Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Children get all excited about their birthday as they look forward to having a gala time with their friends and family. But, planning your child’s birthday party can be a herculean task. To help you with that, we have come up with some amazing 12-year-old birthday party ideas.
Considering your child’s personality and the types of friends they have, you need to find a cool and exceptionally innovative idea. Before you start planning for an epic celebration, check out these amazing 12th birthday party ideas for them to have the time of their lives.
Key Pointers
- Plan a 12-year-old’s birthday party by paying attention to their personality and type of friends.
- For girls, you may plan picnic parties, whereas, for boys, you may plan city scavenger hunts.
- Experiment with themes, such as auction party themes, to add color to the celebrations.
- Include interesting games like egg and spoon and increase the fun quotient at the birthday party.
12-Year-Old Girl Birthday Party Ideas
1. Tie-dye party
Let the kids express their creativity by designing their own tie-dye shirts. Provide plain white t-shirts and diluted dye colors for them to choose from. Ask them to twist the shirt and tie it in parts with strings and get them to color the shirt in sections.
Estimated cost: $100- $155
2. Sweet dreams sleepover party
Plan a sleepover party for your girls with a customized tepee and some midnight snacks and eye masks. Include some ghost stories, board games, and movies in your plan. Decorate her playhouse with the same theme.
Estimated cost: $200- $250
3. Pamper pals
Who doesn’t like to get pampered? Have a relaxing spa party for the gorgeous girls where you can include lots of supplies like face masks, foot spas, nail polish, hair spa, fluffy robes, and many more. Also, arrange easy-to-eat food for the guests, and this unique 12-year-old girl’s birthday party idea will surely be a hit among her friends.
Estimated cost: $100- $200
4. Boot camp birthday party
Surprise your little guests with a boot camp party. Hire a trainer to guide the children to cross the obstacles while running, crawling, and climbing. You can arrange personalized t-shirts for everyone with water bottles and towels. Include some salads, cakes, and snacks.
Estimated cost: $300- $500
5. Water balloon party
Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
This is a superb idea for having great fun with the tweens. It is cheap and easy and guarantees to bring enormous laughter. All you need is an extra-large garden and plenty of water-filled balloons and towels. Serve easy-to-eat foods and desserts.
Estimated cost: $100- $200
Quick tip6. Picnic party
Plan an outside picnic, maybe in the park, and invite all the guests to decide the menu and prepare it. Include some interesting picnic games for children like a scavenger hunt, dodgeball, hide and seek, or hire a magician for an unforgettable magic show. Don’t forget to serve delicious snacks and desserts.
Estimated cost: $200- $400
7. Have-a-12 party
Try this fantastic idea to celebrate your princess’ birthday, where every item, including decorations, food, games, and flowers, comes in dozens. Asking guests to wear a 12-themed dress or write heartfelt messages suited for a 12-year-old will make the celebration even more meaningful.
Estimated cost: $200- $300
8. Yoga party
This can work great before other physical activity games. You can hire a yoga instructor to teach the kids some poses and enable them to stretch and warm up their bodies for the fun physical activities ahead. Ensure safety by providing yoga mats or asking them to bring one and giving enough space to each child.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
9. Cooking party
Rather than hiring a chef, you may teach the children how to make easy dishes such as sandwiches or lemonade that can be served later as a birthday menu. This activity ensures that children actively enjoy the party, fosters teamwork and creativity, and helps teach them essential life skills.
Estimated cost: $250- $350
10. Fashion design party
You can arrange a doll for each child or each group and have them design an outfit or decorate an existing one to let out their inner designer. You may arrange for fabric markers, stickers, and other decorative items to make their fashion statement.
Estimated cost: $100- $200
11. Baking party
Prepare for an amazing party with fun baking activities for young budding cooks. Using exciting bake-off challenges, cookie decorating stations, and cupcake decorating competitions, youngsters can have fun while honing their culinary skills. Provide pre-measured ingredients and straightforward recipes to ensure the baking activities are easy and fun.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
12. Jewelry-making party
Allow the young guests to display their taste in accessories through beaded bracelet races, personalized necklace design competitions, and charm hunts. As a general rule, offer a range of beads, charms, and stringing supplies so that each can design a piece of jewelry they adore.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
The owners of the YouTube channel Fizzier share how coming up with her favorite activity as the theme of their daughter Sienna’s birthday made her day extra special and unforgettable. She is the gymnastic queen of the family who also made it to the squid. Hence, they chose gymnastics as the theme. Sharing her happiness about the party’s success, her mom says, “We have called Sienna’s friends, her gymnastics coaches, and cake. For one of her birthday presents, we gave her a beautiful leotard to wear at the party (i).”
