Updated for 2025
Planning a sleepover can feel a bit overwhelming – how do you keep the kids entertained all night long? Whether it’s a small gathering with a few best friends or a big slumber party with the whole class, sleepovers are the perfect opportunity for kids to bond, laugh, and create unforgettable memories.
To make your child’s sleepover a smashing success, we’ve put together a list of fun things to do a sleepover that will keep everyone entertained for hours. From classic favorites to fresh ideas, there’s something here for every type of party! So grab your sleeping bags, stock up on snacks, and get ready for an evening full of fun and laughter.
Many of these sleepover ideas overlap with our fun at-home activities for kids, perfect for filling long evenings with laughter and creativity.
Here are 50 sleepover ideas your kids will love:
At a Glance: Top 10 Sleepover Ideas
Looking for fast inspiration? Here are 10 of the most fun things to do at a sleepover – perfect for kids and tweens. Click to jump to each section!
- Truth or Dare – A classic game with silly, kid-friendly dares.
- Would You Rather? – Funny “this or that” questions spark laughter.
- Never Have I Ever – Lighthearted truths kids love to share.
- DIY Tie-Dye Party – Create colorful shirts or pillowcases.
- Make Your Own Pizzas – Kids design their own dinner masterpiece.
- Glow Stick Dance Party – Turn off the lights and dance with glow sticks.
- Paint & Sip – Set up small art stations and a “sipping station”.
- Harmless Pranks – A few silly pranks can make the night more memorable.
- Flashlight Games – Indoor or outdoor fun with flashlights.
- Backyard Campout – Pitch tents, roast s’mores, and tell stories under the stars.
What’s New for 2025 Sleepovers
Sleepovers never go out of style, but the trends come and go! Here are a few fresh ideas parents are loving for 2025:
- DIY Boba Tea Stations
Set up a bubble tea bar where kids can choose flavored syrups, tapioca pearls, and colorful cups. It’s part snack, part craft, and a huge hit with tweens. - Themed Tipi Tents & Luxe Sleepover Rentals
Local companies now offer “glamping” setups with themed tents, fairy lights, and cozy bedding. From boho chic to gamer vibes, these rentals make the night feel extra special. - Glow-In-The-Dark Everything
Glow stick dance parties have leveled up with blacklights, glow body paint, and even glow-in-the-dark balloons. (Need ideas for active play? Try our roundup of flashlight games for kids.) - DIY Spa Experiences
Self-care is trending even for kids. Think homemade face masks, bath bomb kits, and mani-pedi stations. (For step-by-step party inspiration, check out our ultimate kids’ spa party guide.) - TikTok-Inspired Challenges
Kids love recreating safe, age-appropriate challenges and dances. Build in time for a “TikTok Hour” where they choreograph and record fun routines together. (Looking for more bonding fun? Don’t miss our list of 1500+ fun questions and games for kids.) - Sleepover Snack Boards
Charcuterie-style boards aren’t just for adults anymore. Create sweet-and-savory “sleepover snack boards” with popcorn, fruit, cookies, candy, and dips. (For movie night pairings, see our top picks for party food on a budget.) - Outdoor Projector Movie Nights
With affordable portable projectors, backyards are becoming movie theaters. Add cozy blankets, string lights, and s’mores for a night kids won’t forget. (For film inspiration, browse our list of the 50 best family movies according to our readers.) - S’mores Bar
Upgrade the classic treat with a DIY s’mores station – think flavored marshmallows, peanut butter cups, chocolate varieties, and fun toppings. It’s interactive, delicious, and perfect for backyard or indoor “campfire” vibes.
These trends add a modern twist to the classic sleepover, blending creativity, food fun, and a little bit of social media sparkle. Mix one or two of these with traditional games and crafts to keep the night memorable and current.
Classic Sleepover Games & Activities
These tried-and-true activities never go out of style:
Truth or Dare
This classic game is perfect for breaking the ice. Come up with fun, kid-friendly truths and dares to keep everyone laughing. Need inspiration? Check out this epic list of Truth or Dare questions for kids to get the giggles started!
Would You Rather?
“Would You Rather?” is a hilarious and thought-provoking game that’s sure to spark discussion and laughter at the party. Players pose questions that challenge others to choose between two options—sometimes both are amazing, but it’s even funnier when both are not-so-great! Need ideas? Here’s a list of Would You Rather questions for kids to kick things off.
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is the ultimate icebreaker game that’s perfect for sleepovers, sparking laughter and fun as kids share surprising (and often hilarious) truths about themselves. Check out our best Never Have I Ever questions for kids to keep the game both entertaining and age-appropriate!
Most Likely To
Most Likely To is a fun and interactive sleepover game that gets everyone laughing as players guess which friend is “most likely to” do something. It’s a great way to spark conversations and bond over hilarious scenarios! Check out our 250 Best Most Likely To Questions for Kids to keep the fun going with age-appropriate and entertaining prompts.
