Poor tweens…they’re stuck between being a kid and being a teenager. When it’s time to throw them a birthday party, it can be a little tricky! They’re too old for puppet shows but too young for a more mature party. What to do? Well, never fear! Here are 5 fabulous tween birthday party ideas that are sure to be a hit with your tweenager and their closest friends.
1. Arts and Crafts Party
Kids at this age are filled with creativity, so arts and crafts are a great party idea for tweens. There are so many possibilities for artsy activities that will engage all of your party guests and leave them with an awesome party favor to take home!
Break out some canvases, paint, glitter, pompoms, felt, glue, and scissors… just raid your local craft store and stock up. You can make everything from puff-paint T-shirts to shellacked picture frames to homemade candles. Find inspiration on Pinterest or search for some of the awesome craft blogs out there. Or, take it a step further and let the creativity continue into dessert with cupcake decorating stations or build-your-own-sundae bars.
🎨 Bring in an expert! If you aren’t sure where to start or how to instruct your tweens, you can hire a professional to lead your arts & crafts party or have a painting party with guided instruction.
2. Celebrity Impersonators
Tweens are too old for a princess or superhero costumed character but too young to send off to a live concert. Luckily, there’s something perfect right in the middle for your tween birthday party. Bring the entertainment to them with a visit from a celebrity impersonator!
There are all types of impersonators to choose from, so you should be able to find one that your tween would love. You can stick with pop star look-alikes like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, or Katy Perry for a TikTok-worthy dance party. Or, if your pre-teen has an older soul, go with some 80s favorites and hire a Michael Jackson or Madonna impersonator. Whatever you choose, shrieks of excitement are guaranteed!
🎶 Every party needs music! If you’re having trouble finding an impersonator that fits your tween’s interests, a singing guitarist or mobile DJ is a good alternative. They can craft the perfect playlist with a mix of new and old hits.
3. Mobile Games
Want tween birthday party ideas that are a little more interactive? We’ve got you covered. There are all kinds of mobile games available that will keep your preteens active and let them get a little competitive — all while having a blast!
They’ve outgrown bounce houses, but they’d have a blast with an inflatable obstacle course or giant hamster balls for some bubble soccer. You could also have rock climbing walls, games of paintball or laser tag, scavenger hunts, and fun outdoor minute-to-win-it games. The best part is that they can all take place right in your backyard.
🎯 Looking for something more low-key? For the mellower tweens who prefer video games over sports, consider a game night! You can play fun party games and board games or even host a live game show – complete with a host and fun prizes!
4. Movie Night
Everyone’s been to a slumber party, and both tweens and teens definitely love them. Take yours to the next level with a backyard movie night, complete with a giant inflatable movie screen. Throw down some sleeping bags, blankets, or lawn chairs, and get comfortable. This cozy tween birthday party theme is super laid back and budget-friendly!
Snacks are essential to a good movie-themed birthday party, so stock up on fun-size candy bars. For an extra special touch, set up popcorn and other concessions. Put finishing touches on the theme with movie ticket invitations, personalized popcorn buckets, and an intermission for refills on snacks.
😀 Make it interactive! Tween attention spans can be short. Turn movie watching into a game by creating custom bingo cards for their favorite movie. Have fun prizes at the ready for when they get a bingo or blackout!
5. Spa Party
Want to make your tween feel all grown up for a day? Nothing says “adult” like “I need a day at the spa.” Spa-themed parties are becoming more popular, and tweens are the perfect audience. Book a mobile spa, and you don’t even have to leave the house! Treat your tween to some pampering for their special day with colorful manicures, pedicures, and tingly facials. Consider fluffy robes, personalized lotions, and colorful nail polishes as fun party favors.
You could really step up the luxury with sparkling grape juice in plastic champagne glasses and mini gourmet cupcakes. There are also some great recipes out there for homemade lotion and spa products, so let the party-goers have a hand in creating their own signature concoctions.
💄 Go full glam! Add some after-spa pampering with a makeover. You can hire a makeup artist to give your tweenagers a fun runway look. Then grab some glamorous outfits and set up a photo booth to capture all of these amazing memories!
With a little creativity, there are lots of tween birthday party ideas that will make your kiddo the talk of the school. So throw away those cheesy decorations and get some great family-friendly entertainment. Your tween will love it!
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.