For teen boys and girls, there are many options for birthday parties.  The possibilities include a theme, milestone if turning 16 or 18, sleepover event,  surprise party or maybe going to an amusement park.  Some might be geared just to girls or a mixed crowd.  The location can determine the food served at a birthday party for a teen.

Most likely, the parent will not be sticking around for the birthday party of a teen like they do for younger kids, unless it is to a location that is far away.  One thing is certain - there will be a birthday cake for the teen celebrating their birthday. 

The Birthday Cake

The teen can choose the type of cake they prefer with the filling, cake and icing.  My son likes ice cream cakes.  At this stage in life they are beyond the character type cakes and will just want to stick to Happy Birthday, their name and age.  Plan ahead to order the cake and pick it up a day earlier than the party.

Party Activities

For teen girls, the choices can be having manicure and lunch, boys it could be pizza and a game, movie or bowling.  This would be limited to a few friends as opposed to inviting the whole class as they did in lower grades.  It also depends on the time of year.  Summer parties can be at the beach, park or lake where swimming can be part of the festivities. 

Party Foods

You can make sandwiches for the party and if grilling is an option at the location hot dogs, burgers and chicken would be appropriate with macaroni salad and corn on the cob as side dishes.  One person could be in charge of the condiments, another for the place decorations and the plates and silverware.   

More Party Ideas

Music is another option as well as sports for an outdoor birthday party for teenagers.  A football, badmitton set and miniature golf can be enjoyed outdoors before or after eating. 

A sweet sixteen party for a girl might just be for the girls with another casual party for a mixed crowd.   Here are some health party tips with recipes for fruit sludgies and fruit kabobs. 

Here are some birthday celebration ideas from other countries.  Laser Quest has locations in United States and Canada, sounds like a fun idea for a birthday party for teens.  There is also the YMCA or YWCA in your local area or a Boys and Girls Club to host a party. 

I suggest planning and organizing to start three months in advance of the birthday and if during a school vacation consider having the party before or after the vacation and not at the same time as a holiday.

My teen son turns 14 on March 22nd.  For his tenth birthday we took a train down to San Diego for a two day visit to Sea World.