25 Kid- and Tween-Friendly Things to Do at a Sleepover
Updated: Feb. 02, 2023
Our ultimate list of things to do at a sleepover will let you kick back and listen to the laughter.
Pulling off the ultimate sleepover might be easier than you think. A few planned-ahead activities and slumber party snacks can take the stress out of hosting. These things to do at a sleepover will keep your guests entertained while you relax.
Watch a Movie with Popcorn
Teens will never turn down a movie night with their friends. Invite them to make their own stovetop popcorn and add their favorite flavors or toppings. Then cozy up with some blankets and a favorite film.
Make Paper Lanterns
For an artistic group, lay out brightly-colored paper and other art supplies to make paper lanterns. Start by folding the paper in half lengthwise and cutting slits along the folded edge. Then connect the paper’s ends with tape and attach another slip of paper to the top for the handle. Use them to light the backyard for outdoor sleepover games.
Look at Constellations
Energy levels are usually high during a sleepover. Get those kids outside with a stargazing party. As soon as it gets dark, grab a book or app about constellations and channel your inner astronomer.
Do Nail Art
Nail art is a fun, relatively inexpensive activity that can entertain your slumber party guests for hours. Set out different colors of nail polish, glitter, stencils and tiny stickers.
Play a New Board Game
If your group is small, set out a few new board games for them to try. And don’t forget the game night recipes!
Build a Fort
Fort building is a sleepover staple for a reason. Simply grab as many pillows and blankets as you can find, then let your daughter and her friends get to work.
Have a Dance Party
Have a group of hyper kids who need to get some energy out? Push your furniture against the wall and pump up the tunes for a much-needed dance party.
Tell Ghost Stories
If everyone is up for a little spookiness, encourage the girls to take turns telling ghost stories. Up the scare factor by turning off the lights and breaking out the flashlights.
Play with Glow Sticks
Surprise your son and his friends with a bag of glow sticks or glow necklaces. They’ll have fun dancing around in the dark, and you’ll be known as the fun parent.
Set Up Indoor Camping
Give your sleepover a camping feel by setting up your own indoor campsite. You just need sleeping bags, tents (or sheets hung around the room) and tasty camping snacks.
Make Mini Pizzas
Personal pizzas are always a hit, especially at a sleepover. Make plenty of this unbeatable pizza dough ahead of time, then set out a variety of cheeses and toppings.
Craft Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a fun, throwback activity that your slumber party guests can bring home with them. Grab different colors of thread and beads and watch the girls get creative.
Do Yoga
Need some help getting your tweens to wind down? Stream some kids’ yoga (we like Cosmic Kids) to get them moving and relaxing at the same time.
Sing Karaoke
You don’t need an expensive karaoke machine to host a friendly singing competition. Play some favorite tunes on your phone or on a speaker and let the kids shine.
Enjoy a Hot Cocoa Bar
Nothing feels as cozy as curling up on the couch with a warm mug of hot chocolate. To make the ultimate hot chocolate bar, brew some hot cocoa and set out bowls of marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream and cookies.
Design T-shirts
Let your slumber party guests get creative with an art project. A stack of white tees and some brightly colored puffy paints or fabric markers will please any tween or teen.
Make Edible Cookie Dough
Who can resist a lick of cookie dough? Involve your guests in making safe, egg-free edible cookie dough, and let them pick their mix-in’s.
Compete in Minute-to-Win-It Games
Have some tweens or teens who love a little competition? Give them a supply of buildable materials like plastic cups or Popsicle sticks. Then set the timer, and let the competition begin.
Write Mad Libs
Mad Libs are a fun word game for kids of any age. Buy a few different pads or simply make your own. Then sit back and listen to the laughter from the next room.
Roast S’mores
S’mores are the ultimate sleepover snack. Treat your guests to a bonfire in the backyard or get cozy with some indoor s’mores.
Do a Photo Shoot
If you have some budding photographers in the group, set up a photo station. Then grab some cheap frames and a few markers, rolls of washi tape, and stickers to personalize the frames.
Make a Candy Bar Buffet
Nothing takes a slumber party to the next level like a colorful candy bar buffet. Look for some clear containers from the dollar store and set them out with small goody bags for the girls to take a little something sweet home with them.
Play Indoor Basketball
Not all slumber party activities have to be planned ahead. A wastebasket and a foam basketball or a wad of crumpled-up paper can quickly transform into an indoor basketball tournament.
Host a Clothes Swap
The teens at your sleepover might enjoy bringing a few items of clothing to swap with their friends. Let them take over your living room with sections of clothing, then go shopping.
Make a Pancake Breakfast
Have some groggy girls who need a little boost in the morning? Invite them to help you make these fluffy pancakes complete with syrup, fruit and whipped cream.
Originally Published: December 20, 2022
