Remember when we were growing up and birthday parties were just balloons, hot dogs, cupcakes and maybe a game of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey?” A “super memorable” party was when pizza was ordered from the best place in town! But now you’ve got a tween or teen who rolls their eyes at all your suggestions for a birthday celebration.
The good news is that you can throw an awesome, age-appropriate birthday party without renting a limo or selling a kidney. With the right setup (and just a little bit of creative flair), even a party at home can be cool again.
Pick a Theme – and Keep it Chill
Think “glow-up spa night,” “epic video game battle” or “DIY bubble tea + bracelet bar.” Nothing too cutesy, just a loose vibe that feels fun and not cringey.
Let Them Be the Party Planner
Give them a budget, some Pinterest inspiration and let them make the calls. The more ownership they have, the more excited they’ll be and the less they’ll act like you’re ruining everything.
Help Them Make the Space Feel Like Theirs
You don’t need to redecorate your house, just tweak the atmosphere. String lights, photo backdrops or snacks in TikTok-worthy setups create an instant vibe that will make everyone want to take and post all the pics.
Need some specific ideas to make your home into a space people of all ages will love? We’ve got you:
• Have an Outdoor Movie Night – Projector, popcorn and blankets make an instant win.
• Put Out a Make-Your-Own Pizza & Sundae Bar – All you need is food and their creativity. This one is zero effort for you (except cleaning up!).
• Epic Spa Night – Sheet masks, cucumber water, nail polish and a speaker = happy teens.
• Create a Backyard Glow Party – Glow sticks, neon lights, outdoor selfie stations and maybe some fun outdoor games.
• Host a Murder Mystery or Escape Room Challenge – Buy a printable kit or DIY one.
• Creative Hangout Night (something for everyone!) – Paint tote bags, make bath bombs or try Polaroid journalling.
But what if your home is small, or your kids just don’t want to have their friends in their own space? Here are some great spots that don’t break the bank.
1. Swimming Pools. Most indoor pools have slides, wave pools and offer “party packages” that include swimming and a party room perhaps with some activities. If budget is a big factor, you don’t need to book the party room—just pay for the pool admissions then hand out post-swimming cupcakes in a nearby park.
You’ll often find the same deals at ice skating rinks and bowling alleys around town.
2. Movie Nights. Cineplex or Landmark Cinemas offer group rates (or grab the discounted ticket packages from Costco), and you can do the same cupcake trick as above or hit a nearby bubble tea place after.
3. Art or Craft Studios. Dedicated art spaces like 4Cats Studio or even community centre nights are perfect for hands-on fun. Everyone goes home with a masterpiece—and maybe a new skill.
4. Board Game Cafés. Board Game Cafes, some pizza places around town and even some community centres offer evenings that combine food and games to make a fun, social party.
5. Head to a Park. Picnic at the top of PKOLS, Beacon Hill Park, Maffeo Sutton Park, Transfer Beach or one of the other amazing parks or waterfront locations around the Island. Plan a fun teen-themed scavenger hunt or just set up some selfie stations.
Remember that birthday parties don’t have to be over-the-top to be memorable. Give your teens a little control, a space to be silly and maybe some pizza and it’ll be a huge hit. Whether you go full party-planner mode or wing it with a backyard glow stick dance party, the goal is simple—make them feel celebrated without totally losing your mind (or draining your bank account).
