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1. Urban Air – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Not just for little kids, this mega trampoline park is a great place to host birthday parties for tweens and teens. Older kids enjoy jumping around and trying out all the attractions and games. Party packages start at $630 and include 2 hours of either a table or room rental, depending on the package. For older kids, book a party on a weekend night to avoid little kids' parties, which are more likely to take place in the morning or afternoon.

2. Chinatown Fair – Chinatown

One of the most old-school birthday party ideas for teens on our list, Chinatown Fair offers 40 games, including Guitar Hero and Jurassic Park, along with skeeball, driving, shoot-'em-up games, and tabletop games such as air hockey. Birthday parties require a 10-kid minimum and cost $44 per guest. The standard package includes a $60 game card for each guest, minimal decorations, paper goods, and 1,500 tickets for the guest of honor at the prize-redemption area. Hosts supply food, drinks, and cake or cupcakes. Only one party is allowed at a time, so guests have the whole arcade to themselves.

3. Launch – Howard Beach, Queens

When it comes to action-packed birthday party ideas for teens, Launch Trampoline Park catapults itself up our list. It offers four different birthday party packages starting at $499. All parties include at least 75 minutes of jump time, and 45 minutes in a private party room, plus a dedicated host, pizza, and drinks. The higher-tier package gets you extras like $10 arcade cards and ice cream cake for dessert.

RELATED: 17 Ultra-Cool Things To Do in NYC with Teens

Gaming with friends is a great way to spend a birthday. Photo courtesy of Hex

4. Hex & Co. – Multiple Locations

If you have a game-loving tween or teen, they probably already know about Hex & Co., and they would love to spend their birthday gaming away. Hex & Co.'s staff helps you plan a customized party, from free play to specific themes (e.g., Pokeman or Magic: The Gathering), and there are loads of party-perfect items on the menu. Prices vary based on time and day, but start as low as $10 per person and include a staff member to teach/guide games. Check out our roundup of board game cafes for similar birthday party ideas for teens in NYC.

5. Area 53 – Williamsburg and Dumbo

Jam-packed with birthday fun, Area 53 offers paintball in a full adventure park, an indoor ropes and ninja course, roller skating, and a laser maze. Throw in pool tables, pingpong, and an arcade, and you've got yourself a party. Birthday party packages for all of these sports—which include food and beverages (you really work up a sweat), gameplay, and all necessary equipment—start at $45.90 per player for 10 kids. This is a great option for tweens and older since children need to be at least 12 years old for paintball. There are height restrictions for other activities.

6. Kick Axe Throwing – Gowanus, Brooklyn

This neighborhood hot spot has a rustic, hipster vibe with a grown-up feel for a teen birthday party idea that doesn't feel like a "kiddie" party. Kids as young as 8 can throw, though adult supervision is required. Review the venue's FAQs before booking. Private axe-throwing ranges start at $300 for 1 hour. The venue offers a few food choices, including thin-crust pizza from Table 87. If you want to put together a more solid noshing plan, you can arrange for catering through the events department.

RELATED: Old-School NYC Arcades Where Kids Can Game

There are thrills to be had during a birthday party at Streb. Photo courtesy of Streb

7. Streb – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The activities offered during this acrobatic dance school's parties differ from your usual running, jumping, and climbing. At Streb, kids bounce off trampolines, fly on the trapeze, and learn patented Pop Action or Trapeze Flying Hero moves developed by choreographer Elizabeth Streb. Parties start at $825 for instruction and equipment used in an activity of your choice. Streb partners with a local pizzeria to provide food.

8. Melody Lanes – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

There are a good number of bowling alleys throughout the five boroughs, but many have an over-21 rule after certain hours. Melody Lanes offers an old-school, age-appropriate vibe, with a small arcade and specials such as glow-in-the-dark bowling on weekend evenings. Party packages are 2 hours max and $30 per person (there's a 12-person minimum). These birthday party ideas for teens include shoe rental, bowling, a choice of hot dog, pizza, or chicken nuggets, plus a soda and fries.

9. Playday – Multiple Locations

This drop-in art and creativity center offers parties full use of the space for two hours. Parties include three creative activities with choices like clay sculptures, bookmaking, weaving, yoga, and more. Parties start at $950, and you're responsible for bringing food, drinks, cake, cutlery, and paper plates.

10. Beat The Bomb – Dumbo, Brooklyn

A combination of an escape room, gaming technology, game shows, and theater, this is one of our craziest birthday party ideas for teens, thanks to its surprise ending. If you fail to defuse the bomb, you'll be blasted by colorful paint. Players are outfitted in hazmat suits before entry and given one hour to beat the security system or risk being blasted. Up to six players can participate at a time, though larger groups can enjoy a head-to-head game. Though recommended for ages 10+, those as young as 8 can participate. (Special adjustments need to be made to the sensors for those under 4 feet tall, so if your party includes younger kids, be sure to let the staff know when booking.) Birthday party packages are available.

11. Spyscape – Midtown West

Plan a spy-themed birthday party for your tween or tween at Spyspace—a real museum about spy technology, stories, and people combined with immersive experiences. For Spyscape birthday parties, kids start with an immersive briefing and then explore seven thrilling zones—encryption, deception, surveillance, hacking, special ops, and more—each packed with authentic spy challenges, gadgets, and stories. There is dedicated staff to help with the party, and private rooms are available. It costs $67 per person with a minimum of 16 people. Or, opt for a Spygames Birthday package, starting at $59 per person. Both packages do not include food or drink, but you're welcome to bring your own.

Climb up 45-foot-high walls for a birthday celebration at Movement Gowanus. Photo by Diana Kim

12. Movement Gyms – Multiple Locations

A party centered on wall climbing will keep older kids active and entertained. All NYC locations of the Movement climbing gyms host birthday parties that include a private climbing area, two hours of staff-supervised climbing, and a party area to enjoy refreshments. The gyms do not provide food, so bring your own pizza, cake, and drinks. Note that the Harlem location offers only bouldering, while the Gowanus and Long Island City locations offer all types of climbing.

13. New York Ninja Academy – Midtown West

The New York Ninja Academy teaches ninja techniques like swinging, climbing, agility, balance, and strength—all to finish the whole course. The academy offers a party package that includes 90 minutes on the ninja warrior obstacles with assistance from ninja staff and a course run at the end, complete with lights, sound effects, and the thrill of hitting the buzzer at the top of the warped wall. Prices start at $950 for up to 15 kids. Keep in mind that there is no party room here, so no food or cake is permitted, and all 90 minutes of the party are spent on the gym floor. Looking for a similar option in Brooklyn? Consider its sister site, Brooklyn Ninja Gym in Park Slope.

14. Skating Party at LeFrak Center – Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Consider this venue two birthday party ideas for teens in one: Roller skating—or ice skating when the weather gets chillier—makes a great birthday party for an older kid. The newly renovated destination offers indoor and outdoor event spaces, plus access to a full-service cafe, party planners, and event hosts.

This post was originally published in February 2018 and has since been updated.