Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you plan to have a fantastic tween birthday party with loads of entertainment, some cracking party ideas are just what you need. Tween Birthday party games are a great way to make their special day enjoyable, engage them in fun-filled activities, and seize special memories. Tweens are not kids, but they are also not old enough to make their own decisions. They do wish to experience something new, be capable of making small choices, follow their passions, and most importantly, learn. As parents, you want your tween to have a memorable birthday party full of fun and laughter. And if you are struggling with party ideas, we are here to help you. Dive into this post for a list of the best game ideas for tween birthday parties to make sure your kid and their friends have a blast.
20 Best Tween Birthday Party Ideas For Girls And Boys
Why not try a themed birthday party that is reminiscent of your child’s favorite fictional character, color, superhero, singer, or subject? You can even plan a themed party that lets your child do what he or she loves to do the most. Check out these cool birthday party ideas that your preteen will fall in love with!
1. Pool party
Where:
At home or a hotel
You will need: Pool floats, swimming clothes (ask kids to get their own), lightweight balls
Fun games in the pool followed by delicious cake and snacks equals happy, smiling children at the end of the day.
Pool parties are just fun, more so for kids who love water. If you have a pool at home, organizing a tween pool party gets a lot simpler. Clean pool, decorations, pool floats, snacks, and cake are all you need to host a party at home. If you don’t have a pool at home, you can hire the YMCA pool or a hotel to host a poolside party for the kids.
Regardless of where the party is, ensure that the pool is clean and free of chemicals and other allergens. Most importantly, make sure that the kids are safe in the water, and your party will be a big hit with your child.
Image: Shutterstock
2. Pizza party
Where:
At home, in your dining or kitchen area
You will need: Flour to make pizza dough (or get pizza bases), pizza sauce and toppings, oven to cook (only adults will handle it)
Kids love pizza, so why not have a pizza party for your children? The fun part of a pizza party is that kids can make their own pizza together and eat it too! The party can take place at your home with minimal supplies like flour, pizza sauce, toppings, and cheese. Kids can design and decorate pizza pies as they want to, in teams, and share it with each other.
Plan it in such a way that kids have fun – you can get them all to make one big pizza, if you have the means or get them to make their own little mini-pizzas. Either way, they will leave the party with a full tummy and a happy face. This one can be included in your 11-year-old’s party ideas or of 12-year-old’s.
Image: Shutterstock
3. Movie themed party
Where:
At home
You will need: Ticket stubs, movie-theater-style popcorn tubs, 3D glasses
Here is another awesome tween party ideas! A movie themed party is fun, has popcorn, and sodas. If they have a favorite movie, his birthday party can revolve around it. Or, you can have a generic movie theme with fake movie ticket stubs, popcorn (real), sodas, and perhaps even fake 3D glasses for the fun of it.
You can plan this theme party a little early on and get custom invitations that look like movie tickets, which the guests should bring with them to enter the party zone! You can even plan the screening of a film that the kids might enjoy.
Fun, isn’t it?
Image: IStock
4. Get a photo booth
Where:
At home
You will need: A rental photo booth, props like masks, hats, sunglasses, etc.
A photo booth at the tween’s birthday party will be a big hit. At their age, preteens just want to have fun, even if they have to be silly for it. And a photo booth will give them a chance to be just that – silly and cute. The photo booth just stands as an attraction, besides the cake and party games, and lets the kids have fun during the party.
Hire a photo booth well in advance for the event. Also, keep a few props like wigs, masks, hats, etc., which the kids can use to make funny pics. The pics also make excellent thank you notes.
Quick tip
Image: IStock
5. Go on an outing
Where:
In the city
You will need: Camera for clicking pics, a map
Another cool way to celebrate your tween’s birthday is to plan an outing for her and her friends. This idea may not work for a larger group unless you have other parents to help you. Plan an outing on a non-school day and take the kids to fascinating places like parks, museums, malls, or amusement parks in the city.
Alternatively, you could bring them into a big city like New York City or Los Angeles, anything that is just an hour’s drive from your place. Plan to have lunch at a cool restaurant, buy them something nice at a mall, and more. Make sure you delegate someone to ensure everyone in the group is there when leaving.
Image: Shutterstock
6. Garden party
Where:
At home
You will need: Lights for decorating the garden, tables, cushions, mats to sit, etc.
