Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 19 Cool Party Places for Teens

Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time.  Photo courtesy of iFly

High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids. 

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas. 

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!

Cute, Delicious Birthday Cakes for Orlando Kids

Celebrate your child's birthday with a dream birthday cake in Orlando!

Planning an Orlando birthday party for kids can be challenging, and finding the perfect birthday cake is often at the top of the to-do list. Orlando bakeries offer numerous options to satisfy young tastes and make birthday celebrations extra special. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Orlando to order traditional and non-traditional birthday cakes for kids.

Best Philadelphia Boat Rides and Cruises for Families

Enjoy a trip through scenic Chester County. Photo courtesy of Northbrook Canoe Company.

If you and your family love to get out on the water in the summertime, there are some great options for family boating in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for a fun way to explore on a warm day, this is it. While you're at it, you can check out some of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey or the best places to go swimming in a lake near Philadelphia to cool off when you're done!

For more summer fun, don't forget to check out our Ultimate Philly Summer Guide, full of activities and fun for the season.

Peach Picking Near Atlanta: The Peach State Delivers on Peach Farms

Fill your basket with Georgia Peaches at Dickey Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Peach picking in Atlanta just makes sense — after all, Georgia is the Peach State! It seems every street has "Peachtree" in the name; heck, the fuzzy fruit appears on our license plates. Peach picking near Atlanta occurs from mid-May to early August, though timing can be affected by issues regarding weather, crop health, etc. We're lucky to have access to great u-pick peach farms near Atlanta. Beyond peach picking, many Atlanta farms also offer entertaining, family-friendly.

Heat Wave Hot List: 30 Cool Things to Do in DC to Beat the Heat with Kids

DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Teen Boredom Busted with TeenTix's $5 Tickets

Kids can get $5 tickets to amazing shows and museums around town with the TeenTix pass, free for teens in LA!

TeenTix LA is the best arts access program you’ve never heard of. Tickets to plays, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, museums, and more… all for only five dollars a ticket for kids ages 13 to 19.

No longer will your teens lounge around the house playing Xbox; instead, they’ll be laughing their pants off in the front row of a theater or feeling connected to a deeply personal show. If you relish watching shows with your kids, you’ll be thrilled to know that every TeenTix LA arts partner has to designate one day a week that is a 2-for-$10 deal, so you can go, too. Because nothing says “I’m a cool teen” like a night out on the town with your mom!

For more stuff for your teens in LA, from our list of the 20 Coolest Things To Do in Los Angeles for Teens to a roundup of the Best Teen Birthday Party Ideas in LA, check out our Los Angeles Guide for Teens & Tweens.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for San Francisco Families

A San Francisco summer means outdoor movies. Photo courtesy of Do the Bay & the San Francisco Parks Alliance

Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a San Francisco summer evening. Kids love seeing a big blockbuster on a big screen next to the ocean waves, in parks, and under the stars. In this case, screen time is not only allowed but highly encouraged. 

We've rounded up the best family-friendly outdoor movie screenings in the Bay Area, so grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack some snacks, and get ready for a summer family date night. 

For more summer essentials, discover the best Bay Area beaches for kids, visit the top splash pads in San Francisco, and bask in summer traditions with our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Vacation Guide.   

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