You’ve planned another sleepover with your crew, and someone’s already suggesting the same old movie marathon. Again. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Netflix binge as much as anyone, but there are so many better things to do at a sleepover that’ll actually have you laughing until your stomach hurts.
When you’re thinking about things to do at a sleepover, movies shouldn’t be your only option. I’ve hosted more sleepovers than I can count (honestly, my couch has seen things), and I’m here to tell you that the best nights are the ones where you actually do stuff together.
The best things to do at a sleepover involve creating memories, not just staring at a screen for four hours while someone inevitably falls asleep mid-movie.
Ready to make your next sleepover legendary? Let’s jump in.
1. Host Your Own Nail Salon Night
Imagine you, your besties, and a collection of nail polish that looks like a rainbow exploded. Painting each other’s nails is one of those classic things to do at a sleepover that never gets old, and honestly? It’s therapeutic.
Here’s what makes it awesome:
- You can experiment with designs you’d never try at a real salon
- Someone will inevitably mess up and create “abstract art” (we’ve all been there)
- The conversations that happen during nail painting sessions are pure gold
- You’ll leave with fabulous nails without spending $50
Pro tip: grab some nail stickers and gems if you want to feel extra fancy. And maybe put down some newspaper first, unless you want polka-dotted carpet. Just saying.
2. Turn Your Kitchen Into a Late-Night Diner
Who decided that midnight snacks should be boring? Not me, that’s for sure.
One of my favorite things to do at a sleepover is raiding the kitchen and creating absolute masterpieces (or disasters, depending on your cooking skills). We’re talking nachos loaded with everything, cookies baked at 2 AM, or even attempting to recreate those viral TikTok recipes.
The beauty of late-night cooking is that nobody’s judging. Burnt edges? Character. Weird flavor combinations? Experimental cuisine. Everything tastes better when you’re sleep-deprived and laughing with friends anyway.
Just clean up before the host’s parents wake up. Trust me on this one.
3. Get Crafty With Friendship Bracelets
I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t we too old for this?” And my answer is: absolutely not. Making friendship bracelets is one of those nostalgic things to do at a sleepover that hits different as an adult.
Grab some embroidery thread, beads, or whatever crafting supplies you have lying around. You don’t need to be a Pinterest perfectionist here. The wonky, slightly lopsided bracelets are the ones with the most personality.
Plus, you’ll have a physical reminder of your sleepover every time you wear it. How cute is that? 🙂
4. Transform Into Beauty Gurus
Real talk: hosting a skincare party is the ultimate self-care move. We’re talking face masks, eye patches, the works. It’s pampering and bonding rolled into one glowy package.
What you’ll need:
- Sheet masks or DIY face mask ingredients
- Moisturizers and serums
- Cucumber slices (optional but Instagram-worthy)
- Some chill music in the background
The best part? While your masks are working their magic, you’ve got 15 to 20 minutes of prime gossip time. You’re literally getting better skin and catching up on everyone’s drama.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regular skincare routines can significantly improve skin health, so you’re basically doing science. Educational sleepover, anyone?
5. Channel Your Inner Hair Stylist
Braiding each other’s hair is one of those things to do at a sleepover that’s weirdly relaxing for both people. The person getting their hair done feels pampered, and the person doing the braiding enters this zen-like state.
Experiment with different styles: fishtail braids, Dutch braids, or just see how many tiny braids you can fit on one head (my personal record is 37, FYI). You might discover a hidden talent, or you might create something that looks like a bird’s nest. Either way, it’s entertaining.
6. Unleash Your Creative Side With Vision Boards
Okay, hear me out. Creating vision boards might sound a bit serious for a sleepover, but it’s actually incredibly fun when you do it with friends. Plus, you’re being productive while hanging out. Multitasking at its finest.
Grab some magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and poster boards. Cut out images, words, and quotes that inspire you or represent your goals. Want to travel more? Paste pictures of beaches. Dreaming of a new career? Add motivational quotes.
The conversations that happen during vision boarding are deep but not heavy. You’ll learn things about your friends’ dreams you never knew, and honestly, that’s what sleepovers are for.
7. Battle It Out With Truth or Dare
I can’t write about things to do at a sleepover without mentioning Truth or Dare. It’s literally a rite of passage. Sure, it’s been around forever, but there’s a reason it’s still one of the best sleepover games.
Keep it fun and lighthearted (nobody needs their deepest, darkest secrets exposed at 1 AM). The dares should be silly like speaking in an accent for 10 minutes or eating a weird food combination. The truths should spark conversation, not drama.
My favorite variation? Add a “double dare” option where you can dare someone else to do something with you. Shared embarrassment makes everything better.
8. Create Your Sleepover Anthem Collection
Before your sleepover, have everyone contribute songs to a collaborative playlist. This is one of those things to do at a sleepover that sets the entire vibe for the night.
