Teens can be hard to please, but here are a few ideas. Most of the suggestions allow plenty of unstructured time for talking and socializing.
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The Rave
What teenager doesn't love the Rave? The Rave gives you a host for your party, a movie ticket, a "movie meal" for each kid (popcorn, drink and candy), plates and cups and they can provide cake for a fee. Price: Varies
Cake: Available for additional fee
Duration: Movie run time plus time for cake
# of guests: 10 child min -
Arkansas Skatium
Arkansas Skatium has ice and roller rinks. You can use either side for your party. All parties include table settings, ice cream, skate rental and soft drinks. Food can be added.
1311 Bowman Road
501-227-4333
Price: $139 for 10 skaters (add ons, including food, available)
Cake: Not provided
Duration: 45 minutes in party area, at least one skate session
# of guests: 10 child min -
Millennium Bowl
If you child likes to bowl, a bowling party is a great idea. Millennium Bowl is my favorite bowling alley in the city (and they have the mechanized bumpers for the little kids). Party guests get bowling, shoes, cake, drinks, party setup, a party host, a gift for every child, invitations and decorations.
7200 Counts Massie Rd (Maumelle)
501-791-9150
Price: $11.50/child, food can be added for additional fee
Cake: Included
Duration: One game
# of guests: Min 10 -
Wild River Country
Wild River Country parties include all paper goods, a hot dog combo meal, park admission, a hostess and deck rental for 2 hours.
6820 Crystal Hill Road (North Little Rock)
501-753-8600
Price: Starts at $249.99
Cake: Not included
Duration: 3 hours on the party deck, all day park admission
# of guests: 8 and 2 adults, additional guests are extraContinue to 5 of 11 below. -
Spirited Art
Spirited Art gives your child an opportunity to become an artist. They will give your entire party instructions on how to create your choice of a fun painting. All art supplies are provided, but cake and party supplies are not. You can use their fridge and freezer.
5610 R Street
501-296-9903
Price: $20 per painter (adults can paint too, but non-painters are free)
Cake: Not provided
Duration: 2 hours (1 hour for painting then a free hour)
# of guests: 12 minimum, 40 maximum -
Local Spas
While none of the local spas I called had a "party" package, I know some moms who've taken their daughter and 2 or 3 friends for manicures or facials as a birthday gift. Check the list of spas and call a few to see if they are offering a special. -
Willow Springs
If you have 15 guests, Willow Springs offers a discount for park admission. It's $9 for swimmers and $7.50 for non-swimmers. The birthday child gets in free. Pavillions are availble for rental. They'll hold your cake and ice cream in the cafe.
3903 Willow Lake Road (Little Rock)
501-888-4148
Price: $9/person
Cake: not provided
Duration: all day
# of guests: no limit -
Paintball Arkansas or Lazertag
Paintball can be fun for older kids. A party at Paintball Arkansas includes equipment and access to a picnic area. Guests must bring their own food and paper products, but you can use their freezer. They also have Lazertag. Costs start at $35 per person.
Mayflower, Arkansas
501-470-4400
Price: $35/person
Cake: not included
Duration:
# of guests: 10 or moreContinue to 9 of 11 below. -
Murry's Dinner Playhouse
Murry's doesn't offer a specific birthday package, but they do announce birthdays and bring a small cake. Aspiring thespians would love a trip to see a Murry's production.
6323 Colonel Glenn Rd
501-562-3131
Price: $23-33/person (food and show included)
Cake: Small cake included, buffett cake available
Duration: 3 hours, give or take
# of guests: No minimum, small venue -
War Memorial Stadium
Have a birthday in the Razorback dressing room. The cost starts at $300. Kids get access to the dressing room, ATT field, cake, ice cream and fruit juice. You're allowed to bring equipment to play on the field with.
1 Stadium Drive
501-663-6385
Price: $300
Cake: included
Duration: 2 hours
# of guests: up to 30 -
Other Party Ideas: About.com Little Rock Birthday Party Guide
Check out the About.com Little Rock Birthday Party Guide for more party ideas including lots of other fun ideas and places for hosting your child's party. Categories include: creative parties, nature and science parties, sports and military parties, active parties, cakes and party supplies.