We just had a belated birthday party for my recently-turned 13 year old. As my kids get older it’s been a little trickier planning a fun and age-appropriate gathering for friends. Thankfully, I think I nailed it this year with the best teenage birthday party ever. It was all thanks to our favorite Adventure Park in the greater Sacramento area–Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin, California. This post is in partnership with Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin, California. All opinions are completely my own.
best teenage birthday party
I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I now have a 13 year old. To be honest, I’m struggling with navigating life as a mom of a teenager. Trying to think of a birthday party idea that’s cool enough for my son and his friends, and won’t be too much work for me, almost had me stumped. Then I remembered how much my kids all love Quarry Park Adventures located in Placer County. Not only do they offer birthday party packages, but you can also keep things small and low key like we did.
| Read: Our Family’s Quarry Park Adventures Review |
With our Gold Adventure Tickets we had four hours to explore in the quarry. About halfway through our time I left to go pick up some food for the boys. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables on site and you’re allowed to bring your own food and beverages! This was the perfect mid-day break to fuel up before continuing our adventures.
what is Quarry Park Adventures?
Quarry Park Adventures is the only adventure park built within and atop a former rock quarry in the United States! There are several fun adventures to choose from, for all ages and abilities. We had the Gold Adventure Tickets which gives you four hours of unlimited access to all six activities in the Quarry area. There are a variety of ticket options available depending on the age and size of the participants in your party. Talk about the best teenage birthday party! There is also a Kidz Kove area and Paddle Boats outside of the Quarry Area that you can purchase separate tickets for.
Insider tip: The temperature inside the quarry is typically much warmer than at the top. Plan accordingly with loose, comfortable clothing, and take lots of breaks for water. There are free water bottles available throughout Quarry Park Adventures.
Aerial Adventure
The Aerial Adventure is sort of like a giant ropes course and obstacle course all in one. It offers three levels of difficulty and to access all of them participants must be between 70lbs to 250lbs. Smaller adventurers that are 45lbs to 69lbs will be able to access select areas.
Rock Climbing
The Rock Climbing area features defined climbing holds in the natural granite walls of the original quarry. You can purchase hourly experience tickets for climbing alone, or as part of an experience ticket. Climbers must be between 45lbs and 250lbs.
Free Fall
The Free Fall is another experience that can be part of a bundle ticket, or as a Pick 2 Ticket. Participants can test their bravery by stepping off the quarry rim and “falling” 40 feet to the bottom of the quarry. To experience this you must be between 45lbs and 250lbs.
Zip Line
The Zip Line is a family favorite activity. You can race with friends or family across the quarry at up to 30 miles an hour! Make sure you let smaller adventurers know ahead of time that to use the zip line you must be 70lbs to 250lbs.
| Read: How to Easily and Inexpensively Customize a Sheet Cake |
Rappel
Participants who are 45lbs to 250lbs can Rappel 60 feet from the top of the quarry to the ground below. You can choose this adventure as part of the Pick 2 Ticket or experience it in several bundled adventure packages.
Via Ferrata
You’ll learn how to navigate the Smart Belay clipping system the Via Ferrata utilizes at Ground School before you start your day. Once you’ve mastered that, you can move along the perimeter of the quarry on a series of challenge elements. There are two entrances to the Via Ferrata depending on how much time you have. Participants must be between 45lbs to 250lbs.
Kidz Kove
Little kids will love the Kidz Kove play area! When we go with the whole family this is where my little ones spend the most time! It’s a great place to climb and zip line for adventurers ages 3 to 13. You can purchase a 2 hour ticket, experience it in some of the adventure bundles, or even purchase a 10-visit punch card!
Paddle Boats
Both 2 and 4 person paddle boats are available to rent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. It’s recommended that they’re reserved ahead of time as same day accommodations can’t be guaranteed. We didn’t do the paddle boats this time around, but we have in the past and they’re fun!
