Things to do when bored at a sleepover can turn a dull moment into an opportunity for fun, creativity, and bonding. But sometimes, the excitement fades, and boredom kicks in. That’s when a little creativity comes in handy. Whether you’re with your besties or need some solo time outside, things to do when bored at a sleepover can help break up the monotony, spark creativity, and foster social connections.
List of Things to Do When Bored at a Sleepover
Here are some exciting ideas to keep the fun going, even when you’re at a sleepover.
Get Creative
When boredom strikes at a sleepover, a little creativity can go a long way. This category is all about sparking your imagination, whether you’re creating something new or putting your personal touch on things.
- Create a vision board: Visualize your goals and dreams with a vision board.
- Design a custom wallpaper: Personalize your phone or computer screen with a unique design.
- Make your own comic strip: Illustrate and write your very own comic strip.
- Write a song or lyrics: Compose a song or pen down some meaningful lyrics.
- Try knitting or crocheting: Pick up knitting or crocheting and make something fun and cozy.
- Start a journal: Write down your thoughts, ideas, or sleepover memories in a creative journal.
- Decorate your phone case: Personalize your phone case with stickers, gems, or paint.
- Make DIY greeting cards: Craft beautiful cards to give to friends and family.
- Host a craft challenge: See who can come up with the coolest craft using random household items.
- Paint your nails with fun designs: Try some DIY nail art with funky colors and patterns.
- Create friendship necklaces: Make cute necklaces using beads and charms to share with your friends.
- Make a photo collage: Gather some favorite pics and create a collage for the night’s memories.
Fun with Friends
These things to do when bored at a sleepover will help get the energy flowing and ensure everyone has a blast.
- Organize a talent show: Let everyone show off their hidden talents in a mini talent show.
- DIY karaoke night: Sing your heart out with an impromptu karaoke session.
- Try a new dance routine: Learn a fun dance routine together and show it off.
- Host a costume contest: Raid your closets and create the wildest costumes.
- Play “Would You Rather?”: Get to know each other with fun and thought-provoking questions.
- Have a lip-sync battle: Compete to see who can give the best lip-sync performance.
- Play charades: Act out different clues and see who can guess correctly.
- Watch a movie marathon: Choose a theme and watch back-to-back movies.
- Do a photo shoot: Use props and have fun posing for goofy or glamorous photos.
- Create TikTok or reel videos: Film and edit funny or creative short videos together.
- Host a “Nailed It!” bake-off: See who can make the best (or worst) dessert.
DIY Craft Projects
If you’re in the mood to create something tangible, these DIY craft projects are the perfect boredom busters. They’re easy to do and super satisfying when you see the results.
- Make friendship bracelets: Craft colorful bracelets to exchange with your friends.
- Decorate picture frames: Personalize picture frames to remember your sleepover by.
- Tie-dye t-shirts: Have fun with some fabric dye and create vibrant, one-of-a-kind t-shirts.
- Create a scrapbook: Collect mementos and pictures from the night and turn them into a scrapbook.
- Paint rocks: Find some smooth rocks outside and decorate them with paint or markers.
- Make DIY bath bombs: Mix simple ingredients to create fizzy bath bombs.
- Customize notebooks or journals: Use stickers, washi tape, and markers to make personalized notebooks.
- Create bead jewelry: Design and string beads together for necklaces, earrings, or anklets.
- Decorate tote bags: Paint or use fabric markers to design your own tote bags.
- Make slime: Create gooey, colorful slime with a few household ingredients.
Foodie Fun
If you’re feeling a bit hungry or just want a fun culinary challenge, these foodie activities will keep you occupied and satisfied at the same time.
- Bake cupcakes or cookies: Whip up some sweet treats and decorate them with frosting.
- Have a DIY pizza party: Let everyone create their own personal pizza with a variety of toppings.
- Try a new snack recipe: Experiment with unique snack ideas like homemade popcorn seasoning or s’mores.
- Host a taste test challenge: Blindfold your friends and let them guess different flavors of chips or candy.
- Make your own smoothies: Blend together your favorite fruits to make refreshing smoothies.
- Create DIY ice cream sundaes: Set up a sundae bar with different toppings and flavors.
- Try making homemade pretzels: Twist and bake soft pretzels together.
- Cook breakfast for dinner: Make pancakes, waffles, or omelets for a fun late-night breakfast.
- Host a mini cooking competition: See who can come up with the most creative dish using limited ingredients.
- Make chocolate fondue: Melt chocolate and dip fruits, marshmallows, and more into the sweet sauce.
Games & Challenges
No sleepover is complete without some fun games and challenges! Whether you’re looking for something high-energy or more low-key, these things to do when bored at a sleepover will keep everyone engaged.
- Play a scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to find, and the first to collect them all wins.
- Have a pillow fight: Channel your energy into a classic pillow fight.
- Truth or Dare: Keep things fun and spontaneous with a game of truth or dare.
- Charades: Act out clues without speaking, and see if your friends can guess correctly.
- Board game marathon: Pick a few board games and keep playing until you declare a winner.
- Do a “Minute to Win It” challenge: See who can complete fun tasks in under a minute.
- Play hide-and-seek in the dark: Add a twist by turning off the lights.
- Play card games like UNO or Go Fish: Classic card games are always a hit. Try different games like Solitaire.
- Set up a trivia challenge: Test each other’s knowledge on various topics.
- Have a video game tournament: Compete to see who the ultimate gamer is.
Tech Activities
For those who love tech or want to explore some fun digital experiences, these tech activities will keep you entertained while adding a modern twist to your sleepover fun.
- Play multiplayer video games: Choose your favorite multiplayer games and team up or compete with friends.
- Try a virtual escape room: Solve puzzles and crack codes to “escape” from a virtual room.
- Create a group playlist: Collaborate with your friends to make the ultimate sleepover playlist.
- Play online trivia or quiz games: Use apps or websites to play trivia games together.
- Explore VR (Virtual Reality) games or experiences: If you have VR headsets, dive into exciting virtual worlds.
- Edit fun sleepover videos: Use apps like iMovie or InShot to edit clips from the night into a creative video.
- Have a selfie challenge: Take as many unique selfies as possible in a set time, then vote on the best one.
- Make a stop-motion movie: Use a stop-motion app to create a mini-movie with toys, clay, or drawings.
- Try augmented reality (AR) apps: Use AR apps to place digital objects in your environment for fun interaction.
- Host a digital drawing competition: Use drawing apps like Procreate or Sketchbook for a friendly digital art competition.
- Play a murder mystery game online: Use apps or platforms that offer virtual murder mystery games where you can play detective.
Physical Activities
Get everyone moving and burn off some energy with these fun and active things to do when bored at a sleepover. Perfect for keeping the excitement going throughout the sleepover.
- Indoor obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and other household items.
- Dance party: Blast your favorite tunes and dance the night away.
- Learn a new dance routine: Find a fun routine online and practice it together.
- Yoga or stretching session: Relax and unwind with some gentle yoga or stretching.
- Jump rope challenge: See who can jump rope the longest or perform the coolest tricks.
- Balloon volleyball: Use balloons as a volleyball and try to keep it off the ground.
- Limbo contest: See who can bend the lowest in this fun and competitive game.
- Freeze dance: Dance while the music plays, and freeze when it stops—whoever moves is out!
- Twister: Play this classic game to test everyone’s flexibility and balance.
- DIY mini workout session: Create a fun and light workout routine to try together.
- Indoor relay races: Set up fun races with tasks like hopping on one foot or crab walking across the room.
Benefits of Things to Do When Bored at a Sleepover
Sleepovers are the perfect opportunity to relax and have fun with friends, but they also offer more than just entertainment. Engaging in different activities can provide various social and emotional benefits. Here are a few ways participating in fun things to do when bored at a sleepover can help:
- Boosts social skills: Playing games, doing crafts, or participating in group activities encourages communication, teamwork, and active listening.
- Fosters creativity: Creative activities like making DIY crafts or coming up with new games tap into your imagination and help you think outside the box.
- Strengthens friendships: Shared experiences, like collaborating on a project or competing in a friendly challenge, deepen connections and strengthen bonds between friends.
- Reduces stress: Sleepovers offer a break from routine, allowing you to unwind and enjoy the moment with friends. Laughter and relaxation can be great for your mental health.
- Builds confidence: Trying new things, whether it’s performing in a talent show or taking part in a scavenger hunt, helps build self-esteem and encourages you to step out of your comfort zone.
- Improves problem-solving skills: Figuring out how to complete challenges or overcome obstacles during games can sharpen problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Encourages inclusivity: Sleepover activities give everyone a chance to contribute and be part of the fun, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Why Sleepovers Are Important for Social Development
Sleepovers play an essential role in social development, especially for kids and teens. When planning things to do when bored at a sleepover, you’re not only creating fun moments but also helping to build critical social and emotional skills. During a sleepover, you learn to navigate group dynamics, from choosing activities together to managing disagreements or taking turns during games. These experiences are crucial in fostering empathy and understanding as you work together and listen to each other’s perspectives.
Sleepovers also give a sense of independence, as they often happen away from parents or guardians, which can help boost self-reliance and confidence. Whether you’re planning what to eat or figuring out how to entertain yourselves, you gain decision-making experience. Additionally, sleepovers teach patience and compromise, as everyone has different ideas about what they find fun or interesting. All of these small interactions play a vital role in social growth and emotional intelligence, making sleepovers not just a fun night but a valuable learning experience.
How to Plan the Perfect Sleepover
Planning a sleepover doesn’t have to be stressful! By keeping things simple and thoughtful, you can ensure everyone has a great time. Here are some key tips to help you organize the perfect night, filled with things to do when bored at a sleepover:
- Set a theme: Pick a theme that everyone can get excited about, like a movie marathon, DIY craft night, or a pajama party.
- Create a flexible schedule: Plan out a few activities, but don’t over-schedule. Allow time for spontaneous fun or relaxation.
- Choose a variety of activities: Incorporate a mix of physical games, creative projects, and chill downtime so there’s something for everyone.
- Prepare fun snacks: Make sure to have easy-to-prepare snacks like popcorn, pizza, or fruit platters that guests can grab whenever they want.
- Set up comfy sleeping areas: Whether it’s a pile of pillows and blankets on the floor or individual sleeping bags, make sure there’s a cozy space for everyone.
- Provide screen-free options: Offer activities like crafts, board games, or scavenger hunts that don’t involve screens, encouraging interaction.
- Have a backup plan: In case one activity doesn’t work out or interest fades, have some backup ideas ready to keep the energy up.
- Consider everyone’s comfort: Make sure all guests feel included and comfortable, and be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Keep things light-hearted: The key to a great sleepover is having fun, so don’t worry too much about things being perfect—just enjoy the night with your friends!
Creating Lasting Memories: Capturing Sleepover Moments
One of the best parts of a sleepover is making memories that last long after the night is over. With a little creativity, you can turn those fun moments into keepsakes that you’ll cherish forever. Here are some fun and simple ways to capture memories from your sleepover and make the night truly unforgettable:
- Scrapbooking: Gather photos, ticket stubs, or small mementos from the sleepover and create a scrapbook. You can add funny captions, doodles, or even pieces of wrapping paper from the snacks. It’s a fun project to work on together and a great way to relive the best parts of the night.
- Photo Collages: Snap candid pictures throughout the night—whether it’s during a pillow fight, a baking session, or just hanging out in PJs. Later, you can create a photo collage either by printing them out or using a digital collage maker. You can even print the collage on a poster for everyone to sign as a fun reminder of the night.
- Journaling: If you enjoy writing, start a sleepover journal where each friend can jot down their favorite memories, inside jokes, or funny things that happened during the night. It’s a personal and creative way to hold onto the best moments and reflect on the fun whenever you like.
- DIY Memory Box: Create a memory box where everyone adds a small item from the night, like a friendship bracelet, a hand-drawn doodle, or a tiny craft. Every sleepover, you can add more to the box and watch your collection of memories grow over time.
Wrapping Up a Night to Remember
At the end of the day, sleepovers are all about spending quality time with friends, having fun, and making memories that stick with you. Whether you’re capturing moments through photos, creating something unique together, or just laughing until your stomach hurts, each activity adds to the bond you share. With these ideas in mind, you can turn any sleepover into an unforgettable experience that you and your friends will look back on fondly for years to come.