I suggested that they make the theme of the party a camp out and we get a tent, cook smores by the camp fire and make it an outdoor party. My son thought that was a great idea. We live on 4 acres in a quiet neighborhood so camping in our back yard is only a few degrees of separation from the real thing.

That birthday party was THE EASIEST party I have ever hosted! From the time the boys arrived at 6 until they all went home the next morning, they were never in my house. They had water gun fights in the backyard, we grilled up some burgers for them, they made smores, played football, and generally ran around all evening. They all brought their Nintendo DS game systems and by 11 pm they had all retreated to the tent to play DS as a group, talk, and eventually sleep.

Since the birthday party, the boys have gotten really good at pitching the tent themselves. Every time one of my son’s friends has come over for a sleepover this summer they have pitched the tent and slept outdoors. It is a great way for them to have a little more independence and it cuts down on the noise and clean up in the house!

So we have deemed this the summer of the tent – and something tells me it will extend into fall as well.

Post from: Blisstree

The Summer of the Tent

One of my closest friends has two tweens who both have birthdays in the next month. We were talking about what she should do for them this year – a simple sleepover party with just a few kids or something out side of the home. Since this is Thursday, I am sharing our tween birthday party ideas with you as part of my Thursday Thirteen post (it’s the last one for the official site). Depending on where you live and what season it is, some ideas will make more sense than others.

All of the following are destination party ideas as opposed to themes for a home party (we’ll do that in the future). To maximize the fun and not blow your budget I would recommend limiting the number of guests to 3-5 (remember, even numbers work best).

1. Go bowling – call ahead for group rates, flat rate specials and other promotions
2. Take in a movie
3. Have a swimming party or go to a waterpark (indoor or outdoor)
4. Go snow tubing
5. Mini-golf is always fun
6. Go rockwall climbing (check your local gymnastics center – many of them have these now)
7. Take in a sporting event – whether a college, semi-pro or pro team – they are all fun
8. See a show at a community theater – some have matinée performances that include lunch
9. Go ice skating or roller skating
10. Got older tweens/teens who like to cook? Have a party at one of the make and take dinner establishments like Dream Dinners or similar.
11. Have a cookout or picnic at a local state park or lake
12. Visit a museum
13. Have each guest bring cat or dog food in lieu of a gift and take a trip to your local animal shelter.

Let’s add to this list!! What other destination party ideas have you tried, liked, or thought of?

Post from: Blisstree

13 Ideas For A Fabulous Tween Birthday