Sleepover Games: Fun, Spooky, and Competitive Ideas

Whether your child loves hosting or gets a little nervous about overnight guests, having a plan helps. The secret to a stress-free slumber party? Organized chaos.

I have pulled together 30 sleepover games suitable for toddlers, tweens, and teens. You will find supply lists, easy instructions, and safety tips for each activity. These ideas work as excellent icebreakers and boredom busters.

Get ready to host the ultimate sleepover that keeps the kids entertained and gets you the “Cool Parent” award.

30 Fun Sleepover Games

The main goal of hosting a sleepover is keeping every guest happy, comfortable, and entertained. Games are the perfect tool for this. They include everyone and act as natural icebreakers for guests who might feel a bit shy.

I have compiled 30 of the best sleepover games below. Each includes a list of materials and a quick “how-to” for gameplay. I have also included a printable guide. You can print it out, pick a game, and check it off once you have played. Which one will you choose first?

1. The Flour Game

What You’ll Need

• Flour.
• Dinner plate.
• Piece of candy or chocolate.
• Butter knife.

Pour a cup of flour onto a plate and pack it tightly into a dome shape or “cake” using a cup or bowl. Place a piece of candy gently on the very top. Guests take turns using the butter knife to slice away a section of the flour “cake.”

The goal is to not knock the candy off. The person who causes the candy to fall loses that round. Their penalty? They have to retrieve the candy using only their mouth (getting a face full of flour in the process).

2. Scavenger Hunt

What You’ll Need

• Printed scavenger hunt checklists.
• Pens or pencils.
• Cameras or phones (optional).

A scavenger hunt is a sleepover staple. Depending on the group size, you can split the kids into teams or have them play individually.

Create a list of items they need to find or photograph around the house. Keep the boundaries strictly indoors to prevent anyone from wandering outside in the dark. Prompts can be specific (a blue sock) or abstract (something that smells good).

The first person or team to check off every box wins. Offer a small prize, like picking the movie for later, to raise the stakes.

3. Flashlight Tag

What You’ll Need

• One flashlight.

Think of this as regular tag, but in the dark. It is perfect for older kids who aren’t afraid of the lights going out. You can play this indoors or in a fenced backyard with supervision.

Turn off the lights and give one child the flashlight. They are “it.” They must move around and “tag” someone by shining the beam on them. If caught in the spotlight, that child is out. The last player standing becomes “it” for the next round.

Alternatively, you can play “jailbreak” style where tagged players go to a holding area until a free player tags them back in.

4. Truth or Dare

What You’ll Need

• A list of pre-approved questions (optional).

Truth or Dare is a classic for a reason. It requires zero equipment and builds bonds between friends.

One person starts by asking a friend, “Truth or dare?” That friend chooses to answer a question honestly or perform a silly challenge. Once they complete their turn, they get to ask the next person.

Parents, consider writing out a few age-appropriate cards beforehand. This prevents the game from stalling if kids can’t think of ideas and keeps the dares safe and fun.

5. Would You Rather?

What You’ll Need

• A list of questions (optional).

Similar to Truth or Dare but less intense, this is a great low-prep game. One person poses a “Would You Rather” scenario to the group. For example, “Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or sweat maple syrup?”

The group discusses their answers. It usually leads to hilarious debates and giggles. This is an excellent game to play while everyone is already in their sleeping bags settling down.

6. Charades

What You’ll Need

• Paper strips.
• Pen/pencil.
• Bowl or hat.

Every child writes a phrase, animal, or movie title on a piece of paper. Prompts can be simple like “dog” or specific like “brushing your teeth.” Fold the papers and toss them into a bowl.

Players take turns drawing a paper and acting out the prompt without speaking. The rest of the group tries to guess what they are doing. Use a stopwatch to keep rounds fast-paced.

7. Spin the Nail Polish

What You’ll Need

• Assorted colors of nail polish.
• Cardboard or flat surface.
• Nail polish remover and cotton pads.

