Best 17th Birthday Ideas for a Fun-Filled Celebration

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more

Throw a teenage birthday bash like no other with these 17th birthday ideas, perfect for celebrating with family and friends in style.

17th Birthday Ideas

Fun Ideas

1. Trip to an Amusement Park

What better way to include fun, food, and an out-of-the-ordinary experience all into one package deal than a trip to the amusement park?

Prepare for endless smiles and laughter while spending the day at the nearest amusement park, and make sure to stop by one of many photo booths to remember the experience!

2. Pool Party

There’s nothing more fun than getting all your friends together and spending some time by the pool!

Whether renting out a space or in your own backyard, just bring some snacks and refreshments and be ready to make a splash.

3. Scavenger Hunt

Pick a location, make a list of a series of objects you need to find or photograph and enjoy a fun adventure for your birthday with your friends.

This is certainly a fun and surprising party idea, and it can even be fun to plan. Get scavenging!

4. Bowling

Throw on a retro outfit and head to your local bowling alley. Order some pizza, and it’s time for a night of fun and competition.

Don’t forget your groovy bowling shoes!

Creative and Unique Ideas

5. Plot your Escape (at an Escape Room)

What a fun way to test your critical thinking skills and have fun all in one!

Sure to get the adrenaline pumping and create an unforgettable experience, most escape rooms come with many different difficulty levels, so choose wisely.

6. Throw a Dance Party

School dances are fun and all, but imagine a dance party where only your friends were invited!?

Rent out a sweet venue for the evening, and make sure your DJ knows all the top hits.

7. Time Travel Party

What’s a period in time that you would love to travel to if you could? Have your guests dress up like they’re from that period in time, and even better, see if you can get people to stay in character!

Will they be talking in eighteenth-century English for the whole night? Does anyone even know how to work a phone here!?

This is such a fun and immersive way to truly make the day unforgettable.

You can even make themed food or buy themed decorations to really transport everyone back in time for the day.

8. Weekend Trip

Give yourself a taste of adult life, and go on a weekend trip to the next city over!

Whether it’s a big city with many attractions or somewhere with small-town charm, there’s something special about getting to stay in a hotel overnight and spending the day somewhere new.

You could even get your parents to be chaperones at night and go off by yourself to explore in the days. Don’t forget to snap some photos and turn this weekend trip into an unforgettable memory.

Cool Ideas

9. Shopping Spree

Prepare for a fun day of clothes, accessories, music, movies, and everything in between. Head downtown or to a shopping mall and have fun browsing!

10. Rent a Party Bus or Limo

Celebrate your 17th as a celebrity would, by enjoying laughs and dancing on a party bus or limo.

11. Game Marathon at the Arcade

Get ready for a day full of button-smashing, dance-offs, and a lot of fun!

You can even ramp up the fun by setting up a competition beforehand or seeing who can win the most prizes.

With some friends and some good food in tow, this is the perfect venue for your special day!

Indoor Parties

12. Movie Marathon

Nothing beats having friends over for a binge sesh of the top movies and shows. Stock up on treats and get cozy – just don’t forget the popcorn!

13. Game Night

Whether it’s board games or video games that strike your interest, who doesn’t love a games night with friends?

Make sure to stock up on snacks and leave some time for gift-giving in between all the gaming. Stay in and prepare for some competition.

14. Sleepover or Slumber Party

Sleepovers are not just for kids anymore! Don’t forget a list of essential sleepover games and maybe even matching pajamas, and have a 17th slumber party to remember.

15. Bake-off

Get some friends together and see who can put together the best baked goods!

From decorating cookies to whipping up a new flavor of ice cream, there’s bound to be something for everyone by the end of the bake-off.

This birthday idea is fun and creative, and you’ll all have treats to enjoy for many days to come.

16. Karaoke Night

Karaoke machines are cheap and easy to set up for a fun, creative birthday idea! Break out those pipes and show everyone what you’ve got.

