100 Things to Do at a Sleepover

A sleepover with 100 fun activities can create amazing memories with friends. Kids and teens have always loved sleepovers as a way to bond, laugh, and share special moments. You can host these gatherings for a best friend or a bigger group of pals. These get-togethers are a chance to connect and have next-level fun.

Adults still look back fondly at their childhood “Thunderplunks” – a playful nickname for their slumber parties. These nights helped build stronger friendships through shared adventures. Parents and teens will find that a good activity list strikes the right balance between planned games and downtime. The best part? Sleepovers don’t need fancy planning. Simple gatherings can become the year’s highlight with a mix of games, challenges, DIY projects, and fun activities.

This piece features 100 creative sleepover activities that will keep everyone having fun and bonding all night long. We’ve included everything from classic games to crafts, tasty treats to bonding moments. It’s your complete guide to planning an unmatched sleepover experience.

Setting the Stage for a Great Sleepover

A successful sleepover starts with careful planning and preparation. The groundwork you lay determines how the night unfolds. The right environment creates magical moments that children and teens will remember forever.

Choose a fun theme or vibe

Your theme sets the foundation for sleepover planning. The right theme sparks ideas for decorations, activities, and snacks that tie everything together. To name just one example, see how a Hollywood theme lets guests feel like stars when they wear fancy costume jewelry over pajamas. A “throwback” night focused on board games and old-school activities works great too.

Popular themes you might love include:

• Movie marathons with matching decor
• Camping adventure (indoor tents and nature elements)
• Spa night with DIY treatments
• Gaming tournaments

Themed sleepovers build stronger connections among guests who share a unified experience. Sleepover experts say themes provide structure while leaving room for spontaneous fun and memory-making.

Create a cozy sleepover space

The physical setup plays a vital role in your sleepover’s success. Make sure everyone has enough sleeping space. Experienced hosts recommend keeping all guests in one room to boost that unified experience.

The perfect sleepover atmosphere needs:

• Enough sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets for everyone
• Soft lighting or glow-in-the-dark stars for ambiance
• Sleeping areas arranged to help conversation flow
• Extra blankets ready for comfort

On top of that, it helps to set up dedicated spaces for different activities throughout the night. You might create areas for games, movie watching, and quiet conversations. Some parents’ success comes from special entrances with decorative curtains that make spaces feel magical and separate from regular living areas.

What to pack and prepare

Guests need the right items to feel comfortable and confident. They should bring pajamas, fresh clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag or blanket, and maybe even a favorite stuffed animal.

Don’t forget these important items:

• Toothbrush and personal hygiene products
• Any necessary medications
• Phone and charger
• Theme-appropriate sleepwear

Host preparation goes beyond setup. A loose schedule keeps things flowing without strict rules. Experienced hosts balance planned activities with free time. More importantly, preparing food ahead—including breakfast—removes last-minute stress.

Sleepover safety and house rules

Safety stands as the top priority. Research shows clear boundaries make everyone feel secure—over 90% of child safety experts suggest specific house rules before the event.

Your safety checklist should include:

• Clear lights-out time and technology guidelines
• Rules communicated to children and parents
• A code word for children if they feel uncomfortable
• Adult supervision throughout

Parents need to know who will be at your home. Studies show nearly 40% of uncomfortable situations involve older siblings or other household members. Being open about all attendees builds trust and security.

These four key areas create an environment where everyone focuses on what matters most: creating wonderful memories through fun activities, laughter, and friendship.

Fun and Classic Sleepover Games

Games are the foundations of any great sleepover. They create endless opportunities for laughter and connection. Every memorable pajama party needs classic activities that help everyone loosen up and keep the fun going all night.

Truth or Dare, MASH, and other classics

The sort of thing I love about classic sleepover games is how they encourage both laughter and bonding. Truth or Dare stays popular because players get to choose between honest answers and fun challenges. Parents of younger groups should check in occasionally to keep everything age-appropriate.

