After Prom Activities

Prom—one of the most memorable events of a high school career! But it doesn’t have to end with the last dance. “Post prom” events,  hosted by the school or a group of parents, are popular at high schools across the nation. With fun and creative post prom entertainment ideas and party themes, you can guarantee the students will be celebrating safely. 

10 Safe and Fun After-Prom Party Ideas for Teens

1. Have a bonfire

The sweetness of prom doesn’t have to end at midnight. Since prom is near the end of the school year, there’s no better time to host a “start of the summer” bonfire party. It’s a great after-prom idea if your group is small and you have a big yard with a fire pit. To make your bonfire party more of a big event rather than a casual gathering, set up a large tent with tables and chairs. Set up refreshments, snacks, and a s’mores station under the tent to complement the summer theme.

2. Host a movie marathon

It’s easy to feel worn out after dancing the night away – that’s true even for high schoolers. Prom-goers looking for a chill way to end the evening might do great with an after-prom movie marathon. Set up some blankets, popcorn, and mood lighting to set the scene.

3. Play mini-golf

For a large group of after-prom partiers, mini-golf is a great activity that leaves room for everyone to participate. However, planning a mini-golf after-prom can take some extra effort. You’ll need to set aside enough time to find a mini-golf place willing to make an after-hours reservation. Call ahead to book the course and facilities for the whole group so after-prom happens without a hitch. Once you’ve booked a location, it’s time to pull together the details. Think about how you might want to decorate the mini-golf space if the owners allow it. Stock the room with snacks and sodas to keep everyone full and energized during this late-night adventure.

4. Enjoy game night

For a fun, interactive way to end all the prom events, set up a giant game night for everyone after the big ball. Classic board games, casino night, and interactive video games are all on the table. To truly go all out, you can set up life-sized versions of classic games like a big checkerboard with life-sized pieces. It might take an open mind and lots of creativity, but with some household items and a trip to the store, you can go big.

5. Plan a “Next Day” Adventure

Wake up early the day after prom and head out on an amazing adventure! Catch the sunrise on top of a mountain, head to an amusement park, hike a mountain, go zip-lining, go tubing down a river, go paddleboarding or canoeing, check out all the cool museums in the city, go rock climbing, ice skating, go-karting, rollerblading or anything else that sounds fun to you and your friends! The possibilities are endless! In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you’re together with your friends making fabulous, life-long memories!

6. Rent an Airbnb for the Night (or Weekend)

This idea is on the “higher cost” spectrum and it definitely requires chaperones, but it can be a fun and safe way for teenagers to hang out after the dance and enjoy the next day hanging out by a pool, playing volleyball in the backyard or (if it’s too chilly to be outside) just chilling out together. Depending on the size of the house rented, the cost can actually be fairly reasonable per person. (My daughter and a group of her friends did this after her senior prom and it was a blast! An adult rented the house, everyone pitched in for food, snacks, and drinks and several parents were on sight to keep everything in check and make an amazing breakfast spread for the kids the next morning.)

7. Go swimming

If the weather is typically nice in your area around prom season, take advantage of it with a late-night after-prom pool party. All you need is wireless speakers for music, a few fun floaties, and some colorful twinkling lights to set the mood. For a larger group, consider adding a volleyball net or a couple of boards for students to play cornhole.

8. Visit a roller rink

Roller skating rinks are perfect after-party destinations if you can find one to reserve after-hours. Their upbeat music, bright lights, and colorful atmosphere can bring after-prom to life. It’s also the after-prom idea with the least setup once you find the right spot. Everyone can bring their own skates and outfits – you can just sit back and be proud of how you’ve ended the night.

9. Go bowling

Bowling alleys naturally stay open late, and it’s common to see after-prom groups there around the end of the school year. That means your bowling-after prom needs to be especially unique to make a lasting impression. To make this special night more eventful, choose a theme that extends the prom theme well into the night. Whoever plays the part best can be the after-prom royalty.

10. Rent a party bus or limo

For the ultimate after-party experience, renting out a party bus or a limo is the way to go. Some limos and party buses offer top-tier sound systems and colorful twinkling lights to keep the party going long beyond school grounds. You can use the limo to take everyone home in style, take them to an off-site after-party, or just have the limo drive around for an hour and make that the after-party. Encourage everyone to open the windows and gaze out at the world all around them – this is a night for celebration!