Just because your kids have reached their “tweens”, that doesn’t mean they’re “too old for a birthday party”. In fact, you’ll find that most 10 and 11-year olds love birthday parties – they just have to be “cooler” than the parties you threw in the past.
Your work is cut out for you! Coming up with good party ideas for 11 year olds isn’t easy, but it can be done.
Check out these fun party ideas for 11 year olds we’ve come up with:
Gaming Party
What 11-year old doesn’t love video games? This is one of the best birthday party ideas for 11 year olds, as it’s a more “grown-up” theme, but with just enough classic birthday party fun!
This is the perfect theme for kids who only want to invite a few friends over. With 4 to 6 guests, the kids will be able to enjoy video games (on any console: Playstation, Xbox, Wii, etc.) without anyone getting bored or feeling left out. Games like Mario Kart, Smash Brothers, Street Fighter, Call of Duty, and Naruto allow the kids to compete against each other.
You, as the parent, won’t be too involved in the party, but you are there to bring snacks, drinks, and food. You may be able to tear them from their games long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” and serve cake, but that’s about it. This is one of the best party ideas for 11 year olds to feel “older”.
Disco Night
Rent out a roller skating rink and turn it into a party disco for your tweens. Roller skating (or roller blading) can be fun for kids of all ages, and you’ll find that your kids enjoy socializing with their friends as well as members of the opposite sex.
Don’t expect a whole lot of dancing. At this stage in their lives, boys and girls tend to stay with their friends. But that’s the fun of it! Your kids get to enjoy themselves in a lively ambience, with music, roller skating, and delicious party food.
You can even play a few fun roller skating party games for 11 year olds, such as Freeze Dance, Red Light/Green Light, Musical Circles, Pizza Box Relay Races, and more. There’s no end of fun at a roller skating rink.
Spa Party
If you have a tween girl who just wants to invite her gal pals over (no boys allowed!), this is one of the best party ideas for 11 year olds.
All of the girls will need bathrobes, towels, and slippers for this Spa-themed party. Set up a “spa room” where they can enjoy:
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Facials
- Face masks
- Cucumber eye masks
- Hair-styling
- Nail polish
The girls will be able to treat each other to relaxing spa treatments, or even makeovers. It’s a good way to encourage your little girl’s development into a young lady.
Board Game Night
If your 11-year old is up for a night of fun with friends, a board game night is definitely the way to go!
Forget Scrabble, Monopoly, and Stratego, but break out the big guns:
- Lord of the Rings Risk
- Star Wars Monopoly
- Settlers of Catan
- 7 Wonders
- Smallworld
- Discworld
- The Golden City
All of these games are a bit more advanced, making them ideal for your older children.
They can spend hours playing against each other, and all you have to do is keep the snacks and drinks coming.
Definitely a good way for your child to spend a low-key birthday with his/her friends.
Fashion Show
If your kids aren’t really into party games for 11 year olds but ARE into fashion and clothing, this is definitely a fun party idea.
Have the kids bring an assortment of their favourite clothing items, and let them put on a fashion show for the adults or each other. Provide a wide variety of accessories (plastic jewellery, sunglasses, shawls, feather boas, scarves, etc.). It will give your tweens a chance to let out their inner diva in a safe, family-friendly environment.
Cooking Class
This is an excellent theme for both boys and girls – EVERYONE should learn how to cook!
Instead of you preparing the snacks and drinks for the party, bring the kids into the kitchen and teach them how to prepare everything. You can stick with simpler foods, such as pizza (using pre-made pizza crusts), hamburgers (they can learn how to mix the meat for the perfect burger), or sandwiches.
Or, get creative and teach them how to make pasta, ravioli, or any other foods they want. Get creative with the cooking lessons, and have the kids prepare their own dinners.
Martial Arts Party
Why not let your kids explore the world of martial arts on their birthday? This is definitely one of the best birthday party ideas for 11 year olds who are more active.
Most martial arts schools and dojos will rent out space on the weekends, and they will even offer to teach basic self-defense classes to your kids. Not only will it be a great way to pass the time, but it may spark your child’s interest in martial arts. Plus, it’s great exercise and will leave your kids tired and ready for a nice long nap after the party!
It’s not always easy planning birthday parties for older children, but these unique birthday party ideas for 11 year olds can be the perfect solution to make your “tween” happy on his or her special day.
The themes will be easily adaptable to meet your child’s needs and preferences. We’ll help you do your child’s birthday justice!
