What to do at a sleepover with kids or need virtual sleepover ideas for a child’s birthday party to tween or teen sleepover? We have 14 fun things to do at a sleepover for summer kids activities (or any time of year!) and also 27 fun things for online sleepovers. We’ll cover what do you do at a slumber party, how do you plan a pajama party, sleepover games and even sleepover snacks!
What To Do At A Sleepover For Kids: Slumber Party Ideas
The kids want a pajama party and now you’re left wondering about things to do at a sleepover.
Sleep over activities are important for your slumber party because it keeps the kids from getting into trouble and keeps them occupied until they’re ready to pass out!
But, before we get to the fantastic list of things to do with friends at a sleepover…
What is the difference between a sleepover and slumber party?
Sleepovers / slumber parties are also sometimes called a pajama party. A sleepover is anytime your child has anyone spend the night. A slumber party meaning is when your child has more than one person spend the night. However, sleepover and slumber party are often used interchangeably for people sleeping over at another person’s house.
What do you do at a slumber party?
Fun sleepover activities and things to do at a sleepover for kids:
- Watch movies
- Make slime
- Play board games
- Offer a popcorn bar
- Make mini pizzas
- Have a bubble party
- Play video games
- Have a spa night
- Eat fun sleepover snacks
- Enjoy a campfire (or make indoor smores)
- Sing karaoke
- Decorate cupcakes or cookies
- Make crafts (like decorate pillow cases!)
- Tell scary stories
- Play flashlight tag
- Have a strobe light dance party (we used these strobe lights for our party and they were awesome!)
But, what happens when you can’t have gatherings in your home? ENTER: The Virtual Sleepover
DON’T MISS THE AWESOME SLUMBER PARTY IDEAS AND SLEEPOVER FOOD IDEAS LATER IN THE POST!
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DON’T MISS MORE FAMILY SUMMER FUN IDEAS:
Guide To Summer Activities With Family
VIRTUAL SLUMBER PARTY
What is a virtual sleepover?
A virtual sleepover is when kids have virtual activities with friends in an online slumber party environment. Kids send virtual sleepover invitation to friends and connect with videoconferencing applications like Zoom or FaceTime.
What do you do at a virtual sleepover?
At a virtual sleepover, kids connect and play online sleepover games, have a Netflix Party with video chat groups, tell stories, do scavenger hunts, listen to music, play games together, have themed snacks and other things you do at slumber parties, just online instead!
How do you do a virtual slumber party?
Best things to do at a sleepover online:
- Decide what platform you’re going to use (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.).
- Plan your activities (like Netflix Party, online games, etc.).
- Send virtual sleepover invitation of time to login, including directions on how to connect to the online platform and how the party will work.
- Let everyone know to wear their favorite sleepover pajamas.
- If everyone is local, you can even do a porch drop off a sleepover party pack for everyone (like fun sleep masks, snacks and microwave popcorn, scratch off craft, cozy socks, and party favors).
- Make sure everyone is prepared with their favorite snacks.
- Gather your pillow, sleeping bag and stuffed animals in the area where you will log on to the virtual celebration.
- Invite people to decorate their sleepover space and give out prizes for best space, weirdest space, etc.
- Let the kids have fun and help them keep the flow going, but don’t feel the need to micromanage!
Here are fun sleepover ideas for boys and girls…
27 Ideas for Virtual Sleepovers
There are many fun things to do at a virtual sleepover!
Virtual sleepover activities include:
- Play charades
- Do show and tell
- Have a glow stick dance party
- Create a karaoke competition or lip sync battle
- Play online video games or game apps
- Do group crafts
- Have a trivia game challenge
- Have fun with MadLibs
- Create and eat Theme snacks
- Put on a fashion show
- Play card or board games
- Have a Netflix Party with synchronized chat
- Do group crafts
- Compete in Virtual scavenger hunts
- Play Pictionary
- Have a talent show
- Tell scary or funny stories
- Play 2 Truths and a Lie
- Watch YouTube videos
- Do a “Nailed It!” cupcake or cookie decorating competition
- Play Truth or Dare
- Play 20 questions guess
- Have a spa night (check out these fun sleepover spa kits)
- Play Yahtzee
- Create crazy hair or make-up
- Play Simon Says
- Create and share art while chatting
ALSO CHECK OUT: How To Host An Online Sleepover
Ready to have an sleepover at your house? Keep reading!
How do you plan a pajama party?
- Pick a date.
