35 Exciting 17th Birthday Ideas in 2025

Looking for fun 17th birthday ideas to make your special day one to remember? Your 17th birthday is the last birthday of your childhood, so live it up and have fun while your parents are still footing the bill! Throw the most unique party your friends have ever seen with this out-of-the-box list of birthday ideas for a 17th birthday.

Explore special birthday activity ideas that fit any budget. From low-cost backyard barbecues to expensive spa days, there are options for everyone to enjoy. No matter your budget, friend group or interests there is the perfect party idea out there to make your birthday unforgettable.

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• 17th Birthday Ideas for Foodies
• 17th Birthday Party Ideas at Home
• Adventurous 17th Birthday Ideas 
• Cheap 17th Birthday Ideas 
• Unique 17th Birthday Ideas

17th Birthday Ideas for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

Learn to express yourself in the kitchen with a cooking class. Master new skills in the kitchen such as knife skills, grilling meats and baking impressive desserts. Choose from a wide range of cuisines including Japanese, French and British. Cook through a multi-course meal including an appetizer, entrée and dessert while having a blast in the kitchen.

Discover cooking classes near you and book a one-of-a-kind party you won’t forget. Make sure to check that your cooking class is kid-friendly before booking to ensure a quality experience.

2. Have a Private Chef Meal

Treat yourself to an unforgettable birthday dinner with your very own private chef. Skip the stress of planning an elaborate birthday meal and, instead, leave the cooking to a professional.

Indulge in a three-course meal that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert of restaurant-quality cuisine. Choose from a wide variety of gourmet menus to fit your gathering and satisfy all your birthday guests. Explore private chefs near you and book the dinner of a lifetime for your 17th birthday.

3. Go on a Food Tour

Embark on a tasty adventure with this 17th birthday party idea. Discover food tours near you and find an expert culinary tour guide to lead you around a city of your choice. Explore new spots in your hometown or branch out and taste the spice of life while on vacation with a food tour. Discover local farmers markets, artisan bakeries, coffee shops, upscale restaurants and authentic food carts. What better way to celebrate your birthday?

4. Take an Online Cooking Classes

Want to experience the thrill of a hands-on cooking class from the comfort of your own home? Try online cooking classes for teens for an innovative birthday idea. Learn to make top-notch meals from a five-star professional chef in an interactive environment.

Connect with friends and family in other locations by taking an online class together. Explore many different options including online baking classes, pasta-making classes and even sushi-making classes that are sure to be a blast on your big day.

5. Hold a Cooking Competition 

Tie on your aprons and ready your spatulas with a birthday-themed cooking competition. Gather together with friends and have a blast in the kitchen that ends with a tasty meal. Compete in a timed cooking competition or keep things chill with a dessert decorating competition that inspires your artistic side with this 17th birthday idea.

6. Make Pizza 

Looking for dinner party ideas to set your 17th birthday party apart? Let the dough fly with a pizza party-themed 17th birthday idea. This idea works great for picky eaters or those with differing tastes. Simply buy a bunch of different pizza toppings and let every guest make their own personal pizza to enjoy. 

7. Bake Sweet Treats

Interested in extra sweet ideas for a 17th birthday? Recreate your favorite baking show by having a baking-themed 17th birthday party idea. Dive into trendy TikTok desserts or learn to make an intricate French pastry while having a blast with friends.

Explore birthday cake ideas and make the cake of your dreams with a baking party. Set up a baking competition by seeing who can make the best showstopping dessert or collaborate and work as a team to make a custom birthday cake that everyone can enjoy.

17th Birthday Party Ideas at Home

8. Throw a Movie Night

What better way to celebrate turning another year older than with a movie marathon? Grab all your friends for this 17th birthday party idea and get the popcorn popping. Watching a movie at home can be a fun and relaxing party to enjoy with plenty of snacks. 

9. Host a Game Night

Board games are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Hosting a game night is a great teen birthday party idea that is fun, interactive and easy. Just grab your favorite games and let the fun begin. Raise the stakes by providing prizes for the winners of each game.

10. Play Video Games

Looking for virtual birthday party ideas that include long-distance friends and family? Try a video game night for your 17th birthday. This party can be enjoyed with friends in person or friends in different cities and is an easy idea for a great party. 

