What are good sleepover games without screens?

Torch scavenger hunts, musical cushions, charades, sleeping lions, would you rather and two truths and a lie all work without a screen. Pillowcase decorating and friendship bracelets are good calmer activities.

When should the movie go on at a sleepover?

Earlier than you think. Australia's sleep guidelines suggest avoiding screens for an hour before sleep, so put the movie on after dinner and switch to torch stories or quiet games before lights-out.

How do I choose a movie for a kids' sleepover?

Check the classification. G is suitable for everyone, PG content may need parental guidance for children under 15, and M is not recommended for under 15s. If guests are different ages, pick for the youngest and check with other parents if unsure.

Party planning · 5 October 2026

Sleepover games and activities kids actually love

By Team Teepee, Keyneton, Barossa Valley SA

The best sleepover games follow the energy of the night: active games like a torch scavenger hunt or musical cushions when guests arrive, a hands-on activity such as pillowcase decorating or a pamper station after dinner, then calm games like would you rather or sleeping lions before lights-out. Put the movie on early so screens are off well before bedtime.

After years of setting up teepee slumber parties around the Barossa, we have noticed the nights that go best are the ones with a loose plan. Here are the sleepover games and activities that suit each part of the evening.

Plan the night in three parts

Arrival to dinner: burn off the excitement with active games.
After dinner: one main activity or the movie.
Wind-down: quiet games in the teepees, then lights-out.

You do not need to fill every minute. Kids at a slumber party are happy to just hang out in their teepees for a while, especially once the fairy lights are on.

High-energy sleepover games (first hour)

Torch scavenger hunt: hide small items or clues around the house or backyard, turn the lights down and hand out torches.
Musical cushions: musical chairs, but with cushions on the floor. Much safer in a room full of teepees.
Charades or celebrity heads: easy to theme to a favourite movie, game or book series.
Freeze dance: put on the birthday child’s playlist and freeze when the music stops.
Pass the parcel: still a winner for younger birthday sleepovers.

Jungle themed teepees with greenery, fairy lights, log cushions and grass mats — A jungle setup practically invites animal charades.

Sleepover activities (after dinner)

Pillowcase decorating: plain pillowcases and fabric markers. Everyone signs each other’s and takes theirs home.
Friendship bracelets: a good quiet activity for 8 to 12-year-olds.
Pamper station: face masks, nail polish and hair styling. Popular with tweens.
Make-your-own pizzas or ice-cream sundaes: dinner and an activity in one. Check for allergies first.
Karaoke or a dance-off: best kept to the early part of the night.

Game ideas to match your theme

If you are hiring a themed setup, it is easy to carry the theme through the games:

World of Wizardry: a sorting ceremony on arrival, a potion-making station with coloured drinks, and a trivia quiz.
Wild Nights: jungle animal charades and a torch safari through the backyard.
Tropicana: limbo, a beach playlist and fruit skewers.
Minecraft: a timed building challenge with blocks or Lego.
Sleepy Sloths: a slow-motion race where the last one to the finish line wins.
Boho: flower crown making and a photo corner using the light box sign from the kit.

See all eight setups on our themes page.

Choosing the sleepover movie

A movie in the teepees is the classic slumber party moment. When guests are different ages, choose for the youngest child there. The Australian Classification Board explains the ratings: G content is suitable for everyone; PG content can be confusing or upsetting for children and is not recommended for under 15s without a parent or guardian’s guidance; and M is not recommended for children under 15. If you are unsure, a quick message to the other parents avoids any surprises.

Timing matters as much as the film. The Australian guidelines for children and young people recommend avoiding screen time for an hour before sleep. Start the movie straight after dinner and you will have time for a calmer wind-down afterwards.

Wind-down games before lights-out

Sleeping lions: everyone lies perfectly still; the last one to move wins. Ideal for the end of the night.
Would you rather: silly questions, quiet voices.
Two truths and a lie: good for groups who do not all know each other well.
Torch-lit stories: take turns adding a line to a story from inside the teepees.
An audiobook: play one quietly once the lantern lights go down.

Tropicana teepees glowing with battery fairy lights and lanterns, with fruit cushions on the mattresses — Lanterns and fairy lights set the mood for a quiet wind-down.

The morning after

Every Team Teepee kit includes a breakfast tray, so pancakes, fruit or cereal served in the teepees is an easy finish. A quick game of charades or some drawing time keeps everyone busy until pick-up.

One safety note for party bags: light-up novelty toys and wands can contain button batteries, and Product Safety Australia has recalled novelty lighting products with unsecured battery compartments. Our sleepover planning checklist has more on that.

Want the setup sorted so you can focus on the fun? Read how DIY teepee hire works or check your date.

Quick answers

What are good sleepover games without screens?: Torch scavenger hunts, musical cushions, charades, sleeping lions, would you rather and two truths and a lie all work without a screen. Pillowcase decorating and friendship bracelets are good calmer activities.
When should the movie go on at a sleepover?: Earlier than you think. Australia's sleep guidelines suggest avoiding screens for an hour before sleep, so put the movie on after dinner and switch to torch stories or quiet games before lights-out.
How do I choose a movie for a kids' sleepover?: Check the classification. G is suitable for everyone, PG content may need parental guidance for children under 15, and M is not recommended for under 15s. If guests are different ages, pick for the youngest and check with other parents if unsure.