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There are plenty of adult birthday party ideas out there, but you might be struggling to find 17th birthday ideas that fit your teenager’s habits, likes or interests. This list of 27 17th birthday ideas will give you options, whether you’re planning for a summer pool party or a winter bonfire.
And if you’re wondering “Is 17 a special birthday?” The answer is a resounding “yes!” Every chance to celebrate your teen allows for positive relationships to form and be strengthened.
According to research conducted at the University of Virginia, the friendships that teens form during their adolescent years are incredibly beneficial to their continued development in adulthood.
It’s so important for your teens to have opportunities to branch out, meet new friends and develop those friendships in safe ways. And what better way to bond than by sharing cake and ice cream at a 17th birthday party?
This list of 27 ideas for a 17th birthday will jumpstart your creativity and help you plan a party that will never be forgotten.
Jump to Section
- Creative 17th Birthday Ideas
- Foodie 17th Birthday Ideas
- At-Home 17th Birthday Ideas
- Unique 17th Birthday Ideas
- 17th Birthday Ideas for Girls
- 17th Birthday Ideas for Guys
Creative 17th Birthday Ideas
1. Pottery Classes
Why not branch out beyond traditional 17th birthday ideas by giving your teenager a gift certificate to take pottery classes, or even host a pottery painting party for your teen and their friends?
You can find pottery classes in Los Angeles, pottery classes in Houston, pottery classes in Minneapolis or pottery classes near you that will allow your teen to express their creativity by getting their hands a little dirty or painting a cute ceramic dish.
2. Dance Classes
If your teen likes to shake out stress on the dance floor try dance classes in Denver, dance classes in San Francisco, dance classes in Seattle or even online dance classes. This unique and creative 17th birthday idea will allow your teen to improve their moves and get ready for prom.
3. Host a Paint Party
If your teen is creatively inclined, a paint party is a great way to get everyone involved in the artistic fun. This 17th birthday idea is just a starting point–there are almost endless paint party ideas available. No matter what project or style of paint party you choose, your teen is sure to love it.
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4. Throw a Murder Mystery Party
If you have a teen with a flair for the dramatic, consider purchasing a murder mystery game kit and having all of the teenagers show up in costume, ready to solve a mystery together.
This birthday party idea for teens isn’t just about solving a fake crime, it forces them to work together and work on their acting skills while they’re at it.
Foodie 17th Birthday Ideas
5. Cooking Classes
If your teen is an aspiring chef or simply gifted in the kitchen, cooking classes could be a great 17th birthday idea. You can give these classes as a gift and allow them to experience being taught by a professional.
There are online cooking classes if you can't find cooking classes near you, but most major cities have plenty of options. Check out these cooking classes in Dallas, cooking classes in Orange County, and cooking classes in NYC for a start.
6. Have a Hot Cocoa Bar
If your teen has a January or February birthday and you are looking for 17th birthday ideas in winter, a hot cocoa bar might be the perfect option. This sweet treat pairs perfectly with all kinds of winter activities and allows each guest to personalize their cocoa to their liking.
7. Host a Cookout
This 17th birthday idea is great for teens whose birthdays fall during the summer months. A backyard barbecue is a great way for guests to mix and mingle. If the weather is really hot, host your cookout poolside so everyone can cool off.
8. Have Dinner Out
It might sound simple, but a nice dinner at your teen’s favorite restaurant might be the perfect birthday idea. This idea is great for a family party or a small group of your teen’s friends.
A more intimate setting is also good for teens who are quiet or reserved--pick a delicious Italian dinner or gather around a hibachi stove for dinner and a show!
At-Home 17th Birthday Ideas
9. Game Night
If you’re looking for 17-year-old birthday party ideas at home, try hosting a game night party. Your teens can play board games all night and maybe even turn the event into a sleepover. If you’d rather try a virtual option, there are plenty of virtual game nights and online trivia games available online.
10. At-Home Escape Room
Another great birthday idea for staying at home is virtual escape rooms. These online experiences will test your teen’s critical thinking skills and make a great way for them to bond with their friends while solving unique puzzles.
11. Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Another 17th birthday idea for teens who like solving puzzles and riddles is a scavenger hunt. You can plan a scavenger hunt around your town, or you can investigate other virtual events like virtual scavenger hunts to celebrate your teen’s special day.
