Sleep Over Party Ideas

Boys and Girls of all ages love sleep over parties. However, for a parent these parties can turn into a real disaster unless you have some activities and games planned to keep things moving along and all those extra children from getting bored. Here are some suggestions for choosing different age and gender appropriate activities for that next sleep over party.

Setting the Stage

Teenagers having sleep over parties are usually quite simple. All they require in the way of setting the stage is a little privacy and lots of snacks, movies, and music. You will however, want to set some ground rules as to what areas of the house is off limits, what kinds of movies they can watch and what kind of music they can play. Also let it be known that you will be popping in on them from time to time to make sure they are behaving themselves and following the rules.

Younger children 8-12 will appreciate a little stage setting and this can be done easily and inexpensively. Supply each arriving guest with their own flashlight as they arrive. You can easily pick these up at the dollar store and put each guests name on them with permanent marker.

For girls you can also add slipper socks that you can also pick up at the dollar store and decorate if you wish. Attaching little bows to the tops or lace will give these socks a special feel.

Pick Your Theme

Since the party is a sleep over, you can play a tent theme for either girls or boys and have the tent inside or outside. If you have the yard and are allowed to have a bon fire you can turn the entire sleep over into an overnight camping trip. Inside you can move the furniture out of the way and set up a tent inside. Younger children will enjoy building their own tent using the dining room table and blankets.

You can also simply place floor pillows, and cushions on the floor for the kids to flop and relax on.

Plan Some Activities

In order to keep the kids from getting too bored plan a few activities. Age appropriate craft projects are a great way to keep the kids occupied for a time. There are many online sources for free crafts. Both girls and boys of this age like being creative so simple crafts like letting them make pom-pom critters or decorating their own baseball caps or making simple jewelry will allow you to supervise them without them feeling as though you are watching over them.

Movies

It wouldn't be a sleepover without movies so pick some age appropriate movies. Make sure you have plenty so that the children can choose the ones they want.

Food

Provide both healthy and fun food for the kids to enjoy. Pizza is always a great idea for sleep over parties and you can include snacks of fruit, cheese, and vegetables for healthier choices. Offer juices as well as soft drinks and try and limit the sugar consumption.

Sleepover themed Cake and Party Favors

Here are some great ideas for kids birthday cakes that you can make for your sleepover party. Here are a bunch of different designs of birthday candy wrappers that you can choose from to hand out to all of the guests as party favors. They are sure to be a big hit!

Sleep over parties can be fun for your child and simple for you as long as you plan a few activities to keep them busy for part of the time. Just plan on there being a lot of giggling once the lights go out.