An outdoor party is more fun than an indoor one. If you have a garden with sufficient space, why not plan a garden party with outdoor games for tweens? You can have an evening party when the garden can be decked up with colorful lights. You can have tables and chairs for a party dinner, have a birthday bonfire with an S’mores station that has marshmallows, skewers, chocolate, and more. That, plus cake and maybe pizza, will make the party a lot of fun for your tweens.
Image: Shutterstock
7. Rock star party
Where:
At home
You will need: Microphone and sound system
If your tween loves music, a rock star party can be a cool birthday theme. It can be one of the best 12th or 13th birthday party ideas. Kids not only get to dress like their favorite rock stars or singers but they also have the opportunity to showcase their talent by singing their favorite songs and dancing. Besides the decoration that goes with the theme, you will also need a microphone and a simple sound system to make the party musical and fun. Kids can pick their favorite songs, not necessarily rock, and sing one at a time or as a band while the others enjoy the cake.
End the party with a dance floor in the living room where the kids can dance and sing to their heart’s content.
Image: Shutterstock
8. Let’s get artsy party
Where:
At home
You will need: Art supplies, paper, sheets
Tweens like to be creative, so why not have an art party for their birthday? An art party is more than just a few crayons, sketches or sheets of paper. If you want to make the party memorable, let your kids learn art in a fun and interesting way. You could find ways to teach them about it yourself, or hire a professional who can teach the kids to draw or sketch in simple ways that they can remember.
Image: IStock
9. Party at the spa
One of the fabulous birthday party ideas for tween girls to keep them entertained! A slight touch can make them look gorgeous.
Where: At home
You will need: Makeup kit, nail polish, etc.
One of the best spa party ideas for tween girls! Turn your home into a spa for the evening, where your tween girl and her friends (not just girls) have an appointment to get pampered in luxury. With the help of a friend or another parent, you can give the kids a manicure, foot massage, paint their nails, and even style their hair. You can go up a notch by giving them a facial with a natural/organic face pack. You can make the party fun by letting them apply the pack themselves, and rest for a bit with cucumber slices on their eyes!
Image: IStock
10. Candy shop theme
Where:
At home
You will need: Different varieties of candy, jars, or bowls
Tweens may not exactly be kids, but they sure do love candy. A candy shop themed birthday party will never be a bore for them. Plan a party where kids get to choose any candy they want to eat. Deck the party area with candy colors – pink, light blue, green, red, and white – place the candy jars (see through) or bowls on the table and let the children help themselves. You can also order a candy themed cake to go with it.
A word of caution – children can get carried away and eat more candy than they can handle. So keep an eye on the kids and do not let them over-indulge.
Image: IStock
11. Murder mystery theme
Where:
At home or outdoor venue
You will need: Costumes or props, a Murder mystery party kit, or materials (including character cards, clues, etc.)
Murder mystery parties are a fun birthday party option for teenagers who appreciate drama and intrigue. Each person takes on a character role and engages in questioning to help solve the mystery. Keep the murder mystery theme a secret until the celebration begins for an added dose of suspense. You can send regular invitations without disclosing the theme. This surprising twist will get them excited for a night of mystery and laughter.
Image: Shutterstock
12. Costume party
Where:
At home or outdoor venue
You will need: A theme and decorations as per the theme
This themed costume twist can be easily incorporated into any party theme. Whether you’re planning a pool party or a cozy game night, adding a fun costume idea can double the fun element for teens. For example, if your teen loves movies, suggest dressing up as characters from their favorite film. A photo booth or background can help your teen and their friends capture special moments for their social media feeds. Make sure you have a specific location for photography as a part of the setup for the event.
Image: Shutterstock
13. Disco theme
Where:
At home or outdoor venue
You will need: A disco ball, Twinkle lights for outdoor ambiance, 70s-themed attire for guests
You can convert your outdoor space into a groovy disco haven. Hanging twinkle lights and a disco ball from tree branches or around the perimeter of the party area is also a good idea. This outdoor twist on a classic theme is a hit among youngsters. Imagine dancing under the stars with disco balls reflecting their light – it’s a recipe for a night to remember.
Image: Shutterstock
14. Hawaiian luau paradise
Where:
Backyard
You will need: Hawaiian-themed decorations, grass skirts, flower garlands for guests, and fruit punch
You can transport the guests to a tropical paradise with a Hawaiian luau-themed birthday party. Deck the venue with colorful decorations, serve refreshing tropical drinks, and encourage guests to dress in Hawaiian attire. Consider playing your teen’s favorite Hawaiian music and dance the night away in celebration of your teen’s special day.