- Decide on a theme. (Get your kids involved on the theme!)
- Make a list of games your kid wants to play.
- Decide on the number of kids and who is invited. (Keep it to 10 or below to save your sanity.)
- Create the food menu.
- Make invites. (Don’t forget to put exactly what’s happening–like will they get breakfast–and what they need to bring–like sleeping bags.)
- Ask about food allergies.
- Be clear about the slumber party rules. (No mobile phones during certain hours, etc.)
- Make sure parents have direct contact numbers for you.
- Verify day after pick-up time with parents.
- Have “extras” in case someone forgets something—extra blankets, pillows, toothbrushes, etc.
- Get lots of rest the day before (and go lean on the sugar for the kids so they don’t crash the day of the party!).
What time should slumber party start?
Start your sleepover later, anytime between 5-7 p.m. (depending on if you want to feed them dinner or not). You definitely want to start past lunch so that you don’t have to feed a bunch of hungry kids two meals (lunch and dinner), snacks, and then breakfast the next morning. On the invitation, be clear about what time pick-up is the next morning.
We usually do 11 a.m. because that gives the kids a little time to sleep in, wake up, eat breakfast, and get their stuff together.
Time may seem like a silly bit of information to include, but it’s easy to forget… until you’re in the middle of a bunch of 10-year-olds and you realize you have 14 more hours of this to go!
Before you get to what to do at a sleep over, parents will need to know what their kids should bring to the sleep over.
What To Bring To A Sleepover
Don’t forget to include your things for a sleepover on the invite!
Sleepover packing list:
- Pajamas
- Sleeping bags / blanket
- Pillow
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Special blankie or stuffed animal
- Small flashlight
- A note with special directions (medications, allergies, etc.)
OK.
Ready for the slumber party things to do?
Here are great ideas for what to do when at a sleepover that can be adapted for your group’s age.
These are fun summer sleepover ideas (or pajama party themes for any time or reason) and kids sleepover ideas.
We even got creative with pajama party theme names that your guests will enjoying seeing on the invitations.
DON’T MISS THE SLEEPOVER FOOD, SLEEPOVER SNACKS AND SLEEPOVER GAME IDEAS AFTER THIS SECTION!
14 Creative Ideas for What To Do at a Sleepover
Wondering what to do at slumber parties? Here are some great sleepover ideas for kids and sleepover themes – whether you need fun things to do at a teenage sleepover or wondering what do you do at a girly sleepover, you’ll find something in these sleepover list ideas.
Sleepover Ideas #1: Trampoline Tent Takeover
YOU. GUYS.
This is one of my FAVORITE ideas because, until recently, I had NO IDEA that you could get trampoline tents!
(Did you?!)
If you have a trampoline, then you MUST transform it into a Trampoline Tent Takeover Sleepover—especially if you are thinking of doing a backyard campout sleepover.
I also like this idea because it gets the kids up and off the damp (possibly cold) ground
The tents are measured by size (and sometimes type) of trampoline, so be sure that you order the one that fits your specific trampoline!
You can also do some fun camping-like things for this sleepover like campfire, campfire stories, hotdogs, and s’mores.
Check out our S’more Bar idea later in the post and other sleepover snacks!
Sleepover Ideas #2: Indoor Blanket Fort
If you can’t (or don’t want) to do the outdoor trampoline tent slumber party, then how about an indoor blanket fort sleepover?
The best part about this sleepover is that the kids get to build the fort together (which is part of the fun)!
You can use blankets, sheets, cushions, and chairs that you have at home OR you can grab a fun blanket fort kit!
It’s up to you (just don’t micromanage!).
Try these for your blanket fort sleepover:
- Blanket fort kits
- Glow-in-dark fort construction kit
- Fort lights
- Floor loungers
If you want to skip the blankets, you can do this amazing 30-second inflatable air fort!
Sleepover Ideas #3: Sleepy TeePee
A teepee tent is a fun sleepover theme because I have not yet met one kid who didn’t love a teepee tent when they saw one!
Fill it with blankets and pillows and they’re ready to go for the pajama party fun!
Because of the size of the teepee tents, these work best for small sleepovers (two kids per teepee).
Don’t forget twinkle lights. Not only do they look cool, but they will help if little ones are afraid of the dark.
Sleepover Ideas #4: Movie-ZZZZZZZ (Movie Night)
(Sorry, I tried to do something with movie and ZZZZZ for sleep and that’s the best I could do…)
A movie night sleepover is awesome because it naturally lends itself to a slumber party theme—chilling out with sleeping bags in front of the TV, watching movies, and then falling asleep.
