Great ideas for Alternative Bar & Bat Mitzvahs or Sweet Sixteens

1. Plan a roller skating party. Ice skating is a great alternative too, during the right season. Plan the "early party" for family and kids of both genders. Then, if you can, rent out the roller rink for the night for the child and their friends of the same gender.

2. Rent out a local kid-friendly museum for a late night, educational party. This also works as a sleepover. The kids will have fun, learn and run around like maniacs in a kid-safe environment.

3. Take a bunch of friends to a theme park. Get each kid an unlimited ride or ticket pass for the day, and you'll create hours of fun. Just be careful...you may need to take care of kids who get sick on roller coasters.

4. For a sporty kid, rent out a sports complex for the day. Let the kids use all of their energy playing sports, then enjoy pizza and cake after that. Or, go bowling for a "Bowling Bar or Bat Mitzvah" (or Sweet Sixteen).

5. For a girly girl, have a salon or spa day. A couple of close friends enjoying manicures, pedicures, massages and new hairstyles creates a fun and memorable event.

6. Rent out a small cafe or informal event hall. Play fun music and serve mocktails, appetizers, and finger foods. Then, have a giant ice cream bar with lots of toppings and let the kids go wild.

7. Take the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child, or the Sweet Sixteener and his or her friends to a concert, show, or sporting event. This is a great way for everyone to spend time together and have fun.

8. Take the child and his or her friends to a beach house, hotel or campsite for a night. You'll have to supervise, but the kids will love the fact that they're having a mini-vacation together.