When your children start inviting friends over to spend the night, it’s a modern rite of passage for them.
The children are still going to look to you for planning and facilitation to make the night fun for everyone.
If you try any of these fun sleepover ideas, you’ll become an instant celebrity with the kids. Just remember that your kid’s friends will want to come to your house every weekend.
1. Indoor Camping
Indoor camping is a fun and practical alternative to outdoor camping. The good news is that you don’t have to drag a bunch of kids into the woods.
The bad news is that you’re probably going to be eating just as many s’mores as the kids.
Indoor camping gives you a chance to practice putting up tents and sharing a few good campfire stories.
You can still include elements of nature by making a fire in your backyard or breaking out the binoculars to try and spot birds, squirrels or the neighbor’s funny dog.
2. Star Wars
Who doesn’t like Star Wars? Break out the Star Wars blankets and pajamas.
Because of the popularity and never-ending merchandising, finding plates and napkins to match the party won’t be difficult.
For girls, try experimenting with the iconic hairstyles of Princess Leia and Rey. For boys, you can have fake toy lightsaber battles.
Star Wars is a franchise that spans multiple generations, so don’t be afraid to include grandma and grandpa to help.
3. Movie Night
Gather all the pillows, bean bag chairs, and blankets to make comfortable seating in the living room.
Buy pizza, make popcorn, and have candy ready to go. Don’t skimp on the movie night ideas.
Have your kid ask their friends what movie they’d like to see. When you learn which movie they want, build your decorations around it.
If you do your movie night correctly, it could become a tradition that lasts for years to come.
4. Competition Sleepover Ideas
Are your kids super active and heavily involved with sports? Have your kids invite their teammates for a night of athletic competition.
You can set up soccer contests, basketball trick shots, or a home-run derby in the backyard.
Have trophies or medals ready for the winners, or you can make t-shirts to commemorate the event.
One of the biggest benefits will be your child forming stronger bonds with teammates that can carry through to the court or field.
5. Creative Imagination Night
Kids rarely get the opportunity to truly express themselves in a safe and monitored way. A creative night filled with imagination and innovation might be what they need.
If you have a giant canvas with buckets of paint, let the kids go crazy expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Another way to inspire creativity is to let them dress up however they want and put on a fashion show.
To make them feel better about themselves, you can kick-off the festivities by walking the runway first.
6. Ice Cream Madness
Sleepovers are a chance to do fun things you normally wouldn’t or couldn’t do. Take advantage of the night by having an ice cream bar.
Spare no expense with the flavors and toppings. Make a production line so the kids (and you) can move slowly down the bar adding every topping imaginable.
Be careful not to overdo it or you’ll have a house full of kids with upset stomachs.
7. A Night of Relaxation
Some kids don’t want to be hyped up and awake at all hours of the night. Consider organizing a night of relaxation and creating a small spa.
Help give the kids manicures and pedicures along with facial masks. Let them recline on the couch and experience a taste of the good life with a virgin daiquiri.
Another relaxing idea is to let the kids set up a TV in their bedroom (if there isn’t one already) and provide room service to them throughout the night.
Have the kids put in orders for food and drinks and entertainment and bring it to the group bedside.
8. Fort Madness
Building forts is a staple of childhood. The best person to give advice will be you.
You can start a contest or encourage the children to work together to build a mega-fort.
When the fort or forts are built, have the kids eat and sleep in them. There’s a good chance the forts don’t survive the night, but it just gives them something to do if they need to rebuild them.
If you don’t have enough blankets or sheets, collect some cardboard boxes leading up to the sleepover.
9. Dance Party
Get the little ones to burn some energy by turning the sleepover into a dance party. Have the kids make a list of their favorite tunes, or you can have them bring their own music and headphones.
Make a circle and let each kid go one at a time in the middle to show off their best dance moves.
Let your inner dancer come out and show them how to bust a move before the night ends.
10. Night Games
Some of the most fun moments can happen in the dark. Introduce your child and their friends to flashlight tag.
Set up boundaries within the yard and clear any possible obstructions. When it gets dark, designate someone to be the tagger with the flashlight and have them chase everyone else.
It’s not a game, but having fireworks to finish the evening will make every kid want to come back to the house. Make sure to check local ordinances about fireworks.
You might have to settle for sparklers or poppers. Either way, everyone will have a blast.
Start Planning the Party
Whether it’s your child’s first sleepover or not, you want every kid to go home smiling and ready to plan the next one.
You will be remembered as the creative parent, and your son or daughter will appreciate your effort.
Use these sleepover ideas, or make them your own to create a night of memories for all the guests.
If you’re interested in more lifestyle articles, keep scrolling to enhance your knowledge and get more creative ideas.
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