Fun and exciting things to do at a sleepover

Sleepovers are a special milestone - one that brings equal parts excitement and sheer panic (mostly for parents). Maybe you're thrilled about your little one making lifelong memories, or maybe you're staring at your couch, wondering if it's sturdy enough to withstand an army of sugar-fueled gigglers.

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Either way, here we are. Grasping at virtual straws and looking for anything and everything to make a sleepover SAFE and FUN!

Don’t worry – we’ve got you wrapped up tighter than a kid in a sleeping bag.

This is the ultimate list of things to do at a sleepover, full of fun, chaos-proof activities designed to keep the night rolling. From epic scavenger hunts to board games that won’t end in sibling feuds (hey, one can hope).

Our favourite sleepover activities

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Scavenger hunt

Want to kick off the night with pure, unfiltered chaos?

A scavenger hunt is the perfect way to channel that pre-bedtime energy into something organised and, well, a bit structured.

But here’s why I love it more than the kids: it’s easy to set up, works for any age, and guarantees at least 20 minutes without anyone asking, “Can we have more snacks?”

You can go classic or get creative – try a selfie scavenger hunt (because kids + cameras = instant entertainment), or try a mystery clue quest (turn your living room into a detective’s dream.) I should warn you that one of these means a lot of photos on your phone while the other could potentially lead to some destruction of property.

Another fun one to try is the glow-in-the-dark challenge.

Split the kids into teams, set a timer, and hand them flashlights. Prepare for a frenzy of running, shrieking, and that one kid who takes it way too seriously. Want to up the stakes? Offer a prize – maybe first dibs on sleeping spots!

Either way, it’s a guaranteed hit – just be prepared for the “Can we do another one?!” that follows.

Board games

Nothing beats a good board game. For the little ones, we suggest Snakes and Ladders, Cluedo, Sequence, Connect4, Candy Land.

If you’re looking for:

• An easy card game? Uno!
• Cooperative games? It’s time for Dinosaur Escape.
• Endless giggles and a fantastic way to make use of their gym class: Twister!

For extra fun, have guests bring their games.

For older kids, the classic board games may seem like an innocent choice – until Monopoly turns best friends into lifelong enemies. The same goes for Catan – you build, trade, betray and you lose a friend- or four – in the process!

Let the kids solve puzzles and settle disputes while you watch from a distance. Just be ready for that one Monopoly argument at 1 a.m. Though honestly, I’d take that over a ‘truth or dare game’ any day.

Glow-in-the-dark games

Who says the fun stops when the lights go out? Grab some glow sticks, set up LED lights, and have a glow stick dance party. Or you could try some of these glow-in-the-dark activities:

Glow-in-the-dark frisbee and/or capture the flag: Get some glow sticks, install LED lights, and select from these thrilling pursuits. Expect a few bumps and accidents! (Make sure to play in a safe open safe and away from stairs!)

LED Jenga: An entertaining take on the traditional stacking game is LED Jenga. (Totes safe!)

Sports light-up games: With illuminating gear, play pickleball, basketball, or even football! (It helps if the kids have good hand-eye coordination!)

Hide and seek: Classic. Silent. Perfect.

Popcorn fights and movie night

What’s there not to love about snuggling into sleeping bags while munching on popcorn, and watching a horror movie at 2 a.m.? And then having the whole group tag along to the kitchen for a glass of water because everyone’s too afraid?

Here’s how to set up for the ultimate movie night:

Step 1: Pick a movie (or movies)

Can’t decide? Have everyone vote – democracy works (sometimes).

PS: Watching a scary movie, don’t make it the last one! Unless you want to spend the night comforting the kid who’s too scared to go to the bathroom alone. For a lighter vibe, go with a family-friendly or feel-good comedy.

 Step 2: You can’t go wrong with themed snacks:

Fantasy flick? Try wizard-themed treats. Superhero movie? Bring out cupcakes with hero logos. And obviously, hot chocolate is non-negotiable.

Karaoke time

Between off-key karaoke, dramatic dance-offs, and a glow-stick rave, the kids are having the time of their lives—while you wonder if they’ll ever sleep.

You could also do a ‘lip sync battle’. Let the kids choose their favourite songs, dress up in wild costumes, and perform like their lives (or at least their dessert) depend on it.

Dance challenge

Split the group into teams and give them 15 minutes to come up with a choreographed routine to a random song. Make it themed (zombie ballet? disco cowboys?) or let them go wild. Once they’ve rehearsed, it’s showtime – complete with judges, scorecards and dramatic entrances.

Minute to win it challenges

Set up a few high-stakes, low-skill games that only last a minute each – because chaos is more fun on a timer. Think:

• Stack as many cookies on your forehead as you can
• Move an Oreo from your forehead to your mouth (no hands!)
• Sock toss into laundry baskets
• Who can dress in the most layers of clothes in 60 seconds

Have a scoreboard or just award ridiculous prizes like “Most Dramatic Attempt” or “Loudest Cheerer.”

Pass the plush

Like hot potato, but cuter. Sit in a circle and play music while passing around a soft toy. When the music stops, the person holding it has to answer a funny question, do a dare, or share a silly story.

Great for younger kids, but older ones usually get into it too.

Emoji story game

Hand each guest a card with a few emojis on it (drawn or printed). Their job is to use those emojis as the prompt for a mini story they have to make up on the spot.

It’s weird. It’s funny. And someone will turn the poo emoji into a plot twist.

“Crack the code” game: A sleepover brain teaser

Want a fun way to mix adventure with a challenge? Play “Crack the Code”! Hide lettered notes around the room and have guests hunt for them. Once they find all the letters, they must unscramble them to reveal the secret word. The winning team gets dibs on the movie marathon!

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DIY things to do at a sleepover

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Movies and games are great, but a little hands-on fun keeps tiny tornadoes busy. Here’s how to channel their energy before the sugar kicks in:

Dinner and DIY? Yes, please!

Turn dinner into a fun twist on a cooking or baking challenge! Set out toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and veggies, and let each guest design their own pizza.

Spa night

Set up a spa night with face masks, hair chalk, nail polish and temporary tattoos. Expect masterpieces… and some truly abstract designs.

DIY bracelets or bead bar

A calming (and quiet-ish) option that still feels super creative. Set out beads, string, charms, and let the kids create friendship bracelets, keychains or anklets. It’s a surprisingly zen activity and doubles as a cute keepsake from the night.

Fashion show

Level up the fun at your sleepover party by offering fun accessories, a karaoke machine and some fun props so the girls can have a fun time arranging their very own fashion show!

Personalised t-shirts & pillowcases

Give your sleepover guests a keepsake! Bring out the fabric markers, fun things like iron-on patches, glitter glue or even DIY tools that include messy but fun options like tie-dyed kits.

Bake cookies

Nothing fills the air with cosy warmth quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies! Whether you go classic with chocolate chips, get creative with colourful sprinkles, or try a blind taste test of different cookie flavours, this is a fun way to bond while satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.

Tip: If patience isn’t your group’s strong suit, be sure to set aside some edible cookie dough!

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Classic sleepover games for older kids

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An escape room sleepover game:

Plan an escape room. As guests arrive, you hand them clues that they need to solve and escape to the snacking area!

Would you rather?

“Would You Rather?” forces impossible choices, like eating a spoonful of mustard or giving up WiFi forever.

Charades/celebrity heads

Acting out movies, books, or characters never gets old. Celebrity Heads is a great twist where everyone wears a sticky note on their forehead and has to guess who they are.

How to calm kids down at a sleepover

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“Lights out?”, we say.

“Never!”, they scream back.

Even the most enthusiastic guests require a little relaxation after playing games together, singing along at a karaoke party, and whirling for hours.  That’s why the ‘winding down’ bit needs to be subtle so the kids don’t catch on.