Image: Shutterstock
15. Glow-in-the-dark dance party
Where:
Darkened-event spaces
You will need: Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces, Black lights or UV lights, Neon decorations, and party supplies
Imagine an amazing birthday celebration where everything glows in the dark! This exciting theme is perfect for teens who love to move and groove. The best way to organize this party is to decorate the venue with neon decorations and provide guests with glow sticks and accessories for a glowing experience. Aak your guests to wear neon clothing, white clothing with blacklight effects, or glow-in-the-dark accessories such as bracelets, headbands, or temporary tattoos.
Image: Shutterstock
16. Retro arcade game tournament
Where:
Arcade venue
You will need: Game consoles and prizes for winners
Arcade birthday parties are a surefire hit among teenagers, providing an epic party full of fun and excitement. Everyone can find something to love, from historic classics like Pac-Man to current racing simulators. Guests can switch between challenges, keeping the excitement up and the party environment lively. To track scores and progress, you may establish tournament brackets or scorecards, and the best players can be awarded prizes for an exciting and competitive birthday bash.
Image: Shutterstock
17. Space Party
Where:
At home
You will need: Starry night projector, decorations, glow sticks, etc.
Boost your teen’s birthday celebration with an outer space-themed party that offers an extraordinary experience. To create the mood, dim the lights and exhibit a glittering starry sky on the ceiling. Send guests home with small bags containing glow sticks, space vehicle-shaped chocolates, and temporary tattoos of planets or rockets for an unforgettable cosmic trip.
Image: IStock
18. Laser Tag Party
Where:
Laser tag arena
You will need: Laser tag equipment
Laser tag is one of the thrilling activities for 12-year-olds, guaranteed to get teens’ adrenaline pumping and competitive spirits soaring. You can book a session at a local laser tag arena. If weather permits, consider an outdoor laser tag experience. Some companies offer mobile laser tag rentals, bringing the action to your backyard or a designated outdoor space. You can also hang streamers in neon colors, put up inflatable aliens or robots as targets, and create a ‘mission briefing’ board with party details. Don’t forget to take pictures and videos throughout the party to document the exciting laser tag battles and birthday fun.
Image: Shutterstock
19. Harry Potter Theme
Where:
At home
You will need: Candles, Hogwarts house banners
This exciting theme isn’t for the muggles. You can invite all the young potterheads and decorate the space with floating candles. Consider dimming the lights. Adding the Hogwarts house banners and decorating tables with the house colors is also a good idea. Set up a ‘potions’ station with colorful drinks and candy. Guests can create their own ‘potions’ by mixing different ingredients. You can also encourage guests to dress up as their favorite Harry Potter characters.
Image: Shutterstock
20. Pirate Theme
Where:
At home
You will need: Pirate flags, treasure chests, maps
You can transform your room into a pirate ship. Ask the guests to dress up in a pirate dress code. They can also wear accessories such as bandanas, eye patches, ripped clothing, and pirate hats. Consider hanging flags, placing treasure chests, and nautical maps. To add more fun to the party you can organize an epic treasure hunt for the teens. You can also serve chicken fingers, fruit skewers, and punch in a large bowl labeled ‘grog.’
Image: IStock
26 Amazing Tween Birthday Party Games And Activities
No tween party is complete without games. To make the party exciting and entertaining, try these games to play at a birthday party– your tweens and their friends will have a grand time!
21. Marco Polo
Are you searching for pool party games for your tween and her friends to have fun? Marco Polo is an enjoyable game that you can get the tweens to play during a pool party.
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: Swimming pool, cloth for blindfolding
How to play:
- Choose one person to be “it”.
- He or she is blindfolded and has to tag other people.
- ‘It’ calls out ‘Marco’ and the players have to respond with a ‘Polo.’
- If ‘it’ succeeds in tagging a player, then that player becomes ‘it’.
- You can play this game for as long as you want.
Image: Shutterstock
22. Back-to-back water balloon race
Back-to-back games are fun as it is. But what if we throw a water balloon into it? Try this fun tween birthday game and find out.
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: Water balloons
How to play:
- Divide the kids into teams of two. You can pair them according to height, for ease of playing.
- Give each pair a water balloon.
