone should learn how to plan a successful gathering.

Seven Great Birthday Party Ideas for Teenagers (and Tweens!)

Glow in the Dark/ Neon Party

A popular twist on the classic dance party can turn your home into a fun glow-in-the-dark-themed party your teen won’t soon forget. The first step is to make sure you have a black light in order to make your food and other decorations light up and give your party the glow-in-the-dark/neon effect.

Make sure you encourage party guests to dress up in neon outfits and add glow-in-the-dark accessories like glow sticks. You can also give your guests white t-shirts or white socks and let them decorate their shirts in Day-Glo paint for a personal touch.

Here are some must-have party supplies:

• Glow Sticks
• Glowing party cups
• Glow in the dark face paint
• Light up balloons
• Glow in the dark party decorations

Here’s some of our favorite glow in the dark party decorations:

30 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks – Emergency Light Sticks for Camping Accessories, Parties, Hurricane Supplies, Earthquake, Survival Kit and More – Lasts Over 12 Hours (Multi Color)100 Pack Colorful Glow Sticks – Great For Party Supply – Glow in The Dark Glowing Sticks Fun Party Pack with 8Glow Mind 12 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks – Emergency Light Sticks for Camping Accessories, Parties, Hurricane Supplies, Earthquake, Survival Kit and More – Lasts Over 12 Hours (Green)PartyStar 16oz Glowing Party Cups for Indoor Outdoor Party Event Fun, Multi-Color Variety Pack with 7 Bright Glow-In-The-Dark Colors for House Parties Birthdays Concerts Weddings BBQ Beach DJ HolidaysUV Glow in The Dark Face Paint Crayons,Black Light Makeup Neon Face and Body Paint Sticks Markers for Mardi Gras Halloween Masquerades MakeupTemporary Tattoos – 1 Sheet Lotus Flower Design Body Paint Art Blacklight Reactive Light Festival Accessories Glow in the Dark Party Supplies | 7.2” x 5.2” Temp Great for EDM EDC Party Rave PartiesLight up led balloons , Wedding Decorations 10 set warm white 15pcs Transparent Light Balloons Great For Banquets, Outdoor and Indoor Parties, Anniversary, House Party, Family Reunion, Birthday and Event Centerpieces (warn white) (20 inch–10 set)500feet Paper UV Neon Garland Neon Streamers Glow in the Dark Neon Party Supplies and Decorations Glow in the Dark Streamers Blacklight Reactive Fluorescent Black Light Party Kit for Birthday WeddingNeon Party Supplies Glow in the Dark for Party Decorations – Neon Glow Balloons, Glow Streamers Birthday Background Decoration, Glow Tape Under UV Blacklight for Glow Birthday Party, Wedding, DiscosAvezano Neon Birthday Party Backdrop 7x5ft Glow in The Dark Graffiti Splatter Happy Birthday Party Banner Photography Background Let’s Glow Dance Birthday Decoration Photo Booth Backdrop

 

Murder Mystery Party

Remember the days of breaking out Clue with your friends? This is a great way to get the teens off their phones for a while so they can figure out whodunnit.

You can build the mystery yourself with personalized, relevant clues, or there are a lot of great game sets you can purchase. If you want to kick it up a notch, have everyone come as a character (the rich grandmother, the spoiled bachelor cousin, the bookworm, or the butler.)

You can serve a nice dinner or even have someone get “murdered” over pizza. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun!

Here are some must-have Murder Mystery party supplies:

Top Secret Notebooks and Pencils 12 PackSkeleteen Large Bloody Knife – 16” Long, Realistic Looking Prank Toy, Fake Plastic Blade with Blood Stains – Costume Prop or Gag Blade for Halloween Haunted House, April FoolsCrime Scene KitBeistle 53397 Murder Mystery Photo fun signs, 22 Piece, 7Unsolved Murder Mystery Game – Cold Case File Investigation – Detective Clues / Evidence – Solve The Crime – for Individuals, Date Nights & Party Groups – Murder of a Millionaire by CRYPTIC KILLERSMurder Mystery Party Case Files: Death in Antarctica Mystery Detective Case File Game for 1 or More Players Ages 14 and Up from University Games , PurpleLights, Camera, Murder!Kadaon 10X Handheld Magnifier Antique Mahogany Handle Magnifier Reading Magnifying Glass for Reading Book, Inspection, Coins, Insects, Rocks, Map, Crossword PuzzleMugshot Backdrop Photo Booth Banner 4.9 x 4.3 ft, Police Lineup Height Charts Photo Props Background Accurate Measurements Poster for Bachelorette Girls Night OutBeistle 54242 22-Piece Fingerprint Wall Clings-1 Sheet, 12 by 17-Inch, Black/White

 

Camp Out Theme Party

Backyard campouts aren’t just for the little kids and this is one of our favorite birthday party ideas for teenagers! When the warmer weather hits, get a few tents, warm blankets, a firepit, and games to set up a campout party.

