Fun Sleepover Games
There’s just something magical about a sleepover, the giggles, the snacks, the whispered stories. Whether you’re planning your child’s first sleepover or hosting your teen’s movie night extravaganza, having a lineup of fun sleepover games can make all the difference.
As a Mom who has survived (and secretly loved!) countless sleepovers, I’ve gathered the best of the best, tried-and-true classics, some new and exciting games, and even fun prize ideas that kids will actually love. Plus, everything is broken down by age group, because let’s be real, what works for 7-year-olds might not fly with 13-year-olds!
Why You Need Games for Your Sleepover
Sleepovers are already exciting, staying up late, eating treats, and giggling is all part of the magic. But without a little structure (ahem, planned activities), things can spiral into boredom, bickering, or pure sugar-fueled chaos. That’s where games come in.
Here’s why planning a few fun sleepover games is a must:
Keeps Everyone Included
Not every child feels confident jumping into a new group or setting. Games help break the ice and give everyone something to do together, especially if not all the kids know each other well. A silly team challenge or shared laugh can build instant connections.
Reduces Downtime (and Meltdowns)
Unstructured time can be great, but too much of it can lead to “I’m bored!” complaints or arguments over what to do next. Having a few games ready helps you gently guide the group through the night without needing to micromanage.
Builds Excitement and Memories
The best part of a sleepover? Telling stories about it later! Games, especially creative or goofy ones, give kids those memorable moments they’ll be talking about for weeks. Whether it’s “Remember when we wrapped Katie in toilet paper?” or “I can’t believe we won the scavenger hunt!”, games turn the night into something special.
Helps Transition Between Activities
Use games as a way to move from one part of the night to the next. For example, a calm trivia game can help everyone wind down before movie time, or a high-energy dance-off can get out the last of the wiggles before brushing teeth.
Makes You the Cool (and Prepared) Host
Let’s be honest, when you’re the one with the fun ideas and awesome prize bucket, your house becomes the sleepover house. Having games ready shows you put thought into the night, and kids (and their parents!) notice and appreciate that.
In short, games aren’t just a filler, they’re the key to a successful sleepover together. And the best part? You don’t need anything fancy, just a little creativity, a playful spirit, and this list of ideas to get started.
Ages 6–8: First Sleepover Fun Games
Kids in this age group are just starting to enjoy the thrill of sleeping over at a friend’s house. Keep games simple, silly, and easy to follow.
1. Pillowcase Races
Turn hallway space into a racetrack! Let kids hop across the floor inside pillowcases.
- Tip: Use sleeping bags for a twist.
- Prize idea: Funny socks, glow-in-the-dark stickers, or a mini flashlight.
2. Freeze Dance Pajama Party
Put on a kid-friendly playlist and let them dance their hearts out, when the music stops, they freeze!
- Variation: Add a silly rule each round, like “freeze like a cat” or “freeze with your eyes closed.”
- Prize idea: Small bubble wands, scrunchie sets, or animal face masks.
3. Stuffed Animal Talent Show
Each child picks a stuffed toy and gives it a “talent” (singing, dancing, telling jokes). Let them perform on a “stage” made of pillows and blankets.
- Prize idea: DIY medals made from ribbon and cardboard or a small plush toy.
4. Pass the Pillow
Like hot potato, but with a pillow! When the music stops, the child holding the pillow is out, or has to do a silly dare.
- Prize idea: Joke books, coloring books, or a “Sleepover Star” ribbon.
Ages 9–11: Big Kid Bonding
This age group loves laughter, a little bit of competition, and games that make them feel “grown-up” while still being totally kid-friendly.
1. Mummy Wrap Race
Grab some toilet paper and let kids race to wrap each other like mummies. Hilarious photos guaranteed.
- Prize idea: Candy, novelty pens, or notebooks.
2. Would You Rather: Sleepover Edition
Make a list of funny, silly, or even slightly gross “Would You Rather” questions and go around in a circle.
- Example: “Would you rather have pizza-flavored ice cream or ice cream-flavored pizza?”
- Prize idea: Mini notebooks, slap bracelets, or glitter pens.
3. DIY Spa Night with Games
Set up stations with nail polish, cucumber eye masks, and hair braiding. While one group gets pampered, the other plays…
- Spa trivia: Ask fun questions like “Which fruit is best for your skin?”
