A 17th birthday is just as special as any other, and 17 year old kids are not too old for fun games and activities. Older teens enjoy fun games and activities as much as anyone else and they can make the difference between a boring 17th birthday party and a birthday party that guys and girls will enjoy equally.
A bonfire is a hit at any party, especially a 17th birthday party – if weather permits. Gather dry branches and buy plenty of firewood. Keep the fire going, and serve campfire food including hot dogs and marshmallows. Provide plenty of soft drinks, and when searching for activities, plan on providing music that is loud enough to enjoy but not too loud for the neighbors. If any of the guests are musically inclined, have them bring acoustic guitars and maybe a set of bongos for entertainment.
Make it Formal
Formal occasions are rare, and when hosting a 17th birthday party, how about making it formal? Request that guests wear formal attire, and offer fancy non-alcoholic versions of mixed drinks served in stemware. In addition, serve food that is a cut above the usual birthday party fare. Offer extravagant looking appetizers, dishes, and desserts, and serve the food by candlelight in the dining room or on linen covered tables in another area of the home. Provide mood music and dancing after the meal. Guests will talk about this 17th birthday party for a long time to come.
Rent a Gym
If birthday party guests enjoy sports, consider renting a local gym for a few hours. The cost is lower than many people realize, and this would be an ideal for 17th birthday party activities. Host a game of volleyball or whatever interests birthday party guests. Afterwards, cool off with non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy birthday cake at home. After a few hours of physical activities, everyone will be ready to sit back and relax.
Rent a Suite
In many areas, a hotel suite can be rented for about $100, and guests can enjoy the pool, hot tub, and an open dining room. If this is affordable it is one of the best ideas for a 17th birthday party. Renting a hotel suite will provide plenty of activities, and reasonable cleanup will be included in the price. This keeps the mess out of the home while providing numerous fun activities for teens. Girls or guys can go home after the birthday party, and a few friends can stay in the room for the night.
Serve Lots of Food
No matter the location of a 17th birthday party, serve lots of good food and non-alcoholic drinks and the celebration will be a big hit. Provide crock pots filled with BBQ along with finger foods, and serve everything buffet style. You might even consider a taco bar that includes every topping imaginable.
Rent a Projector
It is difficult to get a group of people to quiet down for a movie, especially at a 17th birthday party, but if a projector is rented it will definitely make a difference. A movie projected on a garage door or a large bare wall will provide a feeling of being at the movies, and people will pay attention. Serve popcorn, non-alcoholic drinks, and boxed candy typically found at the movie theater for a 17th year celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