Create a fun playlist or set up the outdoor movie theater. Grill some burgers and hot dogs, set up some night games, grab some extra flashlights, and have some ghost stories at the ready. And most importantly, do all things s’mores.

If possible, decorate the “camp out” area with some fairy lights for when it gets dark, and make sure you have a good outdoor Bluetooth speaker. Tiki torches and mosquito repellants may also be good investments!

Here are some fun supplies for a camping-themed party.

Camping Party Decorations Happy Camper Banner, Camping Theme Birthday Party Supplies for Boy Girl, Camp Adventure Baby Shower Indoor Outdoor Party DecorAoocan Marshmallow Roasting Sticks , Set of 12 Extend 45Buffalo Plaid Party Supplies,Red and Black Lumberjack Party Plates and Napkins Set Include Disposable Party Dinner Plates,Dessert Paper Plates,12ozCups and Napkins for Birthday Party（Serves 25）Camouflage Drawstring Travel Bags Pouch Sacks for Party Favors, Outdoor Camping Picnics, Hiking (12 Pack)3D Decorative Cardboard Campfire Centerpiece Artificial Fire Fake Flame Paper Party Decorative Flame Torch (Red Orange, 6 Set)Kackool 7x5ft Green Leaf Backdrop Decoration for Weddings Photography Background Green Backdrop Birthday Newborn Baby Lover Wedding Photo Studio PropsCamping Party Decorations Camping Party Banner Camping Sign Welcome Banner for Camping Themed Birthday Party Baby Shower DecorationsMoobibear LED String Lights, 164ft 500 LED Fairy Lights Plug in, Dimmable Outdoor Tree Lights, UL-Listed Warm White Copper String Lights Remote Control for Room Patio Wedding Christmas Festival DecorGourmet Smores! Ready to Eat Handcrafted Milk Chocolate, Graham Cracker, Burnt Marshmallow Candy. S’more Cookie Bars (No need for Smores Kit, Maker, Caddy, Sticks or Fire Pit) 2 6-Packs – 12 SmoresZingoetrie S’Mores Station Box S’Mores Bar Holder Farmhouse Kitchen Decor Rustic Smores Roasting Station Wood Organizer Camping BBQ Storage Teacher GiftCamping Party Decorations Centerpiece Sticks, 24pcs Camp Theme Table Topper Party Supplies, Happy Camper Birthday Adventure Baby Shower Sign DecorLaVenty 16 PCS Happy Camper Balloon Camping Birthday Party Decor One Happy Camper Party Decor Lumberjack Party Decor Camp Party Decorations Tent Birthday Party DecorBIGASUO Upgrade HD Bluetooth Projector Built in DVD Player, Mini Video Projector 1080P Supported Compatible with TV/HDMI/VGA/AV/USB/TF SD Card, Portable Outdoor Movie Projector28 ft Inflatable Movie Screen Outdoor Incl Blower – Front and Rear Projection – Portable Blow Up Projector Screen for School, Churches, Grand Parties, Backyard Pool Fun

 

Food Truck

If you have the space, this is one of our favorite teen party ideas to do something fun and different, especially with a big crowd. Many restaurants now have food trucks that will come spend a few hours at a location to serve your guests fresh out of their vehicles. Check around as prices can vary greatly.

Get the music going with your teen’s favorite songs, set up some tables, grab some outdoor games, and have some fun!

Breakfast for Dinner Pajama Party

We love this simple upgrade to the classic sleepover party. Have everyone come in their comfy pajamas and ready to eat. Set up a waffle bar with all the fixings, including sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fruit, bacon, sausage, chicken fingers, and whatever else sounds fun.

Pick a few scary movies, grab your sleeping bags, and stay up all night gabbing with your besties.

