Nothing sparks kid-level excitement like hearing "sleepover tonight!" Whether you're hosting or attending, I remember those giddy feelings from my own childhood - the staying up late, the junk food, the secret giggles. But let's be real: halfway through the night, someone always whines "I'm bored!" This guide fixes that.
We're covering everything from classic sleepover activities to fresh ideas you won't find on those lame Pinterest lists. And because I hosted approximately 73 sleepovers growing up (my poor parents), I'll share what actually works versus what sounds fun but flops. Pro tip: skip the "make your own perfume" idea unless you enjoy smelling like rotten flowers.
Can't-Miss Classic Sleepover Activities
These are the OGs for good reason - they always deliver. My friend Jess and I still laugh about the epic Truth or Dare disaster of '09 involving shaving cream and her dad's golf trophies.
Truth or Dare: Sleepover Edition
The ultimate icebreaker. Keep it fun with boundaries everyone agrees on first.
- Truth ideas: "What's your most embarrassing crush?" "What's the weirdest thing in your search history?"
- Dare ideas: "Text your crush asking about homework" "Do your best chicken dance out the window"
Set clear ground rules beforehand. No dares involving fire, property damage, or waking parents. Trust me on that last one - my mom still hasn't forgiven us for the 3am karaoke incident.
Midnight Feast Must-Haves
No sleepover is complete without junk food. Here's what actually gets devoured:
| Food Item | Why It Works | Prep Level |
|---|---|---|
| Build-Your-Own Nachos | Customizable, shareable, minimal mess | Easy (10 min prep) |
| Ice Cream Sundae Bar | Endless topping combos (gummy bears + hot fudge = magic) | Medium (15 min setup) |
| Personal Pizzas | Pre-made crusts + toppings = edible crafts | Medium (20 min baking) |
| Popcorn Mix-Ins | Sweet & savory options (M&Ms, pretzels, parmesan) | Super Easy (5 min) |
What about things to do at sleepovers involving food? Try these twists:
- Blind taste tests (guess the juice flavor or candy)
- Create "gross" combos (pickles + chocolate chips?)
- Food art contests using cookie cutters and frosting
Creative Things to Do at Sleepovers
When you want more than just screens and snacks. These actually hold attention spans longer than 12 minutes.
DIY Spa Night (On a Budget)
Skip expensive kits and use household items:
| Treatment | Ingredients | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar Scrub | Brown sugar + coconut oil + vanilla extract | 5 min prep |
| Avocado Hair Mask | 1 mashed avocado + 1 tbsp honey | 20 min treatment |
| Cucumber Eye Pads | Chilled cucumber slices | 10 min chill time |
Make it legit with:
- Robes and towels
- Play spa music on Spotify
- Give each other "glamorous" new names
We once gave each other green avocado facials and scared my little brother when we answered the door. Worth it for the silky skin though!
Fort Building Competition
Channel your inner architect. You'll need:
- Blankets (the more, the better)
- Couch cushions/chairs for structure
- Clothespins or binder clips
- Fairy lights for ambiance
Set categories like "Coziest Fort" or "Most Creative Design." Winner gets first pick of snacks. Pro tip: Put plastic cups over lamp tops to create colored lighting - instant mood.
Active Things to Do at Sleepovers
For when the sugar rush hits and you need to burn energy.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Transform your living room:
- Couch cushion mountain: Climb over without touching floor
- Laser maze: Crepe paper between walls (walk under/over)
- Sock slide: Slide in socks from kitchen to living room
- Balloon keep-up: Keep 3 balloons airborne while crawling
Time each other with phone stopwatches. Winner chooses the next movie.
Dance Party Challenges
Create themed rounds:
- 80s aerobics (think leg warmers and headbands)
- TikTok dance duels
- Freeze dance with punishments (like eating a spoonful of hot sauce)
Essential gear: Disco light ($15 on Amazon), Bluetooth speaker, water for hydration breaks.