MASH (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House) lets kids predict their future in a nostalgic way. Players list categories like spouse, career, and number of children. They use a counting system to cross off options until one choice remains in each category. Kids have been giggling over this fortune-telling game since the 1980s.

20 Questions is another timeless favorite. One player thinks of something while others ask yes-no questions to figure it out within 20 tries. The game sharpens critical thinking skills while keeping things fun.

Board games and card games

Favorite board games can entertain for hours and build problem-solving skills. Monopoly, checkers, and strategy games bring out everyone’s competitive spirit.

Card games are just as engaging and need minimal setup. Games range from Go Fish and Crazy Eights for younger kids to more complex ones for teens. Games that need teamwork often create the strongest bonds between guests.

Scavenger hunts and hide-and-seek

Scavenger hunts turn regular spaces into exciting adventure zones. Sleepover-themed hunts with items like toothbrushes or stuffed animals keep the energy high and give purpose to exploration. Some hosts hide small prizes or treats to reward successful hunters.

Sardines puts a fun twist on hide-and-seek. One person hides while everyone looks. Each finder joins the hidden player until everyone’s squeezed together “like sardines,” leaving just one seeker. This version works great for indoor sleepovers with fewer hiding spots.

Freeze dance and karaoke contests

Freeze Dance mixes energetic movement with sudden stops. Players dance until the music cuts off and must freeze right away. This simple activity burns energy and creates spontaneous funny moments.

Karaoke Battles rank high on most kids’ favorite sleepover activities. Theme awards like “Most Enthusiastic” or “Best Dance Moves” make performances more fun. Custom playlists with current hits and old favorites add to the excitement.

Funny challenges like ‘Face the Cookie’

The Cookie Face challenge adds competition to any sleepover. Players balance a cookie (usually an Oreo) on their forehead and move it to their mouth using only facial muscles—no hands. This minute-to-win-it game creates hilarious expressions as kids wiggle their eyebrows and twist their faces to guide cookies down.

Other fun challenges include No Thumbs, where kids try everyday tasks with taped-down thumbs, and Sleeping Bag Races, where everyone hops across the room zipped inside sleeping bags.

These classic games create unforgettable sleepover memories. They blend physical activity, creativity, and social interaction to build stronger friendships.

Creative DIY and Craft Activities

Creative activities can turn regular sleepovers into amazing memory-making experiences. Fun crafts give everyone a chance to express themselves and create lasting mementos of their night together.

Make friendship bracelets or keychains

Friendship bracelets are a sleepover classic that symbolize the special bond between friends. These fun accessories need just a few materials but look amazing when finished. The simple braided style works great for beginners – just grab some wax string in different colors and you can make one in about 30 minutes.

The drawstring closure style uses two 8-inch strands that adjust to fit any wrist size. These bracelets stay waterproof and you can wear them easily without dealing with clasps. These handmade accessories become meaningful keepsakes that friends can swap as symbols of their friendship.

Decorate cupcakes or cookies

Making edible art lets everyone get creative and enjoy tasty treats. A cupcake decorating station sparks friendly competition and satisfies sweet cravings. The “Dreamy Sleepover Cupcakes” design features vanilla wafer “heads” on marshmallows with fruit roll-up “blankets” – perfect for creating cute sleeping figures.

You could also run a cupcake contest where guests vote for “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Sprinkles”. These customized treats become great conversation starters before turning into midnight snacks.

Create vision boards or collages

Vision boards help teens picture their future goals while getting creative. You can make photo boards, digital templates, collages, project-specific boards, or mindfulness-focused creations. Goal-setting vision boards work really well – teens can place sticky notes with their dreams next to related pictures and remove them as they achieve each goal.

You’ll need a canvas board, magazines to cut up, glue sticks, markers, and fun decorations like fabric pieces or stickers. This activity naturally gets everyone talking about their hopes and dreams.

