Planning for any child’s birthday party can be a trying task, but finding teen birthday party ideas that your snarky teens won't deride is practically impossible. Teenagers are a particularly tough group to plan for—and you have to account for the fact that tastes vary wildly and what is exciting for one teen is a total bore for another. Luckily, Los Angeles is jam-packed with things to do with tweens and teens, and that includes places where you can hold teen birthday parties that your celebrant will truly adore.

From comedy clubs to private pool cabanas and tech wonderlands to falcon flying fetes, we've rounded up teen birthday party ideas (even sweet 16 birthday ideas) that are tried and true for teens. To get more ideas for your party, like where to get the best birthday cakes in LA, visit our Guide to Birthday Party Ideas in Los Angeles for Kids. Because big kids love birthday cake, too.

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most crowded, most confusing, and most chaotic. As a self-proclaimed "Disney kid" I've been to the Mouse House more times than I can count. I've gone in giant groups, with only one other person, with my troupe of four kiddos, with teenagers, with strollers, with Lightning Lane passes, with no plan, with a very detailed plan, you name it, I've done it. Which is why I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite Disneyland hacks with you.

Whether you are a new parent taking your baby for the first time, a Disney adult eager to share the magic with your kiddos, or a first time visitor (don't forget to grab a pin!), this article will sprinkle your next Disneyland day with an extra-dose of pixie dust. 

While most of these tips are for Disneyland, you can also see Disney California Adventure like local with these tips. You can also check out these tips for bringing a baby to Disneyland. Plus, discover other fun things to do in Anaheim with kids, and browse our Southern California Theme and Water Park Guide. 

Redondo Beach is a sunny seaside gem offering a wealth of family-friendly fun. It may even feel like a vacation within a staycation. This South Bay favorite locale is perfect for a day with kids. It's more laid-back and less busy than, say, Santa Monica if you want to enjoy a day at the ocean without crowds and tourists. 

From sandy beaches and the kid-favorite Seaside Lagoon to a dinosaur museum, playgrounds, and glass-bottom boat rides, there is no shortage of ways to play, explore, and make lasting memories. Whether your family loves nature, adventure, or laid-back coastal vibes, Redondo Beach offers something for every little explorer. 

For more coastal gems in Los Angeles, explore Palos Verdes with Kids, discover things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids, and browse our Beach Guide to Los Angeles and Orange County. 

Playgrounds in Los Angeles provide endless entertainment for kids of all ages. Remember the days of busted swings and boring slides? Well, kids growing up in LA will never have those memories; the best playgrounds in Los Angeles (which are open again, hallelujah) are bastions of play and creativity for kids of all ages and abilities.

These LA playgrounds feature rocket ships and pirate ships, fire trucks and trains, sea creatures, and more. There are climbing structures, sand pits, thrilling ziplines, and playgrounds that honor the original inhabitants of the land. While the neighborhood playground is great for every day use, sometimes cooped-up kids need something new. And these playgrounds have the ultimate accolade: they're worth crossing the 405!

For more playground inspiration, check our guide to LA's top parks and playgrounds, or our list of the best beach playgrounds in Los Angeles and Orange County. 

Water parks provide a wet and wild aquatic adventure on a sweltering Southern California day. Sure, our SoCal beaches are the best, and swimming in a lake is loads of fun, but you won't have to lug any gear across hot sand that stretches forever when going to a water park!

Water parks have wave pools, family raft rides, lazy rivers, mini slides for little ones, and thrilling slides for teens. Some of our favorite water parks near Los Angeles are smaller parks just for kids (like Buccaneer's Cove), and others are popular theme park extensions (like the Legoland Water Park or the water park at Sesame Place San Diego). There are so many ways to soak in all the fun. 

Start your little ones in the water early with baby and toddler swimming lessons, and test out the waters at free splash pads and water playgrounds in Los Angeles. Plus, dive into more adventures on land and in water in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.  

Nick Itkin, 2-time Olympian medalist, is hosting free fencing classes for kids with the newly launched Nick Itkin Foundation at the Los Angeles International Fencing Center. These classes are open to kids ages 6 & up, with equipment being provided by the club. Classes are held every Sunday and are entirely funded by non-profit donations from the community. I have been fencing for 10 years, and I can attest that there is no better sport for kids' minds and bodies.

And the chance to get (free!) instruction from Olympic fencer (and awesome guy) Nick Itkin? Amazing. He gives kids an introduction to the sport and all the basic forms and rules.

I got to speak with Nick Itkin about why he's offering these classes. He walked me through why this is the best sport on earth (I agree!) and how you can get your kids signed up for these lessons. Read on, and if you're looking for more great free activities for kids, check out the Mommy Poppins Los Angeles Guide to Free Activities for Kids.