- On “Go”, the pair has to pick a water balloon, hold it between their backs – without pressing it too hard – and race towards the finish line.
- The pairs have to reach the finish line without bursting or dropping the balloon. If the balloon bursts, they have to go back to the start, retrieve another balloon, and begin all over again.
- The pair that finishes first wins.
Image: IStock
23. Line up
Line Up is one of the best birthday party games for tweens. It is a fun energizer that you can play on the lawn or a room with ample space.
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: A lot of space
How to play:
- Ask all the tweens to stand in a random order at first.
- When you say “Line up in the order of…”, the kids have to rearrange themselves quickly to form that order. You can ask them to line up according to their height, alphabetical order, the number of siblings, age, birthday months, and so on.
- Give them only a minute to rearrange themselves – that makes it more fun to play.
- It also forces them to think fast and have fun – when they do arrange themselves – let them cheer for themselves and reward them with cake and treats.
Image: Shutterstock
24. Knight’s tale
Knight’s Tale is a role playing game that takes the tweens back into the medieval times.
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: A lot of space, with hiding areas
How to play:
- Pick a few kids to play the role of knights, princesses, shield, and wanderers. Do not reveal the identity of the princesses to the knights.
- You will need two princesses, four knights, and one shield. The remaining players are wanderers.
- The two princesses have to hide from the rest of the players, especially the knights, who have to find them.
- If a wanderer finds a princess, she has to stay in the same place while the wanderer informs the knight. They cannot, however, reveal the name of the princess.
- The knights must go to the princess before the other knights to win the game.
Some ground rules to make the game interesting:
- The kids should not spy – it ruins the game.
- No one should guard the princesses.
- Knights have to find the princesses in set time.
- Every knight has some dedicated wanderers.
- Knights can fight each other for the princesses (no violence, though)
Image: Shutterstock
25. Crazy baseball
Crazy Baseball is a fun version of baseball, which you should play outdoors. You can get creative with these birthday party activities for your tweens.
Number of players – 12 or more
You will need: Baseball bats, tennis racquets, hockey sticks, and other bats, balls – ping pong, baseball, tennis ball, etc., and a die.
How to play:
- First, come up with a list of six funny ways a kid can hit a ball. You can create a set of rules, such as:
- Sing a romantic song and hit a tennis ball with a basketball.
- Jump up thrice and kick a football with your left leg.
- Do a dance routine and hit a baseball with a tennis racquet.
- Assign a number to each of these rules.
- Have the field ready – in your backyard, or a baseball field or any other place where there is space to play and mark the bases.
- Designate one person to be the pitcher – one of the adults can take up this job.
- Ask each kid to roll the die. They have to do the designated task based on the number they get.
- Get all the kids to do it.
The more creative you get with the tasks, the more fun this game will be for the tweens.
Image: Shutterstock
26. Gift grab
Gift Grab is an excellent way to start the party and get the tweens into a fun mood.
Number of players – All the guests
You will need: Some gifts, depending on the number of kids at the party, two decks of playing cards
You can get small, inexpensive gifts from the dollar shop and have them wrapped for this game.
How to play:
- Place all the gifts on a table in the center.
- Ask the kids to gather around the table, but keep a distance of at least five feet from it.
- Take one deck of cards and give each boy or girl one card. Distribute all the cards among the participants. Some may get more than the others.
- Shuffle the other set of cards and call out the card you pick. Every time you call out a card, the kid with a matching card from the first deck will go and choose a gift.
- Once all the gifts on the table are over, kids are free to ‘grab’ the gift from another person, when they get a matching card.
- At the end of the second deck, those with the gifts get to keep them.
Image: Shutterstock
27. Balloon stick
The game is fun to play but needs the parents to prepare ahead.
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: A baseball bat or a stick, balloons with prizes or toffees in them
How to play:
- Blow balloons with gifts in them – a candy bar, a small rounded toy, anything that stays in without bursting the balloon.
- Take one balloon and stick it to the floor using tape, so that it won’t move from its position.
- Pick one player and blindfold him or her.
- Give them a stick and ask them to beat the balloon using it.
- The player who can burst as many balloons as possible in a minute wins.
Image: IStock
28. Love, like, hate
One of the amazing tween boy birthday party ideas! Love, Like, Hate is a pool game that acts as an icebreaker. It is an energizer and helps the kids to know each other better.
