19 Great 13th Birthday Party Ideas (2024) - Peerspace (2024)

• Date: March 5, 2024
• Topic: Events
• By: Peerspace

Source: Peerspace

Thirteen is a super-fun age for parents to celebrate! Those early teenage years take you on a dizzying ride that shifts at the drop of a hat: experiencing childlike glee and enthusiasm one minute, brooding about the unfairness that is middle school the next. Personalities take shape, and you get a glimpse of the adults they’re going to be. If you’re a parent planning your kid’s birthday party, then you may need a few 13th birthday party ideas that your teen-to-be will adore.

The party for this vital age should be monumental, so consider changing your scenery, getting out of the house, and booking a unique, exciting venue through Peerspace! Whether you want to rent a bowling alley or a sprawling lawn, a modern warehouse, or a creative arts space, thousands of unique venues are at your fingertips when it comes time to host your birthday party. All spaces are available to rent by the hour and have listings that include high-res photos, detailed descriptions, and reviews from past guests. You can book an indoor space, an outdoor space, or a combination of the two, in towns and cities across the globe.

We’ll include information about real Peerspace venues with these ideas, so you know what’s out there! All that said, behold a slew of fantastic 13th birthday party ideas for the newly-minted teen in your life.

1. Host the 13th birthday party at a unique Peerspace venue

In our opinion, 13th birthday party ideas are only as good as their setting. Thankfully, Peerspace has you covered: it’s the place to rent unique spaces for events like birthday parties. With thousands of cool venues across the United States, Canada, and beyond, you can take your 13th birthday party anywhere you like.

Houses with an awesome backyard and a pool, a rooftop with stunning views, or even a property with a private movie theater room (for the best movie night ever) are all at your fingertips! Plus, since Peerspace venues are usually wildly stylish, you really won’t have to worry much about decorations. And you can find venues with plenty of cool rooms where your teen can pose for photos with their friends.

Here are a few of our favorite options:

• This versatile event space in York, PA for up to 50 guests (pictured above)
• This private pool oasis by The Lakes in Las Vegas, NV for up to 25 guests
• This content creator’s dream studio in Melbourne, Australia for up to 20 guests
• This bright and dreamy design studio in Vancouver, BC for up to 50 guests
• This large dance studio in Paris, France for up to 20 guests

Many spaces are suitable for young adults, and you’ll be happy knowing that all are clean and safe. Only people over the age of 18 can rent a space, so it will be necessary for you to book and, of course, accompany your child and their friends.

The bottom line? Your 13-year-old will be psyched to celebrate this milestone in a killer space that their tween friends will be talking about until your kid reaches the equally major milestone that is their Sweet 16.

Is your 13-year-old-to-be a summer baby? Then you need to read our 13 awesome summer birthday party ideas!

2. 13th birthday party ideas for the budding chef: cooking class

At this age, your teen-to-be has strong opinions about food that are often limited to whether they will eat what you’ve prepared or not. Give them a chance to learn some life skills and expand their horizons with a cooking-themed party! Virtual cooking classes are popular party fixtures right now. You and the kids will receive instruction and ingredients and create a tasty dish along with a virtual instructor from your home or kitchen venue courtesy of Peerspace.

Looking for 13th birthday party-worthy venues that would be ideal for your kid’s cooking debut? Then check out this kitchen loft space in New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood! It’s a more than 1,000-square-foot open loft space complete with a commercial kitchen, seating for 24 guests in the dining room, and delivery reception.

3. Take them old-school bowling in a private venue

Bowling is a sport that even the least athletic, uncoordinated person can do. That makes it perfect for teens just growing into their bodies. This is one of those 13th birthday party ideas that are loud, competitive, and a good source of laughs — not unlike 13-year-olds themselves! Grab a Polaroid camera to capture moments on actual film — it will blow their minds.

Prefer not to use your packed local bowling alley for the big day? Then you can opt to book this private bowling alley in Seattle (pictured above) or this one in Fort Wayne, IN through Peerspace! Add pizza, root beer floats, and cupcakes for a truly memorable party. Discover more amazing bowling alley rental venues near you through Peerspace!

4. Let your little athlete compete in their very own Olympics

There are always those middle school kids who simply never stop moving. Arrange for an age-appropriate Olympic-style 13th birthday party! This birthday party theme is a natural fit for tons of engaging athletic activities.

For instance, have kids create their own flags when they arrive, then offer a range of activities for different skill levels: hoop shoot, dress-up relay, hula hoop, tug-o-war, and shot put with water balloons! Of course, since it’s a party, everybody wins. Give out medals and cones of cotton candy reminiscent of the Olympic torch. Play hype-up music and serve cake decorated with — you guessed it — Olympic rings.

