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!

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.

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.

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.

Beer gardens may not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

If you're searching for some other family-friendly fare this season, bookmark this list of kid-friendly outdoor dining spots.

Finding the ideal Sweet 16 venue on Long Island is a fun but challenging assignment for any parent. Long Island has many beautiful spots and banquet halls to choose from to celebrate the milestone birthday. Party budget, style, and guest number help determine the perfect venue to make lasting memories with family and friends.

We’ve put together a list of the best Sweet 16 venues Long Island has to offer to give you a jump start on the planning. From traditional to modern spots and everything in between we have you covered for a small party or a big extravaganza.

Check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to Long Island for more adventures, fun, and ideas.

The best playgrounds in New Jersey go above and beyond, with design features offering way more than the basic park down the block. From awesome jungle gyms to zip lines, a carousel, and even a zoo, these stellar rec areas allow kids to slide, swing, splash, climb, and imagine the day away. 

For a comprehensive rundown on playgrounds with water features, check our rundown on 35+ sprinkler parks in New Jersey, and be sure to bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

Vacationing on Daniel Island, SC, grants families access to the best of all worlds: the stunning beaches of the nearby barrier islands, more parks and playgrounds than you can count, the fabled Charleston dining scene, bite-size American history lessons set in gorgeous waterside locations, and outdoor excursions, to name a few.

This planned community—a Charleston suburb surrounded by rivers, creeks, and beautiful marsh views—is peaceful and safe, but it’s also just a few minutes by car, boat, or ferry from Charleston proper and a short journey to activity-packed destinations including lively Mount Pleasant, beachy Sullivan's Island, idyllic Isle of Palms, and surfers’ haven Folly Beach.

Read on for our picks for the 35 best things to do with kids on Daniel Island, SC, including great Daniel Island restaurants and the best hotels on Daniel Island, SC for families. Our Southern States Vacation Guide includes even more great places to visit in South Carolina, like Charleston and Kiawah Island.