All Rizz, No Cap: Birthday Party Places Teenagers Will Love

Teens are notoriously difficult to please, so planning a birthday party for a teenager can feel like a balancing act between finding a theme and location that won’t make them roll their eyes and sticking to your budget.

The key to success lies in finding a venue and activities that reflect their personality, interests, and style. If you’re in your party-planning era, check out our guide to creating the perfect party for your young adult – from thoughtful planning and creative themes to amazing locations – and keep in mind that, for any teenager, birthday party places are just as important as the party itself.

Table of contents:

• Birthday party places teens enjoy
• How to plan an epic teen birthday party
• Use Peerspace to find the best teen party venue

Types of birthday party places teens will enjoy

The best birthday party ideas for your teen will depend on their personal interests and style. Here are some of the top contenders, based on recommendations from website classpop!

Game and arcade spaces

For gaming enthusiasts, booking an arcade space filled with retro games or video game consoles is a surefire way to elevate the fun. These venues often include classics like pinball machines and modern gaming setups that teens can enjoy for hours.

An arcade allows flexibility for you to provide as many credits or as few as you’d like to stay within your budget. Check with the venue ahead of time to see if it offers party packages. Many will offer prepaid cards, tokens, or wristbands that allow for either unlimited play or a set dollar amount. 

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Pro tip: Even if the arcade you choose has packages, you don’t necessarily have to buy one in order to show up with your teen and a few of their friends. Just be sure to make it clear to your guests how much free play will be provided so they know how much of their own money to bring. 

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To rent a physical arcade space, you’ll want to set aside a few hundred dollars. Generally, that amount will snag you a set amount of time and set number of guests at a local arcade. You can also contact a rental company in your area to rent arcade games to fill a non-arcade location. The latter tends to be more pricey, though.

Movie screening rooms

If the birthday teen loves film marathons or watching the latest blockbusters, a private movie screening room is a top-tier choice. These venues typically feature comfy seating, high-quality screens, and audio equipment for an immersive theater experience. 

Alternatively, depending on your budget, you can opt for a more general space and either rent or bring your own projector and screen to create a custom theater experience – a choice that’s often more cost-effective than renting out an entire theater. Make it extra special by setting up a popcorn station and handing out themed movie snacks.

Dance studios

Get the party moving by booking a dance studio with ample space to groove. If finances allow, you can hire a DJ or have a professional dance instructor lead a fun class. 

Sticking to a budget? Have your teen create their own playlist to play at the party, or have their friends submit songs to create one that reminds them of your teen. 

This option is perfect for high-energy teens who want to spend the night moving and having a blast.

Creative art studios

Art studios – or spaces that can be set up to accommodate an art class – offer a perfect setting for teens who enjoy crafts and creativity. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or DIY projects, a space where guests can create something unique and take it home as a keepsake aligns seamlessly with artistic interests.

To save money, consider purchasing some basic supplies for use during the party. If you’ve got a bit more to work with, hire a local paint-and-sip host to lead a class for your teen and their pals (with mocktails, of course). 

If you want to go all-out, consider purchasing goody bags to fill with extra supplies – paintbrushes, watercolor paints, colored pencils, small sketchbooks – that attendees can take home. 

Outdoor spaces

For teens who love the great outdoors, you might want to book an open-air venue. Parks, gardens, or outdoor patios provide ample room for group activities like picnics, sports, or even a nature scavenger hunt. This option is especially ideal for summer or spring celebrations.

Some local parks are free to use, and you can show up with blankets, pillows, picnic baskets and games for a day of fun. Other spaces offer bookable pavilions and barbecue pits – some free and some for a fee. These options are great if you’re trying to keep costs reasonable. 

For more amenities (tables, chairs, string lights and other extras), though, you might consider reserving a dedicated outdoor space that’s privately curated. These areas might include back yards, gardens, gazebos and other outdoor setups that might cost more but also offer more flexibility and likely fewer logistical headaches. 

Pool venues

Pool parties are a timeless classic for teen birthdays, especially when the weather is warm. Book a beautiful pool space where guests can splash around, play games, or lounge poolside. 

If your community has a pool, inquire about economical packages that might offer use of facilities, as well as food, beverages, and games. Or, if you’re in the market for something more upscale, check out a privately owned pool area that’s bookable by the hour.

Regardless of where you host, make it festive with inflatable floats and a variety of drinks and snacks for a tropical vibe.