Number of players – 12
You will need: Swimming pool
How to play:
- Pick one person to be ‘It’. ‘It’ stands at one end of the pool and the other three sides are three people – Love, Like, and Hate. Besides ‘It’, all other players stand at the ‘love’ side of the pool.
- ‘It’ calls out a few things or activities that come to their mind, and everyone else has to move towards either love, hate, or like.
- As the others move, ‘It’ has to tag one person midway, and that person becomes ‘It’.
Image: IStock
29. Tall tower
Who can build the tallest tower in the room? Tweens can compete for this fun birthday party game played with balloons and tape.
Number of players – 12
You will need: A lot of balloons, tape, a balloon pump.
How to play:
- Divide the participants into different teams. Let each team have at least four people.
- Give them a pack of balloons (each pack should have at least 20) with equal numbers, some tape, and an air pump to blow balloons.
- Give the players 15 minutes each to blow as many balloons as they can and build the tallest towers with the balloons, using the scotch tape.
- The team that builds the tallest balloon tower wins.
Image: Shutterstock
30. Head pop
A fun game full of excitement to play and even funnier to watch. Your tweens will be laughing through the game!
Number of players – 12
You will need: Balloons of two different colors (around 20 for each color), two caps or hats with pins or needles sticking out of them on the top.
How to play:
- Divide the guests into two teams.
- Tie the balloons at different heights – high enough to make the kids jump to head them. You can also have a few balloons at ground level, and vary the height each time.
- Assign one color to each team.
- Two players, one from each team, wear the hat or cap and try to burst as many balloons as they can with their head. Each player gets 15 seconds to do so.
- A new player from the team tries to pop the balloons every 15 seconds.
- The team that bursts all the balloons assigned to them, wins.
Image: Shutterstock
31. Candy corn stack
Candy Corn Stack is a minute-to-win game. It is a skill/competitive game for tweens – that ends with a lot of candy corn for them!
Number of players – 10 or more
You will need: Lots of colorful candy corn, preferably the ones with yellow at the wider end
How to play:
- Divide the candy corn into equal portions in different bowls.
- Give each player a bowl of candy corn and give them each a minute to stack the candy corn into corn cobs.
- Give each player one minute to stack as many candies as they can to form the biggest sweet corn cob, as the others cheer them on.
- There are no prizes – each player can keep the candy he or she uses to make the cob.
Image: Shutterstock
32. Hanging donuts
You will need: Donuts with holes, strings, and a place to hang the strings
How to play:
- Tie strings around the donuts and hang them at a height where the tweens can reach with their mouths without using their hands.
- Each participant stands under a donut. On ‘Go,’ they try to eat the donut without using their hands. The first one to finish their donut without it falling wins.
Image: Shutterstock
33. Cookie face
You will need: Small cookies (like Oreos)
How to play:
- Each participant places a cookie on their forehead.
- The goal is to move the cookie to their mouth using facial muscles, not hands.
- The first one to successfully eat the cookie without dropping it wins.
- If the cookie falls, they start over. This game is hilarious and challenges their skill and patience.
Image: Shutterstock
34. Corn hole tournament
Cornhole is a favorite lawn game perfect for both laid-back fun and competitive play, making it an excellent choice for a birthday party activity.
Number of players: 4 or more, with teams of 2 players each
You will need: Corn hole boards, Corn hole bags, Scoreboard (optional)
How to play:
- Position the cornhole boards.
- Divide the guests into pairs, creating teams of 2 players each.
- Players from each team alternately throw bags towards the opposite board, aiming to get the bags into the hole or land them on the board.
- Bags in the hole score 3 points; bags on the board score 1 point.
- Each player throws 4 bags per turn, alternating with the opposing team’s players.
- The team with the maximum number of points wins.
Image: Shutterstock
35. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic party game that’s sure to entertain. Combining speed and a bit of luck, this game keeps everyone on their toes and guarantees plenty of laughter.
Number of players: 4 or more
You will need: Chairs (one less than the total number of players), Music player
How to play:
- Place chairs in a circle and ensure that there is one chair lesser than the total number of players.
- Turn on some upbeat music and have the players walk or dance around the circle of chairs.
- When the music stops, each player must quickly sit on a chair.
- The player without a chair is out of the game.
- Take one chair out of the circle and start the music again.
- Repeat the steps until only one player remains seated, making them the winner.
Image: Shutterstock
36. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a classic guessing game that sharpens players’ deduction and questioning skills.
