Sleepover Party Games
Give your little one and their friends an opportunity to burn off some energy with fun sleepover party games. Whether they're keeping score or playing just for fun, these party games loosen up the crowd.
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Would You Rather?
Whether the questions help everyone get to know each other better or bring out their silly sides, this classic game is a hit for all ages. If you want to prep ahead, come up with a list of options in advance. Or, let each guest write their own question on a slip of paper to add to a popcorn bowl—just be sure to read their submissions first to make sure the questions will be fun for everyone to answer. Entertaining a competitive crowd? There are ways to up the ante. Before a guest reveals what they chose, the person who asked the question has to guess what their friend picked. For each correct guess, they earn a point.
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Game Night
Fun for kids of all ages, board games are a classic way to entertain the crowd. To mix things up, ask each guest to bring their favorite one to the pajama party. Have teens or tweens? Apply the same concept to video games, but stick with multiplayer options to keep the group engaged. Request that their friends bring extra controllers, too. If it's a bigger crowd, set up a snack table for the kids so they can hang out as they wait their turn to play the game.
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More Indoor Physical Activities
Keeping things indoors? There are plenty of ways to stay active. Plus, all the physicality might mean the kids decide to turn in a bit earlier than planned (moms and dads can dream, right?). As an added bonus, many of these indoor physical activities for kids are easy to set up: just think of their favorite outdoor games, and get creative with modifications. For instance, swap out a basketball or volleyball for a balloon or soft stuffed ball, and let the little ones dunk it in a hamper or rally it back and forth. If you're hosting a smaller group, consider laser tag in the playroom. Or, clear the living room or basement to make space for indoor bowling or bean bag toss. No matter what they play, make sure fragile decor is stowed away in case the group gets a little rowdy.
Slumber Party Activities
In addition to games, these group activities entertain kids, tweens and teens during the slumber party.
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Conversation Ball
If your child is hosting a larger crowd, this simple icebreaker helps the group loosen up. First, find a large ball and write questions or commands on it. After the ball is covered with questions, the group takes turns tossing it back and forth. The person who catches it has to answer the question that's facing them. Another option: go with extra large dice instead of a ball. When the friends take turns rolling it, there will be no question about which question they're supposed to answer. Entertaining a younger crowd? Prompts including Do a silly dance for 10 seconds, Try to touch your nose with your tongue or Stomp like a t-rex are sure to have the whole group giggling in no time—set up the activity in yard or rec room so everyone has space to go all out. If your tween is hosting, take a funny or revealing approach instead with questions such as Who's your celebrity crush? and What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
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Karaoke Dance Party
There's no need for a fancy setup to transform your home into a stage for the aspiring stars. Ask the group what songs they'd like to perform, and create a playlist of lyric videos on a streaming site. As one of the partygoers performs their rendition, the other kids can join the fun by dancing along. To make it even more engaging, bring out some props, such as a toy microphone or dress-up accessories to make them feel like a VIP. Then, let the little ones record their own music video before screening it with the group.
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Themed Movie Marathon
If your child is hosting a sleepover party, send invites that fit in with the movie theme. For instance, invitations featuring a superhero sets the tone for the evening. Then, tell guests to wear pajamas or bring sleeping bags that fit the motif. Going for something more casual? Older kids may prefer binging a specific genre, popular series or a few films featuring their favorite star during movie night instead.
Crafts to Do at a Sleepover
Let the kids channel their creativity with crafts at the sleepover. Whether they're using paper, t-shirts or even their own faces as blank canvases, these artistic activities are fun ways to engage the group.
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Blindfolded Drawing
For a twist on coloring, set up blindfolds beside the arts and crafts supplies. After everyone's eyes are covered, announce a subject for the drawing that fits the kids' interests: for instance, a dinosaur, flower or even a self-portrait. Want to add an extra element? When time's up, have the kids flip over their masterpieces and write their names on the back of the paper. Shuffle the drawings and ask the guests to match the drawing to the artist. The artists themselves might be surprised by the grand reveal, too.
