Looking for a list of 18th birthday ideas to consider? This ultimate list of 18th birthday party ideas is a great place to start!
If you, or someone you love, is about to turn 18, then this list of 18th birthday ideas is for you!
There are so many clever and creative ways to celebrate this milestone birthday, from simple to complex, inexpensive to spendy!
There are ideas you can do with a large group of people, and there are birthday ideas you can do with a more intimate gathering. The point is, there is an 18th birthday idea for everyone!
Let’s get started…
Why is 18th Birthday Special?
An 18th birthday is considered extra special because, at least in many countries, it marks the end of childhood.
You are no longer considered a child, but are considered a full fledged adult, making your 18th birthday party a special milestone to remember.
How Can I Make My 18th Birthday Special?
This is a great question with many answers!
My advice is to first think about what YOU love and what would make you happy on this special birthday.
Want to plan something with just your family or a few select friends? Want to plan a party with a larger crowd? It’s your day! Do what you think would be most fun.
Next, if you are looking for ideas, browse the below 18th birthday party ideas to get some inspiration for your own big day.
18th Birthday Ideas
Take a Day Trip
A day trip, whether it’s with a few friends or many, is a fun and relatively simple way to enjoy a milestone birthday. Look for places that are within a couple hours of your home and ask friends or family for ideas of things to do in your chosen destination.
Have an Experience
Many people choose to mark a milestone birthday with a big experience! Whether it’s sky diving, taking a ride in a hot air balloon, a water activity, or some other fun event, having an experience and sharing it with friends will make for a memorable and exciting birthday adventure.
Take a Class
Take a class on a topic that’s of interest to you. It can be a baking class, a cooking class, an arts and crafts-focused class or a sports/hobby class. No matter what you choose, you’ll learn a new skill and make memories you won’t soon forget.
Go to a Theme Park
Theme parks are great because they are an all-day activity for all ages. Ride rides, play games, and snack on yummy theme park food with your besties.
So, if you’re looking for a unique experience, consider going to a theme park. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of rollercoasters and the fun of games you can experience there. However, you will want to acquire discounted theme park tickets such as Costco Universal Studios Tickets to ensure great deals on admission.
Have a Party
Not everyone loves the idea of a big party, but if you do, then go for it! Rent out a space, or have it at home, plan an invite list, food and music, and you’re on your way to an unforgettable 18th birthday!
Plan a Weekend Trip
Want to go somewhere farther away? Then consider planning a weekend trip with a group of friends! Choose a location, figure out some fun things to do, book a hotel or Airbnb, and celebrate your 18th birthday with some of your favorite people!
Have a Sleepover
You’re never too old for a sleepover! Invite some friends, pick your favorite things to do at a sleepover, and let the fun begin!
Start a New Hobby
Learning a new hobby is a great way to begin your 19th year! Start with this list of hobbies, or this collection of computer hobbies, and you’re on your way to learning a useful new skill!
Get Manicures and/or Pedicures
Manis and Pedis make for a fantastic birthday celebration, no matter your age!!
Grab some friends, book a nail salon, and then celebrate your fabulous nails afterwards with dinner out!
Have a Karaoke Party
Karaoke machines have come a long way! For about the price of a nice dinner out for two, you can purchase your own, portable karaoke machine to use again and again.
Look for a portable one with a long-life battery so you can get the most out of your karaoke get togethers.
Do an Escape Room
Escape rooms are such a fun 18th birthday party idea! Gather some friends, book a room, and you’ve got a fun and memorable birthday celebration.
Want to save some money? There are a lot of escape room in a box options you can purchase for under $50. These are a great way to have the escape room experience from your home.
Have a Game Night
Game nights have come a long way since childhood! There are so many fun and unique games on the market perfect for an 18th birthday game night! Here are some favorites…
…I Should Have Known That-For this trivia-game-with-a-twist, you don’t receive points for answering questions correctly. Instead, points are subtracted for every incorrect answer you give.
Plunder-For 2-6 players, Plunder-A Pirate’s Life is a competitive strategy-based board game played on a modular ocean map. There’s plenty of player interaction, lots of pirate speak, and this game can be played again and again.
Outrageous-Outrageous is a party game perfect for teen birthdays, where players use their creativity to come up with witty, unique, & hilarious answers to modern-day prompts. Answers are read by a judge & points are awarded based on best answers. Most points wins!
Confessions: The Game of Secrets and Lies-In this game, meant for ages 17+, a player will read a card prompt and tell a story, giving as many or as few details as they want. The other players guess if they’re telling the truth or a lie. The genius? The card prompts range from hilarious to fantastically awkward.
Roller Skating
Roller skating parties were THE go-to party when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. Why not bring back the retro fun with a roller skating party!!?
Paintball
Paintball is another classic, but totally fun, 18th birthday party idea. Gather your friends and prepare to laugh and have fun during this competitive and messy party celebration.
Have a Pool Party
If you’re lucky enough to have a birthday that falls in or near summer, a pool party is an easy choice! Also consider a waterpark for an unforgettable day with friends.
Go to a Theme Park
Theme parks are great because they are an all-day activity for all ages. Ride rides, play games, and snack on yummy theme park food with your besties.
Go Mini Golfing
Mini golf is a fun and easy outdoor activity that you can do with a group of friends of almost any size!
Go to an Arcade
Arcades are another retro throwback that are making a comeback! It’s an inexpensive 18th birthday celebration that everyone will love.
I hope this list has given you some 18th birthday party ideas to consider! Leave a comment with any that you can think of that I have left off the list!
Thanks so much for reading all about our18th Birthday Ideas – List of What to Do for an 18th Birthday!
Have a great day!