How To Host The Best Backyard Slumber Party

Looking for a unique way to celebrate yourself or a loved one this summer? A backyard slumber party may be just the festivity you’re after! Aside from being a celebration you don’t see every day, it’s also a great option for all ages. Whether you’re throwing a party for kids or teens, or you want to host something creative for the adventurous friends in your life, backyard slumber parties can be tailored to many festivities.

Sleepovers are already a fun way to connect with friends, but by taking them outdoors, you add an element of excitement and adventure to your party. While they take a little more effort to pull off than a traditional slumber party, you’ll quickly find the energy worth it for the lasting memories you’ll create.

To host a successful outdoor sleepover you’ll need to consider everything from your shelter and sleep setup to your lineup of activities and meal plans. Whether you’re hosting an extravagant birthday party or want to camp out just because read on for top tips on hosting the best backyard slumber party!

Pick a Theme and Gather Your Decor

The first step in planning is to pick a theme. While it’s not crucial to hosting, it goes a long way in making your party feel intentional and cohesive. Themes will vary depending on the age and special interests of your partygoers, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Party Themes for Kids

• Barbie
• Marvel
• Olympics
• Circus
• Jungle safari
• Outer space
• Mermaid
• Dinosaurs

Party Themes for Teens

• Music Festival
• 70s disco
• British tea party
• Wild west
• Glow in the dark
• Movie marathon
• Mardi gras
• Astrology

Party Themes for Adults

• Zen spa
• Murder mystery
• Game night
• 90s throwback
• Book club
• Karaoke concert
• Bridgerton
• Cowboy glam

Once you have you’ve selected a theme you’re excited about, it’s time to gather your corresponding decor! This can be as minimal or extravagant as you wish. The key here is to make your theme known through design and activity. For kids’ parties, shop for theme-specific paper goods, like plates and bowls for food. For teen sleepovers, invest in interior design elements like funky lights or wearable souvenirs to bring out the theme. For adult gatherings, focus more on letting your theme guide your experience and activities while using decor as an extra compliment.

Make a Guest List and Send out Invitations

The first thing to consider when making your guest list is how many people you’re ready to host. Backyard slumber parties require a little more planning when it comes to space and supplies, so take that into account when making your list. While you may have 25 great friends you’d love to enjoy the outdoors with, your budget and space may only allow for your closest 10.

Once you have your list, create digital invitations that match your theme! Give guests the dates, the start and end time, the address, and any other information you find pertinent to the party, like any supplies they should bring themselves. It’s best to send your invites 2-4 weeks in advance to give attendees ample time to RSVP and make their plans.

Choose a Shelter 

Your shelter and sleep setup will be crucial to ensuring a successful slumber party in the outdoors. You’ll want to consider two main things when choosing a shelter: the weather forecast, and your party size.

While summer may be the ideal season for backyard sleepovers, you may prefer to camp in the spring or fall. Or maybe, you’re looking to add an extra sense of adventure, and are planning your party for the winter. No matter your choice of season, it’s important to pick a tent that will keep you comfortable in the forecasted weather. For spring and summer, that means choosing a tent with breathable fabrics like cotton canvas. In late fall and winter, that might look like investing in a durable, 4-season tent that will keep sheltered from the cold.

When it comes to party size, it’s imperative to pitch a tent, or tents, that will comfortably fit the number of attendees you plan to host. For smaller groups, or large groups looking to pitch multiple tents for a village-like experience, a cabin tent is a suitable choice. For larger groups that want to stay together under one roof, an outfitter tent should house your party with no problem.

With the right shelter pitched, it’s time to make it cozy for a night under the stars. This might mean blowing up air mattresses, supplying abundant throw pillows and blankets, and even adding battery-powered lighting for a touch of ambiance. Be sure that whatever elements you add in this stage match your chosen theme!

Prep Your Food and Drinks

Just like any other party, you’ll want to provide food and drinks for your guests. Whether you’ll provide an entire 3-course meal or just snacks and beverages is up to you, but it’s a good idea to let your partygoers know in advance. It’d be a shame to splurge on elaborate food options only for half of the party to show up without an appetite, after all. Keep a range of beverages nearby in a cooler for easy access and set up a snack bar for guests to graze throughout the night. Traditional party foods like pizza, nachos, and chips will suffice, but it’s also fun to lean into the camping spirit by incorporating s’mores and hot dogs for roasting. Do keep in mind any food allergies present in the group, especially if your slumber party is for kids.

Plan Your Activities

While camping outdoors could be considered an activity in and of itself, it’s a good idea to have a loose itinerary to keep your company entertained. Many of your activities will likely stem from the theme you’ve chosen, but here are a few general ideas for any backyard slumber party.

Activities for Kids

• Create a scavenger hunt
• Paint rocks
• Storytime
• Water balloon fights
• Face painting
• Tie-dye t-shirts

Activities for Teens

• Light up a bonfire
• Tell scary stories
• Set up an obstacle course
• Play charades
• Roast marshmallows
• DIY Jewelry

Activities for Adults

• Stargaze
• Build a campfire
• Set up lawn games like ring toss or cornhole
• Project a movie
• DIY an outdoor photo booth
• Paint & sip

Collect Additional Gear and Supplies

Just like a traditional campout, a backyard slumber party will require a bit of gear to make your time outdoors comfortable. Aside from your tent, sleep setup, and party supplies, you may also want to include camp chairs, canopies, folding tables, extra blankets, battery-powered fans, bonfire-starting tools, lighting and lanterns, bug spray, and a speaker. Remember that not every guest at your party may be as comfortable as you outdoors, so providing these items will help them relax and enjoy their time.

It’s also important to have adequate clean-up supplies at the ready. Let your partygoers know where trash and recycling bins are, and encourage their use throughout the night to avoid unnecessary tidying up come morning. With a party as intensive as a backyard sleeper, it’s a good idea to set expectations with your guests when it comes to everyone doing their part.

Put Together Party Favors

Backyard slumber parties are a unique experience that many people may only experience once. Between the time spent exchanging laughs outdoors and the fun party activities you’ve planned, you have an unmatched opportunity to create lasting memories. Party favors are a thoughtful way of giving guests a tangible reminder of the fun they had. Additionally, these gifts are one of the best ways to thank your guests for setting time aside to celebrate with you. For those who picked a theme for their sleepover, party favors are also a fantastic way to tie it into your party. If your teens threw a 70s disco-themed slumber party, for example, a disco ball keychain could be one fun memento to give out.

Arrange Logistics for the Morning

At this point, you’ve put a lot of effort into prepping and planning for the evening portion of your slumber party. Now, it’s time to think about the logistics of the morning. Let your attendees know on their invitation the time the festivities end. This makes it as easy as possible for them to make prior arrangements and be on their way at a reasonable time. Some hosts will extend breakfast to their guests before they head out. While it’s not necessary, it’s a nice gesture and a fun opportunity to get together one last time and exchange the best memories of the night. Luckily, breakfast can be super easy if you serve a simple meal like donuts and fruit. Or, go all out with homemade French toast! Whatever you choose to do, be sure to thank your attendees on their way out for celebrating with you.