Event Inspiration, Tips & Advice

30+ Fun and Safe Sleepover Party Ideas for Kids Aged Under 12

30+ Fun and Safe Sleepover Party Ideas for Kids Aged Under 12

We all agree that sleepovers are such a fun childhood tradition, right? Finding awesome sleepover party ideas is the secret to making this party truly unforgettable, especially for kids under the age of 12.

However, for those ages, this party is not only about making fun and sweet memories they’ll talk about for weeks but also keeping things safe.

That’s why CustomAny is here to provide you with 30+ creative and age-appropriate sleepover party ideas. So, get ready to plan the ultimate sleepover that’s equal parts fun and peace of mind.

Sleepover Themes for Kids Sleepover Party Ideas

When it comes to sleepover party ideas, a great theme makes it easier to plan anything, from decorations, games and activities, and even snacks. Here we have some suggestions for your kids’ sleepover:

1. Princess World

The princess-themed sleepover is old but gold, perfect for your little daughter and her group of besties. Let them dress-up with princess attire and beautiful tiaras. Besides, you should prepare some royal games like “Princess Says” or a scavenger hunt for lost jewels.

2. Superhero Adventure

Everyone loves a superhero! For this theme, allow the kids to dress as their favorite characters to come to the party.

3. Camping

Sleepover party for kids in camping theme
Sleepover party for kids in camping theme

How about turning your living room into a campsite? What you will need are:

  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags
  • A pretend campfire

4. Spa Night

Kids sometimes want to be ladies in a spa party like their mothers’, so try to recreate a relaxing spa vibe for this sleeping party. Give the kids some face masks, nail painting, and DIY bath bombs.

5. Movie Marathon

Pick a favorite movie series (think Disney or adventure flicks) and set up a cozy movie night with popcorn, blankets, and plenty of pillows.

6. Science Lab

Conduct fun experiments with easy DIY science projects. It’s both entertaining and educational, a perfect combo for a memorable sleepover!

With these creative sleepover party ideas, you’re all set for a night of fun and adventure!

Decorating Sleepover Party Ideas that Kids love

Decoration makes everything feel extra special. Let’s find creative sleepover party ideas for decorating.

7. On-the-theme Balloon Arch

Create a grand entrance with a balloon arch that matches your theme. You can try pastel pink for a princess party or bold colors for a superhero theme.

8. Custom Name Banner

Greet the guests who come to the party with a custom banner featuring the interesting party name, such as “Starry Night”; “Teddy Bear Sleep-In”; “Dreamland”,…

9. Themed Door Sign

The entrance to the bedroom is also the key to add a little extra magic. We highly recommend using our UV DTF transfer stickers to customize a wooden sign with fun designs. You can easily put the 3D raised surface sticker to that wooden sign, make it look like it is printed on, then hang the sign on the kid’s bedroom’s door.

10. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are a simple and cozy addition to any sleepover. Hang them around your kid’s room or drape them over furniture to create a glowing space.

11. Streamers & Paper Lanterns

Also, streamers and paper lanterns are perfect for a warm and sleepy atmosphere. These are inexpensive decorations that instantly brighten up any room.

12. Glow-in-the-dark Stars on the Ceiling

Glow-in-the-dark Stars on the Ceiling
Glow-in-the-dark Stars on the Ceiling

Kids love a starry night on the ceiling! Use glow-in-the-dark stickers in star shape to create this magic decoration and you’ll see the kids happily settle in for bedtime.

13. Themed Party Hats

Fun, colorful party hats are a must-have as one of the sleepover party ideas. Moreover, you can let the kids decorate their own hats as one of the activities for the sleepover. Give them plain hats and some colorful die-cut stickers like stars, animals, or superheroes, let them use their creativity to create their own decoration.

14. Themed Eye Covers

If you’re going for a relaxing sleepover, themed eye covers (such as princess crowns or superhero masks) can add fun.

15. Custom Nightlight

A custom night light that matches the theme is among the greatest sleepover party ideas. We recommend using transfer stickers (best in white color) stick on a transparent mica panel. Then you place it on a stand which attaches a light underneath. When you turn on the light of the stand, the design will shine bright.

You may be interested in our guide on how to create an personalized night light using transfer stickers here.

16. Fun Stickers on Cups, Bottles, or Tumblers

How about personalizing each child’s drinkware with waterproof stickers? These are not only fun decorations but also perfect keepsakes for kids after the sleepover party.

17. Customized Goodie Bags

You can use themed stickers to seal each goodie bag, and consider including fun sticker charms like stars, animals, superheroes, princesses.