However, it doesn’t have to be boring. You can spice up your Movie-ZZZZ Sleepover (I should just stop with that, right?) with:
- Movie selfie wall
- Movie night party supplies (like theme napkins, plates, etc.)
- Movie reel cupcake/appetizer holder
You can ask everyone to dress as their favorite movie star or movie character and use a red carpet runner for a “Red Carpet” photo experience!
You’ll also need some great family-friendly movies! (Don’t be afraid to go old-school for some movies the kids may not have seen!)
We recommend:
- Lego Movie 1 and Lego Movie 2
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Mary Poppins
- Honey I Shrunk the Kids
- Smallfoot
- The Secret Life of Pets
CHECK THIS OUT FOR A HUGE LIST OF SLEEPOVER MOVIES
Don’t miss our Popcorn Bar idea later in this post!
Want a some extra fun things to do at a sleepover at night and wow the movie night crowd? Do an outdoor movie night slumber party using a blow-up movie screen and a small projector hooked to your laptop!
Sleepover Ideas #5: Dance and Doze
Who doesn’t love a good dance party?
(I know we do!)
A couple of years ago we transformed our little home classroom area into a Dance Party Rave Sleepover and it was a HUGE hit.
And, bonus?
It tired all the kids out so that when it was time for sleeping they conked out ASAP!
Here’s what we did:
We let our daughter pick out a music playlist and played that.
And, we also kept the room dark, turned on a disco ball, and let them dance away with a light up party pack – light-up rings, finger lights, glasses, and glow sticks, glow bracelets, and glow balloons.
The light up balloons were a huge hit, so don’t forget those.
This is one of those super fun things to do at sleepovers at night!
Here’s what we used for our dance party sleepover theme:
- Metallic curtain backdrop
- Dance hanging decorations
- Light-up wearables (a MUST for dancing in the dark!)
- Light-up balloons
- Disco ball light (we got this one and had a lot of fun with it!)
- Light-up glow rings
Sleepover Ideas #6: Rock-n-Rest
If you don’t want to do a whole dance rave sleepover but still want to stick with a rock (or music) theme, do a Rock-n-Rest Sleepover.
For this sleepover theme you center everything around rocking out—starting with a karaoke machine!
You can even give out trophies for different fun rocking categories (best lip sync, best dance moves, etc.). Just use these trophies and a metallic pen (to write the winner’s names/categories).
Here’s what you need for a Rock-n-Rest Sleepover:
- Karaoke machine (with microphones)
- Music CDs or playlist (check your karaoke machine requirements)
- Rock-n-roll decorations
- Inflatable rock star pack
- Rock record streamers
- Music notes supplies
- Music note balloons
- And these for yourself… (wink)
Sleepover Ideas #7: Slime & Slumber
Alright, you knew it was coming: A SLIME SLEEPOVER.
I mean, slime is THE THING for kids right now, so how could we leave it out?
(And, it makes a fun, hands-on sleepover theme!)
For your party, you can set up a slime make-n-play station with different kinds and types of slime (and floam!) and let them slime out until their little hearts (and hands) are exhausted.
The key to a successful slime party is to have a range of different colors and accessories (dude. yes. slime has accessories.) that the kids can add to the slime.
(Bonus parent points if you go for a couple of different slime types/recipes and kits!)
Here’s what you’ll need for a slime slumber party:
- Aprons or art shirts (to get messy)
- Plastic table cover (I like the roll because you can customize it to fit your needs and easily roll out more if you need it.)
- Hand wipes
- Paper plates (for containing the mess)
- Plastic jars with lids
- Craft sticks
- Slime ingredients (see recipe below)
- Slime accessories
- Slime kits like Unicorn Slime Kit or Crunchy Slime Kit
Sleepover Ideas #8: Snooze You Lose (Game Night)
Game nights are such a fun (and affordable!) slumber party theme because you can use the games you already have on hand.
Also, the kids can float between games and eliminates the chance of getting bored.
If you want to kick up your board game night a notch, have a dress up board game party. (We have a CLUE game dress up party in our future, I’m sure of it.)
