30 Fun Things to Do at a Sleepover

One word. Ten letters. Say it, and your kid will zoom around in a haze of excitement. Sleepovers are the backdrop to some of the most memorable moments in a child’s life and offer the opportunity to form lifelong memories with their dearest friends. Most of these involve copious amounts of pizza, sneaking grownup movies after parents fall asleep and staying up all night. All very fun, but we can do better than that.

Plan the best sleepover ever with our list of fun ideas for all ages. Read on to find our failproof kid activities, tasty treat recipes and tons of unique craft projects to keep your overnight guests occupied until morning.

First up? Our DIY kids' sleeping pods. Create ultra-cozy lounge cushions for your little ones and their besties by following our easy-to-follow tutorial below. These plush pads will keep them comfortable while reading, finger-knitting or playing board games.

It doesn’t matter whether your sleepover is during summer, spring or fall — s’mores are a crowd-pleasing treat year-round. Set up a s’mores station with pre-skewered marshmallows, graham crackers and plenty of chocolate to set up your overnight guests for sticky-sweet success.

Build a bohemian tent in your backyard for the kids to sleep under the stars. Make this inviting space your muse and recreate it for your sleepover party with an all-weather tarp or tablecloth pitched above an oversized picnic blanket or jute rug. Soften the hangout area with a slew of all-weather blankets and pillows piled beneath glowing paper lanterns and bistro lights. Finish off the tent with sleeping bags and a few accent tables to eat, drink and play games all night long.

If you're hosting an outdoor slumber party this summer, take notes! Swap classic sleeping bags for their breezier counterparts to keep your sleepover crew feeling comfortable throughout the night. Hammocks offer guests unmatched relaxation and add an element of adventure to the alfresco event. And the best part? The designated chaperone (you) won’t wake up with back pain that lingers for weeks (or months).