Planning a teen party that doesn't prompt eye-rolling can feel like navigating a minefield. Too childish? They'll retreat to their phones. Too structured? You'll get halfhearted participation at best. Too free-form? Chaos ensues.
The teenage years are that unique blend of wanting independence while still enjoying playful activities—just don't call them "games" if you want buy-in from the 13-19 crowd. Whether you're a parent braving a house full of teenagers, a teacher organizing an end-of-year celebration, or a teen planning your own gathering, finding the right activities makes all the difference between a memorable event and an awkward gathering.
We've compiled this collection of 14+ fascinating activities that strike the perfect balance—cool enough to intrigue even the most skeptical teens, engaging enough to pull them away from their screens, and versatile enough to work for different personalities and party themes.
Table of Contents
- Trivia Quiz
- Scavenger Hunt
- Spin the Bottle
- Video Game Night
- Board Game
- Karaoke
- White Elephants
- Dance Party
- This or That
- Never Have I Ever
- The Human Knot
- Laser Tag
- Pass The Pillow
- Medusa
Trivia Quiz
Teens nowadays have access to electronic devices from an early age, which has become a driving force behind a new and exciting trend – parents hosting live trivia quiz parties. This is one of the memorable and meaningful party activities for teens, where they challenge their brains while having fun with gamified style quizzes, rather than mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows.
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunt, one of the classic party activities for teens that is often seen in almost every generation, is not a fun game. It is easy to prepare, yet brings huge benefits. Teen loves this game because it offers a sense of adventure and intrigue. In addition, it is a team game, where they can communicate, collaborate and bond with each other.
Spin the Bottle
In the list of party activities for teens, Spin the Bottle is always at the top. Many movies about teens feature this game as a part of popular culture. This game typically involves a group of teens sitting in a circle, with a bottle placed in the centre. One participant spins the bottle, and the person to whom the bottle points when it stops spinning must then engage in some form of romantic or playful interaction with the spinner, such as a kiss or a dare.
💡These Best 130 Spin The Bottle Questions To Play can help you have a great teen party!
Video Game Night
If you worry your children might act crazy at their friend's party or join a risky party somewhere you don't know, sometimes allowing them to have a video game night with their buddies is not a bad idea. Some multiplayer games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, FIFA 22, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are excellent entertaining examples of slumber party activities for teens.
Board Game
Many teens are quite awkward about socialising and talking to each other, especially with the opposite gender, so board games can be a solution. This is one of the must-try party activities for teens with a sense of competition (in a healthy way) and joy. Whether it's strategy games like Settlers of Catan, word games like Scrabble, or party games like Pictionary, there's a game for every taste.
Karaoke
Want some creative teenage sleepover party ideas? Sing your heart out like your favourite stars. No judgement, just joy! Party activities for teens are ideal for social gatherings. Promote a judgment-free zone, where everyone has a good time and no one should feel embarrassed about their singing abilities.
White Elephants
Teens also love activities related to gift exchange with a bit of surprise, and White Elephants is about that. This game is perfect for a Christmas party for adolescents. The beauty of this game is that it's not about expensive gifts. Teens can enjoy the game without feeling the need to break the bank, which makes it inclusive and stress-free.
Dance Party
How about a fête without the intoxicating rhythms of a Dance Party? Just Dance from Switch is a big hit among teens, with a lot of fun and energy burning. Your children and their friends simply pick on a song from the collection and dance with every step clearly featured and tracked on the screen.
This or That?
Games at teenage parties, like This or That, can be super enjoyable and fun. It is incredibly straightforward. Players are presented with two choices, and they pick the one that appeals to them the most. No complicated rules or strategies, just pure fun party activities for teens.
💡We have all This or That questions for you to pick up, from funny ones to serious "either-or" questions.
Never Have I Ever
Have you often heard your kids mention it a lot? Yes, Never Have I Ever is indeed one of the most lovely and silly fun group games for teens that never gets old. It's all about fun and sharing at everyone's own comfort level.
💡300+ Never Have I Ever Questions if you need.
The Human Knot
Party game ideas like the Human Knot are simple and engaging for 13,14- to 15-year-old teens. These are among the top fun things to do at a sleepover for teens because they require physical movements that can help keep everyone active and get a better sleep later.
Laser Tag
Halloween-themed Laser Tags sound alike wfully cool party activities for teens. The activities combine the thrill of a shooting game with the spooky spirit of Halloween. You can dress like Marvel or DC Comics' Avengers and villains, battling it out in a thrilling showdown.
Pass The Pillow
What makes Pass the Pillow a great option for party activities for teens? You will be surprised that this game has hidden depths of fun and connection that go beyond its seemingly simple premise. Each time the pillow lands in someone's hands, they share a secret or answer a fun question.
Medusa
If you are looking for party activities for teens that combine chase, laughter, and goofy, put Medusa under consideration. The game is a fantastic choice for a small group. It encourages strategy and creativity, as the player who acts as a Medusa must devise sneaky moves to catch other players.
References: Scarymommy
