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10 Fun Back to School Party Ideas for Teens

July 26, 2019 By Nicole Etolen Leave a Comment

Get ready to send summer off in style with these fun back to school party ideas for teens!

Check out my favorite ideas, from one last grand pool party to smaller sleepovers with your besties!

Plan just one summer sendoff or go wild and host an epic week of parties!

Let’s check them out!

Get ready to send summer off in style with these fun back to school party ideas for teens! Check them out!

Table of Contents

  • Themed Back to School Party Ideas for Teens
    • 1. Epic End-of-Summer Pool Party
    • 2. Clothing Swap Party
    • 3. Spa & Makeover Weekend Party
    • 4. Totally Unplugged Weekend “Glamping” Party
    • 5. Back to School Movie Marathon
  • Back to School Party Games

Themed Back to School Party Ideas for Teens

Can you believe that it’s already time to start thinking about going back to school? Doesn’t it feel like summer just started???

Treat yourself and your friends to one last big blowout party with these fabulous ideas!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. 

1. Epic End-of-Summer Pool Party

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Friday Goals 👉🏻 Stay in pool and do nothing 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Would you like join me? 🧜🏻‍♀️ . Gorgeous pool party set up by the talented @wildchildparty for @vansgirls

A post shared by Cake Topper 🍩 Donut Wall Hire (@xoxodesign_au) on Apr 12, 2019 at 1:44am PDT

What’s summer without a pool party, right? Say “so long” to everyone’s favorite season with one last splash!

If you don’t have a pool in your backyard, call your local community pool or YMCA to ask about renting it for the day.

Food to serve at your pool party

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🌞⛱🏄🏻‍♂️ . . . #festapraia #cupcakepraia #beachpartyideas #beachcupcakes #confeitaria #katiadiasoficial

A post shared by Kátia Dias (@katiadiasoficial) on Mar 28, 2019 at 5:06am PDT

You have a couple of great options for pool party food! Keep it simple by grilling BBQ fare, or give the whole party a beach vibe with these yummy ideas:

  • Beach party cupcakes
  • Beach Bum Chex Mix
  • Beach Ball Party Tray

Check out these 7 fun pool party ideas for other supplies to grab & games to play.

2. Clothing Swap Party

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C l o t h e S w a p! . Aprovechamos una reunión de amigas para hacer un plan canje!! 💃🏻💃🏼. . Al día increíble lo acompañamos con alto almuerzo al sol y, cuando nuestras hermosas boquitas y cerebros se agotaron de tanta charla, coronamos la tarde intercambiando aquella ropa que alguna vez amamos pero ya no sparklea para nosotras. . Nada como compartir un momento con amigas! Un mimo súper especial, que en este caso concluyó con un souvenir inesperado 😉💚. . Hiciste ya la limpieza de tu ropero? Te animas a proponerle a tus amigas que c/u lleve lo que separó la próxima vez que se vean? Hay cosas que tienen historia… que seguro de mostrarlas nomas generan un: te acordas? 😂🤣 . Gracias @isalaharrague y @jo.cbalbiani por embellecer mi foto. Y @connierupar2018 y @lula_cavagna_ por la onda detrás de cámara! ❤️ U ALL! . #wearnext #clothesswapparty #migranodetierrafertil #tardedeamigas #friends #swapping #modasustentable #ecofashion

A post shared by iGoGreen (@igo.green) on May 17, 2019 at 3:40pm PDT

Back to school clothes shopping can get super expensive! Before you break out your debit card, though, do a little shopping in your friends’ closets.

Invite everyone to clean out their closet and bring a bag of clothes that are still in good condition.

Then hang everything up on a rack a la clothing store style or just lay it all out around the room.

Avoid issues of everyone diving in for the same item by putting names in a jar and randomly picking to decide who shops first, second, etc.

Everyone gets to pick ONE piece on their turn. Once each guest had a chance to choose, go around again until all the clothes are claimed.

Clothing Swap Party Food Ideas

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Hello 1k! ✨ Throwing it back to the board that started it all and looking ahead to the future of this little creative outlet that has sparked big dreams. ✨ I have so many ideas – first and foremost, teaching all of you how to bring a little magic into your world through beautiful cheese boards. Through this community I’ve also discovered so many wonderful, hardworking businesses who are producing the highest quality cheese board components – from honeys and jams (like @beeseasonalhoney, @savannahbeeco and @bleuberet) to cheeses, meats and crackers (@cypressgrovers, @dorothycreamery, @laquercia and @rusticbakery to name a few). I can’t wait to continue learning and sharing these products with all of you. ✨ So thanks for following along! If there are things you’d love to see from me, let me know in the comments! 🧀👸🏻 . #nationalwineandcheeseday

A post shared by The Cheese Board Queen (@cheeseboardqueen) on Jul 25, 2019 at 11:23am PDT

Since you’ll be handling clothes all day, you don’t want anything to messy or greasy! Try these appetizers:

  • Cheese, crackers & lunch meat board
  • Stuffed cherry tomatoes
  • Cake pops (all the mess stays on the stick!)

At the end of your party, put leftover clothes in a bag and take them to a clothing donation bin.

3. Spa & Makeover Weekend Party

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Recharge, relax and pamper yourself and your friends with a luxury spa experience and celebrate at home! 🌟⭐️🌟 Let the FUN come to you! We set up & breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #spaparty #birthdaygirl #birthdayideas #teepeeparty #sleepoverparty #partydecorations #partydecoration #birthdaypartyideas #birthdaypartydecor #teepeesleepover #pijamada #pijamadas #festademenina #festainfantil #fiestainfantil #fetedesenfants #kidspartyideas #kidsparty #kidsparties #kidsbirthdayparty #festadopijama #partyideasforkids #nyckids #nyckidsparties #teepeepicnic #luxurykidsparty #slumberparty #childrenparty #teenpartyideas #teensparty

A post shared by Dream and Party LLC (@dreamandpartyllc) on May 22, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT

Spend the last weekend before school starts getting your beauty on with a spa & makeover party!

On Saturday, it’s all about relaxing and rejuvenating, so break out the spa supplies and treat each other to facials, mani/pedis and more.

Then, on Sunday, spend the afternoon trying out new back to school beauty looks until you find just the right one for you.

Food for your spa party

Since we’re going for a spa vibe, go with light and airy treats! A few I love:

  • Mint cucumber water (see tutorial above)
  • Cranberry orange mini muffins
  • Healthy veggie wraps

Need more inspiration? Check out these spa party ideas!

4. Totally Unplugged Weekend “Glamping” Party

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We love making memories happen.✨ Here we helped Eva celebrate her Bat Mitzvah with her friends in style. With our gorgeous GlampOut and dining experience to enjoy, they shared a night they’ll always remember. 💖 📸: @sdkphotodesign #wondertentparties #glampout #batmitzvah #glamping #uniqueexperience #wow #outdoordining #sleepover #unforgettable #memories #memorymaking #socal #losangeles #orangecounty #createalittlewonder

A post shared by At Home Sleepovers & Glamping (@wondertentparties) on Jul 26, 2019 at 8:10am PDT

Once school starts, your phone will be blowing up with texts, reminders and notifications, so take a weekend to just unplug before the madness begins!

Sure, you could go rustic and just pitch a tent for regular camping, but that’s not really my thing. Glamping is so much more fun!

Just set up a party tent in your backyard (buy or rent one) and fill it with fluffy pillows, bean bag chairs and other comfy places to sleep!

Food for your glamping back to school party

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Pure summertime bliss here in my favorite place with my favorite @perfectbar 🌊🌲🌤😌 ⠀ 〰️We’ve been taking our s’mores game to the next level 🙌⠀ 〰️We brought loads of Perfect Bars with us camping this week so we’d always have a nutritious, satisfying snack on hand – we’ve been storing them in a container in the cooler but they’re fresh out of the fridge up to 1 week 👌 #itsjustperfect #ad #perfectbar #perfectsummer ⠀ 〰️CURIOUS – What’s your favorite summertime activity? Do you do lots of hiking? Boating? Beach days? Camping trips? This time of year is always so special to me – so many memories!! Do you have a place that holds a special place in your heart? ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #goodeats #foodtography #foodstyle  #feedfeed #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #thekitchn #eatpretty #tastemade #bhgfood #todayfood #food52 #foodstyling #summervibes #summertimefun #smores #howisummer #dessertstagram #dessertoftheday #glutenfreefoodie #glutenfreeliving #foodforfoodie #igfoodies @thekitchn @thefeedfeed.glutenfree @todayfood

A post shared by Ashley Walterhouse (@fitmittenkitchen) on Jul 25, 2019 at 6:58am PDT

Glamping is basically an upscale version of camping and the food really isn’t any different. Some totally leveled-up camping food ideas include:

  • Gourmet s’mores (check out these s’mores party ideas for inspiration)
  • Campfire Salted Caramel and Chocolate Fondue
  • Chilaquiles (perfect for breakfast)

Check out the video below for more ideas:

5. Back to School Movie Marathon

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See this incredible outdoor movie themed 30th birthday party on www.KarasPartyIdeas.com (direct link to the party in my Instagram profile) by #ashleydunawayeventstyling! #movienight #movieparty #partyideas #partyplanning #30thbirthday #karaspartyideas

A post shared by Kara's Party Ideas (@karaspartyideas) on Nov 20, 2014 at 9:50pm PST

Load up your Netflix queue with some of the best back to school movies and invite your friends over for a whole weekend marathon!

I love this idea because you can mix it with other party themes (like the spa theme or even the glamping theme if you have a projector for your phone).

Some of my favorite back to school movies include:

  • Mean Girls
  • Heathers (the original, not the series, I haven’t seen that yet)
  • The Breakfast Club
  • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • Paper Towns

Food for your movie party

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POPCORN BAR ///// I love creating bespoke food stations! I created this popcorn bar as a fun wedding installation for guests to have a little post ceremony snack whilst couple's photos were being taken. It included custom personalised sugar and cinnamon shakers and a handpainted sign. . . . . . . . . Styling and design @knotsandkisses Photographer @clarekinchinphotography Table @virginiasvintagehire Venue @coombetrenchardweddings ///// #popcornbar #popcornbars #foodstations #foodstyling #popcornstation #weddingstyling #weddingstylist #weddingdesigner #weddingdesign #weddinginspiration #weddinginspo #instawedding #weddingideas #weddingscheme #dailydoseofpretty #thatsdarling #stylemepretty #instaweddings #devonwedding #southwestwedding

A post shared by WEDDING STYLING & STATIONERY (@knotsandkisses) on Jun 2, 2019 at 11:32pm PDT

Stick with traditional movie foods, like popcorn and candy! Check out these yummy ways to serve it:

  • Set up a popcorn bar with different toppings
  • Or try a homemade pizza bar!
  • Toss your favorite candy into this yummy popcorn party mix!

Now, let’s talk a few games that work for any of these parties, shall we?

Back to School Party Games

Honestly, you don’t need to go crazy with party games to have a good time. If you’re having a pool party, just swim. Movie party? Just watch the flicks!

Still, if you want to plan a few activities for the lulls, try these!

Get ready to send summer off in style with these fun back to school party ideas for teens! Check them out!

1. School Supply Scavenger Hunt

Before the party, hide basic school supplies throughout your yard and/or house.

Don’t go overboard, just stick with cheap things like funky pens and cute notebooks. You can find bulk school supplies on Amazon!

During the party, arm each person with a list and send them out to find everything. The fun part? They get to keep what they find!

2. Would You Rather: The School Edition

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#wouldyourather #would #you #rather #kimnamjoon #kimnamjoon2020 #donaldtrump #bts #kimseokjin #minyoongi #junghoseok #parkjimin #kimtaehyung #jeonjungkook #rm #jin #yoongi #hobi #jhope #suga #jimin #mochi #taehyung #jungkook #tmt #straykids

A post shared by ~•𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕜𝕒 𝕞𝕚𝕜𝕚•~ (@btswouldyourrather) on Jul 26, 2019 at 6:54am PDT

For this game, you don’t need any supplies except a good imagination!

Some ideas include:

  • Would you rather eat cafeteria stew for every meal for the rest of your life or show up to school naked?
  • Would you rather spend eternity in Mrs. Smith’s math class or Mr. Brown’s gym class?
  • Would you rather be popular but dumb as a box of rocks or the smartest person in the world but a total pariah?
  • Would you rather use your phone after dropping it in the toilet or spend the entire school day in your underwear?

Check out more Would You Rather questions here! Most of them are adaptable for school situations!

3. Truth or Dare

Never underestimate the value of the classics! Truth or Dare is the epitome of teen party games!

Just keep it fun (and legal) by sticking to silly questions & dares rather than dangerous or mean ones.

Here are a few dares to get you started:

  • Crack an egg on your head
  • Do the chicken dance in the front yard (works best if you live on a public street)
  • Talk nonstop for 2 minutes straight saying whatever pops into your head
  • Prank call your parents (FYI, prank calls are kind of illegal in some places but your parents won’t press charges! Just don’t say anything that will give them a heart attack!)
  • Do everything that is asked of you for two minutes (again, keep it nice!)

4. Minute to Win It Games

Check out the video above for a TON of ideas!

Minute to Win It games are great because they use supplies you usually have on hand and, as the name implies, only take about a minute per turn!

5. School Songs Karaoke

Karaoke is always fun and it’s so easy thanks to YouTube and phone apps.

Load up your karaoke list with songs about school! For example:

  • Schools Out for Summer by Alice Cooper
  • Getting Better by the Beatles
  • Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd
  • Beauty School by Deftones
  • Education by Pearl Jam

With these themed back to school party ideas for teens and fun games to play at any party, your end of the summer bash will be a huge hit!

Do you have any favorite back to school party ideas for teens? Share below!

Filed Under: Celebrate, Party Ideas for Kids Tagged With: back to school, back to school party, teen party ideas

About Nicole Etolen

Nicole Etolen is a blogger, freelance writer, and all-around busy bee. She spent her teen and early adult life as a childcare provider before finally have her own little boy (now 7), so she knows what kids like!

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