Special, but budget friendly, party for a 16th b-day party?

[mrudman]

My older dd is turning 16 this year, and I want to do something special for her, but not sure what to do. She has a group of approximately 14-15 girls she is good friends with (no real best friends out of this group), and is she holds a party, she'd want to invite all of these girls.

We're in Northeast Ohio and trying to find a special place around here is just not happening. DD is a very tomboy type girl, loves sports.. so no spa-type event for her... but don't think most of her friends are the same way.

I have been brainstorming and just can't come up with anything that wouldn't cost a fortune. Thought of taking them for an overnighter at Kalahari, but the suites there run about $400 and then food would be on top of that. Plus it would be a 90 minute drive, and would need a way to get all the girls there too.

Had also thought of doing a long afternoon at Dave & Buster's which would run about $300, but again it's about an hour's drive from where we live, and can't expect the parents to drive that far, so would again be stuck with how to get them there.

Hoping to stick to around $300 or so, including any food or transportation needs, and am stuck. Any ideas on what/where I could hold a party for her?
Thanks,

ETA: Just wanted to add, her birthday is late November.. usually very cold/snowy here by then, so anything outdoors will probably be a no-go.

 

[robinb]

Do you have any of those movie theaters that serve food and allow you to pre-select your seats? You could select seats so they are either all in one line or staggered along 2 rows and allow them to order lunch or dinner. That would be about $20 each.

 

[kymom99]

Is there a ymca or other sports complex nearby? Our area university allows you to rent their game room for parties.

 

[mrudman]

Do you have any of those movie theaters that serve food and allow you to pre-select your seats? You could select seats so they are either all in one line or staggered along 2 rows and allow them to order lunch or dinner. That would be about $20 each.

As far as I can find, the closest one is about 2 hours away, . Great idea though, thanks!

 

[mrudman]

Is there a ymca or other sports complex nearby? Our area university allows you to rent their game room for parties.

I'm just not sure if any of the other girls are in to sports at all. We've done an ice-skating party at the local university in previous years. And our YMCA here doesn't offer a whole lot. Thanks for the reply though!

 

[robinb]

I'm just not sure if any of the other girls are in to sports at all. We've done an ice-skating party at the local university in previous years. And our YMCA here doesn't offer a whole lot. Thanks for the reply though!

Our local YMCA rents out the pool along with a room to have a party. You cater it yourself. It's usually done for younger kids but teens would have fun too.

 

[TwoMisfits]

My older dd is turning 16 this year, and I want to do something special for her, but not sure what to do. She has a group of approximately 14-15 girls she is good friends with (no real best friends out of this group), and is she holds a party, she'd want to invite all of these girls.

We're in Northeast Ohio and trying to find a special place around here is just not happening. DD is a very tomboy type girl, loves sports.. so no spa-type event for her... but don't think most of her friends are the same way.

I have been brainstorming and just can't come up with anything that wouldn't cost a fortune. Thought of taking them for an overnighter at Kalahari, but the suites there run about $400 and then food would be on top of that. Plus it would be a 90 minute drive, and would need a way to get all the girls there too.

Had also thought of doing a long afternoon at Dave & Buster's which would run about $300, but again it's about an hour's drive from where we live, and can't expect the parents to drive that far, so would again be stuck with how to get them there.

Hoping to stick to around $300 or so, including any food or transportation needs, and am stuck. Any ideas on what/where I could hold a party for her?
Thanks,

ETA: Just wanted to add, her birthday is late November.. usually very cold/snowy here by then, so anything outdoors will probably be a no-go.

How about an escape room? They usually limit you to 10 per room, but you could find out if they would change that or if you could split into 2 groups head to head? You might be able to get a good group rate based on your numbers. Not sure how you'd fit in food before or after, but I think something themed to the room's theme would be great...or ice cream - you can never go wrong with ice cream!

Here's one in NE Ohio, but there are a bunch...http://www.escaperoomclevelandoh.com/

 

[mrudman]

Our local YMCA rents out the pool along with a room to have a party. You cater it yourself. It's usually done for younger kids but teens would have fun too.

Ok, thanks! I'll have to look in to that and see what all they offer,

 

[mrudman]

How about an escape room? They usually limit you to 10 per room, but you could find out if they would change that or if you could split into 2 groups head to head? You might be able to get a good group rate based on your numbers. Not sure how you'd fit in food before or after, but I think something themed to the room's theme would be great...or ice cream - you can never go wrong with ice cream!

Here's one in NE Ohio, but there are a bunch...http://www.escaperoomclevelandoh.com/

That looks like a really cool idea.. I'll have to see if we have any local enough that I could have the parents drive them there. Thanks!

 

[PrincessKymm]

I feel your pain! We live in NE
Ohio too (southwest of downtown) and I have a teen boy. One year we rented a church gym and my son and his friends (boy and girls) played basketball for a while, then they sat down to pizza, chips, soft pretzels and various soda flavors. Sort of like going to a basketball game.

Not sure if she plays video games but my friend rented the video game truck for a birthday party and that was a big hit (boys and girls again!).

What about just taking a few friends to the movies? All our local theatres offer parties but if you talk to the manager maybe he can alert you to a special or a deal. Or go on a weekday during a school break and pay for a matinee.

Another friend rented the ice rink for a couple of hours at one of the local Rec centers. They also had a pool but her daughter is a huge hockey fan.

What about a local restaurant? We considered Buca di Peppo as its family style and would run me about $300 with tip for 4-5 entrees, salad, bread, cake, ice cream and drinks.

My mom has a party room at her new apartment so it's not going to cost us much this year for his "gathering". Family alone is like 10 people so it's always tight in my apartment. We're renting the party room and hooking up his xbox and he's allowed to invite friends to hang out. I'm working on a theme as I enjoy throwing parties like that. What about something like that and having a "just dance" party? Might be good for a smaller group but it's still fun.

Good luck!

 

[mrudman]

I feel your pain! We live in NE
Ohio too (southwest of downtown) and I have a teen boy. One year we rented a church gym and my son and his friends (boy and girls) played basketball for a while, then they sat down to pizza, chips, soft pretzels and various soda flavors. Sort of like going to a basketball game.

Not sure if she plays video games but my friend rented the video game truck for a birthday party and that was a big hit (boys and girls again!).

What about just taking a few friends to the movies? All our local theatres offer parties but if you talk to the manager maybe he can alert you to a special or a deal. Or go on a weekday during a school break and pay for a matinee.

Another friend rented the ice rink for a couple of hours at one of the local Rec centers. They also had a pool but her daughter is a huge hockey fan.

What about a local restaurant? We considered Buca di Peppo as its family style and would run me about $300 with tip for 4-5 entrees, salad, bread, cake, ice cream and drinks.

My mom has a party room at her new apartment so it's not going to cost us much this year for his "gathering". Family alone is like 10 people so it's always tight in my apartment. We're renting the party room and hooking up his xbox and he's allowed to invite friends to hang out. I'm working on a theme as I enjoy throwing parties like that. What about something like that and having a "just dance" party? Might be good for a smaller group but it's still fun.

Good luck!

Yea, it's been so hard trying to come up with anything... especially since she can't/doesn't want to cut the group down at all, ugh. Everything that I've come up with is too far away to be able to transport the kids in my car(s). And I looked in to renting a 15-passenger van which runs about $200, or even a limo/party bus (costs a fortune).

 

[scrapquitler]

How about a painting party at a local art studio? They are really popular around here (not my cup of tea, but....)

 

[Narnia_girl]

Can you rent a local room? In my small rural-ish area we can rent rooms at the mall, the library, local banks or church. Then find an idea on Pinterest for the party. There are so many ideas there that could match her interests.

 

[HeatherC]

How about an overnight at a local hotel that has an indoor pool? If you were able to book a couple rooms on Priceline or at a cheap rate, it could be safe, fun and special. They could order in pizzas, bring lots of junk food, swim and hang out all night.

Depending on your budget, they could even go to dinner first....Panera and Red Robin are big hits with the teens here.

Any hotels connected to a mall? That would be even better...food court, browsing, swimming, etc..

 

[hollyrose1313]

For my 16th birthday (also in November) we did a hay ride but a sleigh ride could also be done. It was a lot of fun and they had a room/ barn to use for cake and food.

 

[tcufrog]

Do you have an outdoor fireplace? You could have a party where you cook in your outdoor fireplace and have a gourmet s'mores buffet.

 

[Hikergirl]

Indoor trampoline place

 

[Disney_traveler]

Any corn maze, haunted hayride, haunted house type things?

Tickets to a sports game (even a minor one)

Have you a space to host your own tailgate party at your house and watch a game on tv? Maybe supply face paint and such?

What about a karaoke room? Add in costuming and have their own musical video/ American idol night.

For mine I had about 10 friends and we dressed up "fancy" and went to Olive Garden. Not fancy but fancy to us. We asked for our soda in wine glasses and all.

 

[Jedimom]

What about bowling? Roller rink?

 

[McKelly]

One year, I think when my DD was 14 or 15 we had a cupcake party. I divided the girls up into teams (3 girls per team) and had three competitions. The first was the "best tasting" cupcake. I put a bunch of cake mixes, frosting, fresh fruit, candies, extracts, etc. They made twelve cupcakes each for this. The second competition was a themed "creative" cupcake competition. I picked "three meals a day." I gave them each six pre-made cupcakes and had them decorate a breakfast, lunch and dinner cupcake. I put out a bunch of different candies, fruit, decorations, jelly, etc. again for them to be creative with. Lastly, I gave them each a pre-made 13x9 cake, a round cake and they could use the rest of their cupcakes from the first round, and this competition was the best "decorated." Again, I put out piping tools, decorations, food coloring, frosting, etc. I had three separate judges - brother, neighbor and dad - to judge the cupcakes. I awarded prizes for each of the winners for each competition - all cake related (cupcake socks, cupcake keyrings, stuffed cupcakes).

I think this could be turned into a "Sweet Sixteen" party. Admittedly, my kitchen was a DISASTER. But, the girls are now 17, and when my DD has her friends over, once in awhile I still hear them talking about it. Funny story, one of the girls was mad, because her team decorated Cinderella Castle with fireworks in the background and everything. She thought "I" would be a judge and it would be a sure winner! And I have to say, I was quite impressed with the creativity and design these girls showed. It was amazing!

It's a home party, so doesn't offer the "wow" factor of going some place outside of the house - but it was different and I think they had an OK time.