Slumber parties are a rite of passage for teens, and there’s nothing like staying up late with friends, snacking on junk food, and having fun. If your teen is planning to host a slumber party, here’s a list of exciting ideas and activities to make it an unforgettable experience for them and their friends.
13 Amazing Slumber Party Ideas
- Movie Marathon Night: Set up an area with pillows and blankets, and have a selection of age-appropriate movies ready to watch. Pick a theme like superheroes or Sci-fi. Don’t forget the popcorn!
- Board Game Tournament: Board games are a great way to keep teens entertained. Choose a selection of games that are easy to learn but still fun to play. Pull out games from when they were younger, like Candyland and Spot It, and let the competition begin.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for them to find around the house or backyard, and set a time limit for the hunt. You can even make it a team competition and award a prize for the first team to find all the items.
- Slumber Party Olympics: Set up a series of games that are fun for all. Games can include making a house of cards, playing pick-up sticks, juggling, trivia, etc. Invent your own scoring system. The person who earns the most points wins a prize.
- Go Outside and Play: Set up outdoor activities like cornhole, badminton and Nerf guns. Don’t forget the chalk. If you’re up for it, include a Slip ‘N’ Slide and water balloons.
- Video Game Tournament: Pick out one or more video games to play together. Compete for tournament champion. The winner gets a prize and … a crown.
- Spa Night: Set up a DIY spa station with nail polish, face masks, and hair accessories. Add a foot soak and station to make your own bath bombs. Hosting a spa night offers teens a great way to relax and pamper themselves while having fun with friends.
- Science Experiment Night: Have the teens do fun science experiments like making slime or erupting volcanoes.
- Arts and Crafts: Set up a craft table with supplies for friendship bracelets, picture frames, and (if you’re brave) tie-dye shirts. Arts and crafts give teens opportunities to express their creativity and make something to take home as a souvenir.
- Dance Party: Set up a disco ball or strobe lights and let the teens dance it out. Provide glow sticks or other glow-in-the-dark props to add to the fun.
- Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine or use a microphone and speaker with a phone app. Everyone gets a chance to belt out their favorite song. This is sure to bring out the laughs.
- DYI Pizza and/or Sundae Bar: Let the teens make their own mini pizzas by providing dough, sauce, and toppings. Ice cream and toppings work great for individual desserts.
- Host a Sleep-under: Invite teens over to do all the usual slumber party activities, but have their parents come to pick them up before bedtime. Yes!! My favorite kind of party.
The next morning, when your exhausted and moody teen is threatening to ruin your day, you might regret your decision to host a slumber party. But pretty soon you’ll hear stories being told and retold with embellishments and laughter, and you’ll realize that the joy and stories shared make it all worthwhile. So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the laughter, and your teen’s slumber party will be an experience that your teen will remember for years to come.
