18th Birthday Party Ideas

A visitor to LoveToKnow party was looking for 18th birthday party ideas.  Does anyone have any great themes or activities to share?

I didn’t actually have an 18th birthday party because my birthday was at the end of August, right as everyone was heading off to college for the first time.  I know one thing 18-year-olds in my area sometimes do is head to the casino about an hour away (it’s 18+ because it’s an Indian casino). But that wouldn’t be for everyone, and I would only advise it for those who can be responsible with their money.

Honestly, I can’t remember what I did for my own 18th birthday party!

Usually, your 18th birthday coincides with your senior year of high school, so families could tie something in with that. For example, allowing the birthday boy/girl to choose a weekend getaway for the family (if you can afford it) or have a larger say in the trip for the family vacation. Taking a special dinner cruise on a riverboat would be fun, too.

As far as a birthday party with friends, it could be fun to visit a local entertainment venue that offers various arcade games, blacklight mini-golf and dancing. This would allow friends who aren’t 18 yet to still participate, whereas at a casino, only those over 18 could attend.

That’s a good point that it isn’t necessarily a good idea to plan an activity exclusive to people who are 18 or older.  Most 18-year-olds will have some friends who haven’t turned 18 yet, so it wouldn’t be good to plan a party that will exclude them.

Another idea I’ve thought of is to plan a fancy dress party or a really elegant dinner to emphasize the entry into adulthood with a sophisticated event.