Plan The Ultimate Sleepover: List Of Things To Do At A Sleepover
Gallery
Planning the perfect sleepover is all about balancing fun, creativity, and comfort to ensure the kids have a night to remember. Sleepovers are common in childhood, helping kids bond with their friends, enjoy some autonomy, and create lasting memories. They combine the excitement of staying up late with the comfort of being with friends in a safe environment.
From watching spine-tingling scary movies to getting creative with arts and crafts, there's no shortage of activities to keep sleepover guests entertained. It's important to focus on activities that encourage group participation and are age-appropriate. The ultimate sleepover should feel like an adventure, with just the right mix of relaxation and exhilarating experiences.
Above all, a successful slumber party is one where everyone feels included and has plenty of fun things to do. Whether it’s a fashion or talent show, an ice cream bar or a karaoke machine, designing an evening with these elements in mind ensures a successful soiree. Try these things to do at a sleepover as these ideas guarantee that the kids will talk about it until their next slumber party!
Choose Your Room
First, think about which room of the house you’ll be using to host your sleepover, and think about rearranging the layout and furniture to create as much space as possible. Also, move anything fragile out of the way until morning.
Next, you'll need to organize the space so that everyone has somewhere cozy to sleep. If it’s easy enough to move mattresses to your chosen room then do this, if not you could use sofa cushions or sleeping bags if you have them.
Grab your duvets and pillows and have a designated space for each family member.
If the kids have a favorite cuddly toy, make sure they come along too! Lay everyone’s PJs on their pillows and show everyone where they’ll be sleeping beforehand so there are no arguments when it’s time to lay down for the night.
Set The Scene
Think fairy lights, lanterns, and bunting, whatever the best option is for transforming your chosen room into a sleepover haven. Some twinkly fairy lights will set the perfect ambiance, add in some scatter cushions and throws and you’ll have a space that screams sleepover!
You could also have a fun craft day with the kids beforehand and make homemade decorations to make your space look extra special. Here are some ideas:
Plan For Food
You don't want to spend the entire night in the kitchen slaving over a 3-course meal so it's important to keep the food nice and simple. Here are some great options:
- Chicken Fajitas - a great sleepover dish that requires very little prep or cooking
- Pizza - you could buy ready-made or even make your own; then you've got food and entertainment all rolled into one!
- Lasagne - you can make this dish beforehand and just pop it in the oven to heat it.
Snacks & Drinks
No sleepover is complete without snacks! From sweet to savory, here are some great snack ideas to get your taste buds tingling.
- Popcorn - the ultimate sleepover snack! Why not jazz it up and have multi-colored popcorn?!
- Crisps are a definite must-have
- Fruit skewers - it's a sleepover but it’s good to have a healthy option!
- Marshmallows and melted chocolate
- Cheesy Nachos
- Make some mocktails - kids will love feeling grown up with their fancy drinks!
Activities To Include
Now, to the main activities of the night! Here is a list of activity options to include in your sleepover, guaranteeing a memorable experience that your family will remember fondly for years.
Sleepover Movie Marathon
A movie marathon is a classic that never fails to please. Create a cozy cinema experience with sleeping bags, pillows, and an ice cream bar for intermission treats. Let the sleepover guests vote on their favorite movies, ensuring a selection that caters to everyone's taste, and don't forget the popcorn!
Scary Movie Galore
For older kids, add a thrilling twist with a scary movie screening. Dim the lights, turn up the surround sound, and let the chills roll. Make sure to gauge the scariness level suitable for the kids to prevent any sleepless nights!
Board Games And Card Games
Unleash competitiveness with a selection of board games and card games. Whether it’s a strategic game of Risk or the classic Monopoly, games give kids the chance to bond and engage in friendly competition.
Pillow Forts And Truth Or Dare
No sleepover is complete without building pillow forts or playing a round of Truth or Dare. It's a fantastic way to get the whole group laughing and sharing. Opt for fun accessories like fabric markers for personalizing pillowcases to take home as mementos.
Play Spin The Bottle With Nail Polish
Introduce a genius twist to spin the bottle by using nail polish. Each person takes turns painting each other's nails with the color selected by the bottle's spin. It’s a fun, safe, and engaging way to integrate this classic sleepover game.
Arts And Crafts Projects
Encourage creativity with arts and crafts projects. From decorating T-shirts with fabric markers to creating paper planes, there's no shortage of fun things to make. These activities are perfect for souvenir creation, allowing guests to take home a piece of the night.
