• Plan a memorable 16th birthday party for a boy.happy birthday - cake close up 2 image by Andrew Brown from Fotolia.com
  
  The phrase "sweet 16" often calls to mind elaborate parties in which teenage birthday girls enjoy semiformal attire, decadent food and upscale party locations (or something similar, if less excessive). For a boy turning 16 years old, however, making his special day into a time for wearing uncomfortable dress clothes seems counterintuitive. Instead, plan a simple gathering for the birthday boy and his closest friends to enjoy.
  
  

Go-Carting

• Taking the birthday boy and his friends to a go-cart track seems an especially fitting party idea for a 16th birthday party. He can compete in a friendly manner while celebrating the fact that he is now old enough to receive his driver's license.
  
  

Poker Night

• In recent years, poker has gained popularity among teenage boys. Invite the birthday boy's friends over for a few rounds of Texas Hold'em, or any other card game that they enjoy. Players can make small bets with party favors or candy.
  
  

Paintball

• Paintball ranges offer a unique and exhilarating challenge and are especially popular with young guys. The birthday boy and his friends can compete under safe yet entertaining conditions.
  
  

Bonfire

• Bonfires work well for 16th birthdays taking place during warm weather months. A small group of close-knit friends can gather around a backyard fire and even camp out in the backyard for the night.
  
  

Movie Night

• You can easily tailor a movie marathon night to fit a 16th birthday party theme. Choose movies dealing with cars or racing, action movies with exciting chase scenes, movies starring teens or a collection of the birthday boy's favorites.
  
  

Sports Party

• Sports parties work best with boys who have an especially strong love of sports. The party can be themed around whichever sport is currently in season or whichever the birthday boy loves most. The honoree and his guests can attend a sports competition and/or play a game amongst themselves.
  
  

Camping

• Camping works well as a celebration for an outdoorsy boy with a birthday in the warm weather season. A small group of the birthday boy's friends can go along with him (and an adult to supervise) to a designated campground.
  
  

Hotel Party

• Hotel parties offer the birthday boy a chance to get away on a sort of mini-trip with his friends. Booking adjoining rooms allows for a small number of friends to hang out in their own space while still close to parental supervision. Hotels also offer a number of entertaining amenities, like swimming pools and exercise rooms.
  
  

Glow-in-the-Dark Party

• A glow-in-the-dark party presents an affordable at-home option that still seems unique and interesting. The decorations glow in the dark, and favors include items like glow sticks.
  
  

Video Game Party

• Video game parties can be done at home or at an arcade. Arcades grant the birthday boy and his friends the opportunity to win prizes and celebrate outside the home, while in-home video game parties allow the guests to compete at games the birthday boy loves or games he receives as birthday presents.
  
  

Pool Parlor or Bowling Alley

• Pool parlors and bowling alleys date back to earlier decades but still retain their appeal for many modern teenage boys. Pool and bowling present good alternatives to more physical spectator sports.
  
  

Poolside or Beach Party

• Beach parties work out nicely for 16-year-old boys who enjoy swimming and being out in the sun. Boys and their friends can also mingle with other teens at the beach. Poolside parties can be held either outdoors or indoors, leaving the option open during the colder months.