One of the great things about teen parties is that you can set a limit on the number of guests for the benefit of doing something more than just cake and punch in the basement or the backyard. Most teens willingly limit themselves to a few close friends without prompting from parents. Additionally, most teens shy away from the boy-girl parties for something like a birthday, opting to spend time with special (usually same-gendered) friends. However, finding something to keep teens interested can be challenging. By understanding your teen’s interests and being a little creative, you can plan a fabulous party that will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. Sports/Active Parties For teens that enjoy sports or physical activities, a party that incorporates something either new or a favorite sport is always a good bet. Laser tag, foam parties, or indoor rock climbing are all ideas for the physically active teen and his/her friends. Parents need to be sure that guests’ parents know what will be happening so their teens can dress appropriately and bring any equipment needed. Ideas for sports and activities are only limited by the availability of facilities and your imagination! A party might be the place to try out something new such as ice skating or horseback riding. Parent who are hosting the party need to remember they will be expected to pay for their child and their guests so they may want to consider limited the guest list to help defray costs. Destination Parties For a teen and a few friends, a night at a local hotel can be a lot of fun and a great way to host a party for parents who don’t mind being an all-night chaperone. Hotels with a pool are a great place for teens to kick back and spend some time with friends. Going one step beyond a traditional sleep-over, hotel parties are popular with teens who want the fun of spending the night with friends plus the benefits of having a pool and other amenities at their disposal. Parents need to be aware that they will be on all-night supervision to be sure their children don’t disturb other guests. An alternative would be to have an overnight party at an indoor waterpark. In this setting, kids are safe to roam around the location and there are a variety of activities they can participate in for one price. Additionally, other guests are a little more forgiving of noise in a place where they expect a lot of kids unlike most hotels. Arts, Crafts, and Skill Parties Teens who enjoy arts and crafts can learn a new skill or practice a favorite on at a party that highlights that specific craft. Many teens take an opportunity such as this to learn something new – anything from knitting to cake decorating. Most arts and crafts parties have the added benefit of guests being able to take home something they made at the part as well as an introduction or enhancement of a hobby or skill. Before booking this type of party of this type, parents should talk to their teen to see what type of class would be interesting. Parents also should check with the instructor offering the classes to see what type of qualifications they have and what material are required for the participants. Most major craft stores offer classes for teen parties which may be a good option for parents to find a variety of classes. Many cities also have clay studios where customers can paint objects and then have them fired which is also a good option for a party for artsy teens. Spa Parties Formerly the sole arena of girls, more and more young men are interested in the benefits that can be garnered from a trip to the spa. No longer just nail polish and make-up, many spas have specific packages and services just for male clients. Still, an overwhelming number of clients to day spas are females. Whether it is a mother-daughter trip or one with your teen and a couple special friends, a day at the spa can be an unforgettable way to mark a special day. Spa trips can be expensive so it is best to establish a very small, very limited number of guests before committing to this sort of party. Some cosmetology schools offer spa treatments at a lower price per customer which may help defray some of the cost of a full-price spa. Get-Away Parties A get-away party would be perfect for a teen and a friend who want an experience that includes travel to a special location for their party. While it would be less like a traditional party, many parents enjoy this sort of party as it makes such a strong memory for their teen. While the cost, both in time and money, may be restrictive for many parents, this sort of celebration would be the perfect marker for a special event in a teen’s life such as a sixteenth birthday. Similar, but on a smaller scale, could be a weekend away at an amusement park with a few friends and a parent chaperone. Leaving town for a get-away party with a few friends truly makes a teen feel special and grown up. While it might not be an option every year, it would be perfect for a special birthday or celebration event. Planning a party for a teen is definitely more complicated that inviting their school friends to your house for pizza and a movie. However, with some creativity and a good knowledge of what your teen thinks is special, you can plan a party for them that they will never forget. Author Bio: Danielle Arson is a professional blogger that shares party planning tips and advice. She writes for The Foam Guy, the largest touring foam party company in the country. Google+
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