Number of players: 2 or more
How to play:
- One player thinks of an object and keeps it in mind.
- The other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to deduce the object’s identity.
- Participants have a total of 20 questions to ask.
- If the object is not guessed after 20 questions, the thinker reveals what it is.
Image: Shutterstock
37. Musical Limbo
How low can you go? This is an exciting game where participants bend backward to dance under a horizontal bar, challenging their balance and flexibility. It’s a perfect activity to add a burst of energy and fun to any event.
Number of players: 3 or more
Where to play: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings
You will need: Any long stick for the bar, Music player
How to play:
- Position any long stick horizontally to serve as the limbo bar.
- Play music to energize the players.
- Each player takes a turn to lean backward and move under the bar without touching it or falling.
- You can gradually lower the bar after each round to make the game more challenging.
- Players who touch the bar or fall are out of the game.
- The last player standing without touching the bar wins.
Image: IStock
38. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a fun and engaging game where participants share interesting facts about themselves, with a twist. This game is ideal for breaking the ice and getting to know each other better.
How to play:
- Have all participants sit or stand in a circle.
- Each player takes a turn to share three statements about themselves – with two being true and one being a lie.
- The other players try to guess which of the three statements is a lie.
- The person who shared the statements reveals which ones are true and which one is the lie.
- You can continue the game until everyone has had a turn to share their statements.
Image: Shutterstock
39. Cup Stack
Speedy cup stacking is an exciting game where participants race to build, dismantle, and rebuild a cup pyramid in less than a minute.
Number of players: 1 or more
Where to play: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play on a stable surface
You will need: Plastic or paper cups, Timer
How to play:
- Give each player a stack of cups.
- Set the timer for one minute.
- Players quickly assemble the cups into a pyramid.
- After completing the pyramid, they must unstack and then restack the cups into another pyramid within the allotted time.
- The fastest player is declared the winner.
Image: Shutterstock
40. Toilet Paper Pull
In this hilarious game, participants race to carefully roll up toilet paper without ripping it or tipping over a weighted object at the end.
Number of players: 2 or more
Where to play: Best played indoors on a smooth, flat surface like a table
You will need: Multiple rolls of toilet paper, heavy items (glass, book), tape
How to play:
- Stretch out rolls of toilet paper across a table, placing a heavy item on one end to secure it.
- Use tape to designate where players should sit or stand to start the game.
- Players must roll up the toilet paper as quickly as they can, making sure not to tear it or knock over the heavy object.
- The first player to roll up the toilet paper successfully without any mishaps is the winner.
Image: Midjourney
41. Balloon Bullseye
This is an exhilarating game where players aim to pop balloons with darts. It’s a great addition to any party, suitable both indoors and outdoors.
Number of players: 2 or more
Where to play: Can be played indoors or outdoors
You will need: Inflated balloons, darts, tape, a vertical surface
How to play:
- Inflate the balloons and attach them to a vertical surface using tape or pins.
- Players can take turns throwing darts at the balloons, trying to pop as many as they can.
- Points can be assigned for each popped balloon.
- The player who pops the most balloons wins the game.
Image: Shutterstock
42. Water Slide Grab Game
This game is ideal for outdoor summer fun and will be a favorite at any birthday party. It adds an element of challenge to the usual slip-and-slide fun, making it a thrilling and enjoyable game for teens.
Where to play: Outdoor setting, preferably on a lawn or a large open space
You will need: A water slide, hose, and objects for grabbing (such as soft toys, sponges, etc.)
How to play:
- Set up a long slide on a flat area and ensure it is thoroughly wet by connecting it to a water source.
- Provide guidelines and safety rules to all players before starting.
- Place random objects along the length of the slide and have all teenagers begin sliding down immediately.
- As each player slides down the slide, they try to grab as many objects as they can.
- The player who successfully grabs the most objects is the winner.
Image: Shutterstock
43. Toss and Score
Toss and Score Game is an enjoyable outdoor activity that tests players’ throwing accuracy.
Where to play: Open space
You will need: Bowls or buckets, small tossing objects (like beans or balls), and papers with point values written on them
How to play:
- Take some bowls and label them with point values.
- Place these bowls at various distances according to the point values mentioned on them.
- Mark a spot for players to stand and toss objects into the bowls.
- Players can take turns tossing their objects into the bowls, trying to get the highest score before time runs out.
- You can give points based on where the objects land.
