My daughter and I were talking and I casually mentioned having a BBQ at a park or local swimming pool for her 16th Birthday. She's never been one to have anything big - she likes to spend time with her close friends (slumber party usually) and family. I did ask her last year about a big bash, but she turned it down. Well, she liked the idea of a BBQ and inviting ALL of her friends (total will be about 40 kids and 20 adults).
I have the food, location (almost) and decorations pretty much set. But - what do I do with them?
If we do it at the pool...then I feel comfortable that they have something to do. If we do it at a park (or even my house)...how do I entertain these kids? I thought about a scavenger hunt or team races. I don't know? They do silly things like that at youth and they love it!
Should I even worry about entertaining them? Ages will range from about 15 - 17 years old.
Also, should I get a DJ? I'd take our stereo, but I'm afraid it won't be loud enough and who wants to stand there to change CD's? We can burn different music onto different CD's and load 8 into the player...
Ideas Moms? You all are great with these things!
The pool party sounds great, yes they will find things to do there. The music if possible go for the DJ. The cost will outway the work of trying to find music for them and keeping it going. When things start to get slow have some games lined up at least 6. If there is a place to dance that can also be part of the party. Sounds fun, have a great time.
Sounds like a blast! Yes, If you can get a DJ, that will be a huge help. The DJ can also be the announcer if you give him/her instructions.
A scavenger hunt is great and if your daughter thinks they will play games, go for it. You could do Hula Hoop.. Who can Hula Hoop the longest. Limbo, How low can they go? The most flexible kid. The largest hands, the smallest hands. Who can hop on one foot the longest? Have a Volleyball net and Volleyball available. Frisbees are fun. Most of the times, the kids we know just like to sit around and laugh and talk.. and take photos of each other..
I of course love an age appropriate pinata. Since it is hot outside, nothing that will melt should go inside.. I would suggest candy, gum, mints, key chains, lottery tickets, quarters anything else you find at Walgreens that teenagers enjoy. Make a budget for the pinata, or you can end up spending way too much..
Make sure you have a ton of ice and Ice water along with whatever other drinks you are providing. Purchase plastic cups and have the kids write their names on them with Sharpies, so they can keep up with them. We ordered custom plastic stadium cups for our daughters big party last year and the kids loved them.
An assortment of sunscreens and bug spray will also be welcomed.
Sounds like you've gotten it under control & it sounds like ALOT of fun! My twins will be 18 in June & we are taking them to Seaworld ywo weeks before, but i've been wondering myself what type of party I can throw them, they too don't want a big party, they too just prefer family & close friends & I was thinking of a BBQ at he beach. A beach party sounds gun too! But so does a swimming party! One thing about it, if you have it some place other than your house,you can pack up & go home when "party time" is over & all that wish to stay & swim, can stay. You won't be left entertaining all day :)
I like the game suggestions the other mom has offered you. You could also get eggs & have them try to walk a certain distance with the egg between thier kness to see who can get to the finish line without breaking it. Or a water balloon toss. Even an old fashioned sack race.
I;d love to hear the outcome of your party, it sounds so FUN!!!
Your ideas sound cool. If you do it at a park or at your house, maybe you can have a game of volleyball going. Most parks have courts available. A DJ sounds great also, kids love that. You will have food so that will provide a great activity for the kids as well. I think if you have food, music, some activity like volley ball going you should be good. I am sure you will get a ton of ideas on here, that was the only one I came up with. Have fun!
Hi R D
I would go with the pool idea.......sounds like fun for all.
Swim for a couple of hours- have the BBQ and DJ afterwards.
blessings
If you go with pool party, you can have a Luau/Hawaiian theme (tiki lights, beachball, hulla hoop, ect... If at the park, I like Laurie's ideas (volleyball, frisbi, races, etc...Most important is what your daughter would like.
I think a DJ is a great idea. If you are playing games - the DJ can explain the rules to each games etc. and get the crowd involved in cheering the kids on which will make it more fun. Here is a link with some teen party game ideas. The clothing relay looks fun! http://parentingteens.about.com/od/birthdays/a/birthdaypa...
All your ideas and responses sound great! The thought that crossed my mind is that you might want some 'extra pairs of eyes', because you cannot be everywhere at one time, especially if you are considering having the party at the park or the pool. It is sad that now days we have to be so careful/protective.
Just did this last month for my daughter. We ordered cupcakes from Sam's with the colors she wanted and then went to Wal-mart to the wedding decorations area and they have this cupcake tier holder and we arranged the cupcakes ont he tiers, got balloons from party city that said "Sweet 16" then she did like a 1980's themed music mix on a bunch of C's and we played those. For food we did crock pots of food: smokie links with BBQ sauce, meatballs, veggie tray and then chips and dips. Very easy simple to clean up and the kids loved it. Also, DJ's can be expensive anywhere from 200-400 for the event and there is a minumum number of hours they require. Teenagers will entertain themselves you just have to supervise. If you are doing a pool party you can do Hawaiian themed items which are very easy to find now that summer is here. Good luck
depending on your budget there are these things at Sam's that like blow up and u can put movies on it
and for the music i think ur best bet would be to get a dj or burn cd's of ur daughter's choice
for enertainment let them hang out and dance
eat;mingle
good luck
-W.