Here’s what you’ll need for a game night sleepover party:
- Group board games (be sure to have games that meet the number of your guests)
- Board game table cloth
- Monopoly Welcome Poster
- Monopoly cut-out decorations
- Big foam dice
- Scrabble tiles (for crafts, decorations or game play)
- Super jumbo playing cards
Sleepover Ideas #9: Craft & Crash
If you have a crafty kid, then a Crafts & Crash sleepover theme is perfect for your family!
With this slumber party, you create different craft stations that the kid can move between during the party.
You can decide if you want a theme (like unicorns) or you just want to do a bunch of different kinds of crafts.
Here are some fun craft party ideas for groups and things to make at a sleepover:
- DIY craft party hats
- Mini sand art
- Rainbow scratch animals or dinosaurs
- Mini art sets (and these cute mini easels for tiny art creation!)
- Slime craft kit
- DIY bracelets
Sleepover Ideas #10: Pizza & PJs
Pizza and PJs is a fun pajama party them, especially if you have a kids who loves to cook.
The key to a fun Pizza and PJs slumber party is the DIY pizza time.
Give the kids an assortment of toppings and sauce and let them create their own pizza.
You can save yourself time by grabbing the pre-made pizza crusts. Don’t forget to ask parents about allergies and also provide some gluten free crust options.
Also, don’t forget to provide things for dessert pizzas as well as traditional pizzas!
Then, have movie time while they eat their pizza creations.
Here are fun items for a Pizza & PJs sleepover:
- Chef hats
- Kids’ aprons
- Pizza tablecloth
- Food party photo props
- Pizza balloons
- Pizza plates and napkins
- Gummy pizza packs
Sleepover Ideas #11: Sleeping Beauty Sleepover
Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic sleepover party theme (for obvious reasons).
You can make this is a princess spa treatment and movie-watching party!
Here are Sleeping Beauty Sleepover ideas:
- Sleeping Beauty movie
- DIY decorate sleep masks
- Slippers
- Spa favors party pack
- DIY princess tiara craft kits
- Orbeez Soothing Spa (these are super popular—at least that’s what my kid says!) with extra water beads
- Create your own spa (bath soap, lotions, lip balms, etc.)
- Sleepover Party board game
If you’re doing this pajama party theme, you’ll definitely also want to include a nice sleeping beauty slumber area.
Sleepover Ideas #12: Fiesta and Siesta
Fiesta means a celebration and siesta means rest or nap.
So, a Fiesta and Siesta theme means they party then sleep!
If your kid loves holidays like Cinco de Mayo or studying Mexico (or Taco Tuesday!), then this is the slumber party for him or her!
And, it is a fun and unique theme that you don’t see often as a pajama party theme (plus, TACO. BAR.).
For the fiesta part of the Fiesta and Siesta theme:
- Nacho and / or Taco Bar (see ideas under the Sleepover Food section below)
- Fiesta party backdrop for pics
- Papel Picado Banner
- Fiesta decorations
- Sombrero headbands and sombrero party hats
- Mexican serape table runner
- Inflatable sombrero for waters and other drinks
- Maracas
- Light-up cactus
- Taco pinata
Sleepover Ideas #13: Safari and Slumber
This is a fun outdoor activity, especially if you have younger kids and you want to burn off some energy before bedtime.
You can take them on a short hike at a nearby park or even create a backyard safari experience.
Use these mini jungle animals for a scavenger hunt, or you can even do a nature-themed scavenger hunt. (Grab a free scavenger hunt printable here.)
And, if the weather fails you, don’t worry! Just move it indoors. The kids will have just as much fun! (And you’ll have an excuse to use these awesome hanging vines for decorations!)
For Safari and Slumber, you’ll need:
- Safari jungle photo prop
- Safari hats
- Binoculars
- Safari table covering
- Animal masks
- These so you can make a nature craft
- Animal bubbles
- Safari animal favor bags
- Safari favor set
Sleepover Ideas #14: Scrap-n-Sleep
If you’re looking for quiet things to do at a sleepover, try a scrapbook sleepover!
Scrapbooking is a fun sleepover idea because it’s crafty and kids can personalize something great that they get to take home at the end.
Just have each kid bring 3-5 pictures with them and then you provide all the scrapbooking items!
For a Scrap-n-Sleep theme, you need:
- Affordable pack of blank “scrapbooks”
- Fun puffy stickers
- Crafting scissors
- Fun card stock
- Glue sticks
- Regular markers (make sure they are finer tipped so they don’t bleed through pages) and glitter markers
Now that you have some sleepover ideas and themes, let’s take a look at sleepover game ideas if you need something more for your party . . .
