Sleepovers are exciting events for the little ones. As a parent, hosting a sleepover can be equally exciting but also a hassle. From planning fun things to do at a slumber party to snacks, a lack of preparation can leave kids bored. Wondering how to throw an iconic slumber party? Don’t worry! Today, we’re sharing our favorite tips and trips to host the best slumber party of the year.
How to Host a Good Sleepover
Hosting a sleepover comes with great responsibility. Many factors can mean the difference between your kid’s sleepover being a huge success or failure. Sleepovers are all about yummy snacks, fun activities, and, of course, making unforgettable memories.
The first step in planning a sleepover is asking for your child’s input. Kids are always excited to have a say in who they want to invite, party themes, snacks, and activities. Of course, your child won’t have all the ideas, but understanding the type of party they would enjoy will make planning simpler.
After that, it’s time to make the guest list! Consider the amount of space you have, and decide how many guests to invite. Even numbers are typically your best bet so no one feels left out during activities.
Next, pick a date and send out invitations. Maybe this sleepover is for your child’s birthday or an end-of-the-year celebration. Be sure to include all the details! Along with the date, time, and location, invitations should always mention the theme and what to bring.
Once the invitations are out, the real preparation begins. Here are some key things to ensure your child’s slumber party is a hit.
Create a Schedule
Plan out the night’s events. Should the kids arrive on time for dinner? Or will snacks and light bites do the trick? Choosing a time when everyone will leave the next day is equally important. Between 10 a.m. and noon is perfect to give the kids more time to sleep in, and it gives you ample time to get the house back in order once they leave.
Plan for how long each activity will take and in what order. Starting with more engaging activities, like playing outside or arts & crafts, is a great strategy to tire the kids out for bedtime. Ending the night by building a cozy blanket fort and watching a movie is perfect for helping them settle down.
Make a Checklist
Checklists are a must for any event. Make a list of sleepover supplies, like decorations, food, crafts, movies, and more. Having your kid’s input is essential for making planning easier and ensuring you host the slumber party of their dreams. Another crucial list is what your guests should bring, including:
- Pajamas
- A toothbrush
- A pillow and sleeping bag
- Clothes for the next day
- Snacks to share
- Fun toys or games
Prep for the Best Sleepover
It’s finally sleepover time! On the day of, make sure your space is tidy and decorated. You may have to move furniture, put up streamers, add kids seating, or buy kids tents. Doing everything in advance will make for a smooth event.
When to Start a Sleepover
Sleepover times can vary depending on your child’s age. To avoid the hassle of wrangling up 10 kids all day, start your slumber party in the late afternoon or around dinnertime. For younger kids, early afternoon is perfect. As the little ones often go to sleep earlier, this gives ample time for activities, dinner, and wind-down routines before bedtime. Be sure to communicate with parents to find a balance between accommodating schedules and maximizing fun.
Slumber Party Ideas
With countless sleepover party ideas across the web, choosing the best one may feel overwhelming. Thankfully, we’re here to share some of our top ideas for a sleepover party:
- Game night. Kids love games. Whether they’re playing Fortnite in a blanket fort or restacking giant Jenga, game night is one of the top sleepover ideas to keep kids of all ages laughing and entertained.
- Sleepover photo booth. Grab your camera and some props to document the best sleepover of the year. Keep things simple with a cool backdrop, or rent a photo booth for the night.
- Spa party. Turn your space into a relaxing spa. Manicures and pedicures add the perfect touch to a kids’ sleepover. Try stick-on nail polish to reduce the mess and kid-friendly products, like plain yogurt and cucumbers, for face masks.
- Scavenger hunt. As the ideal activity for keeping your guests active during the day, you can adapt a scavenger hunt for all ages. Keep it fun, and base your scavenger hunt on your theme!
- Arts & crafts. From watercolor painting to making paper flowers, arts & crafts are always a blast for kids.
- Karaoke party. Let the kids sing and be silly with a karaoke party. Karaoke parties are a perfect nighttime activity before winding down with a movie.
- Glow stick dance party. For a fun-filled night, get the kids glow sticks, dim the lights, and put on their favorite jams. Let them freestyle and show off their craziest moves.
The best part about sleepover ideas is — you can mix and match any activities! Don’t be afraid to incorporate classic fun, like hide and seek, board games, pillow fights, and charades. Combining your child’s wishlist with what makes sense for you is an effortless way to choose sleepover ideas.
How to Make a Blanket Fort
A blanket fort is a sleepover staple. Whether you choose a carefree method or create a decked-out masterpiece, a blanket fort is often the setting for many of the night’s best activities. Make a blanket fort in these simple steps:
- Set up two rows of chairs with the backs facing each other.
- Make the space comfy with blankets and pillows.
- Drape a sheet or lightweight blanket over the chairs.
- Secure the blanket with clothespins or heavy objects like a stack of books.
Customize your blanket fort however you see fit. Kids’ lighting can add the perfect whimsical touch. Add themed decorations and plush pillows for an extra cozy vibe.
Host the Greatest Sleepover of All Time
Now that you know how to throw a slumber party, it’s time to get started! Ashley is the perfect spot to find everything from kids’ bedding to string lights to ensure your slumber party is unforgettable. So, let your inner kid out to play and create an enticing space for laughter and fun.