11. Have a Reading Party 

Celebrate your favorite book with a reading party. Make themed desserts and dress up as your favorite character with this bookish 17th birthday party idea. Enjoy some quiet reading time in good company or host a lively debate about plot points while enjoying time with your friends.

12. Host a Murder Mystery Party

Hosting a murder mystery is an interactive party idea that everyone will love. Spark mystery and intrigue with this hands-on activity. Take the party planning one step further by filling the menu with mystery-themed treats and encouraging guests to wear their favorite mystery-inspired costumes for an unforgettable experience.

13. Sing Karaoke 

Sing your heart out with this karaoke-themed birthday idea. Skip the awkwardness of singing karaoke in public and rent a personal karaoke machine to use at home. Sing and dance the night away like the shining birthday star you are.

14. Grill Up a Backyard Barbecue

Looking for easy birthday party food ideas? Hosting a backyard barbecue is a great 17th birthday idea that is cost-conscious and inclusive. Throw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill while enjoying the fresh air. Incorporate fun outdoor games like volleyball, cornhole or giant Jenga to make the party unforgettable. 

Adventurous 17th Birthday Ideas 

15. Jump Into Indoor Skydiving 

Want a dose of adrenaline on your birthday? This option will leave thrill-seeking teens mindblown with a fun yet safe experience. Search for an indoor skydiving facility near you and book the ultimate party. Be sure to check that everyone underage has the correct documentation to sign waivers before participating. 

16. Sing-Along at a Concert

Grab concert tickets to see your favorite artist with friends with this next 17th birthday idea. Seeing a live concert is a formative experience for many teens and can be a great way to make their birthday unforgettable. Make matching T-shirts, thrift sparkly outfits and craft a one-of-a-kind sign to make this birthday one to remember. 

17. Find the Treasure With a Scavenger Hunt

Interested in finding exciting things to do for your 17th birthday? Embark on a quest to find the hidden treasure with an interactive scavenger hunt. Set up clues and explore fun places around town with this cool 17th birthday idea. Collect clues from local hotspots and have fun working together as a team to win a prize.

18. Experience Thrills at an Amusement Park

Is there anything more exhilarating than riding a roller coaster? Visiting an amusement park can be a great age-appropriate 17th birthday idea. Spend the day riding hair-raising coasters and playing classic carnival games with friends at this big birthday bash. Looking to beat the heat with a summer birthday? Try a water park and enjoy all the fun of an amusement park with the added bonus of cooling down in the pool. 

19. Go Camping 

Connecting with nature is a great thing to do for your 17th birthday. Camping can be as rustic or relaxing as you choose. Explore the wilderness with a hike and enjoy the challenge of living off of only what's in your rucksack. If you prefer a more relaxed 17th birthday idea, try a chic glamping destination that combines the beauty of the great outdoors with modern-day creature comforts.

20. Try Surfing 

If your perfect 17th birthday idea includes catching a way, this next one's for you. Round up all your friends and hit the coast for a day of fun in the sun. Take a beginner’s surfing lesson before hitting the waves and putting your new-found skills to the test. If you're interested in a more beginner-friendly water sport, then why not try paddle boarding? 

21. Dance the Night Away 

Lace up your dancing shoes with this energetic 17th birthday idea. Going out dancing can be a fun way for teens to express themselves and have fun with their friends. Check out local venues that offer line dancing, salsa dancing or even hip-hop zumba for kids and young adults.

Dress up in cowboy boots and hats for line dancing or grab your heels and flowy dress and bring the heat to a salsa dancing class. Dance like nobody's watching to make the most of this 17th birthday idea.

Cheap 17th Birthday Ideas

22. Party at the Pool

Looking for a cheap 17th birthday idea that helps you beat the heat without breaking the bank? Throw a birthday party at your local public pool and experience hours of low-cost fun. Explore pool party ideas to set your party apart, like creative food ideas, tropical mocktail recipes and the best poolside tunes to get the party going. 

23. Skate Around 

Visiting the skating rink is a vintage 17th birthday idea that's making a big comeback. Glide under the black lights of the rink while listening to today's hottest hits at the skating rink. Check out party packages at your local rink and enjoy special perks on your big day.