DIY spa night: face masks and nail art

Homemade spa treatments can make your sleepover feel extra special. Mix up a honey glow mask using one tablespoon of honey with either lemon juice for oily skin or mashed avocado for normal/sensitive skin. Set up nail art stations with base coats, different polish colors, and decorative elements so everyone can show their style.

Tweens might prefer simple nail designs like polka dots, while teens can try advanced techniques like marbling effects. Add cucumber slices over masked faces for that authentic spa feeling.

Design custom t-shirts or sleep masks

Custom sleepover gear makes great souvenirs. “Sleepover Squad” t-shirts paired with matching eye masks bring everyone together. Soft satin sleep masks with adjustable elastic bands keep the light out and add a luxurious touch.

Build a photo booth with props

A DIY photo booth needs just a well-lit corner with a simple backdrop made from fabric or balloons. Make your own props like speech bubbles with fun phrases (“Spa Day!” or “Feeling Refreshed!”) to add personality to photos. String up the pictures with mini clips to create instant party decorations that capture the night’s memories.

Food, Snacks, and Midnight Treats

Midnight snacks can turn an ordinary sleepover into something special. Friends bond over making and sharing treats that create memories lasting well beyond the night.

Set up a popcorn or candy bar

A DIY popcorn bar makes simple popcorn fun and interactive. Put fresh popcorn in large bowls or gold buckets and surround them with separate containers of toppings. M&M’s, chocolate chips, gummy bears, and Skittles add sweetness while parmesan cheese and ranch powder work great for savory options. Creative signs for each topping make the presentation pop. Colorful tablecloths and themed decorations add an extra special touch.

Make-your-own pizza or waffle station

Pizza making turns dinner into a fun group activity. Personal-sized crusts like flour tortillas or English muffins work great with different toppings. Your guests can stretch their dough and add their favorite toppings before baking. A waffle bar with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and various syrups works just as well. You can serve it for breakfast or as a midnight snack.

Try weird popcorn or soda flavors

Regular butter popcorn is boring. Unique flavors like birthday cake, blueberry, hot chicken and Christmas pudding make things interesting. These unusual choices get everyone talking and you can turn it into a fun taste-testing challenge.

Host a French fry dipping contest

French fries bring sleepover guests together like nothing else. Start a contest with unexpected dips – chocolate milkshakes, barbecue sauce, or guacamole. Give prizes to whoever comes up with the most creative or surprising combination.

Create yogurt sundaes or watermelon pizzas

Watermelon pizzas are a fresh, healthy twist on regular desserts. Cut watermelon into round “crusts,” spread Greek yogurt as “sauce,” and top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwi. These pretty creations taste amazing and make perfect Instagram photos to remember the night.

Bonding, Laughs, and Memory-Making

Real connections happen beyond games and treats at sleepovers. These quiet moments create the most treasured memories.

Watch movies or binge a series

A well-planned movie night brings friends closer together. Make a “movie menu” that starts light and builds up to something scarier. End with something fun so everyone sleeps peacefully. The viewing area should have lots of pillows and blankets. A quick vote on movie picks helps avoid long discussions.

Tell ghost stories or share secrets

Make a circle with candles where everyone shares meaningful memories that don’t come up in everyday talks. This activity changes the mood from fun to deep and creates a special atmosphere that makes the night memorable.

Write letters to your future selves

Everyone writes notes to open after a year. Put down your thoughts, feelings, goals, and questions for your future self. Put them in self-addressed envelopes to open later. Reading these notes later gives you an interesting view of how things have evolved.

Start a sleepover journal

Keep track of who dozed off first, who has the coolest phone case, and what snacks were the favorites. This journal becomes a precious collection of shared moments.

Take funny selfies or make a GIF

Photos and short videos capture the night’s goofiest moments. These visual memories become instant classics.

Plan a future trip or dream business

Dream up adventures you could take together. These chats build stronger friendships through shared dreams.

Summing all up

Sleepovers are a chance to create lifelong memories and deepen friendships. This piece explores many ways to reshape an ordinary night into an exceptional experience full of laughter, creativity, and real connections. Classic games like Truth or Dare, DIY projects, and delicious midnight snacks give friends unique ways to bond while having amazing fun.