12-Year-Old Boy Birthday Party Ideas
13. City scavenger hunt party
Here is one of the most fascinating tween birthday party games for girls and boys. List down 20 items in the city, such as signboards, pets, trees, or flowers. Divide the guests into teams and send them for the scavenger hunt with a time limit. Also, give them enough money to buy food. Supervise the children during the scavenger hunt to ensure they stay safe while having fun.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
14. Top-volume karaoke party
The cool and loud karaoke party idea is ideal for the boys to challenge their vocal cords. Prepare a playlist in advance by asking your guests. Arrange a microphone, an elevated platform to dance and sing, dim lights, and some seats. Set a time limit for each performance to keep the party fun and give everyone a chance to sing. Serve easy-to-grab food and keep the refreshing drinks coming.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
15. Out and about party
Having a birthday party outside is a fantastic idea, and so is the out and about party. Get some tickets to the movie or stadium, and keep the tweens out of the house. But, you need to have adults supervise them and take them to the venue. They can enjoy their food outside.
Estimated cost: $300- $400
16. Wear-them-out party
This is one of the most energetic 12-year-old boy birthday party ideas. Pack up an outdoor birthday party for the boys along with terrific games and activities like climbing a wall, horse riding, water rafting, and many more. This will keep them happy and entertained all through the day. Pack some food and refreshing drinks for them.
Estimated cost: $500- $700
17. Star wars birthday party
Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Is your tween a Sci-Fi fan? If yes, then grab this birthday party idea and make his day. Add decorations and treats with the printables of Star Wars characters. Include Star Wars-inspired games and ask your guests to come in their favorite character costumes. You may also add face painting and paint their cheeks with the symbols of the superheroes.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
18. Video game party
Pre-teens love video games, and this is the right time to incorporate this idea into your child’s special day. Organize an outdoor video game tournament by setting up a screen with the trending game. Keep the snacks, pizzas, and juices ready. And arrange a trophy for the winner.
Estimated cost: $250- $400
19. Gardening party
This engaging, fun-filled activity ensures that children appreciate the outdoors and can leave with their potted plants as return gifts. Provide pots, soil, and seeds for each child to plant their mini garden. You can choose easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, herbs, or succulent plants requiring minimal care. For a charming touch, you may decorate the area with colorful ribbons and garden-themed banners.
Estimated cost: $100- $200
20. Trampoline party
The birthday celebrant and guests will soar to new heights with trampoline party games guaranteeing high-flying excitement. Turn your backyard into an exhilarating airborne playground with bounce-offs, trampoline dodgeball, and a friendly slam dunk contest. Remember to put safety first by using safety gear like net enclosures, padding, and constant adult supervision.
Estimated cost: $300- $450
21. Pottery party
Pottery is an interesting arts and craft activity. You can guide them with pottery-making basics and allow the children to make their own designs. Use clay that is easy to handle, such as standard clay, and provide them with vibrant colors to paint.
Estimated cost: $150- $350
22. Outdoor movie night
Transform your backyard into a cinema. Pick a movie that suits the theme of your party. Use a projector to screen a film under the stars. Provide comfy seating with blankets and pillows, and serve popcorn and drinks for a perfect movie experience. Provide the children with mosquito-repellent wristbands or place mosquito lanterns around the seating area to keep nasty distractions at bay.
Estimated cost: $150- $300
23. Sports party
Bring the celebration to the next level with frantic sports party games. From backyard relay races to friendly basketball shootouts, engage your guests in exhilarating sporting challenges for a birthday party to remember.
Estimated cost: $150- $350
24. Treasure hunt party
With treasure hunt party games that promise a fascinating search for hidden gems, set out on an adventure. Take the little explorers on an exciting trip of discovery and joy as they solve clues and follow a trail of riddles to find toys or treats as treasures. Plan the treasure hunt based on the interests and ages of the participants to make sure that the challenges are fun for everyone.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
Also, note that these party ideas can be used by girls too.