Make Your Own Pizza Party
Further engage the little chefs by setting up a Make Your Own Pizza station. Provide various toppings and let kids customize their pizzas before popping them in the oven; what a delicious way to feed the hungry bunch!
Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Organize a scavenger hunt that will have the kids searching for hidden treasures around the house. It’s an exciting way to bond, explore, and play as a group, and it can be as simple or intricate as you wish.
Karaoke Machine: Sing Favorite Songs All Night Long
Bring out a karaoke machine and watch the kids belt out their favorite songs. A talent show can follow this, allowing each child to showcase their special skills, be it singing, storytelling, or comedy.
Spa Night With Soothing Music
Transform your living room into a spa with facial masks, soothing music, and a selection of cucumber slices for the eyes. Kids can take turns giving each other facials, doing their hair, or just relaxing, it’s like a sleepover and day spa, all in one.
Creative Fashion Show
Ramp up the evening with a fashion show where kids can style old photos and strut their stuff. Use room decorations like glow sticks or blacklight bubbles for extra ambiance and fashion-forward flair.
Photo Booth
Why not set up a photo booth to capture the fun of your sleepover?! You can keep your photo booth super simple depending on what you have at home, if you have a plain white wall then this would work as the perfect backdrop or you could jazz it up with some bunting or a customized banner.
If you have a fancy camera with a tripod or a Polaroid camera, then great! If not, you can use your smartphone.
What really makes a photo booth is the props! So, have a hunt through your wardrobes and fancy dress supplies and see what you can find! Or, get crafty and make some props of your own, here are some ideas to get you started! Print off your photos and create a sleepover photo album that you can look back on in years to come.
Breakfast/Brunch
ShutterstockIt’s likely that you all had a late night so this might be more like brunch than breakfast but it's a good idea to have it all prepared and planned out; after all, this is the ‘ultimate sleepover’ so try to finish it on a high!
Whip up some pancakes (or buy ready-made) then add bowls full of different toppings; blueberries, whipped cream, sliced banana, strawberries, bacon, golden syrup, chocolate chips, honey, ice cream, or peanut butter. The options are endless! You can have this all prepped ahead of time.
Things To Keep in Mind
Sleepover Guests’ Needs: Always consider the needs and comfort levels of all sleepover guests. Have extra sleeping bags and pillows on hand, and create a ‘quiet zone’ for any guests who might need a break from the excitement.
Safety and Supervision: While fun is the night's main goal, safety should never be compromised. Ensure adequate supervision so that all activities go off without a hitch and every child feels secure and cared for.
FAQs
How can I make the sleepover fun for all age groups in attendance?
To cater to different age groups, include several activities, some that require energy and enthusiasm, like a pillow fight or hide and seek, and others that encourage calm and creativity, like a paper plane contest or watching shooting stars. Also have options for quiet time, like reading or watching a favorite movie, to wind down.
Are there any creative ways to make sure everyone participates?
Try fun activities like a second round of scavenger hunt or a group-based talent show where each participant's role contributes to the group's success. Incorporating team-building games ensures everyone has a role to play and feels included.
What are some unique sleepover games we can try?
Branch out from the norm with games like blacklight bubbles hide-and-seek, where the hidden person holds glowing bubbles making the search party more intriguing, or 'Who Am I?' with celebrity names or characters that will have everyone guessing and laughing.
The ultimate sleepover combines fun activities, tasty treats, and cozy comforts to create an environment where kids can enjoy the company of their friends and make lasting memories. With these ideas, your child's next slumber party will surely be a hit, filled with creativity, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.
Keep safety in mind, prepare a variety of activities, and get ready to host a night that your young guests will cherish forever. With the echoes of laughter from the activities and games signifying new bonds formed and friendships strengthened, pat yourself on the back for the unquestionable success of the night's events.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
Sources
See All
Bachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
Anusuya MukherjeeBachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
With a wealth of international experience spanning Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, Anusuya brings a unique perspective to her work as a Content Assistant and Content Updating Coordinator. She holds a law degree from India and has practiced law in India and Kuwait. Anusuya is a fan of rap music and enjoys a good cup of coffee in her free time. Currently, she is working on her novel, "Mr. Ivory Merchant".
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha MartinsBachelor of Arts specializing in Linguistics
Martha is a full-time creative writer, content strategist, and aspiring screenwriter who communicates complex thoughts and ideas effectively. She has completed her Bachelor's in Linguistics from Nasarawa State University. As an enthusiast of public relations and communication, Martha is well-prepared to substantially impact your organization as your next content writer and strategist. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to delivering high-quality work enables her to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