The perfect sleepover needs a balance of structure and spontaneity. Kids and teens thrive when they have planned activities mixed with free time that lets natural conversations and inside jokes develop. A thoughtful setup with cozy spaces, clear safety rules, and fun activities helps everyone feel at home and included.

Without doubt, simple moments create the most cherished sleepover memories. Whispered conversations after lights out, shared laughter during silly challenges, and group creativity during craft time make these nights special. These experiences build social skills naturally and create traditions that shape friendships lasting well beyond the sleepover.

Sleepovers teach kids valuable life skills that go way beyond a single night of fun. Kids learn cooperation, compromise, and how to think about others. These gatherings let them practice independence safely while adults keep watch nearby.

Make this piece your go-to resource when you host your next sleepover. You can plan themed activities or stick to classic traditions. The bonds formed during these special nights are the foundations of lifelong friendships. Sometimes the simplest gatherings turn into childhood’s most precious memories.

Here are some FAQs about 100 things to do at a sleepover:

What are some good sleepover activities?

Good sleepover activities include classic games like truth or dare, movie marathons, and DIY spa treatments. You can find comprehensive lists of 100 things to do at a sleepover that include everything from pillow fights to fashion shows. These activities work well for various ages and help create memorable experiences with friends.

How do I make my sleepover less boring?

You can make your sleepover less boring by planning multiple activities in advance and having options for different energy levels. Consulting a list of 100 things to do at a sleepover for 10 year olds or other age-appropriate ideas ensures you never run out of fun options. Keeping the energy up with music, snacks, and variety prevents boredom from setting in.

What time should a 12 year old go to bed at a sleepover?

For 12 year olds at a sleepover, a reasonable bedtime might be between 11 PM and 1 AM, depending on family rules and the next day’s schedule. While sleepovers are special occasions, maintaining some structure helps prevent exhaustion. This still allows plenty of time for completing items from your 100 things to do at a sleepover list before settling down.

What to do at an all nighter sleepover?

At an all nighter sleepover, you can organize themed movie marathons, video game tournaments, and midnight snacks to keep everyone awake. A comprehensive list of 100 things to do at a sleepover for 13 year olds typically includes staying-up challenges and late-night activities. Planning energy-boosting games and activities in advance helps maintain momentum through the night.

What age are you too old for sleepovers?

There’s no specific age when you become too old for sleepovers, as many people enjoy them well into their teenage years and adulthood. The activities might evolve from what to do at a sleepover 100 things for younger teens to more mature gatherings. Ultimately, sleepovers become less about age and more about personal preferences and social circles.

How to throw the ultimate sleepover?

To throw the ultimate sleepover, create themed decorations, prepare special snacks, and plan a variety of activities from games to crafts. Consulting a complete guide of girl 100 things to do at a sleepover can provide endless ideas for entertainment. Attention to details like personalized party favors and a comfortable environment makes the experience unforgettable.

What to do on a sleepover at age 11?

At age 11, sleepover activities can include DIY projects, beginner makeup tutorials, and group games that are age-appropriate. A list of 100 things to do at a sleepover for 10 year olds often works well for 11 year olds too, with slight modifications. Popular options include friendship bracelet making, dance parties, and sharing stories.

What is a girly sleepover?

A girly sleepover typically features activities like makeup tutorials, nail painting, fashion shows, and romantic comedy movie marathons. These gatherings often incorporate elements from girl 100 things to do at a sleepover lists that emphasize traditionally feminine activities. The focus is on bonding, sharing secrets, and enjoying typically “girly” entertainment together.

What to do with your bestie at home?

With your bestie at home, you can have a mini-spa day, bake treats, create photo shoots, or binge-watch your favorite series. Many of these activities are included in comprehensive lists of 100 things to do at a sleepover, making them perfect for best friend hangouts. The best part is creating memories together regardless of how simple or elaborate your plans are.