Turning 13 is a monumental moment, transitioning from childhood into the exciting and sometimes challenging teenage years. Whether it’s the first big “teen” birthday or just another reason to gather friends, throwing a party for 13-year-olds should be memorable, fun and packed with engaging games that get everyone involved. In this guide, we’ll walk you through carefully curated games that are not only teen-approved but are guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
Why Birthday Party Games Matter at 13
At 13, teens are at a unique phase of development. They’re more independent and starting to develop their own identities, but they still love having fun and bonding with their peers. This makes choosing the right party games crucial. You want games that are cool enough to keep them engaged without feeling too childish, while also fostering teamwork and interaction.
When planning party games for 13-year-olds, consider a mix of energetic activities, lighthearted competitions and inclusive games that allow everyone to participate without feeling self-conscious. The goal is to strike a balance between silly fun and friendly competition.
How to Choose the Right Games
Picking games for a 13th birthday party can feel tricky because you need to gauge what works for the particular group of teens attending. Here are some tips to make your choices easier:
- Know your audience: Some teens love active, high-energy games, while others prefer more laid-back, strategic games. Pay attention to your child’s interests and their friend group.
- Keep it simple but engaging: Overly complex games can lose teens’ interest. Stick to simple rules that they can easily grasp but provide enough excitement to keep the party going.
- Mix it up: A blend of physical, creative and thinking games will help cater to different personalities and keep the energy level balanced throughout the event.
Now, let’s dive into the best birthday party games for 13-year-olds that your teen and their friends will love!
Totally Fun 13th Birthday Party Game Ideas
4. Battle of the Oranges
This hilarious and simple game is a hit with teens. Two players face off, each holding a large spoon with an orange balanced in it. The goal is to knock the orange out of the opponent’s spoon while keeping your own intact. The first to knock their opponent’s orange out wins!
Pro tip: You can substitute oranges with water balloons or even foam balls for an indoor-friendly version.
5. Marshmallow Toss
Get ready for laughs with this fun team-based challenge. Players pair up, with one designated as the “tosser” and the other as the “catcher.” The tosser’s job is to toss marshmallows across the room into their partner’s mouth. The team that lands the most marshmallows in the catcher’s mouth within a set time wins. You can make this game even more fun by using blindfolds for added challenge!
Alternative suggestion: If marshmallows aren’t your thing, use popcorn or soft candies for the same effect.
6. Dare and Dance
Perfect for a dance party! Create a bowl filled with fun dares and dance challenges written on small notes. Randomly call up participants to draw a dare or challenge, which they must then perform in front of the group. You can set up a small stage or spotlight area for players to show off their moves. This game combines the energy of dancing with the excitement of a dare, making it a great option for teens who love to perform.
Pro tip: Include some quirky dares that involve group participation to keep the energy high and everyone engaged.
What Games Can You Play at a 13th Birthday Party?
7. Cool Board Games
Board games can be a fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for a more laid-back activity that still keeps everyone engaged. Popular choices for 13-year-olds include:
- Codenames: A team-based word game that requires quick thinking and clever clues.
- Exploding Kittens: A card game filled with quirky humor and light strategy, perfect for a good laugh.
- 5 Second Rule: A fast-paced game where players have to think on their feet to name three things in five seconds.
These games are ideal for filling downtime between more energetic activities or providing a relaxed alternative for quieter guests.
8. Video Game Party
If your teen and their friends are into gaming, then setting up a video game station can be a big hit. Whether you go for multiplayer group games like Mario Kart, Just Dance, or even a virtual reality setup, gaming can cater to all types of personalities. You can also turn it into a tournament-style event, where players compete for prizes in various gaming challenges.
Tip: To keep it interactive for everyone, try a mix of group games and solo challenges. Make sure you have enough controllers or devices to avoid long waiting times.
9. The Perfect Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a classic and for 13-year-olds, you can make them even more engaging by including challenges like photo ops, trivia questions and hidden objects. Create a list of fun and creative items for the teens to find around the house or yard and divide them into teams. The first team to collect all the items or complete the challenges wins!
Pro tip: To make it more exciting, incorporate tech by having teams capture photos of specific moments or objects on their phones as part of the hunt.
More Great Game Ideas You’ll Love to Play
10. Minute to Win It Challenges
Minute to Win It games are always a crowd-pleaser, especially for high-energy teens. These games are fast-paced and filled with hilarious moments. Here are a few ideas:
- Cookie Face: Players place a cookie on their forehead and, without using their hands, must move it into their mouth using only facial muscles.
- Junk in the Trunk: Players strap an empty tissue box around their waist filled with ping pong balls, then shake their hips to try and get all the balls out within a minute.
- Stack Attack: Players must stack a tower of plastic cups as quickly as possible, then unstack them—all within 60 seconds.
These games are easy to set up, require minimal materials and are sure to keep the energy high throughout the party.
11. Printable Bingo Games
For a more relaxed option, printable bingo games can be a lifesaver. Customize the bingo cards with themes that fit the birthday celebration, such as pop culture references, favorite TV shows, or even inside jokes among the group. Bingo is easy to set up and it’s something that everyone can enjoy, from the most active guests to the more introverted teens.
Pro tip: Hand out small prizes for bingo winners to keep the game competitive and fun!
12. Target Party Games
If you’re planning a trip to a store like Target, you can easily pick up some awesome party games without breaking the bank. Games like UNO, Twister, or Pictionary are widely available and perfect for teens who enjoy group activities. These games don’t require much explanation, making them ideal for quick and easy entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Planning a 13th birthday party with the right mix of games can take your celebration from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re organizing active games that get everyone moving or board games for a more relaxed atmosphere, having a variety of options ensures that every guest has a fantastic time. By incorporating these teen-approved games into your party, you’re guaranteed to create fun memories that will last well beyond the birthday cake.
Now it’s time to get planning and let the games begin!