Here are a few supplies to make your party a success:

Dash Multi Mini Waffle Maker: Four Mini Waffles, Perfect for Families and Individuals, 4 Inch Dual Non-stick Surfaces with Quick Release & Easy Clean – GraphiteVBENLEM 110V Mini Dutch Pancake Baker 50PCS 1700W Commercial Electric Nonstick Waffle Maker Machine 1.8 Inches for Home and RestaurantsSleep Mask 3 Pack, Upgraded 3D Contoured 100% Blackout Eye Mask for Sleeping with Adjustable Strap, Comfortable & Soft Night Blindfold for Women Men, Eye Shades for Travel/Naps, Black/Purple/Blue16 inch Pajama Party Balloons Banner Girls Sleepover Birthday Party Decoration Slumber Parites Banner Colorful Balloons Backdrop (PAJAMA PARTY Rose Red)Allenjoy Slumber Party Backdrop Kids Girls Pillow Fight Radio Birthday Sleepover Parites Table Wall Decorations Pajama Banner 7x5ft Photoshoot Background for Children Photography Photo Booth PropsSpa Day Party Theme Photo Backdrops Pink and Green Sparkling Sweet 16th Birthday Party Decorations Princess Girls Photography Background 5x3ft Baby Shower Pajamas Party Supplies Props Vinyl

 

Outdoor Movie Night

If you are looking for something a little quieter but still fun for your teen, give an outdoor movie night a try! Set up a projector outside, get those great movie munchies (you could even rent a big popcorn maker), and set up your teens for a fun movie marathon outdoors.

Set up a good place to take some pics for Insta during the breaks with some fun movie-inspired photo props.

Not sure what to play? Check out some of these ideas.

You could also customize it in several different ways, such as:

• Pick a movie trilogy or theme (Star Wars, Avengers, Musicals, Horror, etc.)
• Go old-school with a drive-in movie theme with retro decorations, blankets, and food
• Run it like the Oscars where people vote in three categories ahead of time to pick what will be watched that evening. Include the “nominees” on your invite or have people submit electronically. Put out a red carpet and a fancier meal. Don’t forget the paparazzi!

Here are a few suggested fun party supplies:

Tebery 30 Pack Plastic Open-Top Popcorn Boxes Reusable Popcorn Containers Bucket Tub – 3.75Movie Theater Candy Bundle (Pack of 8) includes Milk Duds, 5 oz + Whoppers, 5 oz + Junior Mints, 4 oz + Goobers + Reese’s Pieces + Raisinets + Nestle Buncha + Nestle Butterfinger BitesHollywood – Movie Theme Photography Backdrop and Studio Props DIY Kit. Great as Dress-up and Awards Night Ceremony Photo Booth Background, Vintage Costume Birthday Party Supplies and Event DecorationsGYUEM 22 feet Projector Screen – Inflatable Outdoor and Indoor Theater Movie Screens – Includes Rope, Blower,Tent Stakes – Great for Outdoor Party Backyard Pool FunBESTOYARD Movie Night Party Photo Booth Props Kit – Movie Star Movie Night Party Supplies Decorations,Pack of 21Movie Reel Cupcake Holder Foam for Your Oscar Party Novelty by PlaysceneNow Showing Banner Movie Night Party Red Carpet Backdrop Party Decorations Movie Backdrop Birthday Party Banner Baby Shower Birthday Party SuppliesMovie Night Party Supplies – Paper Dinner Plates and Beverage Napkins (Serves 16)Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Wireless Water-Resistant Speaker with Long-Lasting Battery and Handle, Black

 

Luau

Who doesn’t want to visit the topics? This is a great birthday party idea for teens that you can host indoors or outdoors (also good for those co-ed parties).

This is a theme that you can do so many fun things with ranging from a pig roast for a larger party to simple decorations for a smaller one.

Our teen daughter went to a party where they brought a Hawaiian dancer in to teach them how to Hula. They also did a limbo event (the winner won a Starbucks gift card), had someone bring their ukulele for some tunes, and a hula hoop contest (I didn’t think the teens would be into this, but the boys especially were competitive!)

So put on your grass skirts and grab your surfboards so you can hang-10!

Here are some must-haves for your Hawaiian-theme Luau:

Matney Bamboo Torches – Includes Metal Oil Canisters with Covers to Extinguish Flame – Great for Outdoor Decorating, Luau, Parties, Extra Long 60 Inches (12 Pack)Joyin Toy 36 Counts Tropical Hawaiian Luau Flower Lei Party Favors (3 Dozen)Newcreativetop 24Kicko Inflatable Palm Tree – 2 Pack – 66 Inch Giant Tropical Inflate Party Accessory for Outdoor Activities, Summer Beach Luau, Hawaiian Birthday, Pool Decor, Stage Prop30 Pieces Hawaiian Luau Birthday Party Hanging Swirl Decorations, Aloha Tropical Palm Flamingo Sign Foil Ceiling Decor for Hawaiian Tropical Party Summer Beach Pool Party Tiki Party Supplies150 Pieces Hawaiian Tropical Luau Theme Party Decorations Set, Includes Luau Grass Table Skirt, Gold Glittery Aloha Banner, Tropical Palm Leaves, Tissue Paper Pineapples, Luau Flowers (Natural Color)20 LED Monstera Leaf String Lights, Tropical Artificial Rattan Palm Leaves Wall Hanging Vine Leaf, Summer Decoration for Outdoor Indoor Hawaiian Luau Party Jungle Beach Theme Table Home DecorationsALINK 50 Umbrella Parasol Drinking Straws, Hawaiian Beach Cocktail Luau Party Decorations SuppliesAllenjoy 7x5ft Tropical Beach Background Summer Luau Palm Leaves Ocean Island Seaside Scene Wedding Photography Backdrop Baby Birthday Bridal Shower Party Decoration Banner Photo Booth PropsRoyal Magnolia Tropical Party Supplies -Service for 24– Hawaiian Paper Plates (7 and 9 Inch), Paper Napkins and Party Cups – Disposable Luau Theme Dinnerware Set for Aloha Summer Birthday, Beach PartySet of 3 Wooden Striped Surfboard Wall Hangings 32 Inches Long12 -pack 12oz Hawaiian Tropical Luau Party Plastic Coconut Cup with strawYaomiao 96 Pieces Tropical Hawaiian Cupcake Toppers Luau Summer Flamingo Pineapple Hibiscus Flowers Tropical Palm Leaves Cupcake Toppers Picks Party Supplies3 Pack Hawaiian Luau Tablecloths for Party Decoration, Hawaii Disposable Plastic Rectangular Table Covers, Aloha Tropical Palm Leaves Table Cloth, Summer Beach Kids Birthday Cocktail Party SuppliesHawaiian Luau Party Decoration Supplies, Tiki Totem Door Banner Sign for Aloha Hawaii Luau Tropical Moana Birthday Party Decorations, Tiki Decorations OutdoorHawaiian Plates and Napkins Set, 24 Pack Disposable Tropical Luau Paper Plates with Flamingo Napkins, Dessert Plates, Cups and Straws, Summer Beach Themed Tableware Pool Party Supplies Decorations28” Inflatable Palm Tree Cooler, Beach Theme Party Décor, Party Supplies for Pool Party, Luau Party and Hawaiian Party72 Pieces 10 Kinds Artificial Palm Leaves Golden Tropical Leaves with Stems Jungle Leaves Decorations for Hawaiian Luau Party Beach Baby Shower Wedding Birthday DecorationsPineapple Party Decorations, Hawaiian Party Supplies Tropical Leaves Hanging Paper Lanterns Pineapple Honeycomb Tissue Paper Fans for Birthday Luau Summer Party Home Decoration Party (Yellow)Happybuy 110V Commercial Slushy Machine, 1600W Frozen Drink Machine, 24L Double Tank Stainless Steel Slushie Machine, Margarita Smoothie Maker Suitable for Commercial UseHilor Inflatable Swimming Pool, 120Beistle 2 Piece Tissue Pineapples Luau Centerpiece Party Decorations, 12Outdoor String Lights 100ft Globe Outdoor Lights with Waterproof Shatterproof 60 LED Bulbs(2 Spare)Connectable Patio Lights for Indoor/Outdoor Backyard Garden Porch Party Led Outdoor String Lights

 

Even more great birthday party ideas for teenagers

If you are looking for a great teen birthday party theme idea, hopefully, these ideas have helped to inspire you. No matter whether you’re throwing a big or small party, these ideas would work to scale up or down to your party needs.

You can easily customize these ideas to fit your location and budget, or the unique personality of your birthday kit

Looking for more ideas? Here are a few more suggestions:

• Photo Scavenger Hunt
• Game night
• Escape Room
• Disco Night/70s
• Carnival night (think cotton candy and fun games)
• Costume party (pick a theme like superheroes, angels and devils, or sports heroes)
• Minute-to-Win It
• Sorts night
• Chacuterie Board Night
• Pizza/Taco/Sundae Bar
• Solid Gold Dance Party
• Karaoke Night
• Outdoor game party (think Capture the Flag, flashlight tag, and Ghose in the Graveyard)

Even more teen birthday party ideas you can outsource

We get it, there’s only so much time in a day. Here are even more ideas to celebrate your tween/teen where you barely have to plan a thing:

• Paintball
• Amusement park
• Go-kart park
• Thrift shopping (hit multiple shops in a day, think Shop-to-you-Drop)
• Spa visit
• Laser tag
• Paint/pottery making
• Cake class
• Volunteer event
• Mini golf
• Hibachi
• Pool party/waterpark

*This post may contain Amazon affiliate links where we earn a small commission for items purchased.

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