So my dear daughter turns 16 soon and althoguh she would have wanted a huge catered party we don't have that kind of money and personally are not big fans of these kind of events. So we're having about 15-20 of her friends in our backyard for her celebration. We have a very nice above-ground pool and a decent sized backyard. We plan on BBQ'ed burgers, dogs, maybe marinated skirt steak, etc. and salads, chips, cake. We'll have the firepit going after dark for s'mores. I'm thinking of getting a new volleyball net / ball, etc. (My daughter only invited girls as she didn't want to deal with the boy-girl drama that so often cause issues at teen parties - she just wants to have fun with her close friends. Surprisingly, her friends are enthusiastic about a night off from boys.) These girls all know eachother pretty well, are in youth group, dance groups, camp counselors and go away on retreats together. Anyone have any ideas for activities for teens?
I think this sounds great! You have a group of teenaged girls, food, music, and a pool... you don't really need to provide activities! You could do a photo booth (of sorts) with dress-up clothes, props, signs, etc and let them take pictures. You could then print them out and give each one a framed picture of the bday girl and the guest as a "favor". You would also have instant scrapbook material!
My son is turning 16 next month and I wanted to have a party for him but not something girly so I am throwing him a "Sixteen & The Big Screen" party. Basically it's him and a few friends hanging out in our back yard watching a movie. We are borrowing a popcorn cart/maker from a friend, having candy/soda/water (free or close with coupons), pizza ($5.99 Dominos delivery) and ice cream cake (Groupon deal). I bought the plates/napkins/etc. from Party City with a coupon/clearance deal. "Theme" is red/black/gold so using knock off red Solo cups from the grocery store - $1 for a sleeve. Also found plastic popcorn holders that look like the movie style boxes for $____@____.com are borrowing a projector from another friend and playing the movie against the side of our outdoor canopy once it's dark enough. I figure this will give the kids a sense of privacy - being in the yard away from mom, dad and little brother but we're close enough to monitor what's going on. VERY reasonable in price too! You could do a similar theme or just take the movie idea post swimming. I'm sure the kids would love it if you can get your hands on a projector. Something else to consider. My son's friend just had a big blow out @ her house for her Sweet 16. Her parents had her ask around @ school and find a garage band that would perform for the party for next to nothing (mainly just to get a gig). The music wasn't that great but the kids loved it.
I don't think you need any more than you have - a pool, volleyball, firepit and food. Teenagers spend most of their time at parties talking anyway. You should be fine.
Teens entertain themselves, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Set up any outdoor games you may have and make sure you have some music. Beach balls are always fun and inexpensive.
I went to a sweet 16 bbq this weekend. The adults stayed on the deck visiting and playing LCR. The girls played badmitton, sprayed each other with water guns, (no pool) and later played LCR and Uno.