Themes For 12-Year-Old Birthday Party Ideas
25. The night light theme
This is an exciting birthday party theme where you can decorate the party hall with night lights. Add some glow-in-the-dark wall stickers to shine at night. Let the tweens enjoy the music under the dimmed light.
Estimated cost: $250- $350
26. The forest theme
For nature lovers, the forest has always been a source of fascination. Keep the forest theme if your child loves the forest and make them thrilled by adding many forest elements, including trees, animals, and birds, in the entire hall. Keep some leaves fallen on the floor. You may also set up small tents for the theme of camping or glamping.
Estimated cost: $200- $250
Quick tip27. Auction party theme
The auction party theme is perfect for 12-year-old boys and girls. Collect and gather all the wrapped gifts and give some money to the children for auctioning. The highest bidder will take the gift, and the child with the remaining amount will have the largest piece of cake.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
28. Spa party theme
Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
For organizing this glamorous theme, set up various stations for facials, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling. Arrange face masks, peel masks, and cucumber slices for everyone. Let the teens and guests spend quality time there.
Estimated cost: $100- $200
29. Fashion show theme
A fashion show can be one of the best birthday themes for 12-year-olds, where they can participate and rock the stage. It’s the best way for them to flaunt their style by wearing hats, bows, necklaces, sunglasses, etc. Set an upbeat playlist to create an energetic atmosphere for the show and make it more entertaining.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
30. Makeup extravaganza theme
Girls love to do makeup, so this theme is the perfect idea to get introduced. Set up a green room for the girls, arrange makeup kits for all of them, and let them enjoy some gorgeous moments. Ensure the makeup products are free from harmful toxins to reduce the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Estimated cost: $150- $170
31. Wonderland theme
You can incorporate games like mystical treasure hunts, magical broom designing contests, or magical-themed fashion shows. To create an ethereal atmosphere, decorate the party area with sparkling lights, fairy-tale decorations, and beautiful objects. Guests can also cosplay famous magical movie characters like Frozen, Harry Potter, etc.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
32. Circus theme
For a circus-themed birthday party, include a fun juggling contest and a bean bag toss game, and let children enjoy dramatic face paints to look like vibrant circus performers. You can set up a colorful tent in your backyard or include circus props in your house to set the vibe.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
33. Card games
Let the children engage in a fun game of ‘Go-fish’ or ‘color matching’ with child-friendly card games. Pick up colorful cards with popular fictional characters to make it entertaining and fun.
Estimated cost: $65- $100
12-Year-Old Birthday Party Games
34. The wardrobe competition
Conduct a wardrobe competition for the children where they can come up with their best clothes. Also, have some prizes for the models of the party.
Estimated cost: $80- $100
35. Candy game
Impress the young souls by having a candy blast. Hang the candies from the ceiling and fix a chit onto it, having the names of the songs. Every child has to fetch the candy and sing the song written on its chit.
Estimated cost: $50- $75
36. Chocolate hunt
Just like the treasure hunt, this game will take you to the chocolates. The road map will give you clues to reach the hidden chocolates from the starting point to the final destination. You can arrange this chocolate hunt at home, in your backyard, or garden area
Estimated cost: $50- $75
37. Egg and spoon
Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
This is a simple and funny game that needs some eggs and spoons. Carry the spoon on the mouth, put the egg on the open end of the spoon, balance it and run towards the winning line.
Estimated cost: $60- $85
38. Catch the murderer
This suspense thriller game starts when a murderer shows the tongue to one of the players, and that player is killed. Other players have to notice who the murderer is. If any player predicts the murderer, they wink an eye to the murderer, and the murderer is killed. The person to wink is the new murderer then.
Estimated cost: $70- $85
39. The musical chair
The musical chair game is one of the favorites for all ages. Have some chairs less than the number of children, play the music, and let the tweens walk around the chairs. As the music stops, they have to run to occupy the chairs. The left out children are out of the game, and it continues till the final winner.
Estimated cost: $40- $50
40. Cartoon drawing
Children can test their drawing skills through various fun games as they celebrate the special day with an artistic spectacular. Organize a timed ‘speed drawing’ competition, encourage them to ‘create their character,’ and award prizes for the best drawings.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
41. Escape room
You can set up an escape room at your home for the children to play. Provide hints and various puzzles required to escape from the room. Choosing a unique theme incorporating fantasy and adventure can make it even more enjoyable.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
42. Toy cars race
Children can bring their remote-controlled toy cars to the birthday party and have a fun-filled race. You can design your driveways or any paved area as demarcated lanes for racing.
