16th birthday party for a boy

[Anonymous]

This would be in a year so I’m really hoping Covid would be less of an issue.

My son has a Christmas week birthday so parties were always tough to plan.
He had one in January and then asked for small trips or certain presents instead of us spending money on a party.
To be honest, he got the short end of the stick but he switched schools a few times and didn’t really want a party since he wasn’t close with enough kids.

As a 9th grader, he is thriving socially. He’s such a sweet and considerate kid and I would really love to give him a big party (50-60 kids or so).

Is this a thing for 16 year old boys?

If so, any suggestions on locations in Bethesda or Rockville?

Thank you for any guidance.

[Anonymous]

What is he in to? Top Golf would be a great place for an evening party. Outside, music, semi private and they will handle the food. DD is 16 has been to two parties there and all had a great time whether they golfed or not.

[Anonymous]

Laser tag in the backyard with a bonfire.

[Anonymous]

OP here.
This will be boys and girls. I hadn’t really thought of anything sports related. His friends are mostly divers and swimmers who don’t do a lot of other sports (and who spend their lives in the pool so definitely nothing pool related!)

It will be in early January so outside might not work either.

I had thought of Pinstripes at Pike and Rose but I haven’t yet checked out if it works for such a large group.

I’m also good with a nice space where I could get a DJ but open to more creative things too.

I’ve got time to plan but I really want him to enjoy it so I’m unsettled that I haven’t figured it out yet.

Thank you all so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
This will be boys and girls. I hadn’t really thought of anything sports related. His friends are mostly divers and swimmers who don’t do a lot of other sports (and who spend their lives in the pool so definitely nothing pool related!)

It will be in early January so outside might not work either.

I had thought of Pinstripes at Pike and Rose but I haven’t yet checked out if it works for such a large group.

I’m also good with a nice space where I could get a DJ but open to more creative things too.

I’ve got time to plan but I really want him to enjoy it so I’m unsettled that I haven’t figured it out yet.

Thank you all so much.

At the risk of sounding obvious, why don't you ask him what he'd like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This would be in a year so I’m really hoping Covid would be less of an issue.

My son has a Christmas week birthday so parties were always tough to plan.
He had one in January and then asked for small trips or certain presents instead of us spending money on a party.
To be honest, he got the short end of the stick but he switched schools a few times and didn’t really want a party since he wasn’t close with enough kids.

As a 9th grader, he is thriving socially. He’s such a sweet and considerate kid and I would really love to give him a big party (50-60 kids or so).

Is this a thing for 16 year old boys?

If so, any suggestions on locations in Bethesda or Rockville?

Thank you for any guidance.


Don't invite 50 or 60 kids! Ir at least ask him. It sounds like too msny!

[Anonymous]

Does he want a party with 50-60 kids? That sounds like a lot. I’m thinking most kids this age would prefer doing something with their close friends. Ask him. Don’t plan it for him.

[Anonymous]

I’d have him pick a few friends and take them to a Caps or Wizards game.

[Anonymous]

Pinstripes would be awesome! We have been to some parties there, they can accommodate as many people as you want, they have room dividers, outside space. I think the food is really good!

[Anonymous]

He is old enough to decide for himself what kind of party he wants and who he wants to invite, so ask him. You shouldn’t be making those decisions without his input.

Also, be prepared that he may not want a big party. You seem to think he got the short end of the stick because he’s never had one before, but not all kids want a big party. Some would prefer to do something low key with only a couple close friends.

[Anonymous]

Even my super social daughter who has been at her school since K and is “popular” and well liked by almost her whole school wouldn’t want 60 kids at her party. That’s ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

I stop doing birthday parties for my kids at age 10. I give them $ instead. None of them have ever complained.

[Anonymous]

Last couple of birthdays my son has wanted to go to a favorite restaurant with 5 or 6 friends, maybe with a movie afterwards. I’ve made the reservation and handed him a credit card and let him take it from there.

[Anonymous]

He is a Freshmen and turning 16 this Fall?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He is a Freshmen and turning 16 this Fall?

OP said:

This would be in a year so I’m really hoping Covid would be less of an issue.

So no, he is not turning 16 this year. It sounds like OP is trying to get ahead of the curve and wants to be planning something with enough time to book space and people easily.

OP ask your son what he wants. are there 50-60 kids he would want to invite? I am having flashbacks to My Sweet 16 on MTV from ages ago. I don't know of anyone who had a huge 16th birthday party so that is my only point of reference.

Check with your kid. See what he wants. Toss out some different ideas like a family trip or a professional game/event with some friends, or a large party with a DJ, or laser tag.