- The player with the most points wins.
Image: Midjourney
44. Ping Pong Balls
This is a refreshing and entertaining game suitable for outdoor gatherings, especially during hot summer days.
Where to play: Open space
You will need: Ping pong ball, Cups
How to play:
- Arrange two sets of ten cups each in a triangular formation on opposite ends of the table.
- Divide your party guests into two teams and have them stand behind their respective cup setups.
- Players take turns throwing ping pong balls across the table, aiming to land them inside an opposing team’s cup.
- If a ping pong ball lands in an opponent’s cup, that cup is removed from the game.
- The first team to successfully knock all of their opponent’s cups off the table wins the game.
Image: Shutterstock
45. Junk in the Trunk
Junk in the Trunk is a simple yet guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your teen party guests shaking with laughter. So, gather your supplies, set the timer, and get ready for a hilariously good time.
Where to play: Open space
You will need a tissue box, cotton balls
How to play:
- Each player will require an empty tissue box. Attach a ribbon or a belt to each tissue box so that it can be securely fastened around a player’s waist and the box may lay on their lower back.
- Before starting the timer, fill each box with lightweight, small objects like cotton balls or ping pong balls.
- Assign someone to be the official timekeeper and set a timer for one minute.
- Players must wiggle, shimmy, and shake their bodies to get all the objects out of their box – without the help of their hands.
- The first player to successfully empty their entire tissue box wins the game.
Image: Midjourney
46. Card Slide Challenge
With its simple rules and ever-increasing difficulty, the card slide challenge is a game that’s easy to learn but addictive to play.
Where to play: Indoors on a flat surface
You will need: Cards
How to play:
- Choose one player to be the dealer for the first round. The dealer can rotate throughout the game.
- The dealer selects a card from the deck and positions it on the table’s edge, with a portion hanging off the surface.
- Players take turns sliding a single card from their hand towards the overhanging card. The goal is to land their card on top of the existing stack without dropping it or causing any other cards to fall.
- If a player’s card falls off the edge or fails to land correctly on the stack, they are eliminated from the current round.
- The game goes on until there’s just one player left holding a card on the pile.
Image: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any tips for planning and hosting a successful tween birthday party?
A few ways to successfully organize a tween birthday party include selecting the right venue, serving food that your tween and their friends will enjoy, organizing fun games, choosing adorable decorations, and picking memorable return gifts for the guest.
2. How can games help foster a sense of community among tweens?
Playing games can help nurture cooperation, social relationships, acceptance, inclusivity, and teamwork.
3. What are some tips for creating a fun and safe environment for tween games?
Setting clear rules and explaining them to children before the games will ensure they are safe and no problems arise at the party. Supervise all activities and ensure the area is safe for play. If the party is held in a garden or at a pool, ensure that the area is child-friendly and that first aid is constantly available.
4. What are some tips for choosing a theme for a tween’s birthday party?
To choose a theme, involve your tween in the party-planning process, consider their interests, favorite franchises, or fictional characters, and avoid elements that might make them uncomfortable. Involve them and their friends in choosing and planning the games and putting up the decorations. Also, ensure the theme is age-appropriate.
Tween birthday party games should be exciting and fun to make their day more memorable. Pool parties, pizza parties, movie-themed parties, get a photo booth, garden parties, go on an outing, and spa parties are some of the best party themes for tween girls’ or boys’ birthdays. You may choose party themes and appropriate games depending on their interests. Some interesting birthdays games are Marco Polo, water balloon race, line up, knight’s tale, crazy baseball, balloon stick, grab a gift and candy corn stack.
Infographic: Birthday Party Theme Ideas For Preteens
Now that your child is about to enter their teens, make their last birthdays as children unforgettable. So, check out the infographic below to discover some fascinating and entertaining suggestions for your tween’s birthday. Make sure the theme you choose corresponds with your child’s preferences. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Tween’s birthday is special as it marks the beginning of transitioning into adolescence.
- Pool parties, garden parties, or celebrations with movie themes can make the party memorable.
- You may also consider adding party games like Marco Polo, Head Pop, and Gift Grab to double the fun.
- Make sure to discuss their preferences with your child when setting up the party.
Illustration: Highly Entertaining Tween Birthday Party Games And Ideas
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Planning a party but want ideas for games? Check out this video for 7 fun party game ideas that are perfect for groups! Get ready for some laughs and good times with these awesome games.
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