Estimated cost: $120- $150
43. Spotlight dance
Incorporate dance-offs, freeze dance contests, or even a dance war royale to get everyone grooving and moving. To accommodate different interests and maintain a high level of excitement throughout the party, create a diverse playlist that includes a variety of genres and dancing styles.
Estimated cost: $120- $170
44. Talent show
Bring out the inner artists by engaging the children in a fun talent show. You may provide them with props, music, and fancy lights to hype them up and make it more entertaining for the audience and the performers.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
45. Charades
Challenge your guests to act out their favorite phrases and identify the answers in this traditional and enjoyable party game, which includes movie titles, renowned animals, and pop culture allusions.
Estimated cost: $80- $120
46. Dart games
A dart extravaganza containing a range of dart challenges will help you celebrate the momentous day! Set up a balloon-popping spectacle, a round-robin tournament, and let the kids compete in a friendly dart competition.
Estimated cost: $70- $80
Things To Do For 12th Birthday
47. Laser tag
Laser tag is a great activity for burning off the energy of children. They can go running, shooting, and screaming in a dark room with a controlled environment.
Estimated cost: $200- $300
Quick tip48. Party in the park
Having a party in the park is always enjoyable for all ages. Rent a shelter for your event, cook delicious food, have juices and cakes, and plan some outdoor activities for the children.
Estimated cost: $120- $170
49. Arcade
Bring some excitement to the children by planning your tween’s birthday party at an arcade. The engaging games and sound will keep everyone thrilled and entertained.
Estimated cost: $300- $400
50. Movie party
Let your child celebrate their 12th birthday with hot popcorn, cold drinks, and a good movie. Go to the theater that offers birthday packages, and book a package in advance to ensure a smooth celebration. Plan a post-movie cake cutting with some ice cream to make the celebration unforgettable.
Estimated cost: $200- $300
51. Roller skating
Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Roller skating is yet another popular activity that gives your child the freedom to travel around the rink with their friends. The cool atmosphere keeps them occupied and allows them to exhaust their energy while partying.
Estimated cost: $250- $300
52. Virtual Reality Party
You can rent VR headsets and allow the children to explore virtual world games. Remember to ensure enough space for the children to move around safely while playing the game.
Estimated cost: $350- $450
53. Photography Party
Arrange for a few props and costumes for fun photo sessions. Children can also click photos taken during the birthday party, which will later serve them as wonderful memories.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
Recounting her daughter Lexie’s 12th birthday impromptu photoshoot, Stefanie, a mother and blogger, shares, “When Lexie woke up, Grant (husband) and I sang Happy Birthday to her and then gave her the first present of the day: her traditional new birthday outfit! A few hours later, Lexie came with me to pick up Liam (son) from Kindergarten, and we stopped by the park to take a few birthday pictures in her new outfit! They turned out beautifully, and she really looks so grown up! (ii).”
54. Jenga
From carefully removing blocks to keep the tower standing to setting up giant-sized Jenga for added excitement, let the birthday guests test their steady hands and strategic skills in this classic wooden block stacking game.
Estimated cost: $120- $170
55. Art party
Bring out the creativity in your child. Let children enjoy painting their hearts out by providing them with colors, paints, and other necessary equipment. You can provide aprons to minimize the mess.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
56. Movie-making party
Children can plan their short films using a mobile phone. They can incorporate various story ideas and enact them in their movie. This activity can be combined with a fashion design party and use the costumes and props for added fun.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
57. Science party
Fill the celebration with fun games that spark curiosity, such as making paper airplanes or miniature volcanoes. Assist the activities with explanations and insights from an educated adult or science enthusiast to promote a greater understanding of scientific phenomena.
Estimated cost: $150- $200
58. Origami party
Engage your visitors in a fun voyage of transforming paper into intricate art pieces, from beginner-friendly designs to difficult ones. Provide pre-cut origami paper in various colors and sizes so everyone can access the supplies to participate and make lovely origami crafts.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
59. Lego building party
Set up a ‘guess the build’ contest and host a building relay using original construction prompts. You can take pictures of each child holding their creations and send them to parents as digital keepsakes after the celebration to create endearing memories.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
60. Balloon art pParty
Allow the young artists to demonstrate their creativity and master the skill of balloon twisting through balloon twisting competitions, balloon sculpting challenges, and a ‘pop the balloon’ challenge.
