Special friends, a party place to hang out, lots of refreshments, and great music are a good start for most teen gatherings. Beyond the basics, many young people are looking for some fun planned activities and games for entertaining party guests.
A good place to begin brainstorming party ideas is with potential guests. What are their ages? What interests do they have in common? Do they know each other well, or will some ice-breaker activities be helpful? Are "couples" invited? This information helps one choose or rule out ideas to design party activities that fit the group.
Here are cool activity ideas to please both teen guys and girls.
Co-ed Teen Party Games
Games suitable to both guys and girls include:
- Theatrical games – Search drama sites online for improvisation games and silly read-aloud skits.
- Purchased games – Check out Hasbro's interactive games Guestures and Catch Phrase (generally available at Walmart or Target stores). Guesstures and Catch Phrase are fast-paced team games, sure to get teenagers laughing.
Sporty Group Fun for Teenagers
Many indoor and outdoor sports are well-liked by girls and boys alike. Some sporty party activities include:
- Outdoor activities good for a party may include Frisbee throwing, water balloon tossing, or relay races. Those not wishing to participate can act as the cheering section.
- Bowling, miniature golf, and ice-skating are especially amusing co-ed sports for a group.
Dance Party Ideas for Young Men and Women
Dancing is popular with many teens. The essential ingredients to a dance party are a smooth dance floor, good music, and appropriate lighting. Lots of ice water to drink and places to rest are also helpful. Add a theme and the party is even more enjoyable.
- One group of teens near Portland, Oregon, gets together for swing dancing parties. The teenagers who have taken swing dancing classes teach newcomers the basics. Occasionally, the group meets at public dance hall with instructors, but generally they dance at a parent's home. If there are no instructors in an area, swing dancing DVDs and music are available through the library.
- A 1950s theme dance is a fun idea. Girls might wear pastel poodle skirts with sweaters and put their hair up in ponytails. Guys look cool wearing cuffed straight-leg jeans and white t-shirts. Check out Rewind the Fifties for more information on the 50s.
For any dance party, friends can share favorite music to play from an MP3 player during the event. Using an iPod or similar device keeps the party music going with minimal work for the host or hostess. Pre-planned music also avoids teens haggling over song choices during the party.
More Teenage Party Planning Ideas
For more party tips, see:
- Cheap Last Minute Party Ideas for Kids & Teens – How to Give a Budget Party for Children or Teenagers Fast and Easy
- Fun Teen Birthday Party Ideas & Awesome Themes – Teen's Birthdays: Cool Things to Do for Teenage B-Day Parties
- Fun Party Ideas for Pre-Teen Boys or Young Teens – Cool Boy Themes for Birthday Parties or Youth Group Events
Co-ed events for birthdays, special events, or just plain fun are a terrific way for teenagers to get to know new friends and strengthen existing friendships. With a bit of thought and party planning, anyone can throw an epic teen celebration.
Note: Proper adult supervision should be provided for the safety of party guests of any age.
Special thanks to Hasbro for game samples.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