Drained? Here’s how to help the kids calm down:

1. Play music

Play soothing music to help the kids relax.

2. Hot beverage

Nothing is better than a mug of warm, freshly made hot chocolate (with whipped cream and chocolate chips). Or keep it simple and sugar-free with just a glass of warm milk!

3. Set the mood

Dim the lights and ask everyone to snuggle in their sleeping bags for a fun storytime!

4. Storytime

Make each person take turns telling ghost stories, comical sleepover mishaps, or memories they love.

Choosing the activities

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Planning a kids’ slumber party?

The first rule: Read the room when planning things to do at a sleepover. Some kids want to belt out hits on a karaoke app like they’re auditioning for The Voice, while others prefer creative things or games that involve solving mysteries like some tiny detectives.

Then there are the truth-or-dare enthusiasts who may cause a little chaos, coupled with some board game purists who treat Monopoly like a full-time job.

Whatever the vibe, if you’re hosting, your mission is simple: make sure ALL the kids are having fun and always feel safe.

While that classic sleepover game may have been a hit with your daughter’s friends, it may not be your son’s definition of a ‘fun activity.’

Slumber party safety rules

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While sleepovers can make for a really fun night, ensuring your child’s safety means setting clear boundaries, having open conversations, and always knowing exactly who is watching over them.

Because the best sleepovers are the ones where kids come home safe, happy, and well-rested (or at least, semi-rested).

Here are some things to do at a sleepover to make sure the kids are safe:

Slumber party safety rules

1. Your house, your rules

Kids can get excited really fast and managing one is a lot easier than managing four! So, always, be sure you go over the rules. Be gentle, but firm!

If you say no to running in the kitchen, then it’s law. Period.

2. Allergy alert

Always check with parents about food allergies because the last thing you want to do is rush a child to the ER because of an unexpected peanut reaction.

3. No bullying or pranks that can hurt feelings

It’s your job as the adult to make sure the kids are kind and considerate to everyone at the party.

That means no roughhousing, no risky dares, and absolutely no experiments involving permanent markers and sleeping friends.

4. No midnight escapades

This one is more for the older kids. The backyard is not a jungle, and the front door is not an escape hatch. Everyone stays indoors after dark.

5. Screen time limits

Yes, watching movies is fun but no, we are not pulling an all-nighter bingeing YouTube conspiracy theories or marathons.

6. Respect the quiet hours

It might be all fun and games for the kids, but sleepovers are an important time to teach kids to be considerate of other people’s needs. Karaoke battles quickly escalate, turning your once quiet living room into a concert hall, complete with off-key renditions of 2000s pop hits at 1 AM.

So make sure you tell the kids it’s okay to laugh, play, and have fun, but not at the cost of others. We don’t want our fun to be a source of pain or discomfort for the neighbours or even younger siblings.

7. Emergency contacts on speed dial

Make sure parents can be reached in case of anything, and you have a first-aid kit on hand for minor boo-boos.

8. Monitoring content

As the night winds down, it’s important to strike a balance between fun and safety, especially when it comes to screen time and online content.

Consider age-appropriate films that won’t leave little guests too scared to sleep. The Australian Classification Board provides ratings (G, PG, M, etc.) to help guide suitable choices. If in doubt, opt for a lighthearted comedy or adventure flick that keeps the mood fun.

The same goes for gaming. Multiplayer games should be limited to offline mode or monitored to avoid unwanted interactions.

With kids bringing their own devices, it’s easy for them to wander into unmonitored online spaces. Encourage screen-free activities for most of the night, and if they do go online, set parental controls or use kid-friendly streaming platforms.

Wrapping it up

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So go ahead, plan that sleepover and embrace the chaos that comes with it. Go with the flow or opt for a more structured approach. If you don’t get through all the activities, that’s okay! The goal is to spend time together and have more fun naturally.    

No matter how you plan your child’s sleepover, the most important thing is making unforgettable memories. Because those are priceless!