30 Things to Do at a Sleepover Party

by Vlad & Olga | January 20, 2025
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Sleepovers offer a magical mix of coziness, connection, and creativity. Kids love the chance to stay up late 🌙, share secrets, and enjoy a night filled with activities they wouldn’t typically do.

But as a parent, planning the perfect sleepover can feel overwhelming. You must know how to keep everyone entertained, avoid boredom, and ensure the night is a hit.

Frankly speaking, the key is having prepared fun and engaging activities, such as hands-on crafts, high-energy games, movie marathons, and delicious snacks. There’s so much you can do to make the evening special. With a bit of planning, you can create a sleepover experience that’s not just fun but also memorable for everyone involved.

Let’s explore 30 ideas on what to do at a sleepover that will make the night unforgettable! 🧸


Set the Stage for an Unforgettable Sleepover

Before diving into the activities, it’s important to create the right atmosphere. A successful magical sleepover is all about balancing fun, relaxation, and creativity. Think about what your child and their friends will enjoy most and tailor the night around their interests.

Start with a cozy setup: plush blankets, comfortable floor pillows, and fairy lighting can set a magical tone. Add themed decorations to match the vibe, such as LED candles for a soft glow, decorative trays for snacks, or even a bubble machine to add an extra touch of whimsy. Personalized name cards or small keepsakes at each sleeping spot will make every child feel special.

Stock up on snacks and drinks to keep the energy high, and have a few surprises up your sleeve to keep everyone engaged.

Now that the scene is set, it’s time to plan the activities. Here’s a curated list of 30 fun, interactive, and creative ideas to make the night unforgettable 🎉


1. Create a Music Video 🎥🎶

Turn your living room into a film set by choosing a favorite song and choreographing a group music video. Guests can take on different roles: dancers, camera operators, or directors.

Use props, fun outfits, and dramatic moves to make the final video unforgettable. This is a creative option for anyone planning unique sleepover activities.

Add a karaoke element for those who want to sing along or a “music award ceremony” at the end with small trophies.

2. Pizza-Making Party 🍕

Set up a DIY pizza station with various toppings like cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, and even pineapple for adventurous eaters. Provide individual pizza bases or dough, and let everyone build their own creations.

Once baked, enjoy a group dinner while comparing whose pizza turned out best. It’s one of the tastiest fun things to do at a sleepover that also keeps everyone entertained.

3. Photo Scrapbook Session 📸

Print photos from earlier in the night or use a Polaroid camera to capture candid moments. Provide colorful paper, stickers, markers, and glue for guests to design their own scrapbook pages. Include silly captions, doodles, or favorite memories from the evening.

This activity works perfectly for groups looking for slumber party activities that combine creativity and personalization.

Essential! Snacks keep the fun alive, fueling the group between rounds and adding to the excitement. Popcorn, candys, quick and easy bites keep everyone energized and ready for the next laugh.

4. Tie-Dye Party 🎨👕

Give everyone a plain T-shirt, socks, or bandana, and provide a tie-dye kit with various colors. Demonstrate simple folding techniques like spirals or stripes and let guests experiment with their designs.

Once the dye sets, rinse and hang them to dry. It’s a colorful addition to any list of fun sleepover ideas for girls and ensures everyone leaves with a unique souvenir.

5. Dessert Bar Challenge 🍨🎂

Create a dessert bar stocked with toppings like sprinkles, frosting, chocolate chips, and candies. Guests can decorate cupcakes, cookies, or ice cream sundaes however they like.

Add a competitive twist, like “Best Plated Dessert” or “Wildest Creation,” with fun awards for the winners.

6. Fashion Show Extravaganza 💃🎩

Encourage everyone to raid their wardrobes or swap clothes to create fun and quirky outfits. Add accessories like hats, scarves, and sunglasses for extra flair. Set up a runway in the living room and let everyone strut their stuff to upbeat music.

This is one of the most popular girls sleepover ideas, offering plenty of laughs and creativity.

7. Bath Bomb or Candle Making 🛁🕯️

Introduce a hands-on crafting session with kits for making bath bombs or candles. Guests can choose their favorite scents, colors, and decorative elements like dried flowers or glitter. It’s a relaxing and creative option that gives everyone something special to take home.

