15 Sleepover Ideas to Entertain Your Kids
Host the best slumber party.
Sleepovers are one of those quintessential childhood activities that often remain in memories for years to come. All the nitty gritty however, is up to you. If your child is planning on hosting an overnight party, it's up to you to provide all the necessities for ambience, snacks, and fun. While it may sound intimidating at first, never fear, for we have compiled a list of sleepover ideas to make their night unforgettable.
1. Bring Out the Projector
No slumber party is complete without a movie, so bring out that projector and screen a favorite for all to enjoy. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere that comes from a darkened room and everyone huddled together to watch a classic film. If the weather is fine, you can even move the party outside for an outdoor movie night. Read 20 Fun Outdoor Movie Night Ideas to get even more inspo for your silver screen event.
Just as every sleepover needs movies, every movie needs popcorn. Why settle for plain old microwave bags when you can create your very own gourmet version? Use one of our popcorn makers to pop a whole batch, and provide a variety of toppings in various serving dishes for self-service. Pick savory options like sriracha, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, combined with sweeter choices like chocolate, cinnamon sugar, and cocoa powder to give the kids a board array to select from.
There is something about spun-sugar treats that harken back to childhood times, so why not bring in a little funfair nostalgia to your sleepover with a cotton candy maker? It is quick, fun, and enjoyable to watch – providing some extra entertainment for the kids as they watch you whip up individual cloud-like treats for each of them.
The twinkling from string lights will provide a gentle and inviting glow into your home, making guests feel warm and welcome and ready to have fun. These lights can act as a backdrop for selfies, set a mood for watching movies, or create the setting for telling scary stories. Hang them both inside and out if you plan to have your sleepover ideas include outdoor activities.
To get the camping experience without having to 'rough it,' you can set up a play tent or two in your living room. These lovely fabric teepees offer your children and their friends the idea of adventure from the safety of your home. Add plenty of throws and pillows to make a cozy and rustic-feeling environment they are sure to enjoy.
If your child and their friends are old enough, give them a little more freedom by setting up outdoor tents in your backyard. A campout will provide them with some sense of independence while still allowing you to keep a watchful eye over their activities. You can add to the experience by moving the projector outside and hanging a screen so they can enjoy their movies under the stars.
You can't spell sleepover without fort – well you can, but you can't have one without a fort. If you are looking for ideas for what to do at a sleepover, bring out all your throws so the children can entertain themselves by building a blanket fort. No matter if they use the furniture or couch cushions, construction will keep them occupied for long periods of time while freeing you up from having to entertain them yourself.
It doesn't matter if you use them for the blanket fort, comfy lounging, or a classic pillow fight, you can never have too many cushions at a sleepover. Just make sure they are nice and plush or overstuffed to provide the best experience possible.
If baking is your forte, why not head to the oven to bake up a batch of cookies? To keep things interesting, choose cutters with fun shapes that match your child's sleepover theme or whatever is currently popular. Once the treats have cooled, lay out a range of colored icing, sprinkles, and other candy so that each kid can garnish their own just the way they like. They can even crumble the undecorated cookies into some ice cream for a delicious treat.
Cupcakes are a treat that never goes out of style, and the best part is they can be personalized to no end. From filling to frosting, your kids will enjoy plenty of creative and carefree time decorating their own miniature cakes. You can even host a contest to keep things interesting, and display the finished products on the cake stand for photos when done.
Sweet treats are pretty easy to figure out, but it's the dinners that make slumber parties complete. While ordering in might make things easier, it isn't as great on the wallet, so why not make personalized pizzas instead? Whether you have your own pizza oven or a pizza stone, all you have to do is buy (or make) the base dough and a range of toppings – from there, all the hard work is up to the children as they make theirs exactly to their liking.
Remember the board games to keep boredom at bay. And you don't have to limit your guests to board games alone, we have plenty of other fun options like foosball, air hockey, or stacking games to keep them entertained. Read The Best Family Board Games for Wholesome Fun to learn more about our broad array of games available.
Keep your kids from feeling cooped up and get them outside with some fun outdoor games. Choose from giant jenga, cornhole, bocce ball, or bring in sprinklers to cool down in the summer heat. Mix up a batch of fresh lemonade and keep a pitcher nearby for whenever they need a quick water break. For more game ideas, read Make the Most of Good Weather With 14 of the Best Outdoor Games.
A night away from home can be daunting for little ones, so add a nightlight to keep everyone feeling comfortable and safe. Whether to banish away shadows or illuminate an unfamiliar house, a night light can be a great addition to your child's room.
Whether they are winding down for bed, or curling up to watch a movie, your guests are sure to appreciate the luxury of a hot chocolate station. Complete the experience with mini-marshmallows, cinnamon, and real chocolate pieces for a touch of extravagance. No matter the accoutrement, this timeless treat will make for the perfect ending to your sleepover.
With these sleepover ideas, you are sure to become the favorite house amongst your child's peers.
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