by David Critchell
Sweet 16 parties are a rite of passage that has been celebrated by families and friends of the guest-of-honor for decades. If you’ve been wondering do girls still have Sweet 16 parties, then the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, both boys and girls are marking this special occasion with celebrations that range from lavish parties to smaller, more intimate gatherings.
When it comes to throwing a Sweet 16 event, there’s no place better to be than New York City. You’ll find so many activities and sweet 16 venues in NYC for teens to do in this city that your biggest problem will be narrowing down your options to the perfect one. Spending some time exploring the options on this top list of sweet 16 venues in New York will help you celebrate the occasion in style.
Sweet 16 Places for Small Parties in NYC
Many teens prefer to spend their 16th birthday in NYC with a select group of family and friends. Opting to host a smaller party gives you more options for venues. Plus, you’ll have twice the fun when your group can enjoy activities in a private space where everyone feels more comfortable laughing and enjoying their conversations.
Here are some of the top places for a sweet 16 celebration that everyone will be talking about for years!
New York Harbor tours are perfect for small groups since you can arrange for six to 16 passengers to come along for the ride. You also have the option of choosing from short 90-minute tours to ones that last three hours as they take your group to see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and all of the amazing buildings that make up the Manhattan skyline.
The Tribeca Rooftop sits atop what was once an old 1920s printing press building. Today, the 1,400 square feet of open-air space offers you an amazing view with enough room for everyone to dance, eat and mingle to their heart’s desire.
If your guest-of-honor still loves fairy tales, then the Love Shack has the perfect whimsical atmosphere to create the dreamiest backdrop for a sweet 16 soiree. With crystal chandeliers and unique touches in each room, your teen will be thrilled to spend their birthday here with their family and friends.
Casa La Femme is another unique event space that offers a romantic atmosphere that is also infused with an Egyptian flair. With nightly belly dancing shows and an in-house DJ, you won’t have to work hard to keep your group entertained.
After spending the day on the Hudson River, your group will love coming to the West Side Loft, which gives them a breathtaking view of the area that they just explored. The studio is decorated in a sleek, modern style with neutral colors that invite you to add your own decor. As a bonus, it’s soundproof, which is perfect for giving your guests the freedom to squeal and laugh all night.
Number six is another venue that reigns supreme among the NYC Sweet 16 party ideas on this list. Here’s why: The Midtown Loft and Terrace was built for Sweet 16 parties, with a state-of-the-art sound system and illuminated high-top tables. The event space even offers a red carpet entrance that makes your guest-of-honor and guests all feel like true celebrities.
If your group loves adventurous boat tours, then this is the place to cap off the night. Spin New York 23 has private party spaces that are decked out in tropical decor, and the venue offers ping pong tables and other fun indoor activities that inspire some friendly competition among the group.
Perhaps loud music and balls bouncing off the walls isn’t your teen’s style. If they prefer a quieter atmosphere, then the charming garden space at Marche Maman is guaranteed to give them the perfect backdrop for quieter conversations.
Top Local Restaurants for Sweet 16
As you may already know, keeping teens fed is a full-time job. Making a reservation at one of these restaurants for Sweet 16 in New York will fill those hungry tummies while also adding an extra special touch to your teen’s celebration.
Roberta’s Pizza puts a fun spin on this classic party fare by offering seating for small to larger groups in a warehouse setting or outdoors.
This venue works great for keeping up the New York Harbor theme. Crave Fishbar’s atmosphere is best described as nautical and cozy, which gives teens who love the coastal grandma look a fun place to be immersed in one of their favorite themes.
Teens that prefer a more casual 1950s vibe will love stopping by the Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain for an ice cream float or sundae. Keep in mind that this little diner is in a smaller space, which is perfect for groups of less than 10.
Sweet 16 parties don’t always have to happen at night. In fact, kicking off your teen’s big day with a throwback brunch at The Cabin NYC gives you the rest of the day to explore the city and prep for a sunset boat tour.
If you haven’t seen pictures of the desserts from the Sugar Factory yet, then you’re in for a treat. The restaurant is known for social media-worthy sundaes that can feed a crowd. Don’t worry, they also offer savory burgers and entrees that help balance out the meal.
Teens can be known for being a little dramatic, and aspiring performers will love visiting this dinner theatre bistro. At Gayle’s Broadway Rose, diners are entertained by aspiring Broadway singers who just might even sing a rendition of the Happy Birthday song to your teen.
The multi-ethnic menu you’ll find at Beauty and Essex has vegan options, and the small plate service encourages sharing. Watch as your teen and their friends enjoy sampling all of the amazing flavors for an end to your day that feels absolutely perfect.
Book Early to Get a Seat In Your Teen’s Preferred Venue
If there’s any drawback to celebrating in NYC, it’s that most boat venues for parties and activities fill up fast. While it might be your teen’s special day, you can bet that others will be planning parties, too. New York Harbor Tours makes booking reservations easy by offering an online calendar that shows you which dates have availability for tours.
Learn more About Our Scenic Tours
If you plan to also visit a restaurant, then make sure to check in with the hosts at your preferred venue to synchronize your plans. A little preparation now ensures that your teen’s big day goes beyond their wildest dreams for the perfect celebration.
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