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Tie Dye
This hands-on project lets the kids take home a souvenir from the slumber party. Provide rubber bands, gloves, dye and white cotton shirts (ask partygoers for their size in advance). Then, set up a station for the guests to get to work, complete with splatter-proof tablecloths that protect the surfaces in use. To give the kids a bit of inspiration, print out some instructions for how to create a few different patterns: a classic swirl, stripes or dots. After they're done with their creations, wrap individual shirts in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags as they sit for up to six hours—the longer they sit, the brighter the colors. Then, rinse and wash.
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Dress Up
This activity is a sleepover mainstay for a reason. In addition setting out clothes and accessories, let the little ones unleash their creative sides by making their own costumes. With paper plates, string, feathers, coloring supplies, glitter and glue, set up a craft table for them to make their own masks. Then, provide cardboard or construction paper for add-ons—think crowns, swords or wings—and help younger kids cut out their creations. Another take: face paint. Give mirrors to kids who want to do their own makeup, or pair off the little ones if the crowd has an even number of guests. After small children transform into a superhero or their favorite animal, have them put on a show in character before they wash their faces. Nail art is a hit with big kids as well, especially since they can show off their colorful nails a few days after the big event. To make them kid-friendly, give them neon colors, glitter topcoats or even glow-in-the-dark options.
Outdoor Sleepover Party Ideas
Kids on summer break? Make use of your yard space (and let them burn off energy) with outdoor ideas for sleepovers.
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Backyard Campout
Break out the tent, bring in the sleeping bags and let your kid and their friends channel their adventurous sides. Best for older kids, camping in the backyard mixes up weekend sleepovers by keeping the kids away from screens. Whether they're telling scary stories, playing card games or just talking, being in a tent has a way of making things more exciting. If the weather isn't cooperating or if your child is a bit too young for an independent campout—think 6-, 7-, and 8-year-olds—set up a play tent inside instead, or construct a pillow fort in the living room or basement.
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Flashlight Tag
For sleepover parties with older kids, let them get moving with a game of flashlight tag, a fun hybrid of traditional tag and hide-and-seek. After it gets dark, the group goes outside. The person who's "it" gets to hold the flashlight, while the rest of the guests try to keep a low profile. If the person shines the light on them, they're out. Be sure to have the yard clear of toys and branches to prevent anyone from tripping in the dark.
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Water Games
Let the kids enjoy a day in the sun while cooling off with water games. If you have a pool, supervise the little ones as they splash around with beach balls and floaties. No pool? Go with sprinklers or water balloons instead. Either way, be sure to tell everyone to pack a bathing suit and a spare set of clothes. Remember the sunscreen, too.
Sleepover Food Ideas
No matter how your child and their friends spend their time during the sleepover, they're certain to work up an appetite. These fun slumber party food ideas will please the crowd. Even better? There are ways to modify recipes to accommodate kids with dietary restrictions, including gluten, dairy and nut allergies. Just remember to ask their parents about food sensitivities in advance so you can get inclusive ingredients and prevent potential cross-contamination.
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Dinner
For kids, tweens and teenagers alike, pizza is a no-fail option for sleepovers. Want to make it more interactive? Skip delivery and let each guest make their own personal pizza. Get premade dough from the store, grab some sauce, set up a topping bar and let everyone customize to their liking. Then, use a pizza stone to bake each pie to perfection.
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Desserts and Treats
If you'd rather go with takeout for the main course, consider letting the kids get creative in the kitchen by making their own desserts. Big kids and tweens can try baking their own cookies. If you're hosting a younger crowd, bake cupcakes in advance, and let the little ones apply frosting and sprinkles after they've cooled. For a bake-free option, opt for something sweet with a sundae bar, or mix sweet and salty with popcorn alongside bowls of candy—think gummy bears, M&M's, Buncha Crunch pieces and other add-ins.
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Breakfast
Nothing says "sleepover party" like a pancake breakfast. After the little ones catch some shuteye—or at least pretend to—whip up mini-masterpieces by creating fun shapes or playful designs with chocolate chips or blueberries. Then, set the table with toppings—whipped cream, maple syrup and chocolate sauce included. Balance sweet flavors with savory ones by serving a side of sausage, bacon or eggs as well. Trying to sneak in something healthy? A colorful fruit salad or smoothie appeals to many picky eaters while working in some nutrients.
What are your top sleepover activities? Show us your children's favorite pajama party ideas with the hashtag #CrateKidsStyle.