14 Birthday Ideas For Teens

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Too old for clowns? Unsure what to do for your birthday? Here are 14 Teen birthday party ideas that even your parents might like. 

1. Indoor Skydiving

iFly SF Bay for an experience you’ll never forget. Imagine the thrill of skydiving without the danger. Skydivers freefall through the air at 120 mph and up. iFly is a vertical wind tunnel. You’ll float on a cushion of air within feet of your instructor. 

2. Trampoline Park 

Do your friends have a lot of energy? Take the party to the House of Air in San Francisco. Located in the Presidio (next to Planet Granite Rock Climbing), the 10,000 sq.ft warehouse accommodates 67 conjoined trampolines to make up three distinct areas: the Matrix, the Colosseum, and the Training Ground. At the north end of the Matrix is where you’ll find the double bowl, an elevated structure resembling a bowl at a skateboard or ski park. The Colosseum is where jumpers can plan dodge ball, and the Training Ground is where you’ll find wakeboarders, skiers, skateboarders, and other athletes perfecting their moves mid-air. For this area, a safety harness is used, and reservations are required.

3. Beach Party in Marin

Being so close to the bay, there are numerous choices for beach parties. Here are just some of the many locations:

  • Stinson Beach, Dress in layers as even on the warmest day inland, it can be a bit chilly towards the coast. Get there early if you want to reserve a picnic table with barbeque grill. For dessert, treat the kids to soft-serve ice cream from the small snack shack. If your kids are really energetic, park at Pantoll and take the steep ravine trail to Stinson. This takes preparation because you'll want to leave cars there ahead of time so the party won't have to hike back.
  • Point Reyes Beaches. One of my favorite's is Heart's Desire beach because it is sheltered and usually warmer. Also, the waters are calmer.
  • Muir Beach
  • McNear’s Beach, San Rafael

4. Be A Tourist

There are many cool ways for you and your friends to explore San Francisco. Take a spin around town in a GoCar or motor along in a Segway Tour.

5. Paintball/Laser Tag

Q-Zar mixes warfare tactics with messy paint and cool equipment. What more could you ask for?

Some things to think about: Some parents may have an issue with the whole concept of shooting. The cost of parties gets a bit expensive. Keep in mind that you not only need to rent the equipment, but the cost of the ammo (paintballs) can run up a pretty hefty tab. Do your research before booking. Make sure you tell the participants to “dress for mess” and bring an extra pair of shoes. I've been told by an experienced mom that some paint pellets can be oily...you really don't want that all over your car!

6. Video Game Party

Holding a video gaming party has never been so easy. Just book your party and the gaming truck will come to you! Exclusive mobile gaming theater with surround sound and multi-player action, and an incredible 4D virtual reality experience guaranteed to give them the ride of their life, you'll be a hero when you plan their party with Games 2 U.

7. Amusement Park

Six Flags Marine World – Vallejo
Get out early and spend the entire day at Six Flags where the kids play games, ride roller coasters, watch whales and run wild. Ticket prices vary depending upon the season (the highest price is during the summer months, of course). If you search online you can often find a discount offer.

What to think about: You cannot bring your own food so when planning for a group you’ll need to factor in the food price and parking. It can also get extremely hot during the summer so remember to bring lots of sunscreen.

8. Angel Island

Spend the day at Angel Island. You can hike, bike or take a tour. You can even rent segways and take them around the island.  Check out the historical baseball field or hang out on the small beach. There's a small barbeque area as well. Check in with Captain Maggie for a fun ferry ride there and back!

9. Go Kart Racing

Gentlemen and women start your engines. Even big kids love go karts! Some companies require children to take a Jr. driving class before they can use the race tracks. Also, they all have minimum height requirements and require a signed liability waiver so make sure you get the details!

10. Party at the Park

Weather permitting, you can have a party at the park. Make sure you check with the Parks and Rec department of the city to see if you are required to pay a fee, or get a permit.

Games to play: Capture the flag, nerf gun wars (make sure you pick up all the "ammo" at the end of the game), flag football, kickball.

For the adventurous type rent a Humungous Hamster ball. Imagine getting inside of a giant inflatable ball and bouncing and rolling all the way down a hill! That’s what you’ll be able to do by renting a giant hamster ball.

11. Sports Party

Sporting Event. Take the kids to a sporting event. It doesn't have to be a professional team. It's just as fun to watch college level games. Here are some links:

Professional:

College:

Take them to the Scandia in Rohnert Park for batting cages, miniature golf and pizza.

12. Make Your Own Party – Spaces to Rent

Be creative. 

13. Rent A Limousine

Stock up the candy bar and have a night out riding around the hills of Marin or through San Francisco with your buddies in a limousine.

14. Escape Rooms  

Live the adventure and adrenaline rush only an escape room can provide. Dare to try one of these: