They may be too old for clowns, princesses and race car themes, but teens still want an exciting and cool way to celebrate their birthdays in Qatar. Whether your teen is the artistic type or the adventure-seeker, here are twelve imaginative ideas for your child to celebrate in style.
Villaggio Gondolania Theme Park
This indoor fun park has everything you could possibly desire for an adventurous birthday party, especially if you have a large group. From go-karting to laser tag to ice skating to bowling, you’ll definitely find something to wear out your active teens. The park caters to all ages so if you’ve got younger ones that need entertaining they can also come along. Reservations are required for parties. Bring cake and supplies if desired.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Villaggio Mall
- Price: All prices (except bowling) are per/person with a minimum of 30 people.
- Go-karting (10 minutes) is QR 55 on weekdays or QR 65 on weekends. Go-kart participants are required to wear a head sock under the provided helmet, QR 20.
- Ice Skating (1 hour, 45 minutes) costs QR 25 on weekdays or QR 30 on weekends. Price includes skates.
- Laser Wars (10 minutes) are QR 35 per session, 30-person maximum.
- Bowling (1 hour) rates are QR 120 per lane on weekdays and QR 150 per lane on weekends, 5-6 people per lane. Price includes bowling shoes.
- Contact: +974 4403-9800
- gondolania.com
Megapolis
A trail-blazing option for tweens and teens, Megapolis is a flashy and fun arcade-themed entertainment venue. Located on the Pearl, it has high-tech games such as flight simulators and exciting car racing—all state-of-the-art and highly interactive. There is something exciting for all tastes, including private karaoke rooms, private billiards rooms and a cutting-edge bowling alley. There are also plenty of appetising choices for dining with a food court and several restaurants attached to the venue.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Megapolis, Medina Centrale, the Pearl Qatar
- Price: Games range from QR 10-38 per person. Teen birthday packages are available.
- Bowling is QR 20 per person plus QR 5 for bowling shoes (cash only).
- Karaoke is QR 59 per person on weekdays and QR 79 per person on weekends.
- Contact: +974 4437-8444/8484
- megapolisqatar.com
Banana Island
For an extra special birthday splurge, an active afternoon on Banana Island is the perfect getaway for your teen’s special day. For kids ages 12 to 16, the island offers a birthday package that includes a meal at Ted’s American Diner (burger, fries and a soft drink with refills), one game of bowling and 30 minutes in the surf pool (a controlled surfing environment with professional instructors).
Additional time in the surf pool is available at an extra cost. The package also includes ice cream and popcorn, plus boat transfer. One parent chaperone per five children is required.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Banana Island, embarking from Al Shyoukh Terminal next to the Museum of Islamic Art
- Cost: QR 400 per person, QR 200 per parent supervisor (parents will receive a QR 100 coupon to be redeemed at Ted’s Diner)
- Contact: +974 4040-5050
- doha.anantara.com
Pearl Dhow Cruises
With Pearl Dhow Cruises, your teen and their friends can enjoy Doha Bay on an hour-long cruise. Music, coffee and soft drinks are included. Buy tickets on-site at the ticket booth. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays only, sail-times at 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm, and 7:30 pm. Boarding begins 15-20 minutes prior to sailing.
If your budget permits, you can also privately charter a dhow for an hour-long tour of the bay. Reservations are required for private charters.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: The Pearl, Marina Gate #2, adjacent to Commercial Bank
- Cost: QR 60 per adult, QR 40 per child (3-15), free for under 3 years. For private chartered dhows prices range from QR 1,000 (approximately 30 people) to QR 1,500 (approximately 50+ people) per hour depending on size of the dhow and number of people.
- Contact: +974 6674-1577
- hmo@ronauticame.com
Adventure Rooms Qatar
For teens who love a good puzzle, check out Adventure Rooms Qatar. The concept is simple—your teen and their friends are locked in a room and must solve a number of puzzles in order to escape. Game masters monitor the games via cameras in case they need help (it’s neither dangerous nor scary) or even just a bathroom break. The group can play as one big team or in duelling mode with two teams where each team takes turns trying to prevent the other from escaping. An adult must accompany teens under 16.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Al Mannai Tower B, above City Gym, B Ring Road
- Price: From QR 100 to QR 300 depending on the number of people and game mode. Maximum 14 people.
- Contact: +974 7050-0510
- adventureroomsqa.com
Roots Hair & Beauty Salon
If your teenage girl would like a trendy spa day for her birthday extravaganza, consider booking a package at Roots. Their “Teen Spa” party includes express manicures and pedicures, mini facials, make-up application, blow-dry and style. At an extra cost, Roots can supply virgin cocktails and finger food or you may choose to bring your own food.
Roots can also provide cutlery, cups, plates and napkins. And to top it all off in style, Roots will arrange a limousine for your ongoing destination at an additional cost.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Roots Salon, near Landmark Mall
- Price: Approximately QR 400 per child, 6-8 teens needed
- Contact: +974 4411-4463
- rootshair.net
Caramel, The Sweet Arts Studio
If your tween or teen has a love for desserts and wants to indulge in a sweet way to celebrate his or her birthday, Caramel just might hit the spot. Caramel offers cupcake or cookie baking and/or decorating packages, which include all ingredients and take approximately 1.5 hours. Decorations, games, cake cutting and entertainment can also be provided depending on the customised packages you choose.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Villa #58, Al Bustan Street, (behind Al Waab Petrol Station)
- Price: Birthday packages start at QR 125/per person depending on details. Minimum 15 children, maximum 25.
- Contact: +974 4442-6267
- carameldoha.com
Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis Doha Sarab Lounge
For a classy, cosmopolitan birthday setting, some extra pampering and excellent service, take your teen and her friends to afternoon tea at the lovely Sarab Lounge. Sit luxuriously in the plush lounge area and relax with an astonishing choice of teas (which can be substituted for soft drinks if desired), an array of delicious mini-sandwiches and a tantalising selection of sweets and pastries, including fresh clotted cream and fruit preserves on piping hot homemade scones. Try the Arab-inspired tea, which includes a lovely selection of mezze, the traditional clotted cream and preserves plus scones as well as an assortment of Arabic sweets. One serving is more than enough for two hungry tweens or teens!
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: St. Regis Doha Hotel, Sarab Lounge, West Bay, 14:30-20:00
- Price: QR 149 per person for the Lady Caroline Astor Tea or QR 189 for the Arabian Heritage Tea
- Contact: +974 4446-0000
- afternoonteadoha.com
Chocolate Fish
If you are looking for a sophisticated and tailored approach for your tween’s birthday, check out Chocolate Fish as the ultimate party planners in this field. The experienced staff can customise the perfect party for your tween or teen. From a funky dance party with activities (QR 600 for one hour, no set-up required) or an innovative “spa station” including manicures and costume make-up (QR 850 for two hours) to the ultimate DJ and whimsical photo booth (QR 1,800 for two hours), there is truly an option for anyone wanting to celebrate in style.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Wherever you like!
- Price: Prices vary greatly as packages are customised. Minimum 14 children.
- Contact: chocolatefishparties.com
Brooker Caricature
If you are looking for something different and creative with a humorous twist, consider getting a caricature artist to come to your house. Joanne Brooker is an expert caricaturist who can whip up a whimsical full-body image of her subject within minutes. Anything you want she can customise, from superhero to mermaid to zombie. This talented artist is a sure hit for creative kids. All she needs is a rectangular table, two chairs and a well-lit area to create her magic!
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Wherever you like!
- Price: QR 685 per hour, two hours minimum
- brookercaricature.com
Henna Art in Qatar
For a birthday party with a local twist, Fahmida will come to the comfort of your house to create beautiful, artistic henna for girls. She is quick and extremely efficient; each hand or arm only takes 10 or so minutes and her results are stunning. Each design is original, and she can customise depending on what the individual girl likes.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Location: Wherever you like!
- Price: QR 50 per person, (transportation included)
- Contact: +974 3029-6226