Besides graduation, prom night is one of the biggest events in a high schooler’s life! It’s not hard to keep everyone engaged during the big event. But when the dance is over, keep the excitement going with our entertaining ideas for things to do after prom.
Bring your A-Game
After a night of dancing and punch, close out the evening with some friendly competition! You can venture out on the town or gather at home for a relaxing game night with these after-prom ideas.
1. Go bowling 🎳
With its flashing lights and danceable music, a bowling alley will keep the prom party atmosphere going all night long! Plus, pairing bowling shoes with your fancy tuxes and dresses will make for some memorable photo ops.
2. Plan a game night 🎲
Gather your group to play games after prom! Popular games like Cards Against Humanity or Apples to Apples are casual and guaranteed to get some laughs. Or try the classics like Monopoly or Clue, too. If you have the equipment, video game challenges are probably more up their alley.
3. Visit an arcade 🕹️
From pinball machines to skeeball, an arcade is a great option for a post-prom party! Or gather around newer multi-player consoles to take on your besties in racing or fighting games.
4. Host a murder mystery party 🔎
For something more interactive, try a prom-themed murder mystery party! Everyone is all dressed up anyway, so it’s easy to get into character and solve the crime. You can buy one online or hire a murder mystery party company to help lead the activity for you.
Cozy up to party down
There’s nothing wrong with staying low-key (or even on school grounds) for your after-prom activities! Swap your tulle and tuxes for sweats and slippers, and get comfortable with these ideas.
5. Have a hotel campout ⛺
Rather than just sending everyone home at curfew, invite your friend group to a hotel room to spend the night. Order pizza or room service and let the post-prom chatter begin! No doubt there are tons of stories from the dance and they’ll love rehashing the events.
6. Build a bonfire 🔥
Your high school prom can be a whirlwind, so help everyone unwind with a relaxing night around the fire pit. Encourage the group to bring some comfortable clothes to change into, and provide lots of soft blankets and camp chairs. Then it’s time to pass the marshmallows and swap stories from the evening!
7. Host a lock-in 🔒
Many schools have an important mission to keep teens from drinking and driving on prom night. The solution? A lock-in! Students can stay up all night in a safe place like a church or school gym, complete with refreshments and interactive activities like photo booths. Performers like hypnotists, comedians, or magicians are great options to keep teens engaged and entertained.
8. Visit a local diner 🍽️
All that dancing in the school gym can work up an appetite! Sherbet punch and cookies likely won’t cut it, so hit an all-night diner for burgers and shakes or breakfast at midnight instead. Staying cuddled up in a diner booth with your prom date isn’t the worst way to spend your time!
Head out on the town
If staying in isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with taking the party to a second location! Gather your group and keep the festivities going with these after-prom party ideas.
9. Go roller skating 🛼
Get in touch with your inner child and take the gang to a roller skating rink! Moving from slow dances to couple skating is a perfect transition from prom to after-prom. Remember, long dresses may not lend themselves well to ridin’ around on wheels, so consider a change of clothing first.
10. See a late-night movie 📽️
Many movie theaters have late-night showings of new releases, and it’s the perfect way to take a load off after a night of dancing! Some theaters even show classic movies at midnight on the weekends, which can be even more fun. If all else fails, head to someone’s house for a movie marathon that lasts until sunrise.
11. Catch a local band 🎸
Have a group that loves music? Try catching the last bit of a set from a local band! Swap your heels for sneakers and get ready to mosh. Be sure to check age restrictions, but most local bands are all-age shows.
12. Play at the park 🛝
After a long night of partying, blow off some steam at a local playground! There’s something magical about swinging under the stars in a big sparkly dress. Pack a little picnic with snacks and sodas to nibble on while you explore the grounds.
Prom is one of the most exciting events of the year, so enjoy every minute! And we hope these after-prom party ideas keep the festivities going all night long. 🕺
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.
[…] a truly fun night, have your best pals gather after prom for a little bit of competition. If the weather is nice, consider some backyard games like cornhole or […]