How to plan a teen birthday party that will eat

Set a budget

Every great party starts with a solid plan, and setting a budget is the foundation. Before you research venues or brainstorm activities, determine how much you’re willing to spend. Consider all the potential costs, including:

• The location
• Decorations
• Food
• Entertainment
• Additional touches to make the event special

Keep a little wiggle room in the budget for unexpected expenses, too.

Set the vibe

Once the budget is established, it’s time to choose a theme. A well-thought-out motif will tie the whole party together, making it cohesive and memorable. Think about the birthday teen’s hobbies and interests. Are they a sports fan, a movie buff, or an art enthusiast?

Some birthday party ideas for teens that add an extra layer of excitement might include a neon glow party, a retro 90s vibe, or a DIY crafting session. A theme not only sets the tone for decor and invitations but also guides decisions about activities and food options.

Curate the squad

After settling on your theme, carefully create a guest list. Keep in mind that the party should be enjoyable for the birthday teen and manageable for you as the host. Encourage your teen to invite their closest friends, while maintaining a reasonable headcount. Whether the party is small and intimate or a larger celebration, having an organized guest list will make planning far smoother.

Pick the perfect venue

The sheer number of teen birthday party venues can be overwhelming but finding the right one can make or break the festivities. Whether you plan for a cozy gathering or an activity-packed day, the space should complement your theme and plans.

If you don’t want the hassle of hosting at home, consider one-of-a-kind venues that can be tailored to your party vision through Peerspace. From outdoor patio spaces to industrial lofts, you’ll find a place that fits your needs and impresses your teen.

Plan activities that slay

With teens, the entertainment can either turn a get-together into an unforgettable event or make it a total bust. Organize games and activities that keep everyone engaged, whether it’s a dance-off, a trivia quiz, or a karaoke competition. Hands-on activities like crafting or photo booths are great ways to keep everyone entertained while tying into the larger theme. When planning activities, ensure there’s a mix of structure and free time so guests can relax and socialize, too.

Let them cook (or at least give them snacks)

Food and drink are essential elements of any celebration. Decide on the type of meal that works best for the party vibe. Options could include:

• Making a cooking class part of the celebration
• Hiring a food truck
• Setting up a buffet
• Creating themed snack stations like a taco bar or a cupcake decorating table

Remember dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure everyone can enjoy the spread. A creative menu that aligns with the party’s theme will make the celebration even more awesome.

Notify the fam

No, we don’t just mean grandma and grandpa. When all the details are set, it’s time to invite guests. Create invitations that reflect the party theme and set the tone for the event. Teens might appreciate digital invitations sent via text or social media, but physical invites can be a fun keepsake for more elaborate celebrations. Include all the vital information – time, date, location, and dress code – so everyone knows what to expect.

Find the best places for a teen party with Peerspace

Planning a teen birthday party doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Peerspace, finding the ideal venue is seamless and stress-free. Here’s why it’s the ultimate platform for locating unique party spots.

Diverse options

Peerspace offers the largest selection of venues – more than 45,000 – suited for any theme, whether your teen dreams of an artsy night, an energetic dance party, or a relaxing poolside celebration. From small, intimate spaces to venues big enough for a crowd, there’s something for everyone in lots of locations – from small-town Skibidi, Ohio (wherever the heck that is) to major cities in the U.S. and abroad.

Flexible booking and pricing

Flexibility is a must when planning a party. With Peerspace, you can book by the hour, instead of by the day, giving you access only for the amount of time you actually need the space. The ability to sort venues by price and to see exactly which taxes and fees you’ll pay up front allow you to stay within your budget.

Unique locations

Peerspace stands out for its collection of creative one-of-a-kind locations. Hosting a party in a unique space takes any event to a whole new level, leaving your teen and their friends with memories that are positively TikTok-worthy.

Ease of use

Busy parents value convenience. Peerspace makes it simple to search, view photos, and book all in one spot on a user-friendly platform. With just a few clicks, you’ll secure a venue that aligns with your vision.

Trusted reviews

The name says it all: Peerspace offers authentic reviews from your peers – real parents and party planners like you. That means you can peruse thousands of reviews to see exactly what others thought before you commit to a booking.

Bottom line

Whether your teen is a discerning fashionista who will settle for nothing less than the trendiest of parties or a laid-back lover of nature who’s just happy to be celebrating, Peerspace’s large and unique selection of venues, transparent and budget-friendly pricing, and vetted reviews can help you to plan an event your teenager and their friends won’t soon forget. 

Start planning with Peerspace.