Twister
This physical game is always a hit. The sillier the poses, the more laughs you’ll have!
Blindfolded Makeup
Split the kids into pairs and have them apply makeup to each other while blindfolded. The results are guaranteed to be hilarious!
Charades
Write down movies, books, or objects for the kids to act out without speaking. This game gets everyone involved.
Mad Libs
Create silly stories with random nouns, verbs, and adjectives for a laugh-out-loud mad lib activity.
Card Games
Teach the kids fun card games like Uno, Go Fish, or Peanut Butter (also known as B.S.). Or build a house of cards!
Classic Board Games
Bust out the board games from the cabinet and make a night of it! Kids this age love games like Monopoly, Pictionary, Taboo, Trivial Pursuit, and more. Just serve up some snacks, put on some music, and let them have some fun together.
Two Truths & A Lie
This icebreaker game gets everyone laughing as they try to guess which statement is false.
Freeze Dance
Bring a speaker outside and blast your favorite music. When the music stops, everyone freezes! You can also play musical chairs, where everyone has to sit down in a chair when the music stops. Take one chair away each round.
Limbo
The classic game of Limbo is one of the most fun party games there is. Put some limbo music on the speaker, and grab a pole, stick, or shower rod. Let the limbo games begin!
Hide & Seek
This is one of the best games of all time, and it’s not just for little kids. In fact, it gets more fun as you get older! One player covers their eyes and gives the other players 30 seconds to hide. After 30 seconds, they’re coming for you! Set clear boundaries and rules for the game to keep everyone safe.
Harmless Pranks
Sleepovers are the perfect time for giggles and harmless fun, and a few silly pranks can make the night even more memorable! If you’re looking for ideas, check out our list of harmless Pranks for Kids and Parents for family-friendly tricks that are perfect for a sleepover setting.
Looking for more indoor entertainment? Add conversation games to your sleepover mix that work perfectly during quieter moments.
Creative Sleepover Ideas & Crafts
These arts and crafts activities will keep kids engaged while allowing them to show off their creativity:
Decorate T-Shirts
Stock up on fabric paint, markers, and stencils, and have the kids bring a plain t-shirt to decorate. They’ll love designing their own wearable creation, and it doubles as a memorable keepsake from the party.
Friendship Bracelets
Provide colorful strings or beads and let the kids make friendship bracelets. It’s a great way for them to bond and take home something special.
Tie-Dye Party
A tie-dye party is a chance for kids to let their creative juices flow, and create something beautiful that they can wear and treasure. The best party? Built-in party favors!
Paint & Sip
Set up small art stations and a “sipping station” with sparkling juice or mocktails. Provide canvases, paint, and brushes, and let the kids unleash their creativity with guided painting. Need some inspiration? Check out our full guide to hosting a Paint & Sip party for kids and teens.
Matching Pajama Photo Shoot
Get everyone matching pajamas and have a mini photo shoot. Use fun props, silly poses, and maybe even a DIY photo booth for memories to last a lifetime.
DIY Bath Bombs or Lip Gloss
For a fun spa-inspired activity, teach the kids how to make their own bath bombs or lip gloss. They can take their creations home as party favors!
Spa Party
Spa parties are a fantastic way to introduce kids to self-care in a fun and age-appropriate way. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for them to relax and feel special. From DIY bath bombs and manicure stations to delicious snack ideas and thoughtful party favors, we’ve got everything you need to make your spa party a hit.
See our guide to sleepover ideas for 11 year olds for more slumber party inspo.
Food Sleepover Ideas & Snack Stations
Keep the kids entertained and well-fed with these hands-on food activities:
Make Your Own Pizzas
Provide individual pizza crusts, sauces, and toppings so everyone can create their own delicious masterpiece.
Baking Cookies
Turn your kitchen into a bakery! Let the kids mix, roll, and decorate cookies. Bonus: The cookies are perfect for a midnight snack.
Boba Tea Station
Kids love boba tea! Set up a DIY station with different tea flavors, milk, syrups, and tapioca pearls so they can customize their own drinks.
Smoothie Bar
Provide a variety of fruits, yogurt, and juices for kids to blend their own smoothies. This is a healthy and fun activity they’ll love.
Cupcake Wars
Pre-bake cupcakes and let the kids compete to decorate the best one. Provide frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations.
Popcorn Bar
Set up a popcorn station with toppings like melted chocolate, caramel, cheese powder, and candy mix-ins.
Hot Cocoa Bar
Perfect for colder months! Include hot chocolate, whipped cream, sprinkles, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings for a cozy treat.
Active Sleepover Games & Activities
Get the kids moving with these high-energy activities:
Glow Stick Dance Party
Turn off the lights, hand out glow sticks, and let the kids dance to their favorite songs.
Freeze Dance
Play music and have the kids freeze when the music stops. Anyone still moving is out!
Flashlight Tag
Take the party outside with a fun game of flashlight tag. All you need are flashlights and a safe area to run around. For more inspiration, check out our list of the 25 Best Flashlight Games for Kids to keep the fun going!
Backyard Campout
Set up tents in the backyard for a fun campout experience. Don’t forget the s’mores and scary stories!
Build a Blanket Fort
Gather all the pillows and blankets in the house to build a massive fort. Kids love playing (and sleeping) inside their creations!
Hula Hoop Contest
Challenge the kids to a hula hoop competition. See who can hula the longest or use the hoop creatively in games like human ring toss.
Pillow Fight
When in doubt, just have a pillow fight! Each competitor tries to hit their opponents over the head as many times as possible.
Movie Night Sleepover Ideas & Entertainment
Wind things down with these cozy and entertaining activities:
Movie Night
Let the kids watch their favorite movie while lounging in sleeping bags. Add a popcorn bar for extra fun. Need ideas? Here are the best family movies according to our readers.
Talent Show
Let each child show off a special talent, whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes.
Karaoke Party
Sing the night away with a karaoke machine or a karaoke app. Add some props for a full-on performance vibe!
Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a projector and screen outside for a magical movie night under the stars.
Fortnite Fort Night
Like it or not, most kids love videogames. Why not encourage it for a night? Create a fort using pillows, chairs, and blankets and let the children play the Fortnite video game to their heart’s delight.
Sleepover Challenges & Competition Games
Add an element of competition to the party:
Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt
Create clues and hide items around the house or yard for the kids to find. You can even tie it to the party theme.
Piñata (With a Twist!)
Fill a piñata with candy, small toys, or trinkets and let the kids take turns breaking it open.
Cool & Unique Sleepover Ideas
For kids who love to try new things:
DIY Science Experiments
Turn the sleepover into a mini science lab with easy science experiments for kids like making slime, DIY lava lamps, or fizzy volcanoes.
Matching Pajama Contest
Award prizes for the most creative or silly pajama outfits!
Fashion Show
Let the kids raid the closets and create outfits for a themed fashion show. Set up a runway and play music for their big debut.
Decorate Pillowcases
Provide fabric markers or paint so the kids can customize their own pillowcases to take home.
Tipi Tents
Tipi tents at sleepover parties are all the rage right now. Local companies usually offer themed tents and everyone gets their own special space to hang out and sleep. Tipi tents will definitely make the party memorable!
Build a Fort
I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t love to build a blanket fort. And a sleepover party is the perfect time to do it. Bust out every blanket and pillow in your house and let you kids have at it!
Giant Jenga
Stack up the wooden blocks and remove the one by one. Don’t let the tower fall!
Outdoor Sleepover Ideas & Backyard Fun
Backyard Campout & S’mores
Take it back to simpler times with a backyard campout. Have everyone bring their tent and sleeping bag and campout in the backyard. Bonus points for a campfire, flashlight tag, and s’mores. Some children who haven’t slept outside before may get spooked, so chat with parents beforehand.
Flashlight Games
A really easy birthday party game to play is flashlight tag. All you need is a flashlight for everyone and an open space. If the flashlight shines on you, you’re out! You can also play shadow charades, catch the light, flashlight limbo, or have a flashlight disco party. For inspiration, check out our full list of flashlight games for kids.
We hope these fun sleepover activities help you plan an unforgettable night for your kids! From creative crafts to tasty snacks and classic games, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Remember, the key to a great sleepover is to keep things light, fun, and flexible. With these ideas, your child’s slumber party is sure to be a hit filled with laughter, memories, and lots of fun.
Sleepover FAQ (2025 Edition)
Kids love classic games like Truth or Dare, Would You Rather, and Never Have I Ever. You can also add creative activities like tie-dye shirts, DIY spa treatments, or building a blanket fort. Food stations — such as a pizza bar or s’mores bar — keep everyone engaged and fed.
Mix up the activities so kids stay entertained: start with active games, add a craft or food project, and end with a cozy movie or talent show. A mix of high-energy and quieter moments keeps the party from fizzling out.
Every guest should bring a sleeping bag or blanket, pillow, pajamas, toothbrush, change of clothes, and any comfort items (like a stuffed animal). Optional extras include matching pajamas, a favorite snack to share, or a fun game.
Focus on group games, crafts, and food activities. Popular no-screen options include scavenger hunts, flashlight tag, DIY bath bombs, card games, and conversation starters like Would You Rather or Most Likely To.
Most kids will wind down between 10:30 pm and midnight, depending on their age. Set clear expectations with parents beforehand, and plan a calm activity (like a movie or storytelling) to help transition toward sleep.
More Sleepover Ideas & Birthday Party Activities
“If you’re planning beyond a sleepover, check out our best birthday party activities for kids], age-specific guides for 11-year-old Birthday Party Ideas, 12-year-old Birthday Party Ideas, and 13-year-old Birthday Party Ideas, plus our list of sleepover activities for 11 year olds.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
