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Have you ever seen a child wail in disappointment when allowed to go to a sleepover? Neither have I. Sleepovers are every child’s dream—a night filled with fun, friends, and freedom. No wonder they become the talk of the town as soon as the invitations are out.
So, what to do at sleepovers for unforgettable slumber parties? Ready your horses, parents! We list some ideas to make the night memorable for your little ones. Pin, save, or share the image below for future reference!
Indoor Things to Do at A Sleepover
Have fun inside the house with these awesome ideas:
1. Host a Movie Night
Let’s begin with a classic activity—movie night. Firstly, assemble the group, create a playlist to watch, and set up a cozy movie area. Then, keep snacks and drinks like popcorn and juice at an accessible station. Finally, let them take turns choosing movies to watch or vote on the film they want to see for more fun.
2. Have a Themed Party
A themed party is sure to spice up your little one’s sleepover. Think pajama party, an 80s disco night, or even a Harry Potter-themed sleepover. To accomplish this, encourage the kids to dress up according to the chosen theme and decorate the area accordingly. Otherwise, no cookies for breakfast!
3. Get Crafty
Nothing’s better than a crafts night for crafty kids. So, set up stations full of art supplies: paint, paper, crayons, and scissors (no glitter). Moreover, you can set their space with disposable table covers for easy cleanup. Let them create their masterpieces or work on a group project like making friendship bracelets or painting canvas art. And then award prizes afterward.
4. Run a Karaoke Session
Another popular sleepover activity is karaoke. Let the kids take turns singing their favorite songs with a karaoke machine or simply use YouTube videos. Moreover, pre-plan a playlist so everyone can sing along. Ready props and costumes on the side, and let the kids go crazy.
5. DIY Spa Night
No one turns down a good pampering session—at least in our household! You can pamper the youngsters with homemade face masks, painted nails, and hair braiding. For boys, face or foot massages are excellent alternatives. The tots can be each other’s masseuse. Additionally, light up candles and play soft music to complete the spa atmosphere.
6. Play Board Games
Board games are staple sleepover activities. They foster teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Plus, they provide hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. Bring out the classics like Monopoly or Scrabble, or try new games like Collect 4 Shots or Boop.
7. Host a Trivia Night
A competitive night of trivia is perfect for children aged 8+. To begin, divide them into teams and compete in different categories like music, movies, or sports. Additionally, you can have a mix of easy and challenging questions to keep everyone engaged. Then, cap the game with some prizes for the winning team.
8. Bake and Decorate Cookies
Bake and eat cookies? Yes, please! Teaching kids how to create and prepare cookies is fun and educational. As such, let them measure, mix, roll out the dough, and choose their toppings for the final touch. Or, have a contest for the best-decorated cookie. Afterward, munch away!
9. Film A Vlog
You’re headed towards an epic slumber party, so what better way to document the night than creating a vlog? Allow the kids take turns behind the camera and in front of it. They can share their thoughts, give a tour of their sleeping arrangements, and show off some dance moves.
10. Have a Talent Show
A sleepover night can also be a discovery of hidden talents night. Let the darlings showcase their skills by hosting a talent show. They can sing, dance, act out skits, or perform magic tricks. As always, have some fun prizes for different categories, like the most creative, funniest, or entertaining performance.
11. Make a Pillow Fort
Encourage the cuties to make a cozy pillow fort if you have plenty of blankets and pillows. It’s the perfect spot for telling ghost stories, watching movies, or playing board games. Allow the kids get creative with their designs and have fun building and decorating their fort.
12. Do an Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Turn the children into detectives by creating a scavenger hunt. Have them search for specific items or complete tasks around the house, like taking a group photo with silly props or finding something that starts with each alphabet letter. Remember to hide clues throughout the house and let them work together to solve the mystery.
13. Prepare Desserts
A sleepover without some delicious treats is incomplete. So, have the kids help prepare desserts like cookies, cupcakes, milkshakes, or ice cream sundaes. You can even have them come up with their unique recipe using the ingredients available. Watch out for a sugar rush, though!
14. Have a Fashion Show
Unleash the little ones’ inner fashionistas by hosting a fashion show. They can choose from different outfits, do each other’s hair and makeup, and strut down the “catwalk.” You can have a theme for the fashion show, like movie characters or beachwear.
15. Play Charades
Acting and guessing can keep the energy alive and kicking with a game of charades. Have the munchkins act out their favorite movie, book, or song while the others try to guess correctly. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing and interacting with each other.
16. Have an Indoor Camping Adventure
Bring the outdoors inside by setting up a camping adventure. Pitch a tent in the living room, gather flashlights, and create a mini-campfire. If you have time, set up tissue paper flames. Then, bust out the hot chocolates and marshmallows for a cozy story-telling time.
17. Create a Time Capsule
Time capsules were a huge thing during my childhood, and it’s something I want to pass on. To do this, have the kids create a time capsule with their favorite toys, pictures, and memories. Choose a date when they can open it again and reminisce about their younger selves.
18. Make Homemade Pizzas
DIY your pizzas for dinner and let the children have fun with their toppings. Be adventurous and try unique combinations like spinach and feta cheese. At the same time, you can try different sauce flavors like pesto or buffalo sauce. Bonus points for homemade dough!
