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14 What To Do At a Sleepover Ideas You Never Thought Of!

Need ideas for what to do at a sleepover with kids? We have 14 unique sleepover ideas for summer kids’ activities (or any time of year!). We’ll cover what do you do at a slumber party, how do you plan a pajama party, sleepover games and even sleepover snacks!

Best Sleepover Ideas for Kids kid legs jumping on bed

So . . .what can you do at a sleepover at night?

What to do at a sleepover age 13?

And, is it different from what do 10 year olds do at sleepovers?

 
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(And, what age is appropriate for a slumber party?)

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 sleepover things to do . . .

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?

  • Watch movies
  • Play board games
  • Play video games
  • Have a spa night
  • Eat fun sleepover snacks
  • Enjoy a campfire
  • Sing karaoke
  • 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!)

 

DON’T MISS THE AWESOME SLUMBER PARTY IDEAS AND SLEEPOVER FOOD IDEAS LATER IN THE POST!

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SO . . .

How do you plan a pajama party for kids? a bed with a pink and white comforter

How do you plan a pajama party?

  1. Pick a date.
  2. Decide on a theme. (Get your kids involved on the theme!)
  3. Make a list of games your kid wants to play.
  4. Decide on the number of kids and who is invited. (Keep it to 10 or below to save your sanity.)
  5. Create the food menu.
  6. 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.)
  7. Ask about food allergies.
  8. Be clear about the slumber party rules. (No mobile phones during certain hours, etc.)
  9. Make sure parents have direct contact numbers for you.
  10. Verify day after pick-up time with parents.
  11. Have “extras” in case someone forgets something—extra blankets, pillows, toothbrushes, etc.
  12. 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.

 

IMPORTANT SLEEPOVER TIP

Always put an end time on your sleepover invitations! If you don’t, you’ll find yourself with kids still hanging around at 4 p.m. the following day!

 

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 what to bring to a sleepover on your invitations.

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)!

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! 

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DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links are used on this site and may be used in this post.
Please refer to our DISCLOSURE STATEMENT.

14 What To Do At a Sleepover Ideas You Never Thought Of!

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14 Creative Ideas for What To Do at a Sleepover

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:

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).

And, don’t forget to get the teepee tent twinkle lights!

Not only do they look cool, but they will help if little ones are afraid of the dark.

TeePee Tent Twinkle Lights kids canvas teepee tent with small white lights on the edge

 

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:

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:

 

Don’t miss our Popcorn Bar idea later in this post!

 

If you really want to wow the movie night crowd, you can 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

Sleepover Ideas Dance and Doze little girl in dance pose in front of shiny curtains

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 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. We didn’t put helium in them. We just put them all over the floor in the “dance room” and they had a blast!)

 

Here’s what we used for our dance party sleepover theme:


 

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:


 

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:

 

Slime Recipe

Directions

  1. Measure and pour 4 ounces of glue into each 8 ounce plastic jar.
  2. Let your party goers add the glitter and food coloring they want to their jars.
  3. Stir with craft sticks.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of Elmer’s Magical Liquid to the glue in each jar. (This is what “activates” the glue into slime.) DON’T ADD THE ACTIVATOR UNTIL THEY’VE ADDED THE FOOD COLORING AND GLITTER!


 

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 need board game ideas, check out our three part board game series recommended by 42 parents. Start with Part 1 here.

 

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:


 

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:

 

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:

 

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:

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:


 

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:


 

Sleepover Ideas #14: Scrap-n-Sleep

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:

 

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

 

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Fun Sleepover Party Ball Game

 

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:

You’re going to have to feed the kids at the slumber party.

(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:

Sleepover Food Ideas for Kids cereal and milk in a bowl with fresh peaches on top

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.

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.

(Duh.)

For your popcorn bar you’ll need:

(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!

 

Tag us in your what to do at a sleepover ideas on Instagram!

 

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About The Author

Jacqueline Wilson is an expert professional educational consultant, writer, and educator of 18 years, homeschooling mom of over 8 years, and #1 Bestselling Author. She's been featured in local and national news and media outlets.

1 Comment

  1. Rose
    November 24, 2019 at 1:47 pm · Reply

    thanks j

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