Skip the Boring Birthday Party and Try One of These 20 Ideas Your Middle Schooler Will Actually Like

Are you planning a birthday party for a middle schooler and wondering where to start? Perhaps you're looking around, wondering where your baby went! For the longest time, you planned birthday parties centered around Disney characters, and now that your child is in middle school, Disney is no longer cool.

Being a parent of a teen isn't easy, and when it comes to things like planning parties, figuring out what they like can be overwhelming. If this sounds like you, don't fret — we've got the ideas you need to throw a memorable party for your middle school son or daughter. Take a look at these 20 birthday party ideas that your middle schooler is sure to enjoy.

Planning a Birthday Party for a Middle Schooler

When coming up with birthday party ideas for a middle schooler, it can be challenging to set aside the glitter, princesses, tractors, and everything in between. It's a bittersweet time. Your child is learning who they are, what they love, and what interests them, and getting into trending topics. This can be both an exciting and a sad thing for you as their parents.

Of course, you want to throw them a birthday party they will absolutely love. If you're at a loss, consider these tips when planning your middle schooler's birthday party this year.

What to Consider When Planning Your Child's Birthday Party

Planning your child's birthday party doesn't have to feel overwhelming. There are just a few things to consider that can make it a little easier on you.

• First things first, what is your budget?
• What is your child interested in? Do they love singing, dancing, or a good mystery?
• Who are their friends, and who would they want to be at their party? Sometimes, smaller is better!
• What is the season?
• Will you do a same-sex or co-ed birthday party?
• Will you feed the guests or host the party in between meal times?

Ideas That Will Get Your Middle Schooler Excited

Now that you've given some thought to your child's preferences and the details of the birthday party, it's time to plan one they won't forget. Here is a list of 20 birthday party ideas that will get your middle schooler excited. These can be adapted to accommodate a small or large number of guests. These ideas are fun, creative, and versatile in order to fit your child's interests.

Escape Room

If your child loves fast-paced activities, an escape room is an excellent option. There are numerous options available, and you can even create your own. Invite a few of your child's closest friends and see if they can escape a challenging room with teamwork and mental acuity.

Spa Day

Self-care is an integral and essential part of life that all children should learn from a young age. Create a spa day at home complete with face masks, manicures, pedicures, and a ton of pampering!

Movie Night

Have a movie marathon complete with snacks, popcorn, and a cozy atmosphere. You can set up a fun drive-in style movie outside with a projector and a large screen or host it in the comfort of your living room. Pick classic movies or trilogies that middle schoolers would love to binge-watch.

Murder Mystery

If your child loves a good mystery, then hosting a murder mystery dinner can be a fun way to celebrate their birthday. Sometimes nothing beats a good “whodunit mystery.”

Afternoon Tea Party

Sometimes, your child may grow up, but their interests remain the same. If you have a kid who loves the sophistication and sweetness of tea, then hosting an afternoon or high tea party may just be right up their alley. Complete the party with tea sandwiches, scones, different types of tea, and even poetry.

Dinner Costume Party

Dressing up isn't just for little kids! If your child still loves to dress up, hosting a dinner costume party can be a fun birthday. If your child loves a specific book, you can use it as inspiration for a theme, or you could pick a theme that aligns with your child's interests.

Cookie Decorating Party

Do you have an aspiring baker on your hands? Host a cookie-decorating party for your child and their closest friends. Bust out the best toppings such as chocolate chips, pretzels, marshmallows, and even crushed candy. You can also pre-make the dough and have a variety of cookie cutters available to add to the uniqueness of each cookie.

Dance Party

Does your child love to dance? Host a dance party either at your house or in a bigger venue. You can even go as far as booking a DJ or simply use a Bluetooth speaker and your phone.

Spend a Day Shopping

Some kids love to shop. A great birthday party idea would be to let your child invite a friend or two to go shopping with you. Give them a budget that you are willing to spend (or just give them the cash outright). You can even let them choose where to eat for lunch or dinner!

Scavenger Hunt

Draw inspiration from the hit television show “The Amazing Race” to put together a fun and exciting scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt can be easily adapted to suit various interests. Include a couple of teams and ensure that clear rules and safety boundaries are established. Choose a fun prize that motivates your child and their friend to look for the clues.

Laser Tag

Laser tag is engaging and fun for children of all ages. Whether your child has a large or small friend group, this activity is bound to offer an exciting time for all.

Pool Party

Does your child have a birthday in the summertime? A pool party can be an easy way to host several children and requires very little prep. Secure a venue, determine what to serve for snacks or meals, and let the children have fun. Just be sure to have someone supervising while everyone is in the water.

Trampoline Park

A trampoline park is another idea that requires minimal preparation. The cost may be slightly higher than hosting at home. However, letting the children go wild playing in the trampoline park is worth it to some parents.

Karaoke Party

Does your child love to sing? Grab a karaoke machine and host a karaoke party for your child and their friends. Be sure to include both new and classic songs!

Visit a Museum

If you have a child who loves history, art, or anything in between, then visiting a museum can be a fun idea. There's a museum for almost any interest. Just do a little research and find one near you that your child would love to visit. Make a day of it and take your time.

Cooking Competition

For children who love to cook, a cooking competition can be a fun way to celebrate their birthday. This idea is best suited for a small group of kids and a large kitchen area.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is typically a reasonably priced activity that can accommodate a large number of kids. Be sure to bring your sweatshirts, as it can get cold in those venues.

Bowling

Bowling is a classic choice for a fun birthday party. This activity is both fun and straightforward, ensuring that all children will enjoy themselves.

Paintball

If you have a child who loves to be a little rough, paintball can be a great choice. Be sure the friends know the rules of paintball and that their parents are okay with them getting a tad bit messy!

Go to an Amusement Park

If you live near an amusement park, this can be a great option! Of course, amusement parks are on the pricey side. Therefore, choosing only a couple of friends to come along may be easier. If you can swing it, amusement parks have a way of providing memories that last a lifetime!

In Conclusion

Planning a birthday party for a middle schooler doesn't have to be overwhelming. The best thing you can do is talk to your child about their interests and what activities they would love to do. Determine the budget and decide whether you will be inviting a few kids, a larger group, or just family. Everything else will fall into place!

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