Need a couple of suggestions on where to host your Olympic-style birthday party? Don’t worry, Peerspace has you covered! If you’re in Los Angeles, why not book this Olympic-sized indoor pool (pictured above) that also has a basketball and volleyball court and A/V equipment? Located in Australia? Then you can opt to book this outdoor obstacle course in Bringelly, NSW that includes a ropes course, monkey bars, and a Ninja Warrior-inspired area!

5. Get fancy and organize a high tea birthday party

Every kid defines “fun” differently. For calmer 13-year-olds, invite party guests to arrive in high style! Upon entry, greet them with a variety of hats — straw, felt, even top hats — and piles of decorations with which to adorn them, like ribbons and feathers, beads and sequins.

Start a game of croquet and offer dance lessons as activities. Serve tea in mismatched china (from a thrift store is fine), kid-friendly tea sandwiches, and tiny cupcakes on tiered trays. Then, send guests home with small wrapped boxes of truffles and petit* fours, as well as their very own teacup and saucer as a charming party favor.

Don’t forget the perfect venue! On Peerspace, you can find and book elegant tea party venues in cities across the globe, like this Victorian rococo dollhouse-themed tea room in Miami, FL!

Ensure you read our 13 special, fancy tea party ideas for event suggestions and locations to make the most of this party!

6. Plan an epic backyard campout complete with games and snacks

This isn’t just any old slumber party! Pop a tent and ask kiddos to bring their own sleeping mats and bedding for a thrilling night of backyard camping. As an icebreaker activity, hand out white pillowcases and puffy pens or fabric markers for each kid to create a custom design. For dinner, build a bonfire to cook mountain pie pizzas and s’mores. Then when the flames die down, huddle and tell ghost stories. Be ready at the crack of dawn to cook a lumberjack-worthy breakfast!

You can also go a more current route for this backyard camping birthday party theme and rent a spacious tent or Airstream via Peerspace! Believe us when we say these are not just any tents and trailers. You can find spacious options in cities across North America and beyond that are modernized and beautifully decorated. We especially love this tiki Airstream oasis in Atlanta (pictured above) and this vintage Airstream on a rescue ranch in Ramona, CA. Plus, the hosts usually set up extras like barbecue grills, canopies, and chairs outside the trailer or tent for added appeal.

7. A classic that never goes out of style: set up a Slip and Slide

We’re pretty sure some geniuses designed backyard water games with 13-year-olds in mind. Can you think of better summertime 13th birthday party ideas? Turn on the hose and cut them loose!

Water games make hungry kids, so have lots of ready-to-grab snacks, drinks, and sweets while burgers and dogs are on the grill. No need for guests to bring a towel: that’s your party favor.

8. Let your teen by the star of their very own karaoke dance party

There’s no better way to see the diversity of your kids’ musical interests than to throw a karaoke-themed 13th birthday party. Make it easy on yourself and book a karaoke venue through Peerspace that has a stage, cool lighting, and all the appropriate A/V equipment in tow.

For instance, we especially love this retro nightclub, karaoke room and arcade in Los Angeles, CA that boasts all of the gear, style, and space your teen-to-be and their friends can ask for. It’s an all-ages space with decor and style your teen will go crazy over.

You’ll probably end up having just as much fun as the kids! Some kiddos will lean towards show tunes, others towards pop hits you’ve never heard of. They’ll make up for lack of skill with enthusiasm and choreography. This is one of the top 13th birthday party ideas for kids who love music and singing.

9. Let their inner colors shine with a rainbow party

There’s no wrong way to decorate for a rainbow-themed party! Greet guests with a contemporary rainbow balloon arch, adorn chairs with ribbon streamers in a rainbow of colors, and string rainbow garland and sunshine cutouts overhead. Provide tie-dye materials — including the T-shirts, wrapped to ensure a successful design — and send the kids outside to make a beautiful mess.

Need a space that’s already rainbow-tastic? Then check out Peerspace to book a colorful party venue that comes pre-designed with a rainbow theme. One such cool option is The Rainbow Vault in Lakewood, CO. It’s a 700-square-foot open floor plan home complete with iridescent color and shimmer as far as the eye can see.

Grab your camera and utilize our 11 beautiful rainbow-themed photoshoot ideas to enhance this party suggestion!

10. Let them dance their cares away during a silent disco

There’s little about young teens that are silent but give one of the most creative 13th birthday party ideas a shot. You have the option to hire a silent disco DJ, but it’s just as simple to give each kid inexpensive earbuds to hook up to their phones. Clear an ample amount of space, add club-worthy lighting, and let them cut loose.

