13th Teen Birthday Party Ideas

From LoveToKnow Party

Coming up with 13th teen birthday party ideas for your child may seem like an insurmountable task. Kids on the cusp of the teenage years can have a wide range of maturity levels and interests, so it is important to involve your child in the planning and preparation of his/her birthday party.

Suggestions for 13th Teen Birthday Party Ideas

To get ideas for your soon-to-be teen’s birthday party, the best place to start is with him or her. Ask what kinds of things he would enjoy doing for his birthday. Talk about various suggestions, and let your teen know you will get back to him with a final decision on what you will be doing.

Other places to get ideas are from family and friends who have had children turned 13 already. Find out what went over well and what was a flop. You can use these ideas to help shape the birthday party for your teenager.

The best suggestions are those that involve an activity your child and his friends are interested in. This keeps them engaged and busy, so any of the common awkwardness of this age is left behind. Consider doing the following party ideas:

  • Hiking—Invite between five and seven children along with you for hiking in the local state park. Request that they wear appropriate clothing and wear hiking shoes/boots. Bring along SPF, bug/tick spray, first aid kit, cell phone for emergencies, and a large picnic lunch for celebrating. Do not forget a camera to capture the fun.
  • Swim Party—Before planning a pool party bash, check with your teenager first. Both boys and girls can feel shy about their bodies at this age, so make sure it is something he/she would want to do. If you do not have a pool in your backyard, most community pools and country clubs offer their facilities for a small fee.
  • Sporting Event—Check out the local minor leagues for an inexpensive but fun party. Hockey, basketball, and baseball minor league teams often offer packages for group outings. Included in the package is usually food, drink, and tickets into the game. A special party box or area may be included in the package as well. Call the team’s ticketing office for more information on their packages.
  • Holiday Attractions—If your child’s birthday falls near a holiday, ask him if he would like to incorporate that into his birthday party plans. Go to a haunted house as an October birthday party idea; plan a tour of holiday lights at Christmas; or host a fireworks and fun birthday celebration for kids with birthdays at the beginning of July.

Boy-Girl Dance Parties

A common misconception by parents is that 13 year olds want to have their first boy-girl dance party. Although often shown in television and movies as the only 13th teen birthday party idea, many children can end up feeling shy and embarrassed at these events. While you may be excited about the fact that your daughter is now a “woman” and want to help “introduce” her to your friend Susan’s son, consider your daughter’s maturity level and that of her friends. Is she still shy and giggling around boys? Or has she gone on a few group dates already?

Should you decide to host a dance party for your child, make sure you have plenty of party food available, like pizza, chips, pop, and cookies. Have your child make mix CDs of their favorite dance songs and put them in a multi-disc player, so no one is left manning the music. Let your child know that you or your spouse will be checking into the party periodically.

Finally, have a back-up plan. Should the dance portion of the party flop, have several movies rented and make it a movie-night. Be open to suggestions of what your teen wants to do as well, if it does not work out. Head to the ice cream parlor or out for coffee and hot chocolate if the kids seem restless and bored.

Simple and Sweet

Just because your child is turning 13 does not mean he/she is ready for a huge party. Maybe you do not have the money right now, and would rather spend it on a larger 16th birthday party, or maybe he is experiencing difficulties with friends. Sometimes family and friend obligations (like a wedding that day or a family crisis) can get in the way of celebrations.

In cases like those above, you do not have to forgo the party entirely. Invite your child’s grandparents over for dinner and make it a simple and sweet family affair. Let your teen choose his favorite meal, have a birthday cake, and give him a few simple presents.

As long as you follow the cues your child is giving you, you will be sure to give him the party he feels comfortable with. Go with the flow and be prepared for some possible angst as the party draws near. Be assured that as long as you keep your child’s wishes in mind, the party will be a success.


 


Comments

Borrowing or renting a gazebo may be a more affordable way to decorate your garden. If you're worried about the cost of refreshments, you could ask your friends to pitch in for the food and drinks. With careful planning, any party can be affordable.

You may also find some fun ideas for a garden party in our article on spring party themes.

-- Contributed by: Lorie Witkop

well i realy want a party in my garden with all my freinds you no with a gazebo and music and food and stuff but i dont fink my mum has the money what shall i do

-- Contributed by: xxshannon

Glad we could help, Rachelle. There's also a discussion in our party forums with some extra co-ed teen party tips if you need some more ideas.

-- Contributed by: Lorie Witkop
> See All Comments on this article    


Comment on 13th Teen Birthday Party Ideas



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Party Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles