10 Sleepover Ideas Kids of Any Age Will Enjoy

As parents, planning sleepovers can be a daunting task—but the truth is, it should be a lot of fun for both you and your kids. To help you plan the perfect sleepover, we’ve compiled this list of 10 sleepover ideas that kids of any age will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for sleepover activities, food options, or decorations, you’ll find something that meets your needs.

With these ideas, you can create an unforgettable sleepover experience that your kids will talk about for months. From scavenger hunts and movie marathons to spa nights and fun kitchen activities, there’s something here that everyone will love. So get ready to plan the best sleepover ever!

Decorate Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a fun treat for any occasion, including sleepovers. The supplies you’ll need to decorate cupcakes include a box of cake mix, cupcake or muffin liners, icing in various colors (and squeeze bottles for easy piping), sprinkles, and other decorations such as chocolate chips or colored sugars.

Instructions: Make the cake mix as directed on the box. Fill the cupcake or muffin liners about 2/3 full with batter and bake according to the directions on the box. Once cooked and cooled, it’s time to decorate. Squeeze the icing into the piping bags with different tips and have everyone create their own masterpiece. Sprinkles and other decorations will make every cupcake unique.

Backyard Camping

Create your camping adventure right in your backyard. Materials needed include a tent, sleeping bags or blankets, stuffed animals, cozy chairs for seating around a pretend campfire, and an outdoor lantern for light.

Instructions: Pitch the tent in an area that is away from outdoor lights so everyone can enjoy sleeping under the stars. Have a pretend campfire with cozy chairs and stuffed animals around it for added comfort. Roast some marshmallows or popcorn in an old-fashioned pan over a firepit if available. For a truly unique experience, use an outdoor galaxy projector to project stars onto the tent walls.

Create a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts can provide hours of fun for all ages. Begin by writing out 10-20 clues on pieces of paper while thinking of special hiding spots where you can place each one. Additionally, this activity requires flashlights (or glow sticks) for those playing after dark.

Instructions: Hand out each clue at the beginning of the game separately. Direct players to search around the house or yard until they can locate the next clue leading them closer to the grand prize hidden at the end of the hunt. Ensure each clue leads them somewhere unique to explore new areas they may not have checked out.

Arts and Crafts Project

Arts and crafts projects are a delightful and engaging activity for children of every age. To get started, gather the following materials: construction paper or cardstock paper in different colors, markers, scissors, glue sticks, or glitter glue pens.

Instructions: First, let the kids choose the project that excites them the most, such as scrapbooking photos from the evening, making cards for friends or family, or creating masks —  the options are limitless! Next, assign each guest their necessary supplies and guide them through the process step by step, ensuring they create their art piece successfully. Once everyone finishes, encourage them to display their creations for everyone to see, turning them into a mini art show.

Pillow and Blanket Fort

To enjoy this activity, you only need cozy pillows and blankets. Start by arranging chairs in a square shape with two sides open, and drape blankets over them. This allows easy access for the kids without dismantling the fort.

Instructions: Ensure the blankets are securely fastened so that nothing falls on anyone inside. Place pillows along each side, providing comfortable seating or a place to lie down. And there you have it! Your pillow and blanket fort is now finished.

Indoor Movie and Popcorn Night

For this activity, you’ll need three key elements: popcorn, movies, and comfortable seating. Begin by visiting your local rental store or accessing a streaming service to gather a selection of movies on DVD or Blu-ray. You can choose from various options, including classic films or current blockbusters that everyone will appreciate.

Instructions: Arrange different seating options around your television, such as floor pillows or camping chairs, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Set up your chosen movie on a suitable device and have everyone find a comfortable spot to sit. Don’t forget to prepare some popcorn before settling down — warm popcorn is a delightful companion during a movie night.

Baking Challenge

Baking challenges are a thrilling way to unleash your creativity while indulging in delicious treats. To get started, gather baking staples like eggs, butter/oil/shortening (depending on the recipe), sugar, honey, or Maple syrup (based on desired sweetness), and any additional ingredients you’d like to include (such as chocolate chips).

Instructions: This is where the fun begins! Choose two recipes from online sources or cookbooks with similar ingredients but yield different results. You can opt for a sweet versus savory item or experiment with textures like soft versus crunchy. Feel free to let your creativity soar. Assign each participant their recipe and allocate specific time slots for baking, ensuring everything is ready within the same hour for judging afterward. May the most skilled baker claim victory.

Board Game Tournament

Board games are a timeless hit at sleepovers, no matter the age group. Classics like Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, and Life never go out of style, and newer online versions are also available. To prepare, gather multiple copies of your chosen game and provide enough chairs or stools for all participants in the tournament. Ensure that everyone sits closely together to easily track each player’s progress during each round.

Instructions: Arrange “elimination rounds” where two participants compete against each other until one emerges victorious. This way, only two people play at once while the others observe. Once someone wins, they move on to play against another opponent, and this continues until only one grand champion remains at the end.

Glow-In-the-Dark Dance Party

Celebrate with a touch of music and add vibrant, glowing elements to enhance the excitement. For this activity, you will need neon-colored glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces, glow powder, black lights, and a speaker or sound system to play the latest music.

Instructions: Turn off the main lights in the room, but keep the black lights on, and allow the glow sticks to sit out until they start glowing. Sprinkle the powdered glow mixture onto the walls and floor where dancing occurs. Adjust the music volume so everyone can hear it clearly without being uncomfortably loud. Invite guests to dance throughout the darkened room, surrounded by vibrant neon lights creating a unique and exciting experience.

Tell Scary Stories

Engaging children in storytelling activities is a wonderful way to boost their confidence and ignite their imaginations. To organize this activity, gather flashlights or glow sticks, notebooks, pencils, and smores materials if desired.

Instructions: Start by having each participant take turns telling their stories. Encourage them to begin with relatively mild tales and gradually build up the spookiness level, drawing inspiration from the classic ambiance of ghost stories told around campfires. To set the scene, dim all the lights in the room except for the illumination provided by the flashlights or glow sticks. This creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the storytelling experience. When a storyteller reaches the climax of their tale, instruct the other participants to turn off their lights, heightening the suspense and creating an immersive moment. To add to the cozy and enjoyable vibe, take advantage of brief pauses in the storytelling to roast smores, allowing everyone to indulge in this delicious treat. Once a story concludes, switch the main lights back on to give everyone a brief break. This helps transition to the next storyteller smoothly.

In Conclusion

Sleepover parties are a great way to have fun with friends and family, no matter what age group you’re hosting. With these 10 sleepover ideas, you can create an unforgettable experience that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for activities kids of any age can participate in, like decorating cupcakes or playing board game tournaments, or something more exciting, such as a glow-in-the-dark dance party or a scavenger hunt, you’ll find something here suited to your needs. Have fun planning your next sleepover with these fun ideas!