24. Plan a Sleepover 

A sleepover is a quintessential 17th birthday idea that's both low maintenance and low cost. Host a themed sleepover like an 80’s night or Tumblr night and have guests dress up in their favorite blast-from-the-past outfits. Prepare your favorite party food and spend the night binge-watching shows, playing games and snacking with your friends.

25. Show a Movie Outside 

There’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite film on the big screen. This 17th birthday combines the magic of the cinema with the peace of nature. Keep the cost low by hanging up a sheet and projecting a film onto it using a cheap phone projector. Make a cozy bonfire to roast marshmallows and bring out plenty of blankets and pillows to relax on while the movie plays.

26. Volunteer at the Shelter

Want to cuddle with puppies for free on your birthday? Gather a group of friends and head to the shelter for a fun 17th birthday idea that is great for animal lovers who want to give back to their community. Shelter dogs and cats need lots of human interaction, so volunteering at your local shelter can be a great way to get your fluffy fix while doing a good deed.

27. Get Creative With Crafts

Release your inner artist with this craft-themed 17th birthday idea. Crafting is a fun and creative way to celebrate another turn around the sun. Make personalized earrings out of clay, paint a portrait or crochet friendship bracelets with this artsy 17th birthday idea. It's easy to achieve at home if you have a smaller budget, and the best part is that everyone will leave with their own special creations to remember the day by. 

28. Ride Bikes 

Explore your local downtown with a bike tour of the city. Feel the breeze in your hair while cruising around town with this 17th birthday idea. Rent bikes for the day and have fun traveling to local hotspots like coffee shops, the library or the park. Chart a course around town and take plenty of pictures with this Instagrammable 17th birthday idea. 

Unique 17th Birthday Ideas

29. Go Horseback Riding

Do you love horses? If so, there's only one thing to do for your 17th birthday: saddle up and ride for adventure with a horseback riding birthday party. Visit your local farm and learn to ride a horse like a professional with this unique 17th birthday idea.

Horseback riding experiences can also be found at many tourist destinations like beaches, mountains and popular outdoor nature areas. This makes it a great idea for those who are celebrating their birthday while on vacation.

30. Visit a Museum

Celebrate your birthday with quiet intellectual vibes by visiting your local museum. Dive into fascinating educational topics like history, art or local landmarks. Purchase a guided tour or go at your own pace with this 17th birthday idea. Check out cool souvenirs in the gift shop and grab a meal at the museum café while celebrating your big day. Many museums offer student discounts so be sure to bring your school ID for a reduced ticket price. 

31. Paint and Sip (Mocktails)

Paint and sips are all the rage, and while they are popular for their inclusion of alcoholic beverages, they can also be made kid-friendly. Sip on refreshing mocktails while learning tips and tricks from a professional artist in this one-of-a-kind experience. Be sure to book the party option for people under 21 for the best teen-friendly experience experience.

32. Relax at the Spa

Experience the self-care day of your dreams with a relaxing spa day. This 17th birthday idea is great for small friend groups looking for an indulgent experience. Get envy-inducing manicures and pedicures followed by a brightening facial and a tension-relieving deep tissue massage. Have fun with your friends in the lounge and explore the extra offerings at your local spa including the sauna, hot tub or pool. 

33. Twirl on the Ice 

Looking for festive birthday ideas for the winter months? Throw an ice skating party and enjoy a fast-paced activity everyone will love. Check out seasonal ice skating at popular public parks or research ice rinks at your local mall that are open year-round. Book a special beginner lesson that will have you twirling like an ice skating starlet in no time.

34. Sip High Tea

Indulge your inner high-society lady with a fancy high tea. This day out is perfect for refined foodie friend groups. Discover exquisite finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and a jaw-dropping display of fancy desserts. Sip and savor an array of hot teas while having fun with your party guests. Be sure to dress up to look the part for this highly Instagrammable 17th birthday party idea. 

35. Go Bowling 

Bowling is a classic activity that never gets old. Strap on your funky retro shoes, grab a ball and toss the perfect strike. Celebrate the spirit of competition with this friendly game, just be sure to check with your local alley to see what birthday party packages they offer. 

Make your 17th birthday party unforgettable with any of these exciting party themes. Whether you want to learn to cook a restaurant-quality meal, go camping or cool off in the pool, these unique 17th birthday party ideas have something for every teen. All that's left for you to do is choose which one's for you and get planning!

For even more special occasion ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.