When kids get older, planning birthday parties becomes a bit more challenging. For tweens, party planning can be difficult because they are in the transitional phase between tween and teen. Tweens aren’t little kids but aren’t quite teenagers yet either.
The tween age is the years from 9 to 12. So, your soon-to-be 12-year-old is almost a teenager and there are many sensational teen birthday party ideas. Your tween isn’t quite there yet though. That’s okay. There isn’t any need to rush the teen angst. It will arrive soon enough, and there are plenty of exciting tween birthday party ideas to make the guest of honor and the invitees happy.
The key to planning a birthday party for your pre-teen is to navigate the slippery slope of having fun and being cool. Thankfully, there are a lot of fabulous themes for tween birthday party ideas to create a special day.
How to choose a tween birthday party theme
A good place to start in choosing a theme for your tween’s party is with their interests and hobbies. Do they play sports or a musical instrument? Is there a movie or TV show they’re obsessed with? You could always just go with something that’s super pre-teen-esque, like a Harry Potter party. A theme should always reflect what the birthday gal or guy likes best.
Where to host a tween birthday party
The where is an important component of deciding which tween birthday party idea will top the list. Before you can decide what to do, decide whether you want to host a group of tweens at your home, a party place, or have a destination party. Now don’t worry. We’ve got tween birthday party ideas you can do at your house, destination ideas, and ones that will work somewhere else like a park.
Birthday party ideas for tweens
In honor of soon-to-be teenagers, here are 12 more tween birthday party ideas to celebrate your pre-teen special day.
Have a number party
A number party can be a super fun way of celebrating your tween’s special day. For a 12-year-old birthday party, do everything in 12’s. Think about things that come in a dozen like flowers, doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes, eggs, and even strikes in a perfect bowling game, and tailor your pre-teen’s party with all things 12. Be sure to invite enough family and friends to the celebration for an even dozen. Adjust the number theme for your tween’s number. A number party can be used for any age.
80s movie marathon
Hosting a backyard movie marathon is an entertaining way to mark a tween’s birthday, especially if they’re nearing that magic 13. The hardest part is pulling together the outdoor screen and projector. Have plenty of snacks on hand and put 80s classics like ET, The Goonies, and Ghostbusters on the bill. Other movie marathon ideas include Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars, or the classic coming-of-age movies like Clueless.
Make-your-own
Invite friends over for a make-your-own pizza and sundae party. Have plenty of pizza and ice cream toppings available, as well as ice cream flavors. Make fresh dough or use frozen if you’re nervous about mixing your own. Once partygoers are done cooking, they can eat while watching movies like the Back to the Future trilogy or a Marvel marathon. Of course, you can still serve birthday cake, too. Remember, there can never be enough snacks for tweens and teens.
Outdoor birthday party ideas
Getting tweens outside will be a snap with these super fun outdoor tween birthday party activities.
Video game tournament
Whether parents approve of all the screen time or not, pre-teens love to game, and it’s a birthday party. So, why not set up an outdoor gaming tournament using a screen with whatever game is hot at the moment? Be sure to have lots of snacks and pizza for those in-between game moments. Get into the spirit with little trophies for the top three finishers and hand them out before the cake.
Goal!
If the birthday tween is all about soccer, check out outdoor and indoor sports facilities. Most have options for soccer-themed parties that include pizza, cake, and one or two other sports options. If the top sport is basketball, baseball, soccer, or hockey, you should be able to find facilities to accommodate those sports too.
Saddle up!
A birthday is a perfect opportunity to try something new. Saddle the whole family and a few friends up to enjoy a picturesque trail ride. Trail ride birthday packages typically include different age-appropriate options with add-ons like food and campfires.
Nerf fun
Tweens still have a great time loading up Nerf blasters and running around the neighborhood. Go online, order a Nerf blaster, and extra darts for each guest. Head to a local park and let them have their blast. Bring snacks, drinks, paper products, and of course, cupcakes for afterward.
Paintball or laser tag
A step up from hosting a Nerf war at the park is organizing a paintball or laser tag party. Either one would be a hit. Laser tag may be a better winter option. So, you don’t have to stress about the weather. Some places now offer outdoor laser tag parties too if you’d rather the tweens get some outside.
More fun tween birthday party ideas
Still not inspired. Take a look at these super fun tween birthday party suggestions.
Skate away
An ice-skating party is a cool way to celebrate 12, especially if the birthday falls in the winter. If not, most rinks are open year-round and still host parties. Skate rentals are always available, and some packages include lessons for novices. Not into the cold, head to a roller rink instead for a roller-skating party.
Mall scavenger hunt
A lot of tweens love malls and scavenger hunts. Combine the two for a fun afternoon or evening at a local mall. Divide guests into teams with a list of items to find. Set a designated meetup time and use parents as team leaders. When the scavenger hunt is over, head to the food court for pizza and cupcakes.
Host a sleepover
Old-fashioned sleepovers haven’t gone out of style, and they’re always a hit with tweens. Have activities like flashlight tag, charades, or the perfectly named Sleepover Party Game ready to go. Make your own pizzas and cap off the night with a movie complete with popcorn.
Destination birthday
If your tween has been dying to visit a city like New York, Boston, Chicago, or San Diego and wants to forego a party and presents for a birthday destination weekend, see if it fits the family budget and schedule. This kind of birthday celebration can be a fun getaway for the whole family and take away the stress of organizing and hosting a party.
Final thoughts on tween birthday parties
You’ll want to be sure that your tween’s birthday is extra special, no matter if they’re turning 9,10, 11, or 12. Of course, 12 is the last birthday before your tween is officially a teen. So, a 12th birthday is one to be savored with a special party. With our fun list of ideas, you’re sure to find one that will make your tween happy.
Editors' Recommendations
- 10 great party favors teenage girls will actually think are cool
- Create the ultimate goodie bags for your toddler’s birthday party
- How to host an 8-year-old’s birthday party on a budget
- 9 incredible birthday party food ideas when you’re on a budget
- Day care birthday party ideas: Celebrate your toddler’s big day in style