- Prize idea: Nail polish, lip gloss, or DIY bath bombs.
4. Popcorn Toss
Each child tosses popcorn into their buddy’s mouth from across the room. Bonus points for giggles and popcorn cleanup!
- Prize idea: Snack packs, popcorn-themed socks, or silly keychains.
Ages 12–14: Tween Sleepover Crowd-Pleasers
Tweens crave independence and laughs, but still love a good structured game when it’s fun and a little goofy.
1. Glow Stick Hide & Seek
Turn off the lights, hand out glow sticks, and play hide-and-seek in the dark!
- Tip: Use colored glow sticks and assign each player a color.
- Prize idea: Glow-in-the-dark nail polish, glow bracelets, or LED shoelaces.
2. Truth or Dare, PG Style
Keep it clean and hilarious with age-appropriate questions and dares.
- Examples: “Sing a song with your mouth full of marshmallows” or “Tell a funny joke.”
- Prize idea: Sticker packs, funky sunglasses, or emoji squishies.
3. DIY Lip Balm or Scrunchie Making
Let them get crafty! Kits are affordable and make great keepsakes from the night.
- Combine with a trivia game while crafting to keep everyone engaged.
- Prize idea: Mini cosmetic pouches, beaded bracelets, or craft supply kits.
4. Nailed It! Cupcake Challenge
Like the Netflix show! Provide plain cupcakes, frosting, and decorations. Give them a theme and let the creativity flow.
- Prize idea: Aprons, mini frosting tubes, or cute spatulas.
Ages 15+: Teen Sleepover Game Night
Teens want games that are fun, Instagram-worthy, and maybe even a little challenging. Think beyond childish and embrace creativity, storytelling, and teamwork.
1. Murder Mystery Game
Buy a printable murder mystery or create your own. Assign characters and let the drama unfold!
- Prize idea: Mystery-themed bookmarks, “Best Detective” mugs, or Amazon gift cards.
2. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of tasks they have to capture with their phones, like “take a selfie in a blanket fort” or “recreate a movie poster.”
- Variation: Do this indoors or in your yard to keep things safe.
- Prize idea: Instax photo album, selfie ring lights, or photo booth props.
3. TikTok Dance Battle
Even the shy ones usually get involved when the music starts! Let teens pair up, pick a trending dance, and put on a mini performance.
- Prize idea: Phone stands, pop sockets, or earbuds.
4. DIY Mocktail Bar + Game Night
Set up a station with sparkling water, fruit slices, and syrups. Then play card games like Uno, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, or Exploding Kittens.
- Prize idea: Cute tumblers, reusable straws, or card game decks.
Sleepover Game Prizes That Work for Any Age
Sometimes the prize is what gets everyone truly excited. Here are a few universal prize ideas that work for all age groups and are great for multi-age sleepovers too.
Prize Ideas Under $5:
- Mini puzzles or Rubik’s cubes
- Scented erasers
- Reusable sticker books
- Puzzle pens or invisible ink pens
- Temporary tattoos
- Snack boxes or hot chocolate kits
Prize Ideas $5–$10:
- Mini plushies
- Pop-it toys or fidget cubes
- Pajama socks or fuzzy slippers
- Slumber party-themed journals
- Sleep masks with cute sayings
Prize Bundle Tip:
Wrap up a few small items (like lip balm, candy, and stickers) into a cute goodie bag as a “winner’s bundle.” Everyone loves a surprise bag!
Tips for Hosting a Smooth Game Night
Before you start playing hostess-with-the-mostest, here are a few hacks I’ve learned along the way:
- Limit competitive games. Not every child handles losing well, especially at 10:30 PM when everyone’s tired. Mix in cooperative or silly games to balance things out.
- Prep ahead. Lay out materials for craft or food games before the party begins so you’re not scrambling.
- Have a “wind-down” activity. Movies, storytelling, or journaling help everyone settle after high-energy games.
- Let them lead. Sometimes the best game is the one they make up themselves, so give them space to be creative, even if it looks a little chaotic.
Sleepovers don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect or over the top to be memorable. A few good games, a cozy space, and some laughter shared between friends is all it takes to make it special. Whether your child is six or sixteen, the joy of being silly in pajamas with your favorite people never really gets old.
So grab those snacks, set out the sleeping bags, and pick a few games from this list.