19. Put on a Puppet Show
A good ol’ puppet show is an awesome source of laughter and creativity. Therefore, encourage the kids to make their puppets from socks, paper bags, or paper plates. Then, have them create a story and put on a show for everyone to enjoy. For more fun, construct a makeshift stage using a blanket and chairs.
20. Create a Family Tree
Get to know your little guests more and share your family history by creating a family tree together. To do so, print out pictures or draw family members and glue them onto a large piece of paper. Then, let the kids take turns sharing stories about each family member.
21. Reflection and Gratitude Activity
A reflection and gratitude activity is perfect before bed. To begin, instruct the bubbas to write down or draw what they’re thankful for and then take turns sharing them. It’s a positive way of ending the night and reminding everyone of the good things in their lives.
Outdoor Things to Do at A Sleepover
If you have the space and weather permits, take some of these activities outdoors for a change of scenery and some fresh air.
22. Go Stargazing
Head outside to gaze at the stars in the night sky. Moreover, you can teach about different constellations or just lay back and enjoy the peacefulness of being under the stars. Likewise, consider bringing out blankets and pillows for a cozy stargazing experience. Spray the cuties with a good insect repellant, too!
23. Have a Bonfire or Campfire
Gather around a bonfire and roast some marshmallows for s’mores. This is the perfect opportunity to tell ghost stories or play campfire games like “Hot Seat” or “Two Truths and a Lie.” A “This or That” game is also perfect for roasting marshmallows.
24. Play Glow-in-the-Dark Games
If you have access to glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark paint, use them to play games like capture the flag, hide-and-seek, or tag. Likewise, you can create a glow stick obstacle course for added challenge and excitement.
25. Have an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Just like the indoor scavenger version, but with a twist! Use flashlights and hide items around the yard or neighborhood for the kids to find. Place clues around the area and encourage teamwork and problem-solving.
26. Do an Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a projector and screen outdoors to watch a movie under the stars. Moreover, prepare some snacks like popcorn or make s’mores while watching the film. You can even set up a “drive-in” experience by having the kids sit in cardboard boxes decorated as cars.
27. Go on a Nature Walk
Walk around the neighborhood or go to a nearby park and observe nature. You can have the kids collect leaves, rocks, or other items they find interesting and create a nature collage afterward. Bring your furry friends along for a fun and healthy activity.
28. Have a Water Balloon Fight
A water balloon fight is a must-have on hot, sunny days. Buy colorful balloons, fill them up, and go on a fun-filled water balloon fight. This is also a great way to cool down and beat the heat.
29. Pass an Obstacle Course
Use items around the house like hula hoops, jump ropes, and cones to create an outdoor obstacle course. Time each participant and see who can complete it the fastest or set up challenges for added excitement.
30. Play Capture the Flag
Pump adrenaline and capture the flag in your backyard or a nearby park. Use glow-in-the-dark paint to mark territories and have fun strategizing with teams. For a twist, have a themed capture-the-flag game like superheroes vs. villains.
31. Have a Picnic
Pack some sandwiches, fruits, and drinks, and head to the park for a picnic for the kids. Set up tables and chairs or lay a picnic blanket to enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal. You can even bring out your teapots and have a fancy tea party for the little ones.
32. Paint with Nature
Gather leaves, twigs, and other natural objects as paintbrushes to create unique outdoor artwork. You can also mix mud with water to create natural paints for a messy yet fun activity. Use your driveway or sidewalk as the canvas and let your creativity run wild.
33. Do Some Gardening
Help the bubbas connect with nature deeper by getting their hands and toes dirty with some gardening. Teach them about different plants, how to care for them, and the importance of nature in our lives. Plus, they’ll love seeing their little seeds grow into beautiful flowers or vegetables.
34. Enjoy Barbeque Time
Fire up the grill and have a barbeque in your backyard or nearby park. Let the kids help prepare and grill before eating together. Then, let them set up the eating area with decorations and centerpieces they’ve created.
35. DIY A Tie-Dye
Try some DIY tie-dye t-shirts or other clothing items for a souvenir. Use natural dyes like fruits and vegetables, or try traditional tie-dye techniques. This way, your small guests will have a unique keepsake from the party and an opportunity to express their creativity.
What to Do at Sleepovers for Parents
We owe moms and dads epic sleepovers that their kids will talk about for months. To ensure everything goes smoothly—from preparation to on-the-day activities to post-sleepover cleanup—print this checklist:
Before
- Set a date and time
- Decide on the guest list
- Plan for food and drinks
- Prepare sleeping arrangements (e.g., pillows, blankets)
- Stock up on fun activities and games
- Ask all the little guests’ parents about any dietary restrictions or allergies
- Ready an emergency contact list and kit (e.g., parents’ numbers, poison control)
On the day
- Set up a designated sleeping area
- Prepare snacks and meals
- Have age-appropriate movies or shows ready for movie night
- Play games and activities that cater to different interests and abilities
- Keep an eye on the kids at all times for safety reasons
- Set a bedtime and stick to it
After
- Have a designated clean-up crew of kids (with adult supervision)
- Return borrowed items to their owners
- Thank parents for attending and taking part in the sleepover
- Send out thank you notes to the guests with pictures from the sleepover
Conclusion
What to do at sleepovers for kids won’t be the same after trying out these fun and engaging activities. Try one or two, or mix and match them to create your ultimate sleepover event. Have fun, stay patient, and enjoy bonding with your child and their friends. Happy hosting!
What’s your ultimate sleepover activity? Let us know in the comments below!