Turn a standard manicure session into a game of chance. Sit in a circle and place a bottle of polish in the center on a piece of cardboard. Spin the bottle.

Whoever the cap points to must paint one of their nails that specific color. Pick a new color, spin again, and repeat. By the end of the game, everyone will have a wild, multicolored manicure.

8. Musical Statues

What You’ll Need

• Speaker.
• Smartphone with a playlist.

Designate one person as the DJ. They play the music while everyone else dances their hearts out.

When the DJ randomly stops the track, every dancer must freeze instantly. If anyone wobbles, laughs, or moves, they are out. The last person remaining on the dance floor wins. This is a fantastic way to burn off that post-pizza energy.

9. Hide and Clap

What You’ll Need

• Blindfold.

This is an advanced version of Hide and Seek. One person is the seeker and wears a blindfold. They count to 20 while the other players hide within the same room.

Once the counting stops, hiders must keep one foot planted in their spot. They can stretch or duck, but they cannot walk away. The blindfolded seeker moves around trying to tag people.

Here is the twist: The seeker can shout “Clap!” up to three times. All hiders must clap twice, giving away their location through sound. The last player found wins the round.

10. Escape Room

What You’ll Need

• Escape room kit (DIY or store-bought).
• Timer.

Bring the thrill of an escape room to your living room. You can design your own clues or buy a ready-made kit like the Werewolf Experiment Kit.

The group works together to solve puzzles, unlock codes, and “escape” before the timer runs out. It usually takes about an hour and is great for building teamwork.

11. Who Am I?

What You’ll Need

• Sticky notes or adhesive name tags.
• Markers.

Have everyone write down the name of a famous person or character (like Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, or SpongeBob) on a sticky note. Stick the note to another player’s forehead without letting them see what is written on it.

Players take turns asking yes-or-no questions about their identity, such as “Am I a real person?” or “Do I have blue hair?” The first person to correctly guess who they are wins.

12. Blindfolded Makeovers

What You’ll Need

• Blindfold.
• Makeup kit (blush, lipstick, eyeshadow).
• Makeup remover wipes.

Divide the group into pairs. One person puts on a blindfold and attempts to apply a full face of makeup to their partner.

The results are usually disastrous and hilarious. Be sure to take “after” photos before washing it all off.

13. Sardines

What You’ll Need

• A house with good hiding spots.

In this reverse Hide and Seek, only one person hides while everyone else counts.

When a seeker finds the hider, they do not announce it. Instead, they squeeze into the hiding spot with them (like sardines in a can). The game continues until everyone is crammed into the same closet or under the same bed. The last person to find the group loses.

14. Pillow Fight

What You’ll Need

• Soft pillows.
• Clear space.

It is a cliché for a reason. Clear the area of sharp corners or breakables and let the kids loose. Establish ground rules first: no hitting the face and stop immediately if someone says “stop.”

15. Project Runway

What You’ll Need

• Old clothes.
• Toilet paper and tissue paper.
• Aluminum foil and tape.
• Music.

Unleash their inner fashion designers. Give each team a pile of random supplies and set a timer for 15 minutes. They must create a couture outfit on one of their models using only the provided materials.

Once time is up, put on some upbeat music and host a fashion show runway walk.

16. Right, Left, Eat

What You’ll Need

• Three pieces of wrapped candy per player.
• One die.

Everyone sits in a circle holding their three pieces of candy. Players take turns rolling the die.

Roll a 1 or 4:* Keep your candy.
Roll a 2:* Pass one candy to the right.
Roll a 5:* Pass one candy to the left.
Roll a 3 or 6:* Eat one piece of your candy.

The game continues until all the candy is eaten.

17. Glow Bowling

What You’ll Need

• 6-10 empty water bottles.
• Glow sticks.
• Ball (a hamster ball works great).

Activate glow sticks and drop one into each water bottle. Replace the caps and arrange the glowing bottles like bowling pins at the end of a hallway. Turn the lights off.