To make the most of the birthday celebration, book a dance party studio through Peerspace! As an example, check out this spacious dance studio in Toronto, ON. It boasts floor-to-ceiling mirrors, sprung flooring, a music-playing system, and space for 20 guests.

11. Bring our your child’s inner wizard by planning a magic workshop

A step up from elementary school magic shows! Invite a magician to perform a range of sleight-of-hand tricks, then teach them a couple of trade secrets. Provide goodie bags filled with finger traps, trick decks of cards, and brain-teasing puzzles; have a station of materials to craft their custom magic wands.

If you don’t have a space of your own that’d be suitable for hosting a magic workshop, Peerspace has you covered with tons of fun and festive venues. From this DIY event space in Chicago to this spacious backyard paradise in LA, the platform has options to suit just about every budget and aesthetic.

12. Have a blast by planning a sweet backyard carnival

Transform your yard — or an outdoor event space rental courtesy of Peerspace! — into a raucous, colorful carnival. Entertain your guests with a combination of DIY and rented carnival-themed games and activities — dunk tank and pie-throwing, ring toss, and goldfish game (although don’t put real goldfish in the bowls: Kool-aid with plastic fish is just fine).

Invite a juggling club and a group of gymnasts to provide entertainment, then serve corn dogs, bags of roasted peanuts, popcorn, and cotton candy.

13. Help them blow off steam using constructive destruction

Adolescence brings with it a lot of emotions. Be the cool guardian and give them an outlet! Professionally designed rage rooms and axe-throwing venues have cropped up over the last couple of years, and most of the time, the minimum age for participating in these activities is the magic number 13.

Make it easy by booking an axe-throwing venue through Peerspace, like this axe-throwing space in Grand Island, NY! It’s a controlled and safe environment for kids and adults alike to blow off some steam.

14. Plan a professional-grade spa-themed birthday party

Is your kid the kind of pre-teen who already has a skincare routine and is very committed to self-care? Then provide them with the ideal opportunity for pampering by helping them plan their own spa-themed birthday party!

As luxurious as this theme is, it’s also relatively easy to execute. All you really need for the party (other than food/drink and a venue) are the supplies for various basic spa treatments and related activities. For example, you might put together a DIY beauty bar, giving teen guests the ingredients they need to craft their own face masks, sugar scrubs, and bath bombs. This hands-on activity will add a fun, personalized touch to their overall experience.

Offer your guests healthy, energizing refreshments like salads, fruit- and cucumber-infused water, smoothie bowls, and simple desserts that will complement the wellness theme.

Another activity to consider is introducing a touch of rejuvenating mindfulness by planning a yoga or meditation session. This gives guests a chance to connect with their inner selves and embrace the tranquility of the moment, even in an exciting social setting.

Don’t forget the old adage of “location, location, location”. Creating a truly relaxing and peaceful space is one of the most important elements of planning a successful spa-themed birthday party. This is true wherever the party is being held (whether at home or an external venue). Use easy additions like scented candles, soft and soothing instrumental music, and plush robes and slippers to create an oasis-like ambiance.

You might also consider booking an appropriately zen and luxurious Peerspace venue to really take the party’s ambiance to the next level.

Here are just a couple of examples:

• If you’re anywhere near Los Angeles, this beachy zen studio isn’t just stunning. It also comes with an enormous pool, a jacuzzi, and even an outdoor shower. All of which will perfectly enhance a day of intense relaxation.
• Or spend the afternoon at this minimalistic, country-style two-bedroom villa in Miami. It is packed with impressive amenities as well as modern design elements inspired by the beauty of nature.

15. Make it a movie night they’ll always remember

Is your kid a burgeoning film buff? Make their special day a blockbuster event with a movie night birthday party full of laughter and excitement. You can even throw this party at home by transforming your living room into a makeshift movie theater, providing your teen and their guests with plenty of comfortable seating, cozy blankets, and soft pillows to enjoy as they’re immersed in the magic of the big screen. Give your child the opportunity to curate a personalized film lineup featuring their favorite movies and/or a selection of the latest blockbusters everyone’s been dying to see.

You can also make the experience even more special by booking a private movie theater through Peerspace. While we connect you to amazing options across the globe, we recommend our friends in Boston, MA book this sensational space for a truly immersive movie-watching experience!

