A great sleepover does not need a packed schedule or special equipment. Pick a few ideas that suit the guests, the space and the household rules, then leave room to change plans. Here are 31 options, from active games and creative projects to easy food activities and quieter ways to wind down.
Games and friendly competition
1. Play a familiar board game
Choose a game everyone knows, or explain the rules together before starting. Connect Four and other classic board games work well when you want an easy activity with little setup. HGTV’s sleepover activity list includes both.
2. Make a sleepover bingo card
Draw a simple grid and fill it with lighthearted prompts, such as “someone tells a joke” or “someone picks a movie.” Keep every square friendly and achievable.
3. Try a table-tennis tournament
If you have a suitable table and enough room, play short matches or a rotating doubles tournament. A portable set is one option noted by HGTV; it is not necessary if you already have another game everyone enjoys.
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- SLEEPOVER TIME: This is the ultimate sleepover party game! With over 200 stunts, performances, and activities, you'll do silly things like being a human mirror and making funny sounds with friends.
- FUN FOR EVERYONE: Keep the party entertained all night long. Kids rule at the sleepover party, but mom and dad can play too… if they behave! This Sleepover Party Game is sure to create lots of laughs.
- GIRL GAME: This game is best with 3 or more players who are ages 8 years old and up. It comes with 85 Act It Cards, 75 Work It Cards and 40 Party Cards, 1 spinner, and instructions.
- PLAY AT PARTIES: The rules are easy to learn and the game is difficult to stop playing, it’s that much fun! Whether you are a youth or are older, you’ll enjoy the strategy and luck it takes to win!
- ENDLESS GAMES: Endless Games presents card, dice, party, word, trivia, survey, and pop culture games for everyone! You’ll find high-quality games that provide endless play value.
4. Run a Red Light, Green Light round
One person calls the signals while the others move and stop on cue. Set a clear boundary and play in a space without furniture or other obstacles.
5. Set up a relay race
Use a hallway, yard or open room for a simple relay. Keep the route short and skip running indoors if the space is crowded or slippery.
6. Invent a house-rule game
Adapt a familiar game with one silly, easy-to-remember rule. Agree on the rule before play begins so the fun stays low-pressure rather than competitive.
Creative projects
7. Draw with sidewalk chalk
Make a shared mural, draw a hopscotch path or write a giant group story outdoors. Have an adult present, as PBS KIDS suggests, and check that the location is appropriate for chalk.
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8. Decorate pillowcases
Use fabric pens to personalize plain pillowcases. Protect the work surface, follow the pen instructions and leave enough time for the ink to dry before anyone sleeps on them.
9. Try face painting
Offer a few simple designs using products intended for skin, and let each guest opt in or out. Plan for cleanup and check for sensitivities before applying anything.
Rank #2
- FAST-PACED FUN - Flip a card, think quickly, and race to grab the foam microphone to sing a lyric containing the revealed word. It's a fast-paced game that keeps everyone on their toes!
- HILARIOUS MOMENTS - Watch as your friends try to recall lyrics under pressure, resulting in hilarious renditions of popular songs. It's guaranteed to have everyone laughing and singing along!
- VERSATILE GAMEPLAY - Featuring a game board with multiple game modes, Grab The Mic offers various levels of challenge and keeps the fun fresh every time, Switch up the board for a new experience, creating endless musical battles that never get old!
- WHAT’S INSIDE - With 120 word cards, a foam microphone, game board, player tokens, and easy-to-follow instructions, everything you need for a memorable game night is included.
10. Build a blanket fort
Use blankets and cushions to make a reading nook or a shared hideaway. Keep exits clear and avoid putting heavy items where they could fall.
11. Make a group comic
One person draws a panel, then passes the page to the next person to continue the story. Take turns adding dialogue, characters or a surprising plot twist.
12. Create a paper craft
Fold paper into simple shapes, make greeting cards or design paper decorations. This is an easy option when guests want to sit down and make something without a large supply list.
Food activities to make together
13. Build a pizza bar
Set out prepared bases and a few toppings so guests can make their own combinations. Check allergies and dietary needs with caregivers first, and keep separate utensils for ingredients that should not mix.
14. Put together a taco bar
Offer a few fillings and toppings, with a simple alternative for anyone who does not want the main choices. An adult should handle any cooking and hot food.
15. Make a sundae station
Set out ice cream and a small selection of toppings. Label or separate ingredients where needed, and check for allergies before serving.
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Rank #3
- All New Game: It's the 2nd edition of the quick question “what am I?” Game. Includes 6 new bands- dino, narwhal, robot, flower, butterfly, & brain
- Simple To Play: Pick a headband, place a card in it and play to figure out what's shown on your card. Using yes/no questions, be the first to guess 3 cards correctly and you win
- Family Game Night: Hedbanz is a must-have in your collection of family games for kids and adults. It is for everyone ages 6 and up. For 2-6 players, bring along when you are in need of fun board games for family night
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16. Decorate doughnuts
Use plain doughnuts, icing and a few toppings for a quick decorating challenge. Let each person make one to eat or design a shared display.
