• No longer a baby, but not yet a lady--she's a teenager.teens_glasses image by Andrey Kiselev from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Planning a birthday party for teens can be tricky. They are not quite kids and not quite adults, and their tastes are all over the map. They want a more "grown-up" party, but still need some directed activities to keep the party moving. Striking a balance between a kiddie and grown-up party takes a little extra effort, but can turn out wonderfully. Play to their strengths and interests, and you will have the perfect party.
  
  

Karaoke

• Have them sing along for fun.microphone image by Stepanov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  If there is one thing most teenagers are really into, it is music. Hosting a karaoke party is an easy way to integrate their interests into your party theme. Basic karaoke machines are available at most major electronics retailers and inexpensive. You can also rent a more professional model from many party rental places. Provide your guests with a playlist your daughter has selected, then invite her friends to belt it out. Many karaoke machines are also capable of recording the performances, so consider providing the recordings as party favors to her guests.
  
  

Laser Tag

• A rousing game of laser tag is like having a favorite video game jump off the screen, and into real life. A laser tag party is the perfect choice for the video game lover in your family. Pitting him against his best friends as they make their way through a laser tag gym will ensure that all have a high energy, high adrenaline, good time. They will be active nearly the entire time, which will make the party pass very quickly.
  
  

Slumber Party

• Sometimes girls just want to be girls. Slumber parties have a universal appeal, regardless of your daughter's age. Teenagers like to get together and watch movies, do makeovers and talk boys. Be sure to have plenty of snack foods and space so the girls can make the most of their sleepover. Start the night with a delivered pizza, and the latest teen movie on DVD, and let the girls direct the rest of the party. Send each one home with a sleeping mask as a party memento.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• For slightly older teens, the big danger in having a birthday party is having everyone consider it "lame." Too safe and boring, and it is viewed as a "baby party." Too grownup and dangerous, and you are going to get an ulcer. A scavenger hunt is the perfect mixture of adventure and sanity, resulting in a party you both can agree upon. If your son and his guests are driving age, spread clues out, all over town, to lead his guests to the actual party site. If they are not yet licensed, then keep it within your neighborhood. Send them from spot to spot, searching for hints about where to find the cake. In the end, you will have a party they will talk about for years.