Teens and tweens are in that - interesting, shall we say - stage of life between being a go-with-the-flow kid and an independent adult. Sometimes they love anything and everything you do for them, and other times, they absolutely can't stand the sight of you. Parenting teens and tweens can be hard, but planning their birthday party doesn't have to be, because there are plenty of birthday party places near Houston.

With growing independence, the occasional energy for days, and the ability to safely participate in activities that may be just a bit too extreme for younger children (i.e., go-karts and paintball), teens and tweens are at the perfect age to venture out from indoor play spaces and parties at parks and plan a party at a Houston venue that offers a bit more adventure.

Here is a list of birthday party ideas for teens in Houston. For more Houston-area birthday party ideas for kids of all ages, be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Houston families.

With more than 900 animals, a water park, and carnival rides, Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is a must-see attraction for visitors and locals in south Florida. Located 90 minutes north of Miami (30 minutes outside West Palm Beach), Lion Country is the kind of place where a family can spend the entire day and still not see everything this park has to offer. Its drive-through wildlife preserve is one of our favorite drive-through zoo experiences. Visitors can expect to see rhinos, giraffes, and lions up close. And I mean close. Last time my family visited, an ostrich approached our car and started pecking at a parking pass in the window (much to my daughters' delight!)  Even more animals are on display in the park's walk-through zoo. And if you visit on a warm day, which is likely in south Florida, be sure to pack swimsuits; the splash pad and water slides here are some of the best in the area.

Here's more on what to do at Lion Country Safari—and for more ideas on Miami family activities, check out our South Florida and Miami guide.

Teen birthday party ideas in Westchester may seem tougher to come by than the princess- or pirate-themed fiestas that work for the younger set, but there are lots of options, including parties centered on art, games, rock climbing, or–believe it or not–skydiving.

Read on for the full list sure to please your older kid. And if you’re looking for more birthday ideas, check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, which includes info on where to get a great cake.

Long Island has some great beaches and beach communities beyond the ever-popular Hamptons options.

On both coasts of Nassau and western Suffolk counties, many communities boast gorgeous seashores and so much more. Attractions include bustling boardwalks, picture-perfect marinas, tons of shopping options, excellent dining spots, playgrounds and parks, and free outdoor music and events.

Read on for a rundown of a dozen Long Island beach towns not on the East End–plus a quickie guide to Fire Island. These communities are so charming you could check out a different one each week and still have a few left over to visit come fall. For more fun things to do this season, check out our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Family Activity Calendar.

If you are looking for an exciting family adventure while exploring native wildlife and vegetation, Everglades airboat tours are a MUST! While the Florida Everglades are a few hours from Orlando by car, the gateway to the Everglades is in Central Florida's backyard, and only accessible by airboat rides. Orlando is fortunate to have a variety of airboat tour companies, each specializing in specific airboat experiences to give your family the adventure of a lifetime.

For those who don't know, airboats, also known as fan boats, swamp boats, or plane boats, are powered by motors or engines that move massive propeller. The above-water propeller engine allow these flat-bottom boats to skim shallow waters, ideal for the Florida Everglades and other swamps. The airboat tours are loud, fast, and exciting, plus riders may get to see alligators, turtles, wild hogs, birds, and other native animals.

When it comes to birthday party ideas for teens, NYC kids are a discerning bunch. Luckily for you—and your kid—we've found 15 birthday party ideas for teens at venues new and old, all of which are sure to be a hit with the guest of honor and their (equally judgmental) friends. With party packages this cool, it's a shame you celebrate but once a year.

Find more awesome birthday party ideas for teens in our jam-packed Guide to NYC Birthday Party Places and more picks for any time teen fun in our Tween and Teen Guide.

Kids' parties evoke images of indoor gyms, party games, and cake. But what to do when your kid is no longer little? Teens want to have fun, too, and these birthday party places near Philadelphia will help you celebrate in an age-appropriate way. For more birthday party ideas for teens, tweens, or the tiniest party-goers, check out our guide to 30+ Indoor Kids' Birthday Party Places Near Philly. 

Judy Garland once crooned, “Meet me in St. Louis”—and understandably so. The second largest city in Missouri, St. Louis boasts beautiful Mississippi and Missouri River views and a fascinating history dating back to French fur traders in the 1760s. Plus, there are so many fun things to do in St. Louis with kids, making it a perfect family destination. Whether it's outdoor adventures, museums, theater, or sports, St. Louis has something that will pique any family's interests.

Here are 35 great things to do in St. Louis, MO with kids, including the best food and restaurants St. Louis has to offer and some unique St. Louis hotels. As a St. Louis local, I can also vouch that our city has plenty of free and affordable activities for families to enjoy.

For more Midwest family vacation ideas, check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide.