12 Creative Birthday Party Ideas For Tweens

So your tween (your 9- to 12-year-old, otherwise known as a pre-teen) has a birthday coming up, and you want to make it extra special. Sounds like you need a few can’t-miss birthday party ideas for tweens to dazzle your kid!

As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace is all about helping you plan all your important events with our party ideas and amazing party rental venues. Ahead, we’ve got 12 creative birthday party ideas for tweens along with a few examples of Peerspace venues that would work well for your party. Keep reading to get inspired!

1. Rent an outdoor space for your tween’s party

If weather permits, renting an outdoor venue through Peerspace is one of our top birthday party ideas for tweens. (After all, the venue you choose can make or break the event you’re planning!)

As an example, this charming outdoor setting in Fresno, California, comes with a dance floor, pavilion area, and an in-ground pool. There’s also an outdoor kitchen, A/V equipment, and more. Your tween and their friends will have so much space to explore and are sure to have a blast here.

2. Movie marathon

Use Peerspace to book a private movie theater so your tween and their friends can watch their favorite shows and movies together. One of our favorites is this best kept secret private theater in Brooklyn, NYC. But you can rent a theater in just about every city across the globe!

You can also opt to set up a projector and screen in your backyard or just watch movies in your home living room TV. Plus, this idea goes perfectly with the next one on this list…

3. Slumber party

An absolute classic and always a winner! Have your tween invite their best buds over for a slumber party. They can do all the classic slumber party activities. If you need more inspiration, here’s a list of 30 fun things to do at a sleepover from Good Housekeeping. Their ideas include making DIY pizzas, building blanket forts, and board games.

You can also use Peerspace to book a venue with 24/7 access, like this Fishtown penthouse in Philadelphia, PA! It’s incredibly popular with Peerspace renters, like this one who left this glowing review: “This place was nothing short of amazing!! It was a beautiful location and it was exactly as pictured. Luna was a wonderful and responsive host and she made the process easy and seamless.”

Check out our 13 great 13th birthday ideas for when that milestone arrives!

4. Karaoke birthday party

Does your tween love to sing and be the center of attention? Then a karaoke party will be the ideal choice among all our birthday party ideas for tweens. This can also be one of the activities at your slumber party (see item #3), or with pretty much any of the other ideas on this list. You don’t even need a karaoke machine – just a TV with YouTube videos of karaoke songs and a karaoke microphone like this super cute one from Walmart.

5. Ice cream sundae bar

Throw together an ice cream sundae bar for a super easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dessert option that’s a great alternative to a birthday cake. This is an especially great choice if you know you’ll be having any picky eaters at your party. They can serve themselves only the ice cream and toppings they like. Here’s a helpful guide to creating a DIY ice cream sundae bar at home from Insider.

You can also make it easy on yourself by booking an actual ice cream parlor through Peerspace. For instance, check out this cute ice cream shop in Washington, D.C.! They have all the delicious ice cream and toppings you and your tween could possibly want, all without the messy post-party cleanup!

6. Throw a pool party

Pool parties are a popular birthday party idea for tweens for a reason–they’re so fun, and all you really need is a pool, some decor, and some food and drinks to put together a fabulous and memorable gathering!

And if you don’t have a pool of your own, you can always rent one via Peerspace. Check out this private lawn outdoor space with a pool, lounge area, and yard overlooking a lake in Miami, FL.

One reviewer who booked a party here commented: “This place was the best place I could have chosen for the pool party I had! the hostess Janet is a lovely person, helpful and very understanding. She is always willing to help you so that your event goes as well as possible. I definitely recommend this place if it fits the needs of your event.”

7. Trail ride birthday party

Maybe your tween is a horse lover or has always wanted to try horseback riding. In that case, consider scheduling a trail ride for them and a few of their friends. Many horse stables offer birthday packages that include food and other activities in addition to the ride itself.

Use Peerspace to book a gorgeous horse ranch near you. For instance, you can book this five-acre working horse ranch in Frazier Park, CA. The host is happy to help accommodate your tween’s birthday party ideas, so reach out with any questions or requests. It can save you much more time and energy in planning all the activities.

8. Ice skating birthday party

Here’s another idea that’ll get your tween out of the house and potentially try a fun new sport that they might end up falling in love with! Lots of ice skating rinks offer party packages and even lessons if your guests need them. You might even be able to have this party outdoors if it’s cold enough and you have an outdoor rink near you.

9. Road trip birthday party

Is there somewhere cool within a few hours’ drive where your tween and their friends might want to visit? If so, make a day of it and invite a few of their besties for a road trip. In the car, everyone can eat their favorite snacks and blast some killer tunes. This is a super affordable birthday party idea for tweens, but it’s also unique and has lots of fun potential.

Love the idea of celebrating al fresco? Then check out all of our awesome outdoor birthday party ideas next!

10. At-home photo booth

It’s super easy to make a photo booth at home, and if your tween likes taking selfies, this will be an awesome addition to their birthday party. For more details, here’s a guide to putting together your own DIY photo booth in seven simple steps.

Would you rather treat your tween to a professional photo booth experience? Then book a photo studio on Peerspace! One beautiful example is this touch of boho-chic natural light studio in Bedford, TX. Your tween’s portraits will turn out beautifully here.

11. Backyard camping party

Have a backyard and some camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, etc.)? Have a backyard camping party! If possible, light a campfire, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores for a truly authentic camping experience.

12. Hold your tween’s party at a space with great views

Looking for birthday party ideas for tweens that will make your child feel very cool and adult? Start by renting a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing venue for their birthday party! If you’re near Brooklyn, New York City, that could be this airy and plant-filled loft in an old factory. You’ll have access to the entire nearly 1,200-square-foot space that’s filled with gorgeous plant life and chic boho decor.

As a Peerspace reviewer shares: “Nicole’s home was absolutely wonderful! Very spacious, lots of natural light, plants and very airy. Nicole was very easy to communicate with and everything go by smoothly! Will book this dream loft again! 🌟.”

Birthday party ideas for tweens: conclusion

Armed with these birthday party ideas for tweens and the perfect Peerspace venue, you’re about to host a party your kid will never forget. Have fun and take plenty of pictures!

Find unique birthday party venues on Peerspace