You’ll end up with this beautiful chaos of everyone’s music taste. Someone’s adding Taylor Swift, another person’s throwing in some throwback 2000s hits, and suddenly you’ve got a playlist that’s uniquely yours.
Play it throughout the night and watch everyone’s faces light up when their song comes on. According to research from Psychology Today, shared musical experiences strengthen social bonds, so you’re literally scientifically bonding. How cool is that?
9. Stage Your Own Fashion Extravaganza
IMO, hosting a fashion show is underrated as one of the things to do at a sleepover. Clear some space in the living room, create a makeshift runway, and strut your stuff.
The rules are simple:
- Everyone brings fun clothes or accessories
- You create ridiculous outfits (the weirder, the better)
- Someone plays DJ
- You walk that runway like it’s Fashion Week
Take videos. You’ll want to relive these moments, I promise. There’s something absolutely hilarious about watching your best friend model a tutu with combat boots at 11 PM.
10. Belt Out Your Feelings Karaoke-Style
Nothing beats a good karaoke session when you’re looking for things to do at a sleepover. You don’t need a fancy machine YouTube karaoke tracks work perfectly fine.
Pick songs that everyone knows the words to (throwback jams are always a hit), and just go for it. Nobody cares if you’re off-key. In fact, the worse you sound, the funnier it becomes. It’s all about the performance, baby.
My sleepover group has a running competition for who can deliver the most dramatic rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Current champion? Still me. Just kidding… kind of. :/
11. Master the Art of DIY Pizza
Making your own pizzas is hands-down one of the most fun things to do at a sleepover. Set up a pizza station with various toppings and let everyone go wild with their creations.
You’ll have the classic cheese lovers, the veggie enthusiasts, and that one friend who puts pineapple on everything (we see you, and we’re not judging… much). The best part is watching everyone defend their topping choices like it’s a debate competition.
Plus, you get to eat your creations, which automatically makes this activity a winner. Food activities always are.
12. Capture Every Moment With a Photo Booth
Set up a DIY photo booth corner with props, silly hats, and whatever random stuff you can find. This is one of those things to do at a sleepover that provides entertainment now and memories for later.
Use your phone camera or a digital camera with a timer. Take goofy pictures, serious pictures, artsy pictures just take ALL the pictures. Create poses that are ridiculous. Make faces that you’d never post on your actual Instagram.
Later, you can create a shared album or even print some out for a sleepover scrapbook. Future you will thank present you for documenting the chaos.
13. Mix It Up Like Bartenders
Hosting a mocktail party is such a grown-up way to spend your sleepover (without actually being that grown-up). Get creative with non-alcoholic drinks mix juices, add fresh fruit, throw in some sparkling water, and garnish like you’re working at a fancy restaurant.
Name your creations something ridiculous:
- The “Midnight Madness Mixer”
- “Sleepover Sunrise Surprise”
- “The Wide Awake Wonder”
Everyone makes their signature drink, and you all taste-test each other’s creations. Bonus points if you serve them in fancy glasses with little umbrellas. It’s the small touches that count.
14. Hunt For Treasure (Or Random Stuff)
A scavenger hunt transforms your sleepover location into an adventure zone. Write down a list of random items people need to find the more specific and weird, the better.
Examples:
- Something that starts with every letter of the alphabet
- An item from 2010
- The most embarrassing photo in someone’s camera roll
- Something purple and fuzzy
Set a timer, and whoever finds everything first wins bragging rights (and maybe the biggest slice of pizza). This is one of those things to do at a sleepover that gets everyone moving and laughing.
15. End With Real Pillow Talk
After all the activities, games, and sugar consumption, you need to wind down with some good old-fashioned pillow talk. This is when the real magic of sleepovers happens.
Cuddle up with blankets, turn the lights down low, and just talk. About anything. Everything. Life, dreams, weird thoughts, future plans, or that awkward thing that happened last week. These late-night conversations are what you’ll remember most.
There’s something about the 2 AM timeframe that makes people more honest and open. It’s sacred sleepover time, and honestly? It’s the best part of the whole night.
Make Your Sleepover Unforgettable
So there you have it 15 magical things to do at a sleepover that go way beyond just watching movies (though we still love movies, no shade). The key is mixing activities that get you creating, laughing, and actually connecting with your friends.
Your sleepover doesn’t need to include all of these activities. Pick three or four that sound fun to your group and roll with it. The best nights are the ones where you’re flexible and just enjoy being together.
Whether you’re painting nails, creating vision boards, or having deep conversations at 3 AM, what matters most is making memories with people who make you laugh until your face hurts.
Now go plan that sleepover. Your friends are waiting, and those friendship bracelets aren’t going to make themselves. Happy slumber partying!