A trip to an amusement park is an appropriate 14th birthday outing.
A 14th birthday is not a landmark birthday like 18 or 21--no special privileges like voting or legally consuming alcohol go along with turning 14 years old. Still, the 14th birthday, like every birthday, is worth celebrating because it means another year of life. Use creativity and thoughtfulness to offer age-appropriate birthday ideas. Does this Spark an idea?
Amusement Park
Amusements parks offer many attractions that are appealing to 14-year-olds, such as roller coasters, water rides and carnival games. A group outing for family members of friends of the birthday teen is an appropriate activity to celebrate a 14th birthday. Many amusement parks offer special group rates and VIP passes. The VIP access allows ticketholders to skip to the front of lines for rides and gives priority seating at restaurants, among other benefits. The gathering of friends and family, the rides and such special treatment combine to make a memorable way to celebrate a 14th birthday.
Concert
For many teenagers, music is a large part of their lives. Purchase concert tickets for the 14-year-old and a small number of friends and family members who are close in age. Select a concert that features musical artists the 14-year-old likes. Give the birthday teen the independence she desires by allowing her to view the concert with her friends without a parent in tow. Some venues offer special areas for parents to wait for their children. If you are also interested in the musical act or would like to monitor the 14-year-old more closely, purchase a seat near the teenagers.
House Party
A supervised house party is an appropriate way to celebrate a 14th birthday. School friends, neighbor children and family members who will not embarrass the 14-year-old can be the invitees. Parents should go through the guest list with the teenager and make final decisions on who is invited. The Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base discourages parents from having alcohol at parties for minors (to do so is illegal), and also advises that parents purchase liability insurance in case of accidents during the party. Provide desserts and figure foods that the 14-year-old likes. Plan the menu beforehand. Explain all house rules to guests, such as removing shoes or not entering certain parts of the home.
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