For some extra fun, have your friends come dressed up as their favorite singer! If they look like Adele, maybe they’ll sing like her too, right?

Outdoor Parties

17. Go Camping

With a little planning and a lot of grit, there’s nothing better than a good camping trip to get immersed in the outdoors and escape from the everyday. Pack snacks and games, and invite your friends along.

18. Beach Day

Prepare to live out your teen movie dreams with a trip to the beach.

There’s nothing like sunshine and ocean water to put your and your friends in a great mood for your birthday.

Be sure to pack tons of snacks, towels, and a speaker to bring to the party with you!

19. Take a Hike

Sometimes it takes a bit of searching to reach an amazing destination, and who doesn’t love a scenic view!?

With some good research and a trusty pair of hiking boots, find a hike you and your friends can enjoy for the day.

From waterfalls to forest foliage, it’s impossible not to find something to awe and inspire in the wilderness.

Grab a map and a camera and make this special day count in the great outdoors.

20. Themed Picnic

Themed parties never go out of style, so why not put a twist on it and take it outside?

Pack up on some delicious picnic foods, and make sure the weather is on your side for whatever theme takes your interest!

With a great picnic spot and some decorating skills, any theme can fit for a picnic party to remember.

21. Go Horseback Riding

So many programs offer horseback riding trips for those with or without experience.

This can be a fun experience for you and your friends, regardless of whether you ride or not, since there will be professionals to help you prepare and get ready.

Check something off the bucket list, and have fun riding!

22. Bonfire Night

You’re never too old for s’mores, and a bonfire is a great way to get some friends together and celebrate.

Cozy up by the fire and sing along to some favorite songs – oh, and don’t forget the marshmallows!

23. Visit the Local Farmer’s Market

Visit a farmer’s market for fresh food and treats and loads of activities, and see what you and your friends can discover on your birthday.

24. Play Sports

Be it football, baseball, volleyball, or any sport, set up some equipment and get a group together and play.

25. Movie Marathon Outside

All you need is a cheap movie projector and some comfy chairs. Project onto a white sheet, or even a garage door, for a unique movie-watching experience.

Bundle up and watch the best teen flicks under the stars.

26. Go Ziplining

If you’re a thrill-seeker and enjoy some amazing views, book yourself and your friends in for a day of ziplining.

Just make sure no one’s afraid of heights, or they’re bound to be in for a surprise.

Budget-Friendly Ideas

27. Backyard Camping

Pitch that tent that’s been gathering dust and break out all the blankets for this fun and cheap take on camping in your backyard.

Get the luxury of indoors with the excitement of sleeping outdoors with friends and family.

28. Costume Contest

Who doesn’t love an opportunity to dress up and spend time with friends?

A costume contest is such a fun way to get creative and make your birthday truly unique and exciting.

Be sure to take lots of photos and buy some quirky gifts for whoever is declared the winner of the costume contest.

29. Tie Dye Party

It’s time to get crafty! Tie-dye is in (did it ever even go out of style?), and tie-dying some plain shirts is such a fun way to get friends together and end the day with a new addition to your wardrobe.

To prepare, buy plain shirts in bulk at any craft store for a low price, and have fun getting your craft on.

30. Backyard Birthday BBQ

Invite some friends, set up a speaker, and enjoy a simple, inexpensive birthday with some great food cooked up on the grill.

31. Breakfast Party

Have everyone bring their favorite breakfast foods and get ready to celebrate!

Set up some board games and a coffee station, and don’t forget to sing happy birthday at the top of your lungs at least once!

There are so many fun and exciting ways you can celebrate turning 17, and hopefully, a few of these ideas will inspire you to plan a party that everyone has a great time at.

You Might Also Like to Read

Planning your 17th birthday party soon, or looking for ideas for a close friend? Keep these birthday ideas for safekeeping by saving this article to one of your Pinterest boards.