The big night has come to an end. You have danced the night away and you are enjoying the last hurrah of high school. But what happens after the music ends and the lights come on? Time flies when you are having fun and sometimes you do not realize where the time goes. Four hours can seem like a New York minute when you are doing something fun. Sleep is the last the last thing on your mind because you plan to stay out all night. So what do you do after the prom ends? Listed in this top five are activities that are enjoyable, safe and most important, fun. While most of these ideas are geared toward a large group setting, if you choose, they can be on a more intimate setting with some of your closest friends. All require detailed planning and having an open mind. This can also be a change of pace from the usual day at the local Six Flags.
HOST AN AFTER-PROM PARTY
One thing that you can do is host an after-prom party and this can take on many forms. Have your Prom Committee research clubs in your area that would be willing to close off a section for your school for a specified amount of time. You can continue the festivities at a different location while keeping safe. Or you can plan themed after-prom party filled with music and games. Include fun activities everyone can get involved in such as karaoke, Velcro walls, sumo wrestling or any activity that will entice and sure to draw a crowd. Be sure to have prizes that will only be given out at the end of the party (a great way to make sure everyone stays.) Also be sure to have food and beverages handy. All these activities are sure to work up an appetite. The after-prom party has evolved over the years and sometimes is more exciting than the actual prom. So, make it fun for everyone in attendance.
SPONSOR A LOCK-IN
Let's face it: Parents get really worried when their kids are out all night. And there is no other night when teens have a great excuse to stay out until the wee hours of the morn. There is nothing better for a parent than knowing that their child is safe for the whole night, and a Lock In is the perfect solution. A school organization can create a variety of activities in the school so that the seniors have their own massive party, taking over the school. For example, there can be an obstacle course and carnival games in the gym, endless food in the cafeteria, and movies in the auditorium. This can even be a fundraiser by charging a minimal amount per person to come to the Lock In. Once they enter the building, they cannot leave until the morning. Make sure security is available to enforce the rules!
HAVE A PICNIC
What a great way to end the night/start the day than with a picnic. Start off with a picnic breakfast and have relay games, Frisbee toss, and sack races, just to name a few activities. Or take it easy by lounging around collecting fireflies and lightning bugs. It can be your own little summer camp in a few hours.
GO TO THE BEACH
This has been a tried and true tradition that if done right, can be an amazing experience. Sit on the beach, take in the fresh air and revel in everything that is senior year. You can also play beach volleyball or have a sand castle competition. Then cap off the event by watching the sunrise.
HOST A PROM-THEMED MOVIE NIGHT
If you are looking for a more intimate setting with a group of your close friends and their dates, have a movie night. Rent Carrie, Prom Night and all the prom-themed movies you can find and make a night out of it. If you plan to host the movie night at one of the parent's home, be sure to go over all the ground rules and be respectful of their living quarters. Once all the planning is taken care of and the movies are chosen, pop some popcorn, have the Gummi Bears and Jelly Belly handy and enjoy those movies.
And there you have it. All five of these after prom activities have one thing in common they are (and should be) drug and alcohol free. Remember the main idea is to have fun and be safe. You want to look back at your prom as one of the most memorable nights of your life, without regrets.