12. Flower Arranging Party
If you’re looking for an at-home option that is more creative in nature, why not try virtual flower arranging classes for your teen? They’ll be able to learn new skills and still celebrate, making this a great 17-year-old birthday party idea at home.
13. Host a Fancy Dinner Party
Dinner out is always an option, but hosting a small dinner party in your home is also a great way to celebrate your teen’s 17th birthday. The dinner party can be fancy, casual, themed or potluck, but whatever you choose, your teen will love being surrounded by their friends and family.
Unique 17th Birthday Ideas
14. Take a Glass Blowing Class
If you are wondering what to do for your 17th birthday in January, one unique option might be a glass blowing class. The heat from the furnaces will be sure to warm you up, and the creativity of glass blowing is a great art idea for teens.
15. Learn to Sew
For crafty teens, sewing lessons or a sewing party can be a great celebratory option. They can make a project they’ll always remember as representing their seventeenth birthday.
16. Try a Woodworking Class
Another very unique option for a 17th birthday party is a woodworking class. This craft seems somewhat old-fashioned, but learning the patience of woodworking is a worthwhile endeavor. Who knows? Your teen might just find his or her next favorite hobby!
17. Go Ice Skating
If you’re wondering, “What should I do for my 17th birthday in winter?” Ice skating is a great option! Find a picturesque outdoor rink in your city, or opt for an indoor rink for this 17th birthday idea in winter.
17th Birthday Ideas for Girls
18. Host a Spa Night
A great 17th birthday idea for girls in winter is a warm and cozy spa night. Have your guests wear fluffy robes and relax together. There are sure to be lots of giggles with this new addition to your list of girls night ideas.
19. Go Shopping
While you could certainly take your teen and all her friends to the mall for a shopping spree, it is also a great idea to spend some one-on-one time together.
Go pick out a significant item like a piece of jewelry or a new dress together and have fun during the shopping process. Not only does this allow you to spend time together, but it will help you come up with 17th birthday gift ideas for her.
20. Throw a Themed Party
Give your teen the chance to dress up and show off her creativity with her friends with the best theme party ideas.The theme can be her favorite musical artist, fashions from different decades or even something inspired by a trend on social media.
Have each guest bring a themed gift as well, and not only will the party be taken care of, but you’ll find plenty of new 17th birthday gift ideas for all the girls in your life!
21. Plan a Tea Party
If your teen has a group of girlfriends who love to dress up and take photos, planning a 17th birthday tea party is a sweet idea. The girls can don their best sundresses and big hats and celebrate together with finger sandwiches and petit fours. This 17th birthday idea is perfect for spring or early summer birthdays.
22. Turn the Party Into a Girls Weekend
Why stop the fun with just one party? Turn the birthday bash into an unforgettable girls weekend. Looking for places to go for a 17th birthday celebration?
Try the beach, a cabin in the mountains or even a lakehouse. You can find lots of girls weekend ideas online, and throwing a big party like this could also double as a graduation gift idea as your teen gets closer and closer to moving out on their own.
17th Birthday Ideas for Guys
23. Have a Bonfire
Wondering what to do for your 17th birthday in January? Even though the weather is cold, your teen can still hang out with his friends at a fun bonfire birthday bash.
S’mores, hot drinks and hay bales will make the space feel cozy, and the guys can sit up late into the night roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
24. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
With pool and beach parties out of the question, some teens with January birthdays might be wondering, “What can I do for my 17th birthday with friends in winter?” You don’t have to sit at home just because it’s snowing! Plan an epic ski or snowboarding trip to get moving and get outside with your friends.
25. Go on a Hike
For more outdoorsy fun, plan a group hike with all of the guys. You can scout out local trails and vistas in your hometown, or plan a more adventurous excursion to a national park or other scenic destination.
Either way, this is a great way for your teen to enjoy the great outdoors and reap the mental health benefits of bonding with peers.
26. Try Axe Throwing
Give your teen an outlet for all his energy by hosting an axe throwing party. The guys will be able to compete with each other and test their strength, plus it’s a safe environment for them to feel like they’re doing something risky.
27. Hit the Batting Cages
If you’re on the hunt for places to go for a 17th birthday party for boys, your local batting cages can be a great option. The guys will be able to test their skills, and a quick dinner either before or after makes for an easy, fun 17th birthday idea.
Whether you’re planning a summer pool party or a winter ski trip with the guys, we hope this list of 27 17th birthday ideas has given you some new ways to help your teen form strong, long-lasting relationships.
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