30 things to do at a sleepover, for kids and adults alike

Sleepovers aren’t just for little ones—they’re a nostalgic, cozy, laughter-filled way to bring people together at any age. Whether you’re planning your child’s first big overnight, hosting teens for a fun evening, or inviting friends over for a grown-up slumber party, a good plan helps set the stage for a great time. This guide brings together 30 things to do at a sleepover, broken down by age group, so you can easily find the best sleepover party ideas for your crowd.

Here’s the thing about hosting an overnight hangout: it takes a bit more prep than a standard playdate or evening gathering. You’ll want to think about festive invitations that set the scene, comfy sleeping setups, snacks that fuel the fun, activities that last into the night, and a theme or vibe that ties it all together. Since many of these overnight and sleepover birthday party ideas can be mixed and matched across ages, feel free to scroll through the whole list and pick what inspires you and sounds fun for your group. Ready to get planning? Let’s dive into the best kids’ sleepover ideas, teen activities, and adult slumber party ideas.

Kids sleepover ideas

 

Kids love the adventure of staying up late, cozying into a blanket fort, and trying the most fun things to do at a sleepover with their friends. These ideas keep the energy high and the mess manageable.

1. Build the night around a fun theme

A themed sleepover instantly sets the mood and helps you plan decorations, snacks, and activities that feel extra special. Kick things off by sending a themed invitation to set the scene—choose a Paperless Post Card or Flyer and customize it with your exact colors, fonts, stickers, and animations to match the vibe of the party. Here are some fun theme ideas to inspire you:

• A colorful sports theme with plenty of balls, cones, and simple gear so kids can rotate through their favorite games.
• A magical unicorn theme filled with pink, purple, holographic accents, and sparkly decorations that transform the room.
• A lively dinosaur theme featuring mini dinosaurs on cupcakes, dino-print footprints leading to the party room, or a “fossil dig” sensory bin.
• A video game theme with bold, graphic decorations and a game station where everyone can take turns playing their favorites.
• An outer space theme, complete with glow-in-the-dark stars on the walls and ceiling of the sleepover room.
• A princess fairytale theme stocked with a box of costumes, crowns, and capes so kids can dress up and play pretend all night.

2. Set up a candy bar

A DIY candy bar adds instant excitement to any kids’ sleepover. Set out jars of gummies, chocolates, and sour treats, plus cellophane bags and ties so everyone can create their perfect mix. It brings the fun of a classic “pick and mix” candy shop right into your home. Ask about allergies in your RSVP using a Guest Question to make sure all kids have safe options.

3. Get cozy with a fort or palette

Transform your living room into a dreamy hangout zone using blankets, pillows, cushions, and twinkle lights. Kids can build their own forts or climb into one giant shared pallet perfect for movies and giggles. Pick a central room with plenty of floor space and easy TV access so the fun can last well past bedtime.

4. Host a mini pampering party

A pampering night is a great girls’ sleepover idea and an adorable way to make little ones feel grown-up. Set out face masks, nail polish, and simple makeup (or just glitter!) for a spa-style experience. Try fun YouTube makeup or nail-art challenges, like blindfolded tutorials that guarantee big laughs. 

5. DIY pizza night

Get kids involved in the cooking process by having everyone make their own personal pizzas. Not only does this serve as a fun party activity, but it also allows guests to choose the exact ingredients they want to eat, satisfying both picky and adventurous eaters. 

If all else fails (or if cooking time is of the essence), frozen mini pizza snacks never fail to delight. They’re practically a sleepover party institution.

6. Video games

Multiplayer video games make an awesome group activity and go far beyond solo play. Choose interactive, kid-friendly games like Mario Party, JackBox, or Just Dance. Kids can rotate teams, cheer each other on, and burn off energy before bedtime. 

7. Scavenger hunt

Put kids’ puzzle-solving skills to the test by transforming your sleepover into a full-blown scavenger hunt. Set up your clues before everyone arrives, then see who’s the first to connect the dots and find the secret treasure. Bonus points if you can take the time to turn each clue into a little rhyming poem. This active game helps break up the evening and works perfectly as a boys’ sleepover idea or for mixed groups.

8. Decorate cookies

A cookie-decorating station is sweet, colorful, and easy to set up. Lay out piping bags, icing colors, sprinkles, and kid-sized aprons so pajamas stay clean. Kids can decorate, snack, and box up their creations in small pastry boxes to take home. Cookies or cupcakes both work, making this a versatile add-on for sleepover birthday party ideas or holiday-themed nights.

9. Play charades

Charades is a classic for a reason—it’s fast, funny, and perfect for younger kids who love to act things out. Create a kid-friendly word bank with animals, movies, sports, or silly prompts, and let them take turns guessing. Acting games help get the wiggles out and encourage creativity. You can even theme the rounds to match your sleepover theme for added fun.

10. Tie-dye something fun

Tie-dye makes for a bright and creative project, and kids love leaving with something they made. Have guests bring white T-shirts, pillowcases, or tote bags. Set up a dye station outside or on a tarp, and rinse items in the morning once they’ve set. When customizing your Paperless Post Card or Flyer invite, play with colorful gradients, bright shades, and groovy fonts to match those tie-dye vibes.

Teen sleepover ideas

 

Teens want independence, fun, and plenty of late-night laughs. These things to do at a sleepover for teens strike the right balance between structured and chill and keep everyone engaged.

11. Choose a theme that sets the tone for the night

A well-chosen theme can turn a teen sleepover from an ordinary hangout into an unforgettable evening. Here are some ideas to inspire your teen gathering:

• A crafting theme complete with friendship bracelet-making supplies, so everyone goes home with a personalized keepsake.
• A movie and popcorn theme with a red carpet entrance, popcorn party favors, and cozy viewing setups.
• A groovy disco theme featuring heart-shaped 70s-inspired sunglasses, a mini dance floor, and disco ball decorations everywhere.
• A gold theme with sparkling gold accents, a gold leaf cake, and metallic balloons to make the night feel extra luxurious.
• A Hawaiian theme with leis for every guest, a casual cookout, and pool or water activities to bring the tropics to your backyard.
• A golf theme with a DIY putting green, mini golf challenges, and playful golf-inspired decorations for a sporty twist.

12. Dance party 

Set up a mini dance floor with fun lighting, a disco ball, or LED strips. Make an age-appropriate playlist or use a Guest Question on your invitation to let everyone weigh in on must-play songs. Dancing is a great way to keep energy high, especially before settling in for movies or midnight snacks.

13. Movie night

With a movie-themed sleepover party for teens, you can bring the theater to you. Print out fake tickets, hang movie posters, and set up camp in front of the biggest TV in your house (or for a true movie theater experience, a projector). 

Between streaming services, you have endless viewing options to choose from. To ensure you select a film that everyone will enjoy, consider sending a poll via a Guest Question to everyone beforehand. This way, you can gauge what genre your guests are in the mood for.

14. Popcorn bar

Who doesn’t love cuddling up to the buttery, salty taste of popcorn during a late-night movie? But rather than serving plain old Jiffy Pop at your sleepover party, get a little imaginative with your popcorn selection. You can cultivate the best of all worlds by setting up a buffet table of various popcorn flavors along with toppings (such as chocolate syrup, M&Ms, or parmesan cheese) for a DIY popcorn bar. 

15. Outdoor adventure night

If the weather (and location) permits, try adding a little adventure to your sleepover party idea by bringing the party to the great outdoors. Under the cover of night, you can play games of manhunt, flashlight tag, or glow-in-the-dark Frisbee. For areas where it’s safe to do so, a nighttime nature walk, stargazing circle, or bonfire can provide the perfect end to an evening of adventure (especially if you throw some s’mores into the mix). Pro tip: Bring bug spray.

