45 Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens Who Don't Do Boring in 2025
Coming up with birthday party ideas for tweens can be tricky. You want to avoid making it feel too “kid-like” but still want to keep it fun. So, what party works for an 11-year-old? Or a 14-year-old? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. These birthday party ideas for tweens span a range of interests, ensuring you’ll find the perfect theme and venue for the tween in your life.
From classic pool parties and arcade trips to more unique options like a hotel sleepover or backyard campout, this list offers plenty of ideas to make their celebration unforgettable. If you’re also looking for some teen birthday party ideas, we’ve got a few suggestions for that age group as well!
Jump to Section
- Cool Birthday Party Ideas for Tween Girls
- Epic Birthday Party Ideas for Tween Boys
- At-Home Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens
- Budget-Friendly Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens
- Birthday Party Venues & Outings for Tweens
- Birthday Party Ideas Tweens and Adults Can Enjoy Together
- Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens FAQs
Cool Birthday Party Ideas for Tween Girls
1. Painting Classes
Painting classes are great art ideas for teens, and they also make awesome birthday party ideas for tweens. Talented instructors offer expert guidance from start to finish so everyone ends up with a masterpiece they’re proud of.
From self-portraits to city skylines and floral scenes, there are a variety of themed classes to choose from. Some even let you create a custom tie-dyed T-shirt or paint a Barbie-inspired wall hanging.
The best part is that participants get to take home their creations, so your tween can gift themselves a birthday present that lasts a lifetime. If you’re looking for art classes in Atlanta, art classes in Houston, or art classes in Detroit, or even painting classes online, there are plenty of options available.
2. Slumber Party
Tweenhood is the perfect time for a slumber party with a few close friends. They no longer require constant parental attention, so you don’t need to plan out a bunch of activities for the evening, leaving them to watch TV or play board games (or show each other funny TikTok videos, more likely). This is one of the easiest birthday party ideas for tweens because of the small guest list. Just stock up on tween-approved eats and drinks, and have a few different breakfast options for the morning.
3. Have a Bake-Off Party
A bake-off is one of the more fun birthday party ideas for tweens who are into shows like “Kids Baking Championship” or just enjoy getting creative in the kitchen. All the kids can work together to make a batch of cupcakes or cookies, then everyone can decorate their own with different frostings and toppings like sprinkles and chocolate chips.
If you really want to turn up the heat (pun intended), set a timer for the decorating process. When all is said and done, the birthday girl can choose a winner — she’s exempt from judgment, of course.
4. Taylor Swift Party
If you need birthday party ideas for a tween girl who happens to be a Swiftie, you’re all set for a theme. Taylor-inspired decorations are easy to find online and at party stores, and you can have her albums playing in the background and stream “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” during the party. For activities, the tweens can sing Taylor songs karaoke-style.
5. “Dozen” Party
This has to be one of the most creative 12th birthday party ideas for girls to have at home. Since they'll be turning 12, everything comes in dozens, including the food (a dozen cupcakes, for example), flowers and decorations (such as a dozen balloons). You can also work with a theme of your tween’s choosing and incorporate dozens into it.
6. Fashion Show
Turn your living room into a runway for one of the most creative birthday party ideas for tweens. Lay out a bunch of different outfits, shoes, costume jewelry and other accessories for the girls to try on and model. They can mix and match pieces to create fun outfits, and the birthday girl can come up with “awards” for each guest, such as “Most Creative,” “Best at Matching,” etc. You could even set up a tripod and be the “paparazzi.”
7. High Tea
If you’re looking for fancy birthday party ideas for tween girls, a high tea is always fun (especially for spring birthdays). All the girls can dress up in frilly, floral outfits, and you can set out finger sandwiches and pastries on a table in the backyard. Don’t forget to decorate with flower arrangements and pipe roses onto the cake.
Epic Birthday Party Ideas for Tween Boys
8. Team-Building Activities
Team-building activities make amazing birthday party ideas for tweens. Whether at your place or a local venue, the boys can engage in some friendly competition with a pizza-making contest or work together to recreate classic takeout dishes.
According to the PennState Extension, team-building activities are crucial for kids’ development, so this is a party idea with unexpected benefits. No matter what activity your tween decides on, he’ll have a wholesome time with his friends and learn better teamwork skills in the process. You can find team-building activities in Austin, or any city near you, or even explore virtual team-building options.
9. Video Game Party
When planning birthday party ideas for tweens, it’s important to keep their interests top of mind, and tween boys and video games go together like peanut butter and jelly. Host a video game tournament that encourages healthy competition, and amp up the theme even more with video game-themed décor and snacks.
