12 Amazing 12-Year-Old Birthday Party Ideas
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Birthday party ideas are easy when kids are little - centre it around their favorite character, go heavy on the sugary treats and stick to a strict 2-hour schedule.
But once they start to hit their tweens you're going to need some super-charged birthday party ideas. And those birthday party ideas should include a mix of activities, fun and most importantly of all be cool.
For 11-year-olds rapidly approaching the big day, we've gathered some birthday party ideas for your inspiration.
Movie Magic Party
If the movies are your birthday party theme then there are tons of great ideas. Why not find a red carpet for the stars of this event - try your local carpet shop for an offcut. Also, ask your local cinema have any old advertising posters or cardboard cutouts too.
Treat mini A-listers to a paparazzi session as they arrive. Get other guests to line the carpet with cameras (or mobiles) in hand while they take it in turns for a grand entrance.
You could also organise a film quiz – find questions and answers online – and finish off with something from our ultimate coming-of-age must-watch list. Don't forget tubs of popcorn, jars of pic-n-mix and a tray of mocktails.
Top Volume Karaoke Party
As party ideas go this one is loud but a lot of fun. Everyone will be challenged to flex their vocal cords and take the mic.
If you don't happen to have a karaoke machine then there's plenty of options online. YouTube's SingKing channel is packed with choice and when teamed with a foam microphone will still be plenty of fun.
Get help from your 12-year-old to make some invites in the shape of an iPod. Don't forget to ask the invited guests to let you know what their favourite song is so you can pre-plan a song list in advance. Serve up plenty of refreshing drinks and easy to grab nibbles.
Sweet Dreams Sleepover Party
Throw the ultimate sleepover with a fun slumber party themed birthday. If you want to really go to town you can hire an individual tee-pee for each friend–make sure to leave them each a midnight snack and eye mask.
Plan your sleepover with a selection of ghost stories, films and board games to keep guests amused. And don't forget to order pizzas to keep them going well after bedtime.
City Scavenger Hunt Party
Some party ideas require a bit of forethought and this is one of them - but don't be put off. Pre-party prepare a list of up to 20 items that you know kids can find in their nearest city.
Ideas could be a 'no entry' sign, 'a tree with orange leaves' 'balloons' or 'a dog with a bow tie'. Divide guests into two teams, maybe with the birthday child picking names out of a hat, and arm each with a camera.
Drop the teams in the city and give them a set time limit to tick everything off the list. Why not provide them with enough cash to buy their lunch while out too?
Pamper Pals
Who wouldn't love a spa day - and it's easy to prepare at home too. Make sure you have plenty of supplies - nail polish, face masks, foot spas, white fluffy robes and so on.
If the budget can stretch arrange for a nail technician to come in and paint the finger and toenails of each guest, or a hairdresser to do something stylish.
Then let the guests loose with the pampering products to give each other face masks. Mimic a top-end spa with smoothies and a selection of easy-to-eat buffet food.
Boot Camp Birthday Party
This is less about the cake and more about the crunches. Hire a personal trainer to put a group of friends through their paces at a Bootcamp.
If the budget can stretch to it get everyone their own personalised t-shirt and don't forget water bottles and towels too. Serve up salads after - or big slices of cake if you think they've worked hard enough!
Wear-Them-Out Party
This year they may have less energy than when they were toddlers but that's no excuse not to wear them out. Plan an activity for a group of friends - horse riding, a climbing wall, white water rafting, paintballing or even just a trip to the pool.
This birthday party is low effort on your part but will cost you more. You could keep the budget down by packing up a picnic to enjoy after the activities.
Star Wars Birthday Party
This out-of-this-world party is great fun for both boys and girls. Invest in some cheap light sabres (or make your own from pool noodles) and put guests through a Jedi training academy. There are tons of ideas for Star-Wars themed menus and games. Finish by showing one of the many films in the franchise.
Water Balloon Party
There's great fun to be had and the best bit is it's super cheap and easy. All you need is a large pile of filled water balloons and large-ish garden and plenty of towels. While you put together a quick buffet inside let the kids loose in the garden with the water balloons.
Evening Dinner Party
Most kids love to feel grown up so let them play at being adults. Buy everything the birthday child and their guests will need to cook themselves a three-course dinner.
Give them the recipe, set the table and leave the kitchen. Not only will the cooking activities keep them busy but you won't need to worry about feeding them - unless they ruin their dinner.
Out And About Party
Ideas that keep the tweens out of the house is usually a winner. Why not see if you can pick up some tickets to the theatre or stadium? Do make sure you have enough adults to supervise and can transport them safely to the venue.
Picnic Party
Whatever the age of your guests they'll love a birthday party that includes a picnic. Why not get everyone to help plan the menu and prepare it - fun ideas for snacks include fairy cakes, sausage rolls, wraps and fruit salad.
What's more, 12-year-olds will feel grown-up if they're allowed to picnic in the park on their own - try one of these top spots for snacking.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
Cora LydonBachelor of Arts specializing in Literature
With a passion for inspiring her children, Cora is a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in Literature from the University of Suffolk. She is also a children's book author living in Suffolk. She enjoys seeking out creative activities and places for her family to explore, often resulting in messy crafts at the dining table.
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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