16. Arts and crafts

Set up a crafting zone where teens can make friendship bracelets, collage mood boards, decorate tote bags, or try a simple guided painting class. Crafting gives teens something hands-on to enjoy while chatting or listening to music. Even those who don’t think they’re artsy end up having fun, making this a creative, low-pressure addition to things to do at a sleepover of any kind.

17. Swap ghost stories

If you think your guests can handle it, try giving your sleepover a spooky twist with a daring ghost story theme. Encourage guests to come prepared to share their best ghost stories—whether they’ve heard them through the grapevine or experienced them firsthand. 

To take this theme a step further, decorate with eerie lanterns, serve ghost-shaped cookies, and queue up your favorite horror movie for the grand finale. While you can choose this sleepover theme for any time of year, it’s particularly to-die-for when Halloween rolls around.

18. Break out the cards

Card games such as Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme, and Bears vs. Babies are some of the most hilarious and easy-to-learn options for group sleepover parties. Just be sure to avoid NSFW card games when hosting a sleepover for teens—most games will give an age range in terms of appropriateness on the box.

19. Go night swimming 

Swimming after dark feels extra special. If you have a pool, add floating lights or glow sticks for a nighttime swim. If it’s chilly, heat the pool or use the hot tub, and make sure a trusted adult supervises so everyone stays safe.

20. DIY makeover station

Set up mirrors, brushes, makeup, skincare, and hair tools so teens can experiment with fun looks. Encourage creativity—bold eyeshadow, braids, or themed styles. Provide makeup remover, face wash, and masks so everyone can wind down afterward. It’s a nostalgic, playful way to channel classic sleepover party ideas from childhood with a more teen-friendly twist.

Adult slumber party ideas

 

Adults deserve fun, too—and a grown-up sleepover is the perfect chance to reconnect and relax with friends. 

21. Set the scene with a fun theme

While not as essential as at kids’ or teen sleepovers, a theme can make an adult slumber party feel extra special. Start by sending a custom Paperless Post Flyer or Card to set the mood—choose playful colors, stickers, and animations to match your theme and get guests excited for the night ahead. Here are some ideas to inspire your night:

• A throwback slumber party theme with all the fun things you loved as a kid, like painting nails, watching movies, and hunkering down in cozy sleeping bags.
• A pizza night theme where you can order in or make your own personal pizzas, letting everyone customize their favorite toppings.
• A red carpet theme: perfect for awards season, complete with fancy snacks, champagne, and fun discussions about your favorite celebrity looks.
• A wine theme for the ultimate grown-up sleepover, featuring a wine tasting, charcuterie, and pairing ideas for a sophisticated evening.

22. TV watch party

Hosting adults for a watch party is cozy, low-effort, and perfect for diving into a new season or finale together. Set up comfy seating, themed snacks, and a drink station that fits your show’s vibe. 

23. Karaoke night

Invite guests to belt their favorite tunes with a karaoke-themed party. While a karaoke machine is certainly a plus, hosting a karaoke night can easily be achieved with YouTube karaoke videos, a smart TV (or an HDMI cable), and a microphone. 

Don’t have a microphone? Not a problem. You can download a microphone app onto your smartphone and plug it into the auxiliary port of a portable speaker. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, you’ll be ready for a night of singing, dancing, and very little sleeping. (Just be sure to warn your neighbors).

24. Throw it back with board games

Wondering what games to play at a sleepover party for adults? We’ve got you. Games like Monopoly or Sorry! are classics for a reason, providing a fun challenge to players of all ages. But it never hurts to mix up a party with newer board games, either. If you have time to learn and explain the rules, opt for a game that people aren’t as familiar with to provide guests with a thrilling new experience. Send out a guest question as part of your RSVP to see what games friends have to potentially borrow for the evening. The more variety, the merrier!

25. Host an indoor (or backyard) camping night

Camping indoors or outdoors is a great adult slumber party idea and gives guests a cozy, whimsical escape. Pitch a tent, light a faux campfire, add a star projector, and enjoy microwave s’mores. For backyard setups, offer blankets, lanterns, and bug spray. Add a Details Block to your Paperless Post invitation with a packing list—PJs, slippers, favorite snacks—to ensure everyone’s prepared. 

26. Sport matching PJs

Matching pajamas make for adorable photos and instant camaraderie. Pick a theme—silky sets, flannel, or funny prints. Use your invitation’s Guest Question feature to gather sizes, or add a link in a Links Block for guests to purchase matching sets. It sets the tone for a cozy, relaxed night and fully leans into the nostalgia of pajama party ideas for ladies.

27. Charcuterie and cheese board

A grazing table stocked with cheeses, meats, fruits, dips, and crackers feels elevated but super easy to assemble. Let guests contribute a small item, or build one gorgeous board yourself. Pair it with sparkling water, wine, or mocktails. This works well alongside movies, crafting, or game night—and is an adult-friendly upgrade from traditional sleepover party ideas.

28. Wine tasting or cocktail making

Transform your sleepover into a tasting party by sampling wines, mixing cocktails, or creating mocktails together. Provide recipes, fresh garnishes, and tasting cards to compare notes. It’s interactive, social, and perfect for an evening that blends fun with a little sophistication.

29. Tarot or astrology session

If your friend group loves mystical moments, host a mini tarot, astrology, or birth-chart reading night. Ask guests to submit their birth details through a Guest Question so you can prep charts or pair them with apps. Add candles and cozy lighting for a magical, reflective vibe.

30. Grown-up classic sleepover games

Throw it back with adult-friendly versions of classic sleepover games: Never Have I Ever, Truth or Dare, or fun question card decks. These games spark storytelling, reveal hilarious surprises, and tap into the nostalgia of childhood sleepovers in a grown-up way. They’re perfect for winding down the night or keeping energy high long past midnight.

Sleepover invitation ideas and wording

 

Sending invitations helps you share all the details—location, timing, what to bring—and showcases your theme right from the start. Whether you’re hosting kids, teens, or adults, Paperless Post makes it easy to send sleepover invitations digitally via text, email, or link and track RSVPs. (P.S. If you don’t want guests lingering too long the next morning, just add a pickup time!)

Wondering how to craft the right sleepover invitation wording? Try these examples:

Kids’ sleepover invitation wording

For a child’s birthday party, you can keep the invitation wording fairly simple. Try starting with something like this:

 

“Christopher is turning six!

Camping Party

Join us outdoors for a sleepover

Saturday, July 15

7pm

The James Residence

459 Maine St.”

 

Teen sleepover invitation wording

Throwing a movie night sleepover birthday party, or another type of slumber party for your teen? Spread the word with personalized invitations with wording like:

 

“Please join us for 

Nolan’s 13th Birthday

Movie & Sleepover

Saturday, May 15

7pm

2315 Ogden Dr.”

 

Adult slumber party invitation wording

Have some extra fun and play up the nostalgia for your adult slumber party Card or Flyer invitation. Try out sleepover invitation wording like: 

 

“Adult Sleepover!

We’re staying in, staying up, and getting cozy

Saturday, March 4 at Emily’s

6:30pm

Bring your PJs and your favorite snack to share”

 

Pull off your sleepover party ideas with Paperless Post

 

Naturally, invitations are the most effective way to relay party details to your guests and get them excited about the night’s events, but depending on the postal service to deliver your invites can lead to delays, and sometimes, even lost mail. Fortunately, you can always rely on Paperless Post. 

With Paperless Post, you can send digital slumber party invitations customized to match your party’s unique theme and showcase your individual style. Choose from Cards or textable Flyers, and take advantage of our digital guest lists features to send invites with the click of a button (you can use a previously populated list or import one from elsewhere!), and easily track your RSVPs and message guests if needed. Sending invites has never been as easy—or as fun.