10. Get Tickets To a Sporting Event
If the birthday boy is a sports fanatic, take him out to the ball game. Attending a sporting event is one of those highly-favored birthday party ideas for tweens because there are so many different sports to choose from (depending on the season and where you live). If you can swing it, courtside or field-level seats would make his special day even more memorable.
11. Paintball
Roughhousing just comes with the territory of being a tween boy, so it’s important to find birthday party ideas for tweens that allow them to do it in a safe, controlled environment. Enter: paintball.
Whether you go to an actual paintball arena or set up a course in the backyard, he’ll have a blast duking it out with his friends. Plus, it’ll make for a great group picture when they’re all covered in paint at the end of the day.
12. Water Fight
Summer birthday party ideas for tweens can take the party outside. Let the boys battle it out with a water balloon or water gun fight and serve cold drinks and refreshing snacks like watermelon and popsicles.
13. Parkour Party
Tween boys are bursting with energy (especially after birthday cake!), so take them to a parkour, climbing or Ninja gym and let them run amok. This is one of the more adrenaline-filled birthday party ideas for tweens, and it has the added perk of improving their athletic skills.
At-Home Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens
14. Spa Day
If you need easy 12th birthday party ideas for girls at home, look no further than a spa day. Get her favorite nail polish colors and other beauty products and let her chat it up with her friends while being pampered.
15. Mocktail Party
Birthday party ideas for tweens that make them feel like grown-ups are impossible to mess up. Get out your wine or champagne glasses and make mocktails, like the classic Shirley Temple, for them to sip. You can be the “bartender,” and the kids can dress up like they’re going to a fancy cocktail party. This is such a unique way to celebrate your tween, and they’ll remember the celebration for years to come.
16. Water Slides
Tweens might be a bit too old for bounce houses, but water slides are one of the coolest birthday party ideas for tweens at home. Rent a couple of epic slides and turn the backyard into a waterpark. You can fill coolers with drinks and snacks, maybe order a few pizzas and have upbeat music going while the kids play.
17. DIY Arts & Crafts Party
Kids with a creative side need birthday party ideas for tweens that nurture it, and an arts and crafts party does just that. Provide art supplies and mini easels, and maybe set up a few stations for crafts like origami. The party guests could even make homemade cards for your tween as an extra-special gift.
18. Themed Party
Birthday party ideas for tweens at home need not be boring or drab. Well-executed theme party ideas can transform your home into anything your tween wants it to be. Once they’ve settled on a theme, you can get decorations, food and a cake to match it.
19. Ice Cream Social
Party like it’s 1950 with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Get a few different flavors of ice cream for the kids to pick from and set up a topping bar with sprinkles, candy, and hot fudge sauce. You could even let them choose whether they want their ice cream in a cup, a cone, or even in banana split form to make it like a real ice cream shop.
For games, having a blindfolded ice cream taste test where they have to guess each flavor is a fun idea. If your tween wants more of a throwback vibe, the guests could even wear leather jackets or poodle skirts. Birthday party ideas for tweens don’t have to be complicated, and this proves it.
20. Backyard Campout
A backyard campout is one of those birthday party ideas for tweens who are bored with traditional sleepovers that just works. Set up a few tents and plan activities like roasting marshmallows over a campfire and telling ghost stories. If it’s too cold to camp outside, you could turn the living room or basement into a campground with sleeping bags and make s’mores in the oven instead.
21. Retro Party
Retro may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of birthday party ideas for tweens, but with shows like “Stranger Things” dominating pop culture, it’s actually a big hit among that age group. Decorate with a disco ball and neon everything, and encourage guests to wear fun retro outfits that will make for some epic photos.
22. Movie Night
If your kid is into low-key birthday party ideas for tweens, a classic movie night can do no wrong. Stock up on popcorn and their favorite candy, and plan 2-3 movies for the group to watch. This is perfect for introverted tweens who don’t like making a huge deal out of their birthday.
23. Glow-in-the-Dark Party
With a few black lights, some glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark paint, you can create one of the most epic birthday party ideas for tweens. Don’t forget the neon decorations — and, of course, the neon cake. You can plan party games like glow stick limbo, or have a glow-in-the-dark dance party that will have everyone buzzing with excitement.
Budget-Friendly Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens
24. Pool Party
Pool parties are tried-and-true birthday party ideas for tweens, and for good reason. Having fun in the sun with some music playing in the background is a quintessential summer activity that makes for an unforgettable birthday. Set out snacks and cold drinks for the kids to enjoy poolside, and maybe even get pool games like an inflatable volleyball net or basketball hoop to keep them entertained.