Kids take turns rolling the ball to knock down the glowing pins. It is a visually cool twist on a standard game.

18. Paper Plane Landing

What You’ll Need

• Paper.
• Large poster board.
• Scissors and markers.

Cut holes of various sizes into a poster board and assign point values to them (smaller holes get more points). Prop the board up in a doorway.

Have the kids fold their best paper airplanes. Standing from a marked distance, they throw their planes trying to glide them through the targets. The player with the highest score after five rounds wins.

19. Commercial Challenge

What You’ll Need

• Random household objects (spatula, old shoe, stapler).
• Timer.

Split the group into teams. Hand each team a random object and give them a weird theme (e.g., “Sell this spatula to an alien”).

They have 10 minutes to write and rehearse a 30-second TV commercial. Then, they perform it for the group. Record the skits on your phone for a laugh later.

20. M.A.S.H.

What You’ll Need

• Paper.
• Pen or pencil.

Bring back this retro fortune-telling game. Write M.A.S.H. (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House) at the top of the page. List categories like “Spouse,” “Job,” “Car,” and “Pet.”

List four options under each category (three good ones and one terrible one). Draw a spiral until someone says “Stop.” Count the lines in the spiral to get your magic number. Count down the list using that number to cross off items and predict your friend’s future.

21. The Chocolate Game

What You’ll Need

• Bar of chocolate (refrigerated is best).
• Plate, knife, and fork.
• Winter accessories (hat, scarf, gloves).
• Die.

Place the chocolate bar, silverware, and clothing in the center. Kids roll the die in a circle.

If someone rolls a six, they must frantically put on the hat, scarf, and gloves, then try to cut and eat the chocolate one square at a time using the knife and fork. Meanwhile, the die keeps moving around the circle. As soon as the next person rolls a six, the previous player must stop eating, take off the gear, and hand it over.

22. Balloon Stomp

What You’ll Need

• Balloons.
• String or ribbon.

Blow up a balloon for every player and tie it to their ankle using a piece of string (leave about 12 inches of slack).

Players run around a designated area trying to stomp on and pop other people’s balloons while protecting their own. The last person with an inflated balloon wins.

23. Nose Dive

What You’ll Need

• Two tables.
• Two bowls.
• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• Cotton balls.

Place a blob of Vaseline on each player’s nose. On “Go,” players must dip their nose into a bowl of cotton balls, get one to stick, and transfer it to an empty bowl across the room without using their hands.

The player who moves the most cotton balls in one minute wins. It looks ridiculous and makes for great photos.

24. Pass the Parcel

What You’ll Need

• Small prize.
• Wrapping paper (multiple layers).
• Music.

Wrap a prize in 10-15 layers of paper. You can place a small candy or sticker between each layer for extra fun.

Sit the kids in a circle and play music. Pass the parcel around. When the music stops, the person holding the gift unwraps one layer. The person who unwraps the final layer keeps the main prize.

25. Cheese Ball Toss

What You’ll Need

• Orange cheese puffs.
• Shaving cream.
• Shower caps.

Divide into pairs. One partner puts on a shower cap and covers it with shaving cream. The other partner stands 5 feet away.

The thrower has one minute to toss as many cheese puffs as possible at the shaving cream head. The team with the most cheese balls stuck to the shower cap wins. Warning: This gets messy!

26. Movie Night Bingo

What You’ll Need

• Bingo cards (customized for the movie).
• Markers or stickers.

If you are watching a specific movie, print out bingo cards with things to look for (e.g., “Someone screams,” “A dog barks,” “It starts raining”).

Players mark their cards as they watch. The first to get five in a row shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize, like first dibs on the popcorn.

27. Two Truths and a Lie

What You’ll Need

• None.

A perfect game for winding down. Each person shares three “facts” about themselves: two are true, and one is a lie.

The group asks questions and votes on which statement is the lie. It is a great way for new friends to get to know each other better.

28. Musical Sleeping Bags

What You’ll Need

• Sleeping bags.
• Music.

