I’m going to have a teenager in the house soon. I think most parents grapple with the first child reaching teen years. And one of the first obstacles: Planning a birthday party for said teenager. In case you’ve got a teen to plan for as well (who may or may not be highly-opinionated), I’ll share the ideas I’ve come up with for the best places for a teenage birthday party in Omaha and nearby.
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Comparing prices is a little difficult since some places charge per person and some set a package price. Here’s how the pricing is loosely organized:
- $: $100-$199
- $$: $200-$299
- $$$: $300-$399
- $$$$: $400-$499
- $$$$$: $500+
Places to have a teen birthday party
Active, Gaming & Virtual Reality Parties
For teens who aren't likely to celerate sitting down, this list includes active parties -- virtual reality and real life.
Game Truck Party
Have a kid who loves playing video games? Game Truck brings the video game party to you (in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs). It's a mobile gaming truck with a Game Coach to run it all for you. Party last for two hours.
How many guests: Up to 12
Cost: $$$$
Omaha VR
Omaha VR is a virtual reality gaming spot. You get Omaha VR to yourself when you book a party, and that includes two hours with four headsets (you can rent more). Multi-player and single player experiences.
Plus, bonus: You can bring in outside food and drink.
How many guests: Recommended up to 8
Cost: $$$
Infinite Loop Virtual Reality
Infinite Loop VR is my kids' facorite virtual reality gaming place, and they offfer several tiers of party packages. Parties come with 45 minutes in the party room and at least one hour of gaming with 4-9 stations. You can even add Tower Tag and Free Roam.
How many guests: 4-12
Cost: $$-$$$$$
Topgolf Teen Party
Teen party packages include two hours of play at Topgolf in your own bay, plus a special menu. Price depend on the amount of party guests.
How many guests: 12-18 people
Cost: $$$$-$$$$$
Party at Bowlero
Bowlero (formerly called The Mark) offers teen parties that combine a custom menu, bowling, and an arcade card.
How many guests: 10 or more (price is not reduced if there are fewer than the minnimum of 10 guests)
Cost: $$$
Archery Games
Archery Games is like Nerf Blasters meets Paintball. Party includes instructions on using the archery kits, and then reffed games in the arena. It's a ton of fun.
How many guests: Up to 20 guests
Cost: $$-$$$$
Entertainment Centers
Sometimes you want options for a party. Entertainment centers offer a variety of activities for your teen and their friends, plus food is typically included in a party package.
Dave & Buster's
Dave and Busters is known for its games that are less kiddie, making it a good spot for an older crowd. Each party guest gets a game card. The party package you book depends on how many teens and chaperones attend.
How many guests: 10-20+
Cost: $$$-$$$$
Papio Fun Park
Papio Fun Park is locally-owned entertainment center, with packages geared toward older kids that include unlimited lazer tag, go-karts and more. Food packages can be added to your party (outside food is not permitted).
How many guests: Up to 10 guests
Cost: $$-$$$
More Unique Teen Birthday Places
For the party venues and activity ideas that just don't fit well in another category, there's this one: The unique parties. This list includes places that offer private events.
TreeRush Adventures
For the adventurous, there's TreeRush. It's a combo of ropes courses and ziplines through Fontenelle Forest. It's a challenge and it's fun. Party packages include a table.
How many guests: No real limit (you pay per person)
Cost: $$-$$$
Spielbound Board Game Cafe
For a low-key birthday party for a group, reserve a room a Spielbound. It's a board game cafe, with thousands of games to choose from. Card games, board games, dice games, whatever. Plus, as a cafe, there's flavored coffee drinks, pizza and pop to energize the teens.
When we had a party there, they allowed us to bring in our own snacks as long as we brought our own plates.
How many guests: 6-12 people
Cost: $-$$ (room rental does not include the day pass needed for each teen)
Movie Theater Rental
Locally-owned ACX Cinema 12+ and Aksarben Cinema offer birthday party packages that include a room rental, admission, pop and popcorn.
How many guests: Depend
Cost: $$
The Makery
Creative types love The Makery, and the space is large enough for parties. Private parties are open for 8 or more teens and that includes a kids craft. Depending on the ages of guests, they may prefer adult crafts for something more complex to paint.
If you're bringing fewer than 8 teens to paint, you can opt for a drop-in session and just pay for the crafts they make. They'll even set aside a couple of tables for you. Outside food and drinks are allowed, too.
How many guests: Up to 8 for drop-in or 8+ for private party
Cost: $$-$$$
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are growing in popularity. Plan an escape room birthday party for your teen's group of friends at one of these locations:
- The Cryptic Room, 523 S. Main St, Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Entrap Escape Rooms, 7905 L St., Suite 110, Ralston, Neb.
- Escape de Facto, 10000 California St., Suite 2801 (at Westroads Mall)
- The Escape Omaha, 6315 Center St,
- Get Out: Omaha, 501 S. 13th St.
- House of Conundrum, 2564 Leavenworth St.
- Locked Room Omaha, 741 N. 120th St.
- Mind Meld Escape Rooms, 2819 S. 125th Ave., Suite 353
Teen Birthday Ideas (Seasonal Places)
Some birthday experiences can only happen a certain time of year, whether it's an outdoor pool party or a bonfire at a pumpkin patch. The following places are favorites among teens, but aren't open year-round.
Bellevue Public Pool Rental
During the summer pool season, the City of Bellevue offers two-hour pool rentals (plus cost of lifeguards) at its three pools. Pool parties are in the evenings.
Amount of guests: Varies
Cost: $$ (pool rental is $100, then there's additional fee depending on number of lifeguards)
Best for summer birthdays.
Glamping With Prairie Fireflies
Glamping is like camping but way more comfortable (and Instagrammable). There's a glamp tent at Lake Cunningham that sleeps 2-4 people (and one a little smaller), or you can have the glamping tent set up in your backyard.
Amount of people: 2-4
Cost: $$-$$$
Best for early summer through fall birthdays.
Private Campfire at Vala's Pumpkin Patch
A private campfire allows for a place for your group to gather, eat, and rest at Vala's Pumpkin Patch. It's a good meeting spot for teens who want to leave parents behind as they go off on their own.
Amount of people: Varies
Cost: $-$$$$
Best for late-summer and fall birthdays.
Day At Fun-Plex
Fun-Plex is Nebraska's largest waterpark, and with a number of rides and activities, there's plenty of fun waiting for a group of teens. Consider this the amusement park birthday party option!
Fun-Plex offers a variety of admission options depending on the time of visit, amount of tickets purchased, age of guests, and promotions.
Amount of people: Varies
Cost: $$$-$$$$
Best for summer birthdays.