If you don’t have a pool, there are lots of budget-friendly inflatable pools on the market that are surprisingly high-quality — or, hit up the neighborhood pool instead.
25. Scavenger Hunt
It’s nice to find birthday party ideas for tweens that spark a sense of adventure and keep them off their devices, and a scavenger hunt does both of those things. Hide objects either indoors or outside and let the search begin. If your tween requested a specific theme for the party, you can pick items that reflect it.
26. Board Game Night
If you’re looking for inexpensive tween birthday party ideas, you can’t go wrong with a classic board game night. Stock up on snacks and drinks and dig out those old board games collecting dust in your closet. This is one of the most wholesome birthday party ideas for tweens to give their eyes a break from screens and encourage them to be present with one another.
27. Karaoke Party
Birthday party ideas for tweens that promote self-expression are great for so many reasons, and a karaoke competition is one of the best. Download a karaoke app on your phone or smart TV, pre-load it with songs your tween loves and create a DIY “stage” in your home. Then, let the kids take turns choosing a song to sing. Actual singing ability isn’t important here — it’s just about having fun.
28. Dance Party
A good old-fashioned dance party never goes out of style — and it costs next to nothing to put together, making it one of the best budget-friendly birthday party ideas for tweens. Let your tween create a playlist with their favorite songs, get some affordable disco lights and turn the room into an age-appropriate dance club.
Birthday Party Venues & Outings for Tweens
29. Arcade
Arcades are the perfect birthday party ideas for tweens because you never really outgrow them. Even adults have a blast playing games like Skee-Ball and trying to win prizes on the claw machine. Give the kids some tokens or pre-loaded swipe cards and turn them loose for a day of play.
30. Movie Theater
Renting out a movie theater is one of the best birthday party ideas for tweens because they’re old enough to actually sit down and enjoy a movie. They’ll feel like VIPs with the theater all to themselves!
31. Escape Room
An escape room is one of the most creative birthday party ideas for tweens, and it emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. Let your tween pick the escape room puzzle and have a blast solving clues with their friends. If it’s bad weather or you’d rather host the party at home, how about an escape room in a box?
32. Book a Hotel for the Night
If you’re looking for really epic birthday party ideas for tweens, how about a hotel stay? Invite a few of their closest friends and book the adjacent room for yourself to supervise. They can explore the hotel, order room service and live it up for the night. Even if the hotel is in your city, it’ll feel like an extravagant vacation.
33. Rent a Limo
Birthday party ideas for tweens should make them feel special and important, and this definitely fits the bill. Ride in style by renting a limo and cruising around town. You don’t have to stop anywhere, but hitting up the local Starbucks or a fast-food restaurant could be fun. If you have a bigger budget, you could even take a day trip to another city to give the kids more time to enjoy the limo.
34. Go Skating at the Roller Rink
Visiting the roller rink is one of those timeless teen birthday party ideas that never goes out of style, and it’s also a great place for birthday party ideas for tweens. Lots of skating rinks even offer birthday packages with food and drink included, plus fun games like cops and robbers that get everyone involved. If you’re wondering where to go for a 12-year-old birthday party girl, this is a great option.
35. Have a Picnic
Spring and summer birthday party ideas for tweens can take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor activities like a picnic. Head to a local park, spread out a massive blanket and fill wicker baskets with all of your tween’s favorite snacks.
36. Eat at a Nice Restaurant
If your kid is a foodie, consider taking them out to a nice restaurant of their choice. Either have them invite a few friends or make it a family affair if they prefer. Make sure and call ahead to see if the restaurant allows birthday cakes to be brought in — or have the waitstaff bring out a special dessert and sing “Happy Birthday” to the guest of honor. Birthday ideas for tweens like this are simple, yet they leave a lasting impression.
37. Trampoline Park
Looking for action-packed birthday party ideas for 12-year-olds girl or boy? A trampoline park is one of the most fun birthday party ideas for tweens who love staying active. They can jump the day away and leave the party feeling happily exhausted.
Birthday Party Ideas Tweens and Adults Can Enjoy Together
38. Bowling
Birthday party ideas for tweens like bowling are perfect for kids and adults to do together. Bring the cake to the bowling alley, order a pizza or two to eat while you bowl and enjoy a little healthy competition.
39. Laser Tag
Who doesn’t love laser tag? If you need birthday party ideas for tweens adults, this is a no-brainer. You’ll have a blast running around and trying to take each other out, and they can burn off some of that preteen energy.
