Put on your party-planning shoes because there’s much to celebrate. Here are my favorite unforgettable party ideas for a 17th birthday that are going to celebrate our kid’s childhood that is quickly coming to a close.
It’s the final year of childhood.
A 17th birthday is the beginning of an end in the childhood era. The kids are maturing and their 17th birthday party should be a reflection of just that.
So because this birthday is extra special, here are some equally creative party ideas they will not quickly forget:
- How to wish your kid a 17th birthday without a party
- Birthday party ideas for teen boys
- Birthday parties for teen girls
- Winter birthday party ideas
- Backyard birthday parties for summer
- Pool party ideas
- Birthday cake ideas
- & lastly the best birthday party ideas for all the milestones you’ll have along the way
Table of Contents
17th Birthday Bash Ideas For Boys
Here are some great 17th birthday parties to celebrate the birthday boy that aren’t childish, but still celebrate the fun of being a teenager for one more year.
1. Bonfire Party
This party can pretty much be hosted year-round. Grab the smores and let the boys be boys til the wee hours of the night with a bonfire party.
2. Epic Gaming Party
This doesn’t just mean Xbox only… grab the dice, the board games, and all the card games for an epic game night party. There are different games on the phone that can be played with multiple players too. Jackbox is one of our household favs that is on the TV but interacts with your phones.
3. Axe Throwing Party
Aw yeah! A party where they can have a friendly competition while showing off their strength and skills. This is a party that will not be forgotten.
Memorable 17th Birthday Parties Ideas For Girls
4. Painting Party
The birthday girl and all participants get to create a personalized piece of art which they can either gift or keep the masterpiece for themselves to cherish. Find a local painter’s parlor near you as most will allow you to bring food, cake, and drinks too!
5. Dancing Queen Party
Let the good times roll with a dance party. Whether you hire a DJ or recruit a talented friend, it’s time to hit the dance floor kicking it off with the song Dancing Queen!
6. Fashionista Party
Do you have a fashion diva on your hands? This is the perfect opportunity for the girls to dress up and have their fashion show using their wardrobe. Encourage them to display what makes them look and feel like the beautiful princess that they are.
Seasonal Party Ideas for Their 17th Birthday Celebrations
No matter the season, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor partiy games that will suit the 17th birthday bash with the most fun style.
Here are some ideas that cover all 4 seasons.
7. Cooking Party
If it’s too cold to throw an outdoor party, turn up the heat with a cooking party. I just hosted one with a group of 9 teens and they all LOVED making their pizzas from scratch! And let me tell you, they were scrumptious.
8. Murder Mystery Party
If anyone knows anything about drama and mystery, it’s 17 years old. They can dress in costume and solve a mystery together while having a blast! It’s all about the sus!
9. Dinner Party
For a more intimate setting with a smaller group of friends, host their 17th birthday party at their fav restaurant. Hibachi-style dining is always a hit when it comes to entertainment right at the table! Whichever restaurant they choose, be sure that the staff joins in on singing Happy Birthday…they typically have a creative twist or thrown version.
10. Splash Party
Soak up the sun with a pool party! And if you have your pool, versus going to a public one, give them the aux, have a little food buffet laid out and bam, you’ll have a ton of smiling and refreshed 17-year-olds!
11. Cookout Party
These are a blast! Fire up the grill as they kick back and chillax with their friends on this last childhood birthday. Plenty of outdoor games to be played and TikToks to be made!
12. Party At The Amusement Park
For those that have adrenaline seekers, rally up the party at an amusement park for the day. Whether it’s roller coasters or water slides, there’s plenty to keep them entertained and have a blast for a day-filled adventure.
Party Decorations Ideas For 17th Birthdays
There are 17th birthday decorations that will match any personality, from the sweet to the sassy. Here is party decor for 17th birthdays that are fun and trending!
13. Sassy Party Decor
I know a handful of sassy 17-year-olds who would LOVE this decor!
14. Everything 17
Just as it sounds, have 17 of everything. From guests to balloons, servings to candles, decorate everything with 17’s.
15. Photo Stations
Photo booths are trending and fairly easy to create. All you need is some streamers, balloons, or wall decor and then some readily available props… and voila, Kodak moments galore.
17th Birthday Party Food Ideas
Of course, a candy station is always a party hit. But when you’re feeding an army, there are endless options. Here we’ve scoured to find the 2 most popular 17th birthday party food ideas that will be yummy in the tummy!
16. Food Bar
Whether it be tacos, baked potatoes, nachos, sliders, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, pizzas, salads, or waffles, there’s a food bar set up for everyone. Food bars are perfect for all teen birthday parties because it’s easier to please that many different taste buds
17. Chicken Extravaganza
A great source of protein, cost-efficient, and pleasing to the majority of 17-year-olds, chicken is a fav amongst the teen population.
With the variety of styles of chicken plus the different sauces, you won’t go wrong with this as the staple. I got 100 wings, 50 bone-in/50 boneless, with 4 different dipping sauces and there were only 3 left by the time the party ended.
As fast as their childhood has raced by, this birthday marks the final year of being a kid. Let’s make it a memorable, unforgettable year for our babies who are almost adults… make it count!