Chill Vibes: Low-Key Sleepover Activities
Because sometimes you just want to veg.
Movie Marathon with a Twist
Don't just watch - make it interactive:
| Movie Genre | Viewing Ideas | Snack Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Rom-Coms | Drink every time someone says "love" | Heart-shaped cookies |
| Horror | Pillow fort viewing bunker | Blood-red fruit punch |
| Animation | Voice-over challenge during quiet scenes | Character-themed cupcakes |
Must-have movie kit: Projector ($60), blank wall, giant bean bags.
Future Telling Games
Midnight is prime time for mystical things to do at sleepovers:
- Fortune Teller Quiz: Online personality tests (like "Which Disney princess are you?")
- MASH: Remember this? Mansions, apartments, careers predictions
- Palm Reading: Find guides online - hilarious interpretations encouraged
The key to fortune telling? Dramatic pauses and vague predictions like "I see... someone tall entering your life soon." (Spoiler: It's the pizza delivery guy.)
5 Unique Things to Do at Sleepovers Nobody Thinks Of
Go beyond basic with these fresh ideas:
Midnight Scavenger Hunt
Hide clues around the house with flashlights. Themes:
- Movie quotes leading to DVD collection
- Emoji riddles pointing to snack stash
- Glow-in-the-dark stickers in dark rooms
Final prize could be next-morning pancakes or mini face masks.
Podcast Pajama Party
Listen to mystery or comedy podcasts instead of movies. Our faves:
- "Myths and Legends" for folklore fans
- "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" for news quizzes
- "Forever Ago" for random history deep dives
Discuss theories during snack breaks. Extra cozy with sleeping bags.
Sleepover Survival Tips
From someone who's survived 3am meltdowns:
- Set expectations: "Lights out" means phones away too
- Hydration station: Water bottles > sugary drinks after midnight
- Emergency kit: Extra chargers, bandaids, stain remover
- Parent protocol: Know house rules before embarrassing dares
Learned the hard way: Pretending you didn't hear parents say "lights out at 1am" leads to confiscated phones and awkward breakfasts. Not worth it.
Sleepover Fails to Avoid
Because not all ideas are winners:
- Home facials with glitter: Gets everywhere and doesn't wash off
- "Let's learn TikTok dances": Sounds fun until someone sprains an ankle
- Baking at 2am: Flour explosions and sleepy oven accidents
- Ouija boards: Either disappointingly silent or creepily effective
Stick to proven activities unless you want viral fail footage.
FAQs: Sleepover Questions Answered
What are good things to do at sleepovers for 10-year-olds?
Focus on structured activities: Board games, simple crafts like tie-dye socks, cookie decorating, and movie marathons. Avoid complex projects - attention spans fade fast.
How do you handle sleepover homesickness?
Have a "no shame" policy about calling parents. Keep bedtime routines familiar (stuffed animals, night lights). Distract with low-key activities like coloring books.
What time should sleepover activities end?
Wind down energetic games by 11pm. Save movies/chats for late night. Actual sleep happens around 2-3am if you're lucky. Pro tip: Parents appreciate "quiet hours" after midnight.
Are there things to do at sleepovers without screens?
Absolutely! Try:
- Story chain games (each person adds a sentence)
- Shadow puppet theater
- DIY photo booth with props
- Board game tournaments
What snacks won't ruin sleepover fun?
Avoid pure sugar bombs. Balance sweet with protein:
- Apple slices + peanut butter
- Cheese + crackers
- Trail mix with dark chocolate
- Popcorn (lightly salted)
Wrapping It Up
The secret to epic things to do at sleepovers? Flexibility. Have options ready but follow the group's energy. Some nights you'll want dance parties til dawn, other nights you'll binge rom-coms in silence. And remember - the best memories often come from unplanned moments, like that time Jenny tried to give everyone haircuts and we had to wear hats to school Monday.
What's your favorite sleepover memory? Mine involves whipped cream, a dare, and the neighbor's cat... but that's a story for another time. Happy sleeping over!
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