40. Visit a Museum
If you’re looking for birthday party ideas for tweens that go beyond the norm, consider visiting a museum of their choosing. Perhaps your tween loves natural history, or maybe they’re a burgeoning artist? Wherever their interests lie, you’ll enjoy this outing just as much as they will.
41. Attend a Concert
Birthday party ideas for tweens adults should be just as much of a bonding opportunity as a birthday celebration, and a concert definitely fits the bill. See if any of their favorite bands or artists are playing nearby and go jam out together. This is especially great for older tweens who are ready for more mature activities that will make them feel more like a teenager than a kid.
42. Have a Murder Mystery Dinner
Today’s tweens are probably too young to remember the board game “Clue,” but they can still enjoy birthday party ideas for tweens inspired by it. Either buy a pre-packaged murder mystery kit or let your tween come up with a theme themselves, and encourage guests to wear costumes. Assign everyone a character, provide clues and watch the mystery unravel over a meal. You could even rent out an old house or mansion for an even more authentic experience.
43. Take a Trip To the Zoo
Need birthday party ideas for tweens who love animals? A trip to the zoo is always a winner. Not only will they get to see their favorite critters, but you’ll have a great time as well. The zoo always sparks joy no matter how old you are.
44. Have a Beach Day
Birthday party ideas for tweens don’t always need a lot of pomp and circumstance. A beach day is a relaxing activity that all ages can enjoy. You can read a book with your toes in the sand while they build sand castles or splash around in the water (close to shore, of course).
45. Spend the Day at an Amusement Park
Amusement parks make great birthday party ideas for tweens and adults to do together because you never outgrow them. Tweens are usually tall enough to get on most rides, so you can spend an exhilarating day zipping around on roller coasters.
Birthday Party Ideas for Tweens FAQs
What To Do for a Birthday Party for a 12-Year-Old?
The last year before the tumultuous teenage years arrive in full force, 12 can be a tricky age to navigate when it comes to birthday party ideas for tweens. It’s the epitome of the word “tween” — right on the cusp of being a teen but not quite there yet. For this reason, it’s important that birthday party ideas for tweens find the sweet spot between fun and “cool.”
At 12, kids crave independence but still need a bit of guidance. When in doubt, get their input! Make sure they’re comfortable with the number of guests, venue, and theme. A movie night or arts and crafts party works well for at-home celebrations, while a movie theater rental or trampoline park outing could be great options for something a bit more special.
What Party Should an 11-Year-Old Have?
Planning birthday party ideas for tweens requires striking the right balance. 11 is a tricky age because kids still need structure and supervision, but they also crave independence and no longer enjoy many of the activities they liked before. At 11 years old, parties are less about a specific theme and more about the location or a fun activity. Ideas on this list, such as a scavenger hunt or a trip to the arcade, are perfect for tweens.
What To Do for a 13-Year-Old Birthday Party?
Ah, 13. The start of a seven-year-long journey where it feels like everything you do is “uncool.” If coming up with birthday party ideas for tweens is hard, planning the perfect celebration for a 13-year-old can feel like quantum physics. One of the biggest fears of a teen is being embarrassed in front of their friends, so try not to make the party too cheesy or childish.
Renting a limo or having a hotel sleepover are great ideas because they offer a grown-up feel while still leaving room for age-appropriate activities like riding to the local mall or watching movies in the hotel room.
What Is a Good Birthday Party for a 14-Year-Old?
By the time a kid is 14, they’re probably more interested in hanging out with their friends than anything else. In fact, some of the best birthday party ideas for teens take place at home because older kids often find activities like bowling too juvenile. Birthday party ideas for tweens still work for 14-year-olds, especially casual ideas that offer plenty of free time to chat amongst themselves, such as a video game night or a mocktail party.
At this age, the party doesn’t need to be packed with planned games. Instead, let your teen take the lead in organizing the day. Allowing them to make decisions about the menu and decorations ensures the party reflects their style — and saves you from being labeled “lame,” which, let’s face it, is every teen’s favorite insult.
Birthday party ideas for tweens allow you to make the most of those last few years before they become full-blown teenagers. Since they aren’t little kids anymore, they can deeply appreciate the effort that goes into planning a party, which is even more reason to make it truly special.
From 12-year-old birthday party ideas at home to inexpensive tween birthday party ideas, there’s a little bit of everything here no matter what you’re looking for. If you throw any of the birthday party ideas for tweens on this list, you’ll help create memories that last a lifetime.
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