Bath Bomb or Candle Making

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun ✨🕺

Decorate the room with glow sticks, LED bracelets, or glow-in-the-dark paint. Guests can create glowing designs on their hands or clothes or play games like glow-in-the-dark hide-and-seek. Perfect for those planning cool sleepover ideas.

9. Indoor Campfire Experience 🔥🍫

Recreate a campfire vibe indoors by using fairy lights or a battery-operated lantern as the “fire.” Gather pillows and blankets to form a cozy circle. Share stories, make s’mores in the microwave, and play soft music to complete the experience. It’s one of the coziest sleepover ideas for winding down after a busy evening.

10. Cook-Off Challenge 🍳🏆

Split into teams and give each group a set of surprise ingredients to make a creative snack or dish. The challenge is using all the ingredients and creating something delicious. A panel of “judges” can taste-test the results. This is a fun and interactive addition to your list of what to do at a sleepover that keeps everyone engaged.

11. Cupcake Wars 🧁🎨

Organize a cupcake decorating contest where each guest gets to create their masterpiece. Set up a table with pre-made cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations. To add a twist, assign themes like “Nature” or “Fantasy.”

Once finished, the group can vote for categories like Most Creative or Best Presentation. It’s one of the most delicious birthday sleepover ideas that works for all ages.

12. Spa and Relaxation Zone 🧖‍♀️🌿

Transform your space into a tranquil spa. Provide guests with items like face rollers, essential oils, and cozy socks. Create DIY face masks using natural ingredients like honey and oatmeal.

Add calming music and dim lights to make it feel like a real spa experience. This is an ideal activity for those seeking relaxing sleepover ideas for girls.

13. Choreography Challenge 🩰🎭

Split the group into teams and have them create their own dance routines to a popular song. After some practice time, each team performs their dance for the group. Adding fun themes or costumes makes it even more entertaining. This high-energy activity fits perfectly with fun things to do at a sleepover that get everyone moving and laughing.

14. Home Movie Night 🎬🍿

Instead of just watching movies, let everyone act as “critics.” Provide paper for writing funny reviews or creating “movie posters” for the films you watch. Guests can also debate which movie was the best of the night. This is one of those sleepover ideas for teens that feels interactive and unique.

15. Friendship Bracelet Making ❤️📿

Set up a crafting station with beads, string, and charms to let guests make their own friendship bracelets. You can even have a “gift exchange” at the end, where everyone gives their creation to someone else in the group.

16. Indoor Obstacle Course 🤸‍♀️

Use household items like chairs, pillows, and blankets to set up an exciting obstacle course. Add challenges like crawling under tables or balancing items while walking. Time each participant and see who completes it fastest. This lively addition to your fun sleepover activities list brings out the friendly competition.

17. Book Club Chat 📚☕

Ask each guest to bring a book they love and take turns sharing why it’s special to them. Guests can read aloud short passages or discuss their favorite moments. This relaxed activity is perfect for winding down and works well for groups looking for creative sleepover ideas.

Recommend fun reads like Wonder by R.J. Palacio, The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, or Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

18. DIY Jewelry Station 💎🛠️

Set up a jewelry-making corner with supplies like beads, wire, and charms. Guests can make necklaces, earrings, or keychains. Encourage creativity by suggesting themes, like using only certain colors or shapes.

DIY Jewelry Station

19. Photo Challenge 📷🤳

Give each guest a list of fun photo prompts, like “funniest face” or “best action shot.” Using their phones or instant cameras, they’ll try to capture all the prompts during the night. At the end, share the photos and vote for the most creative or hilarious ones. This activity makes for great memories and fits perfectly into slumber party activities.

20. Create a Group Playlist 🎧🎵

Gather everyone’s favorite songs and build a playlist for the night. Guests can suggest tracks for themes like dance party hits or chill-out vibes. Play the playlist throughout the sleepover and share it afterward as a keepsake. It’s a simple yet thoughtful idea for groups looking for fun things to do at sleepovers.

We’ve curated a review of the best Bluetooth speakers to listen to your favorite music.

21. DIY Snack Bar 🍿🍬

Set up a snack station where guests can mix their own trail mix, popcorn combos, or nachos. Provide a variety of options like pretzels, candies, cheese, and sauces. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep everyone happy and full during the night, making it a perfect addition to sleepover party ideas.