Estimated cost: $150- $250
61. Mystery dinner
This crazy idea will leave the tweens in awe. The food items will be served by their mystery name, and the guests have to identify them. Make the guests feel comfortable and provide slight hints if needed. Treat the winner/s with surprise gifts and click candid photos to save the special moments.
Estimated cost: $100- $150
Tips To Organize A 12th Birthday Party
Organizing a child’s birthday party requires thoughtful planning and preparation to ensure everyone has a good time. Here are some tips to create a safe, engaging, and memorable event:
- Pick a theme that matches your child’s interests and finalize a venue based on the guest number and planned activities.
- Set a budget to plan food, decor, and entertainment wisely.
- When organizing a party at home, ensure the space accommodates all guests and is equipped with the necessary supplies.
- Arrange food and snacks that cater to the preferences of the children and guests.
- Prepare a fun and calming playlist to play during downtime between activities.
- Organize small goodies or prizes for games to make the experience more enjoyable.
- Ensure a responsible adult or supervisor accompanies children for safety reasons.
- Have emergency contact numbers handy in case of emergency (1).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do instead of having a birthday party for my kid?
If birthday parties sound cliche, take a break to celebrate your kid’s big day by indulging in small joyful things. Take them to an amusement park, a cartoon movie, go on a family picnic or let them spend the day at the beach with their friends just to escape the monotony.
2. What should I do for my kid’s birthday at the last minute?
Life got super busy, and planning your loving child’s birthday slipped out of your mind. Try these last-minute ideas to have a gala time on your birthday. Invite their friends for a sleepover party, go park-hopping, host an art and craft party for her friends, throw a pizza party, bake a cake for your kid, or maybe some cupcakes. Regardless, ensure your child has oodles of fun with their close ones.
3. What creative and interactive DIY projects can 12-year-olds enjoy during a birthday party?
For a birthday party, children can follow the theme and create something related to it. For instance, if the birthday theme is Disney princesses, they can create accessories such as crowns or jewels of Disney princesses. If there is no theme, children can try decorating t-shirts, creating jewelry items such as friendship charms, or even making slime.
4. What fun and challenging team-building activities can 12-year-olds participate in during a birthday party?
During a birthday party, group games such as relay races, obstacle courses, puzzle-solving challenges, or treasure hunts can promote team building. These activities encourage social interaction, cooperation, and communication.
5. How can I incorporate a charitable or community service aspect into a 12-year-old’s birthday party?
You can organize a donation drive where your guests can donate their clothes, toys, or books or have your child and guests volunteer at a community event. Also, you can organize a fundraising activity and donate the proceeds to support a good cause.
6. What fun and creative photo booth ideas would be a hit at a 12-year-old’s birthday party?
You can arrange a backdrop in the photo booth that matches the party theme. For instance, if the party follows the Hawai theme, the backdrop can be that of the beautiful island. You can keep funny props such as mustaches, colored wigs, and large sunglasses to make the photo more interesting. Alternatively, you can arrange a video booth where the guests can dance wearing props, on a funny tune, and record a funny video.
7. What are some budget-friendly birthday party ideas for 12-year-olds?
Consider hosting a backyard camping party, a game night with board games, an indoor movie night, or a DIY art party where kids can create their masterpieces. These ideas are fun and easy on the pocket.
At 12 years old, children are pretty adventurous and have specific preferences. Therefore their birthday celebrations should also be one of a kind. With this collection of 12-year-old birthday party ideas, you now have everything in handy to throw the most memorable party for your little one. So go ahead and plan your child’s birthday party with the above ideas and pick a suitable one that fits their personality. You may surprise them or involve them in the planning and preparation to make it a fun family time.
Infographic: Additional 12-Year-Old Birthday Party Games
Birthday parties are an occasion that every child enjoys. They meet other friends and have a good time at the gathering. To add to the enjoyment and excitement of the party, we have created an infographic on party games that you can include in addition to the already provided suggestions. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Cool Birthday Party Ideas For 12-Year-Old Boys & Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Sienna’s 12th Birthday Gymnastics Party! | Family Fizz; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDBmUk855U8
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