Sleepover Games
Sleepover Games: Preschool
When having a preschool age sleepover (bless you), you want to keep the games simple.
Try games like:
- Balloon toss (or water balloon toss outside!)
- Pin the tail on (whatever your theme is)
- Tag
- Hide-n-seek
Sleepover Games: Tweens
- Exploding Kittens (Trust me on this one, every time a group of tweens get together at my house this is one of the first games they play!)
- The Sleepover Party Game
- Spoons
- Googly Eyes
- Capture the Flag GLOW IN THE DARK version (WAY!)
ALSO CHECK OUT:
Fun Sleepover Games: Party Ball
Sleepover Games: Teens
We’ve also had a lot of fun with these group games that any age ranges can play (yes, even teens at our house have had fun with these!):
Sleepover Food Ideas
We have some bad news:
Your sleepover party ideas need to include food.
(Sorry.)
And, we probably don’t have to tell you that kids can eat A. LOT.
But, here’s the good news: food for slumber party can be quick and easy!
One of the best ways you can provide food at a sleepover is to make a food bar where they can make their own creations!
Here are our favorite sleepover food ideas:
Breakfast Bar
If you want to go light on dinner (like order pizza in) and then focus on breakfast, go big with a breakfast bar.
You can include:
- Bagels and toppings
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Bacon/sausage
- Pancakes and syrup
- Granola
- Fresh fruit
- Milk (including things to make chocolate milk)
Cereal and Yogurt Bar
If you want to go for a lighter breakfast, do a cereal and yogurt bar with:
- Different cereal offerings
- Granola
- Fruit toppings
- Yogurt
- Regular milk, soy milk, and almond milk
Nacho and/or Taco Bar
For a nacho or taco bar you’ll need:
- Tortilla chips
- Soft and hard taco shells
- Chicken and beef meat filling
- Beans
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Shredded cheese
- Taco sauce / salsa
Hotdog Bar and/or Hamburger Bar
For a hotdog and/or hamburger bar, you’ll need:
- Hamburgers
- Hotdogs
- Buns and rolls
- Ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Pickles
- Cheese
- Shredded cheese
And anything else your kids normally like on their hamburgers and hotdogs.
Also, don’t forget about sides like chips and dips!
S’Mores Bar
If you’re doing the Trampoline Tent Takeover slumber party, then you HAVE to do a S’mores Bar.
(Yes, it’s a requirement.)
For a DIY S’Mores Bar you’ll need:
- Graham crackers
- Big marshmallows (Those flat, campfire marshmallows are great!)
- Different flavor marshmallows (try SmashMallow! We love them!)
- Chocolate bars (and other flavor of chocolate bars like salted caramel!)
- Marshmallow roasting sticks
Hot Chocolate Bar
A hot chocolate bar is another fun one to do, especially if your sleepover is outside or you’re having a campfire.
We like to make up real hot chocolate beforehand (not the mix) and put it in a hot drink pump dispenser.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE A HOT CHOCOLATE CHARCUTERIE BOARD
You’ll also need:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate chips or shavings
- Sprinkles
- Crushed graham crackers
We like to offer up a variety of toppings in different shaker jars.
Popcorn Bar
If you’re doing MovieZZZZZZ night (no, I won’t let it go!), then you definitely need a popcorn bar.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE COLORED POPCORN
For your popcorn bar you’ll need:
- Cute popcorn containers
- Popcorn maker (this is our absolute favorite and we use it often!)
- Popcorn flavorings
- Different fun items to mix in like raisins, dried cranberries, M&Ms, sprinkles, Reeses Pieces (if no nut allergies), pretzels, Goldfish crackers, mini graham crackers, chocolate chips or anything else you think sounds good with popcorn!
(Yes, creating a popcorn bar really is this easy!)
Build Your Own Sundae Bar
Ice cream sundae bars are also super fun for sleepovers.
For your sundae bar you need:
- Different flavors of ice cream
- Sundae toppings (like chocolate, caramel, strawberry)
- Sprinkles
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
Don’t forget ice cream sundae dishes! (I love these old school ones!)
Remember, the kids will be happy to just hang out and have snacks. No need to stress about slumber party food and make it an extravagant thing!
We’ve given you a ton of great sleepover ideas, so have fun with them!
Have a great sleepover theme that we forgot?
Let us know in the comments so we can add it to the list!
Hope you enjoyed our what to do at a sleepover ideas!
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thanks j