This is musical chairs but with sleeping bags. Set up the bags in a circle, with one less bag than the number of players.

Play music as the kids walk around the circle. When the music cuts, they must scramble to get inside a sleeping bag. The person left standing is out. Remove one bag each round until there is a winner.

29. Toss and Talk Ball

What You’ll Need

• Inflatable beach ball.
• Permanent marker.

Write different questions all over an inflated beach ball (e.g., “Favorite color,” “Embarrassing moment,” “Dream vacation”).

Toss the ball to a player. Whatever question their right thumb lands on, they have to answer. Then they toss it to someone else.

30. Board Games

What You’ll Need

• Board games.

When in doubt, break out the board games. For sleepovers, choose games that are fast-paced and allow for multiple players.

Great options include Exploding Kittens (easy to learn and funny), UNO, or Sorry!. These keep the energy up without requiring complex setups.

Expert Tips When Choosing Sleepover Games

As a parent and a seasoned sleepover host, I know that the right game can save the night. Here are five things to consider before you plan the itinerary.

1. Check the Age Ratings

Always tailor the activities to the age group. Teenagers will roll their eyes at Pass the Parcel, while Flashlight Tag might be too intense for a nervous 6-year-old. When in doubt, ask your child what their friends are currently into.

2. Inclusivity Is Key

Choose games that keep the group together. Some kids get anxious if they are singled out or separated from the pack (like in Hide and Seek). Games like “Right, Left, Eat” or “Spin the Nail Polish” are safer bets because everyone participates at the same time in the same circle.

3. Ask the Birthday Kid

You might have fond memories of M.A.S.H., but your child might want to play video games. Collaborate with your child on the list. Let them pick their top three favorites so they feel involved in the planning.

4. Respect Parental Boundaries

If you are planning anything slightly “edgy” like a scary movie or a truth-or-dare session, run it by the other parents first. You don’t want to send a child home terrified or upset. A quick text to the other parents can save you a headache later.

5. Match the Game to Your Space

Be realistic about your home’s layout. If you have a small apartment, a pillow fight or running game might result in broken lamps. Stick to stationary games like board games or “Who Am I?” if space is tight.

FAQs About Sleepovers

What Time Should a Sleepover Start?

Aim for a start time around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. for younger kids. This allows time for dinner, activities, and winding down before bed. For teens, a later start time like 7:00 p.m. (after dinner) often works better.

How Many People Can You Invite to a Sleepover Party?

A good rule of thumb is to invite half the child’s age. For example, an 8-year-old invites four friends. However, always match the guest list to your available sleeping space and your own energy levels.

What Age Is Appropriate for a Sleepover Party?

Most children are ready for sleepovers around age 8 or 9. However, some start as early as 6, while others prefer to wait until middle school. If your child is nervous, start with a “late-over” where they stay until 9 p.m. and then go home to sleep.

How Do You Have an Amazing Sleepover?

Keep the food simple (pizza and popcorn are winners), have a flexible plan for entertainment, and limit screen time so the kids actually interact. Crucially, have a “secret code” with your child so they can tell you if they are overwhelmed without embarrassing themselves in front of friends.

What Should I Feed a Group of Kids at a Sleepover?

Stick to finger foods and crowd-pleasers. Pizza, taco bars, or a “make your own slider” station work well because kids can customize their meals. For breakfast, a pancake bar or cereal buffet allows everyone to eat what they like. Always check for allergies with parents beforehand.

How Do I Handle a Homesick Child?

Validate their feelings without making a big scene. Offer them a quiet space to call their parents to say goodnight. If they are still upset, let them know it is perfectly okay to go home. Have the parents’ numbers ready just in case a late-night pickup is needed.

Slumber Party Goals

Sleepovers are a core memory for many kids. They don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be successful. The most important thing is that the kids feel safe, included, and have a few laughs.

With this list of games, you are ready to tackle any lull in the conversation. Check your supplies, order the pizza, and get ready for a fun night. You’ve got this!