13th Birthday 'party' ideas?

[nessus]

My baby is turning 13!!!!!

Please share ideas and suggestions! Was thinking of hiring an indoor skate park that puts on parties (think roller disco with skateboards + alt music for trainee grungey tweenies) but only DD and her BFF skate so a bit lame as a party idea. It has to be cool and suitable for up to 4 (max space in my car in case of a journey). An idea that can be stretched out to 3/4hrs and does not bankrupt me emotionally or financially.

Was thinking of indoor sky diving but no discount deals about :( This would have been I am sure a major win with DD but failing this pretty please offer alternatives for a memorable 13th birthday celebration for a high octane loving, arty, active, sporty, music loving teen (almost!)

Disclaimer: Last year was a bit too high fluting (private graffiti workshop in London, they each took a canvas home, followed by posh burgers and a wander around portobello with little token gift bought for each friend) so wanting low key, no 9hr adventure, and no pocket busting

[Rosencrantz]

Ask her? Old enough now to make her own choice, surely?

Bit precious to plan all this without her input. If she suggests something you can't afford tell her to think again for something cheaper. Not rocket science.

[flow4]

Favourites here are...
Cinema then sleepover.
Bowling.
One of those laser zapping places.
Climbing wall.

[nessus]

flow4 laser zapping would be right up her street so will look into that. And climbing was a huge hit in the past so you have her measure for sure! Thank you for the great suggestion.

Should have mentioned that DD loves surprise parties so unfortunately asking her would be a big rocket science fail Rosencrantz.

[Ragwort]

We took our teenager plus friends to the cinema and an 'all you can eat Chinese buffet' followed by a sleepover. Actually we weren't allowed in the restaurant (apart from to pay the bill ) but the evening seemed to go really well. despite lack of sleep.

Do teenagers really want a 'surprise' - how will you tell the friends about it?

[nessus]

I find people are happy to be provided with a date, drop off time and pick up time. I divulge more to the responsible adult upon request. In advance I get DD to vet potential invitees by asking very open questions, with a few false leads thrown in, to weed out those that wouldn't enjoy the planned activity. "Are they scared of the dark" "Can they think of 10 uses for a rubber dinghy" "can they smile and spin upside down at the same time" "have they ever broken a bone" "are they ocd clean types" - you know, the usual pre-party vetting Qs!

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

Your DC is a lucky ducky.
My DD who will be 13 in May has decided she wants a bowling party. She had initially asked for a swimming one, but, IMO that's a bit too childish.

[nessus]

Gotta say bowling party could work for the competitive element (I swear DD has viking blood!) and Go Karting would be a goodie too. Thank you for these great ideas.

Will pm you info wheneverIhear including named contact and pricing information. It was a great package and perfect for that age up to adult!

[Leeds2]

My DD did llama walking, which was a huge hit and might fit the bill here.

For her 13th, she had a spa party at home (got a couple of beauticians in to do their hair and nails, provided teen magazines to read, cocktails etc) which was also well received.

[sashh]

Well if she likes climbing and lazer what about circus skills? Are you near the sea? Surfing lesson. Street dance work shop. Free running.

I bought a scuba diving lesson for a couple of teenagers, it was only in their local swimming pool but was well received.

[MissScatterbrain]

Ice skating?

Laser quest?

[bubby64]

My 2 turned 23 in December, we took them and 4 friends each to a local ski slope and the did Ringos, going down the slope in what look like tractor inner tubes, then a fast food outlet for tea, it was very popular, other friends are doing laserquest and paintballing.

[bubby64]

oh, and we picked them all up and dropped them off again at 1 pre arranged central point, as they came from villages all around the area, DH, FinL and I took our cars. The mums were very grateful they didn't have to drive too far, we just rang them before we set off home, and they all had about 30mins notice to get to the drop off point, saved a lotbof hassle.

[WolverineWolfy]

Maybe a trip to the cinema? Normally works with teenagers

[Eviejaes85]

You could take them paintballing? But idk whether it would work with 4? Or you could take them to the cinema or bowling then a sleepover? Or if she wanted more people she could have a small house party?

[bevelino]

My dd had a disco in the church hall. All the kids in her year were invited and I handed out slices of pizza and fizzy drinks. The kids were bouncing off the walls by the end of the night but it was an absolute blast.

[brightspark2]

Mine LOVED Laser Quest..

[Bunbaker]

DD (13) loves Laserquest as well.

[Ilisten2thesoundofdrums]

We went to the London Dungeons with DS followed by Pizza nearr home -
Nice and easy - they loved it and it was somewhere I'd never been. One of the easier "parties" I've done.
Just done bowling and lunch with DD and her friends for her birthday (but she is only 11).