Further enhance the cinematic atmosphere by providing fun, tasty snack options, such as a popcorn station complete with a variety of sweet and salty toppings and trays of delicious snacks to choose from. You can take the party experience up an additional notch with thematic touches like movie ticket-inspired invitations, a red carpet entrance, and even a photo booth with film-related props. Whether the movie night lineup features comedies, action films, or horror movies, with a bit of effort, this party will be the talk of the town among your teen’s friends.

16. Host a slumber party with all the fixins’

If your almost 13-year-old is looking for a birthday party theme that’ll be a little bit more straightforward, how about a classic slumber party birthday bash? There’s a reason slumber parties are a timeless favorite for teens. Imagine a room filled with cozy sleeping bags sprawled across the floor as giggles echo through the night. Begin the festivities with nostalgic activities like flashlight tag, musical chairs, building blanket forts, and a dance-off to the guests’ favorite jams.

As the evening unfolds, be sure to provide plenty of snacks. Besides candy and other junk food, you can’t go wrong ordering a few pizzas—or you can take things in a more DIY direction and plan a make-your-own pizza station, where each teen guest can craft their perfect slice of pizza.

When the more energetic activities wind down, a movie marathon featuring some beloved teen classics will become the main event. After the movies, your guests will likely continue to socialize. They may end up sharing spooky stories, testing out their makeup skills on each other, or just enjoying extended bonding time with their best pals.

17. Get creative by planning a murder mystery party

A thrilling murder mystery party is sure to encourage enthusiastic engagement from party guests. This is the perfect celebration for teens who love a good puzzle.

You’ll need to transform your living room (or another party venue) into a crime scene, including mysterious clues and planning out a plot with plenty of suspense and intrigue. Don’t forget to set the stage with features like crime scene tape, ominous lighting, themed decorations, and more.

This can even be a costume party, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event, if you encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite sleuth or suspect. Over the course of the party, guests will unravel the mystery by following a series of clues and unexpected twists. The birthday star can choose to take the role of the victim or even the mastermind behind the crime, making them feel extra special on their big day.

18. Give out awesome party favors

Up until now, the ideas on this list have focused primarily on birthday party theme ideas. However, this suggestion will work well with (and, in fact, improve!) any of the theme ideas we’ve suggested so far: giving out thoughtful party favors for guests to take home.

We’re recommending party favors in particular because they’re one of the most effective ways that your child’s 13th birthday party can leave a lasting impression on their guests. Think about it: as each guest takes home a bag of treasures, they’ll be reminded of the party theme every time they look at or use any of the items in their party favor bag.

For instance, if you send them home with skincare- or self-care-related party favors as part of a spa-themed birthday party, your guests will have occasion to reflect fondly on their friend’s amazing party every time they use that luxurious face cleanser or hand cream! Or if you include gift cards to your favorite movie theater in the bag of party favors, your soon-to-be 13-year-old’s guests will remember that amazing movie night birthday party when they use their own gift card to see the latest hit in theaters.

There are tons of examples, and your budget and creativity are the only limits when it comes to choosing the ideal party favors—just be sure to select items that fit the party’s theme, if there is one (even if they’re only slightly relevant!).

Looking for some inspiration? Check out Sweety High’s list of top-notch suggestions for fun and practical teen party favors, from mini photo prints to cute hand sanitizers.

19. Get unique with a fun glow-in-the-dark theme

One of the best 13th birthday party ideas for any kid is hosting a themed party. And right now, young adults are wild about glow-in-the-dark everything! Take that theme and run with it when you and your teen-to-be host a glow-in-the-dark party.

Book a Peerspace venue that is absolutely covered with neon signs and turn the kids loose. Ask the guests to dress up in their best neon outfits and have glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark face paint, and other goodies in hand.

In Louisiana? Then check out this awesome glow-in-the-dark bike boutique in downtown Baton Rouge! It literally glows with neon lighting from floor to ceiling and also offers comfy seating, a kitchenette, and A/V equipment.

Our funky glow party ideas are the perfect accompaniment for this suggestion!

13th birthday party ideas are even better with Peerspace

Your child only turns 13 once, so make it as special as possible! Pick a few of these 13th birthday ideas and see what the birthday teen-to-be likes best. And of course, don’t forget to book an incredible Peerspace venue!

Peerspace is the easiest way to book safe and stylish venues in whatever city or town you like. Simply browse the listings in the location you desire, check out the photos and reviews, and book away.

Plus, each venue is available to book by the hour, making our spaces generally a lot more affordable than those on other websites. Whether indoors or outdoors, chic or thrilling, you’ll find a space that your 13-year-old and all their friends will be wild about.

Find unique 13th birthday party ideas on Peerspace