Light snacks before a good night

In a sleepover party for kids, it’s always a good idea to offer them some light yet delicious snacks. Check out some tasty yet easy to prepare snacks sleepover party ideas:

18. Mini Pizzas

You can either order or make some mini pizzas yourself. Top the small crusts with kids’ favorite ingredients, such as cheese, pepperoni, pineapple, ham, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

19. Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt

Skewer fresh fruit like strawberries, grapes, and melon will be healthy and colorful sleepover party ideas for snacks. It’s so much tastier if you serve with a side of yogurt for dipping.

20. DIY Sundaes

Kids will love to make their own DIY Sundaes
Kids will love to make their own DIY Sundaes

Sundae is kids’ favorite no matter which season it is. Think about setting up a sundae station with ice cream and a variety of toppings, like:

  • Sprinkles
  • Chocolate chips
  • Whipped cream

Kids will be excited to get creative to build their perfect sundae.

21. Cookies and Milk

This duo is the classic snack before bedtime. Offer a plate of cookies alongside a glass of milk.

Fun Sleepover Party Ideas for Activities

Let’s move to the next section and discover sleepover party ideas for planning activities for kids.

22. DIY Craft Station

If the kids love craft, let’s set up a table with supplies for making pretty items like:

  • Friendship bracelets
  • Comb bags
  • Custom pillowcases
  • Funny sunglasses
  • Decorating sleep masks

23. Movie Marathon

Cozy blankets and popcorn for a movie marathon is the best choice, especially when it’s winter. Make sure that you choose movies suitable for kids under 12. They can be animated movies or fun adventure series.

24. Karaoke Contest

Want some fun? What about a karaoke contest? You can use a karaoke machine or take advantage of apps like YouTube karaoke for an awesome music session for the kids. 

25. Board Games and Card Games

Board Games and Card Games are ideal activities for kids' sleepover party
Board Games and Card Games are ideal activities for kids’ sleepover party

For kids a little bit older, they may be into classic board games or card games. Candy Land, Uno, or other kid-friendly choices are easy to set up and guarantee lots of laughter.

26. Pillow Relay Race

Set up a pillow relay race where the kids can race to complete challenges while holding a soft, lightweight pillow. It’s a fun way to burn off some energy and get moving.

27. Obstacle Course

For a more interesting approach, you should build a simple obstacle course to challenge the kids to. 

What you need are chairs, cushions, and blankets. Let the kids crawl under chairs, hop over cushions, and navigate through fun challenges.

This activity is perfect for burning off some energy in a safe way.

28. Treasure Hunt

How about organizing a treasure hunt around your house? Hide small prizes and create a checklist for the kids to find them. These fun sleepover party ideas will ensure kids have an unforgettable time filled with laughter.

Morning Activities

Morning activities are a great way to wrap up a fun sleepover and give every kid a happy start to the day. Here are a few simple and enjoyable sleepover party ideas for the morning:

29. Pancake Breakfast

Set up a Pancake Breakfast DIY station for kids in the morning
Set up a Pancake Breakfast DIY station for kids in the morning

Delicious pancake breakfast is the first idea. With this option, kids can pick their favorite toppings, from syrup to fruit or whipped cream.

30. Morning Exercise

Let’s get the kids moving with a fun morning exercise session. You can try simple stretches, dance moves, or even a mini yoga class. 

31. Group Photo

Lastly, you can capture the memories of this sleepover with a group photo. Then, consider customizing it with fun stickers like the kid’s name, nickname, or name of this friend group, ect.

Note

When planning your next sleepover, it’s important to be prepared with all the essentials and keep safety in mind. Here’s a checklist to help make sure everything runs smoothly:

Sleepover essentials checklist for kids under 12:

  • Extra blankets or sleeping bags
  • Toothbrushes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • First-aid kit
  • Emergency contact info
  • Baby monitors (for very young kids)

Tips for a Safe and Fun experience:

  • Ensure an adult is always nearby
  • Discuss allergy action plans or medical needs with parents before the party
  • Set rules about screen time, areas of the house, and bedtime routines
  • Provide a quiet corner for kids who might feel homesick or overwhelmed

By keeping these sleepover party ideas in mind, you’ll create a fun, unforgettable and safe experience for your little ones.

Last thoughts

We hope that our guide includes everything you need to plan a memorable night. So, now that you’ve got tons of fun sleepover party ideas to make the sleepover a hit for all the under-12 kids, let’s get started as the host of an unforgettable party.

And just a soft reminder: if you’re looking for more themed party inspiration, don’t forget to check out other blogs on our site. We’ve got plenty of ideas to make every party special, from birthday bashes to seasonal celebrations.

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About Karen Lee

Meet our Creative Master – Karen Lee! Karen is the DIY wizard and the creative mind behind all of our inspiration posts: from fantastic gift ideas to exceptional decoration tips that make your events pop. Stick around for more exciting content, as we belive she is your partner in all things fun and fabulous.