• The beach offers a teen party location.beach image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Living near the beach offers distinct advantages. One benefit is the potential location for a teen party. The sand, surf and entertainment options keep the teens entertained for hours. Because of the location, it's important to take safety precautions. Choosing a beach with lifeguards or hiring your own for the party ensures your guests stay safe. Adult supervisors ensures the teens stay safe while having a good time.
  
  

Sand Volleyball

• Sand volleyball is a natural option for a beach setting. Check with the beach to see if they have nets available for you to use with the kids. You'll likely need to supply your own volleyball. If you have a large group of kids, consider setting up a sand volleyball tournament between teams of the party guests. Other beach sports that work well include Frisbees, kites, flag football and limbo.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• A scavenger hunt is a good way to keep the teens busy during the party. Create a list of typical things found on a beach as well as things that will be more challenging for the kids to find. Ideas for the list include a seashell, seaweed, an empty sunscreen bottle, a feather, driftwood or different-colored stones. You can also have the kids perform certain tasks and take pictures of it. Ideas include burying someone in the sand, writing the team members' initials in the sand or building a sand castle.
  
  

Sand Sculpture Contest

• Just because the guests are older doesn't mean they won't play in the sand. Challenge the teenage party guests to a sand sculpture contest. They can decide if they'll work individually or as a team. Bring along several buckets and shovels to help with the sand sculptures. Set a specific time limit to make it fair. Have the adult chaperons judge the sand sculpture entries to crown a winner.
  
  

Menu

• The beach location can cause a challenge when it comes to the party menu. Check to see if the beach has grills available. If grilling is a possibility, bring a cooler full of hamburgers, hot dogs and other items that are easy to grill. Chips, fruit and cold salads are easy to prepare ahead of time and round out the beach party menu. Make sure you keep the cooler full of ice so the food doesn't spoil. Some beaches feature a concession stand, which is another party menu option. You'll probably spend more money, but you don't have to worry about food preparation or storage.
  
  

Favors

• A beach bag filled with goodies is the perfect way to say thank you to all of the teen party guests. Choose a mesh or cloth bag with a decorative pattern appealing to teenagers. Ideas for filling the bag include sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses, water bottles, lip balm with sunscreen, and snacks. If you hand out the favor bags at the beginning of the party, the guests can use their new beach gear at the party.