How to Host a Kids Sleep Under Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
When it comes to hosting a kids party, the possibilities are endless. From themes to entertainment and everything in between, you want this party to be extra special. One of our favorite ideas for younger kids is what we call a sleep under party.
What is a sleep under?
A sleep under is not a regular slumber or birthday party. If your little one isn’t quite ready to spend the night at a friend’s house for a slumber party, a sleep under is the way to go. A night full of cozy pajamas, fun activities, and yummy food—with none of the pressure of a sleepover party because everyone is home by bedtime! Hosting a sleep under party is the perfect way to prevent the dreaded “can you pick me up?” phone call in the middle of the night.
Here is an easy guide for hosting a sleep under party for kids.
Step 1: Choose a Kids Party Theme
Like any successful party, your child’s sleep under will need an exciting theme to set the tone for the night. Here are some of our favorite kid friendly themes that will make the ultimate pajama party:
Glamping
Glamping is all the fun of regular camping, but in style. For your child’s glamping sleep under party, set up decorated tents with sleeping bags throughout the space, hang twinkling accent lighting, and make sure to have tons of big, fuzzy pillows.
Pro Tip: Give facials, manicures, and pedicures for the ultimate glamping experience.
Sports
If your child is a sports fan, incorporate that into the sleep under theme. Arrange different games to play, set up sports related decor, and put the big game on the TV for guests to watch. A sports theme is a kids party idea that is sure to be a homerun!
Movie Night
At any successful sleep under, you’re probably going to watch a movie. Who doesn’t love a good premiere party?! Play a few of the most newly released movies for your child and their friends and get ready for a sleep under marathon.
Pro Tip: Other fun sleep under theme ideas include outer space, mermaids, dinosaurs, pirates, and princesses—really anything that your little one loves!
Step 2: Book Entertainment
If you have no idea how to keep the kiddos entertained throughout the night, we’ve got you covered—hire a kids party entertainer! These days, entertainers are providing services virtually and in-person, so you’ll be able to easily find the perfect entertainment for your sleep under.
Magician
It’s safe to say that all kids will love watching a magician perform a special magic show. Browse through a list of vendors to find the perfect magician for your child’s sleep under. If you want to make the night even more memorable and have all guests laugh out loud, you can hire a clean comedy magician.
Balloon Twister
Keep guests amused with the talent of a balloon twister. They are trained to make all different animals and objects upon request. Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal? A balloon twister can recreate it!
Plus, the balloon can double as a party favor too.
Costumed Character
Invite a special guest to your child’s party to take part in all of the pajama party festivities. From princesses to superheroes to cartoon characters, and everything in between, the appearance of a costumed character will make this sleep under party (and be great for photos too!).
Face Painter
Face painters are always an absolute hit at any kiddie event. If your sleep under has a party theme, coordinate with the face painter in advance to help everyone get into the spirit and character.
Step 3: Plan Kid-Favorite Food and Drinks
Here are some twists on kid party classics (recipes included):
Mac and Cheese Bites
If there is one food that kids will always get excited about, it’s macaroni and cheese. Try these simple Baked Mac and Cheese Cups from Delicious Little Bites to guarantee a crowd favorite.
Cake Batter Popcorn
Popcorn is essential for any sleep under party. Skip the boring butter and salt and try this cake batter popcorn from I Heart Naptime instead. This is a sweet and savory treat everyone will love to snack on.
Shirley Temples
If you ever need to make a special drink for a child’s party, you can never go wrong with a Shirley Temple. Using only 3 ingredients, this drink is sweet, refreshing, and a lot of fun! Read this full recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.
Mermaid Slushies
To make the night even more memorable, recreate these magical Mermaid Slushies. A fun twist on lemonade, A Magical Mess blends it with ice and food coloring to have this gorgeous, layered drink. Sleep under party guests will go wild for them.
Step 4: Party Favors
Send guests home in time for bed with a few fun items from the sleep under party.
Sleep Masks
Send guests off for their night of slumber with a custom sleep mask. Get enough plain masks for each guest, fun fabric markers, and other accessories to decorate them during the party. Check out these adorable DIY sleep masks from Press Print Party for inspiration!
Candy
You can never go wrong with giving candy in your party favor bags. In the RSVP, ask each guest for their favorite candy, so you can give them a custom selection.
Fun Socks
Socks are always fun to get in a goodie bag because there is so much you can do with them! Match them to fit the theme of the sleep under. Whether it is super hero, zoo, or princess, you can find socks that will go with everything. Check out sites like Old Navy for adorable and affordable pairs.
Find more kids party ideas and inspiration on The Bash.
