High school graduates look forward to celebrating the end of school and the beginning of a new chapter of their lives. They plan for prom night with excited anticipation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time with good friends. Many want to extend the fun for several days and continue the celebration into the weekend.
We can’t talk about prom festivities without giving a word of warning about drinking and driving. Parents should have a serious talk with their teens about being safe. According to Liberty Mutual, only 20 percent of seniors and juniors think the roads on prom night are dangerous. They are wrong and should be educated to understand the reality. They need to know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports approximately 1,000 young people under the age of 21 die every year from graduation and prom celebrations.
To make sure everyone is on the same page, you and your parents should openly discuss prom night expectations and concerns, transportation, and safe after-prom plans. Parents may even suggest arranging for a prom limo such as Limo Find, to take you and your friends to the event! Book your next wine tour in Perth with DoubleUp Tours
An After-prom Party
Keep the party going even after the prom is over. There are many different types of after-parties you can choose from:
– Some schools will host the party. If your school offers this option, it’s a great way to continue having fun once the formal dinner and dance is over.
– Move the party to someone’s house. Many parents offer their home to allow their teens and friends to prolong the memory of prom night. They also will know that their children are safe as they will be there to supervise, even if they stay out-of-sight.
– Check with local youth groups or teen centers to see if they would allow you to organize an after-prom event at their location.
Sleep Under the Stars
If you and your friends love the outdoors, a camping trip might be just what you are looking for to extend your celebration. It’s also an excellent option for those with limited budgets as it is very affordable.
What a nice transition from the excitement and craziness of the prom to the tranquility of the great outdoors in the woods. Of course, the weather needs to cooperate, so be sure to check the forecast. In addition, you might need to get a permit ahead of time depending on where you’re camping. Don’t forget to bring camping gear, comfortable clothing, a fully charged phone, matches for lighting a campfire, marshmallows for roasting, water, food, and sleeping bags.
Visit an Amusement Park
If you and your friends want some action-packed fun, plan a trip the day after the prom to an amusement park since most are not open late at night. Rent a party bus for your group. Ride the roller coasters and play the arcade games. You might also want to check with the park since some, such as Six Flags, offer programs or special pricing for students during prom season.
Go to the Beach
If you’re fortunate enough to live near the beach, leaving right after the prom or heading out the next day to soak up some sun is a great idea. Make sure to book your room at least three months in advance. Prom means it’s springtime, and the beach is a popular spring break destination.
To save some money, you can share the cost of a room with several friends. Check with the hotel or motel about the maximum number of people allowed in a room. Bring some sleeping bags so everyone will have a place to crash.
Keep on Singing
After spending the night at prom singing and dancing, why not extend the musical fun with karaoke? See if your town will let you rent out a local karaoke hot spot. If there isn’t one or it is too expensive, host your own karaoke party.
You can purchase an inexpensive karaoke machine or download an app to your smartphone. Hold contests, eat snacks, and even turn it into a sleepover! Of course, this would require the consent of one of the parents to host the event in their home.
Host a Game Night
Pull some board games out of the closet, dust them off, and revisit your childhood by playing classic board games. Bring out your competitive edge with Monopoly. Or do your best twists and shapes with a round of Twister! How about planning a scavenger hunt? Or even hide and seek. Sometimes the simplest types of entertainment can be the most fun.
Host an Old-fashioned Sleep Over
After prom and graduation, you and your friends will be going different ways. Some will go to college, some will travel, and others will enter the job market. This could be your last opportunity for a while to spend quality time with close friends to reminisce and share stories.
Whatever you decide to do, plan for it ahead of time and keep safety in mind. You, your friends, and family will be glad you did.