My youngest son is turning 16 the end of March. We would like to do something special but I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do. We had one for my oldest son when he turned 16 (he's 20 now). We rented out the local baseball field/picnic building. He was very into sports. So they played baseball and the whole party was baseball themed. My youngest son is not into sports or really much of anything. LOL. He does great in school and loves video games, that's about it. So bowling parties, skating parties, baseball parties are all out of the question. Does anyone have any "cool" ideas for a boy who's turning 16? I went to Party City the other day and they don't even carry 16th party decorations or invitations for boys. Only sweet 16 for girls. I asked the cashier, "do only girls turn 16???" She said a lot of people complain about it. I'd appreciate any ideas! Thanks!

A trip to an "old school" video arcade? Would that be cool or really uncool?

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That's actually a great idea except I don't even know where there is one anymore? We checked into Dave and Busters but the closest one to our house is at least an hour drive. It is a good idea though. Thanks!

What about a party themed to his favorite video game? If he plays role playing games maybe they could dress up. Is that too corny for 16 yr olds? lol

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What about a car themed party? Lasertag or paintball? Maybe even a night-time bbq or bonfire?

These are some good ideas. I like the bonfire idea. Anna - I thought the dressing up was a good idea but not sure he would think so. He thinks he's too old for most things. I've been searching the internet for ideas but haven't found anything yet. We thought about a limo ride for him and a few friends just to the movies or bowling but they all require a 4-6 hour min. (Which is crazy expensive!) We are looking into a hotel pool party? They have one in Lancaster that has the indoor water park. Looks really cool to me. Or is that for babies? LOL I just don't know! A girl would be sooo much easier!!! Thanks for all the suggestions!

Ok, I'm gonna ask the obvious...

Have you asked your son what kind of party he'd like to have???

I noticed you live in York. I live in Ephrata, i am not sure how far away that is from you, but if you like the idea of the old school video arcade there is a place on Main St in Ephrata called
80s Lanes and Games, it has 80's arcade decor, with arcade games, bowling and pool tables. In the same building they also have an old movie theater, all shows are only $6 and they play 2 different movies. I haven't been to either of those places yet, but if you want more information on them, let me know and I will get it for you.

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I would love more info on that place! Sounds awesome! I'm not real familiar with that area but I would like to check it out. Is it anywhere near Shady Maple? We've been there before. Thanks!

Here is the link for the place: 80's Lanes and Games Home Page It usually takes me about 20-25 min to get to the Shady Maple from my house. I am not sure which way you take to get to the Shady Maple, but to get to the place from the Shady Maple you would make a left out of the lot (by the grocery store / Goods store) and take Rt 23 until you come to the light (intersection of rt 322) make a right on 322 and continue straight and that will bring you into Ephrata. It is maybe 1 1/2 to 2 miles past the Wal-Mart and will be on your right hand side, you will see the movie theater, and from what it looks like, this place is in that same building. I hope this helps if you need more directions, let me know

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
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@Ishop2much...I just wanted to say how great it is that you posted the info, specific directions, etc. If more people did good deeds like that, the world would be a much better place!

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Thank you so much for the info ishop2much! I checked out the website and called today for more info. It is a little pricey but we may take a ride over there this weekend to check it out in person. We've been wanting an "excuse" to go to Shady Maple again. Love that place!!! Best food ever!!!! Thanks again to everyone for the ideas!

Laserdome - Lancaster, PA

My dd went to a boy's 15th birthday party here a number of years ago.
They have arcade games, laser tag and laser concerts.

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If you have a campground nearby, how about a camp out?

For my son's 16th back in Oct. we droppeda group of his closest friends (3 girls and 5 boys)off at Cedar Point (amusement park about an hr from our house) for their halloween themed event, but they got picked up in a stretch Hummer Limo! I had the limo filled with candy, pop, bottled water and cookies. They were not expecting it, and they got to get dropped off for a late night dinner at buffalo Wild Wings. The limo then took all the kids home!


Since he likes video games you could always get a limo to take them to a fun arcade or a fun restaurant. Do you have Dave and Busters nearby?

BTW none of that group of kids were "dating" they have all been best friends for quite a while! The limo driver kept the partition down since they were minors!

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Kristie
mom to Tyler (11/94) & Joycie (3/99)
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