17. Prepare a s’mores station
Make s’mores only where they are permitted and can be safely supervised. An adult should manage any flame or hot equipment; choose a no-flame alternative if those conditions are not available.
Outdoor and movement ideas
18. Play a backyard game
Choose a familiar activity that fits the yard and the group, and set boundaries before starting. Make sure supervision and the available light are appropriate for the time of day.
19. Have a chalk-drawing challenge
Pick a theme, such as animals or imaginary places, and let everyone add to a shared scene. Keep it collaborative rather than judging whose drawing is best.
20. Take a supervised swim
Swimming is an option only if the household has agreed to it and appropriate adult supervision is in place. Confirm the pool rules and supervision arrangements with caregivers before guests arrive.
21. Try a quiet outdoor scavenger hunt
Make a short list of things to spot—such as a leaf, a bird or a particular color—rather than collecting items. Stay within agreed boundaries and keep the group together.
Rank #4
- WHO’S GOT THE MOVES: Classic Twister gameplay challenges players to place their hands and feet on red
- GIVE THE SPINNER A WHIRL: See where it lands and make a move. Right foot red, off to a good start. Left foot green, you’ve got this. Left hand blue … wait, is that physically possible. Give it a shot
- INDOOR ACTIVITY FOR KIDS: Stuck inside. The Classic Twister game is an action-packed way for kids, tweens, and teens to "get their energy out." (Parents, rejoice)
- FUN PARTY GAME TO PLAY IN TEAMS: This group game includes instructions to play in teams, along with tips for hosting a Twister tournament. Break out the mat for game night too
- TYING PLAYERS UP IN KNOTS FOR GENERATIONS: Who doesn’t remember playing this Hasbro game as a kid. The Twister game is for adults and kids age 6 and up. Families can join in the fun together
Stories, movies and shared entertainment
22. Tell a round-robin story
One person starts with a sentence, and each guest adds the next. Set a playful theme or let the story wander wherever the group takes it.
23. Share favorite jokes or riddles
Invite each guest to bring a joke or riddle, or make up new ones together. Let anyone pass if they would rather listen.
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Agree on a movie that suits the guests and the family’s media rules. Check the rating and content in advance, and make the viewing optional for anyone who would rather do something else.
25. Put on a short talent show
Guests can perform, introduce an act or help with hosting. Keep performances brief and make participation voluntary.
26. Make a playlist together
Take turns suggesting songs that fit a shared theme. Follow household rules about devices, volume and what can be played.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quieter ways to wind down
27. Play a calm guessing game
Take turns giving clues about an animal, object or fictional character while everyone else guesses. It needs no special supplies and can be played sitting down.
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28. Read aloud or share a favorite book
Choose a short story, comic or a few pages from a book. Guests can listen, read a part or simply relax nearby.
29. Do a simple drawing prompt
Give everyone the same prompt—such as “design a dream treehouse”—and let them draw at their own pace. Sharing the results is optional.
30. Have a low-key conversation
Try gentle prompts such as “What made you laugh this week?” or let the conversation happen naturally. Avoid questions that pressure anyone to disclose something personal.
31. Offer a quiet activity before bed
Set out books, coloring pages or another calm choice so guests can settle at different speeds. PBS KIDS recommends having a calming wind-down option and clear rules for the evening (“Sleepover Secrets,” February 9, 2018).
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How to choose the right activities
Use the list as a menu, not a schedule. A few well-matched options are more useful than trying to fit all 31 into one evening.
- Match the group: Consider ages, interests, group size and whether everyone can take part comfortably.
- Fit the space: Pick indoor or outdoor activities according to the available room, weather, household rules and supervision.
- Balance energy: Pair active play with a quieter option so guests can change pace.
- Keep supplies optional: Familiar games, storytelling and chalk need little preparation; crafts and food stations can be added if they suit the household.
- Plan for cleanup: Food, face paint and crafts may need extra time and a protected work area.
- Leave room to opt out: Give guests a choice to watch, take a break or switch activities.
Talk with caregivers before the sleepover
Readiness varies by child, and there is no single age when every child is ready. Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network puts it plainly: “There’s no set age when a child is ready for sleepovers” (updated May 11, 2026). A child’s comfort with the supervising adult, ability to ask for help and readiness for bedtime routines can all matter. Nationwide Children’s Hospital also recommends considering whether a child can manage toileting and bedtime routines independently and feels comfortable with the adult in charge (June 25, 2024).
Before the event, the host and visiting caregivers can agree on practical details. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidance advises asking who will be in the home and discussing relevant household risks and rules.
- Who will be present, and what supervision will be in place?
- Are there allergies, medications or other health needs the host should know about?
- What are the house rules for screens, pets, swimming, trampolines or other activities?
- Where will guests sleep, and what bedtime routines or familiar comfort items might help?
- How can a child contact home or ask for help, and what is the pickup plan if they want to leave?
If an overnight stay feels like too much, a lateover or sleepunder lets a child join the activities and go home to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies this as an option when a caregiver is uncomfortable with an overnight stay (“5 Questions to Ask Before a Playdate,” updated May 7, 2024).
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