22. Dream Journaling 📝🌙

Provide notebooks and pens, and let everyone decorate the covers before starting. Guests can write about their biggest dreams, funniest memories, or future goals. For added fun, ask everyone to share one or two entries with the group. This introspective activity fits well with creative sleepover ideas that offer a personal touch.

23. Mocktail Competition 🍹🍒

Divide into teams and let guests create their own signature mocktails using juices, soda, and fruit garnishes. Provide fun glasses and umbrellas for the presentation. Teams can name their drinks and vote on the best one. This lively activity adds a splash of creativity to your list of fun things to do at a sleepover.

24. Mystery Box Guessing Game 🎁🤔

Place random objects in a box and let guests take turns guessing what’s inside by touch alone. Include items with fun textures like slime, feathers, or marbles. This playful activity sparks curiosity and laughter, making it ideal for kids sleepover ideas.

25. Memory Sharing Circle 🌟🗣️

Sit in a circle and let each guest share a favorite memory, funny story, or something they’re grateful for. Add fairy lights for a cozy atmosphere. It’s a meaningful and heartfelt activity for anyone to strengthen friendships.

26. Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundaes 🍦🍒

Provide vanilla or chocolate ice cream bowls and let guests build their sundaes with toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, fruit, and whipped cream. This is a sweet addition to your sleepover ideas for a birthday that combines fun and deliciousness.

27. Charity Crafting ❤️🎨

Spend time creating simple crafts like friendship bracelets or holiday cards to donate to a local shelter or community center. This is an inspiring option for those who want their slumber party activities to include a thoughtful and giving element.

Charity Crafting

28. Photo Collage Wall 🖼️✏️

Print photos from phones or use old pictures to create a collage on a wall or large poster board. Provide markers and stickers for decorating. Guests can add captions or doodles to personalize the collage, turning it into a lasting memento. This is one of the most engaging sleepover ideas for teens who love capturing moments.

29. DIY Face Painting 🎭🌈

Set up a face-painting station with safe, washable paints. Guests can create designs on themselves or each other, from simple hearts and stars to more elaborate looks.

30. Late-Night Storytelling 🌌📖

Dim the lights, form a circle, and let everyone take turns adding to a group story. Start with a funny or spooky sentence, and watch as the tale takes wild and unexpected turns. This classic activity is a good sleepover idea for ending the night on a fun and imaginative note.

Complement these activities with the best sleepover games for a perfectly balanced party.

The right activities can turn any sleepover into a night to remember, but the setting makes all the difference. For those who want to take their sleepover to the next level, our high-end sleepover party service in LA delivers whimsical teepee setups and themed decor that create a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and Malibu, we go beyond hosting sleepovers—we craft unforgettable experiences that leave You amazed and delighted.

FAQs

What’s a fun way to start the sleepover?

Welcome guests with a quick icebreaker activity, like writing their names on colorful name tags or decorating a small keepsake, such as a notebook or charm, to use throughout the night.

How do I add an element of surprise?

Plan a few “secret” moments, like an unexpected treat, a hidden challenge, or an unplanned twist to an activity. Guests love surprises that keep them guessing.

What’s the best way to create lasting memories?

Capture candid moments using creative prompts, like funny photo poses or quick video interviews. Compile these into a digital keepsake to share afterward.

How do I handle snack time without making a mess?

Opt for individually portioned snacks like mini bags of popcorn, fruit cups, or pre-assembled snack boards. Provide napkins and set up a designated “snack station” away from the main activity area.

What’s a good way to include some outdoor time at a sleepover?

If space allows, set up a short outdoor activity like flashlight tag, stargazing with blankets, or even roasting marshmallows on a portable fire pit. It adds variety and fresh air to the night.

What’s a creative way to wrap up the evening?

End with a group reflection or a shared moment, like writing down favorite memories or creating a group memento that everyone contributes to, ensuring the night feels meaningful.

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Olga and Vlad Picnic Makers

Founders: Vlad and Olga

Hello, beautiful souls! 🌸 We’re Vlad and Olga, the hearts behind Picnic Makers. With years of creating bespoke picnic adventures and luxury events, we’ve mastered the art of bringing joy, celebration, and connection to every moment. Join us as we share a life well-lived. Thanks for being part of our magical story 🌟

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