Your teenage son is having a birthday. He wants to have a party, but he doesn't want to feel like a little kid. He wants to have fun with his friends, but not have parent-led activities, and he still needs supervision, even if it's at a distance. Talk to your son about who he wants to invite and their common interests. You can turn many activities into a fun party idea. Here are a few options to consider.

Laser Tag

Laser tag is a great activity for teenage boys. They can run in the dark, shoot their friends, break for pizza, and go back for another round. Many laser tag centers also have arcades to entertain the guests while they are waiting for their next turn or to be picked up at the end of the night. If booking the party package reminds your son too much of his kid parties, you can invite everyone to your house for pizza and cake before or after laser tag, although you may have to enlist some help to carpool if your son isn't old enough to drive.

Movie Night

A good option for a smaller party is to take a group of friends to the movies. Meet at your house or a restaurant first for dinner, cake, and presents, then head to the theater for the show. Make sure you get there early enough to buy tickets and find seats all together. This is good for younger teens because you can go to the show with them, but sit far enough away to let them feel like they are on their own.

Video Game Tournament

Your son and his friends play video games every time they get together. Turn them into a party by arranging a tournament. Make sure you have enough controllers to let as many kids as possible compete at once. If you have more than one console or can borrow another one, set them up on separate TVs so more kids can play at once. Ask the guests to bring handheld games, DSs or PSPs, to play as well. Offer prizes for the tournament winners, but steer away from the kiddie-toy prizes. Five dollar gift cards to iTunes are a good idea. You can plan a break for eating or have a table set up nearby where those who aren't playing can eat until it is their turn.

Online Gaming Night

If your son and his friends play online games and you have a wireless network, consider hosting an online gaming party. This may be better for older teens who have their own laptops or computers that they can bring to the party. You will have to give anyone who brings their own computer access to your network, so you should plan to change the security key after the party. Make sure you have table space for all the computers. If you want everyone to take a break to eat and have cake together, make sure that you arrange a time in advance or it may be difficult to pull them away from the game.

Nerf War

If your son's birthday will be in warm weather, you could plan an outdoor Nerf War. Nerf guns come in a wide variety and are relatively inexpensive. Many of your son's friends may have their own to add to the arsenal. It's a good idea to stock up on extra Nerf ammunition and a pair of plastic safety glasses for each guest. Don't worry about planning the battle. Your son and his friends will take care of the details. You will just have to provide the food and stay nearby to remind them of the safety rules if the game gets too rough.

Sleepover Party

Sleepovers aren't just for girls. Teenage boys like sleepovers too, although don't expect them to change into pajamas or be entertained just by talking. Plan to have movies or video games to keep the boys entertained or turn any of the ideas above into a sleepover. Keep a sleepover small though. Too many boys are likely to get rowdy and keep you up all night.

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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