Which one for 16th birthday?

My daughter has decided she does not want a party, which I am glad about since I don't have 5K to throw down for one night on a party. So we are tossing around other options for what we can do for her birthday. She has 5 very close friends in he group, and that's been the issue. Birthday is January 1, which makes things difficult.

We have narrowed it down to these two:

1) An overnight in NYC.

Pros: They all love the city. It's just a train ride away and easy to get them all there.

Cons: I need two rooms at least so that will cost me. It will be cold. Unless I can find some event or show to take them to, I think they'll get bored just walking around. Couldn't do it on NYE, just too crazy there.

2) A weekend in the Poconos in a rented cabin

Pros: Snow Tubing for the day, hot tub. Could be lots of fun. Would be less expensive, not paying per room just per night for cabin.

Cons: Have to drive multiple cars there to fit everyone. Girls might be bored in the evenings when we're done with tubing and stuff.

So, if you were 16, which of these sounds like more fun? Are there any more pros or cons to either?

Any other suggestions?

Message edited 8/5/2015 11:42:50 AM.

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

Both sound great, but I would chose #1. If you go to PA, you could have a last minute storm and traveling there could be difficult. This way if you chose NYC, you can travel by train if the weather is bad.

Which one or 16th birthday?

I would choose #1. More things to do.

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

I'm in the minority, but I would say Poconos. But I would also do more with them then you have planned. I would probably do at least two nights. First day you could just drive up and lay low and let them use the hot tub. I would try to find a cabin with a rec room and even bring some board games from home. The next day I would take them to an indoor water park and then maybe dinner and bowling in the evening. The next day snow tubing, lunch and then head home.
And as far as the car situation goes, what about renting a bigger suv or mini van for the weekend?

Message edited 8/5/2015 8:55:51 AM.

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

Poconos only cause I hate Manhattan lol. Both sound great though

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

I say Poconos because it's something different. And I don't think you really need to entertain kids at that age. I think tubing, hot tub sound fun.

when I was 16 my friends and I could hang out and do nothing and still have a blast!

Which one or 16th birthday?

I would do the city, rent a room, get tickets to a show and a nice dinner. the girls will love it.

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

Message edited 8/5/2015 10:55:02 AM.

Which one or 16th birthday?

I was leaning toward the Poconos because I think it would be more affordable. Money is an issue, unfortunately. I'm not sure I could afford to take them both snow tubing and to a water park. I would definitely do two nights, but I also have to feed all of them for the weekend.

And while I do think the city would be fun too, I'm not sure what we would do all day. They seem to not be at all interested in a play or show. So unless there happens to be a concert going on, I don't know how to entertain them there. Maybe a teen club in the evening?

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

If they aren't interested in seeing a play, I would do Poconos.
It really depends on the kids (mostly the birthday girl)
At that age, I would have preferred the city, b/c I liked the sophistication of it. I would have loved to see a Broadway show.

I was not an outdooor girl. I would be intimidated by snow tubing.

If your daughter likes that sort of thing, I would do that. I think hanging out in a cabin would be fun. You could make one night a min birthday party-if there is a kitchen, the girls can back cupcakes (if they're into that) and you can watch movies , play games, bring some decorations.

Ask your daughter what she would like to do at night.
As mentioned above, Bowling could be fun. There is probably something else in the area you could do that's not too expensive.

What would you do for the 2nd car. Would another mom come?

Message edited 8/5/2015 11:09:36 AM.

Re: Which one or 16th birthday?

How many girls are you inviting? what time of year are you looking to go? and what are the girls like?

NYC and the Poconos are COMPLETELY different experiences.

I don't see how ANYONE could be bored in the middle of Manhattan.
Even the snootiest 16 year old girl

But, I agree the Poconos is probably a less expensive bet, and could be a lot of fun.

Give me some more details

Which one or 16th birthday?

It would be myself, my dh, my son, and 6 girls. So 9 total.

If we went to the Poconos, my dh and I would drive separate cars and take half each.

My daughter loves the city and the whole city shopping experience. But its no fun for her friends if we spend all day shopping for her, you know? She rolled her eyes at the mention of a Broadway show, but would love a concert or nightclub or something. Plus dinner out in the city for 9 wont be cheap.

She's also not much of an outside girl. But I don't think you really have to be to snow tube. Its fun and theres no skill involved.

Message edited 8/5/2015 11:42:06 AM.

Which one for 16th birthday?

Is definitely say Poconos!! NYC can be done anytime. And I don't think they need to do anything extra special at that age they can entertain each other talking about school and boys lol my sister did a local hotel for my niece and her friends. They went in the indoor pool and hung out and ate junk food all night and they had a blast!!

Re: Which one for 16th birthday?

Message edited 8/5/2015 12:02:38 PM.

Re: Which one for 16th birthday?

Re: Which one for 16th birthday?

I loved going into the city when I was a teenager! I'd pick that one.

Which one for 16th birthday?

NYC. Fun dinner, a show or comedy club, maybe a tour during the day and shopping. It's easier and closer, and I'd worry about driving other people's kids to PA.

Re: Which one for 16th birthday?

Did you ask her which one SHE would prefer???

Which one for 16th birthday?

I did ask her and she changes her mind like the wind. I swear!

Which one for 16th birthday?

I would do the cabin. Another option my cousin did for hers was Hershey park. We did over night me and 4 of her friends. My aunt did 2 cars one with the friends the rest with my other cousins etc. we did an adjoining room at the Hershey hotel. We did the parks until closing and had an awesome time. Also did the chocolate factory and what not :)

Which one for 16th birthday?

That would be fun if it weren't freezing out in January. I hate winter birthdays!

Re: Which one for 16th birthday?

The poconos idea sounds like so much fun.

A quick search seemed to have a bunch of options.

This was the first one that came up on the search.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p121157#calendar

Which one for 16th birthday?

Thanks! There are lots of cool cabins like that to choose from too. I think we are leaning towards this option....for the moment!