Sleepovers are always packed with fun! Some of my favorite memories (that will last a lifetime) are from sleepless nights spent laughing with my nieces and nephews. The fact that I don’t have children added to our fun (okay, and a little stress).

If there are numerous siblings, ask parents if it’s better to have them over one at a time or all together. My first sleepover experience included three nieces ranging in age from 5-10 years. I found out quickly that I needed to have activities and movies that would work for all three. With valuable input from their parents, it was smooth sailing.

Most importantly: If you don’t know already, ask the parents for the specifics on each child, i.e., allergies, medications, sleep concerns (sleepwalker?), food preferences (vegetarian?), etc.

Following are some tips for a super fun summer sleepover:

What to pack:

Part of the fun is in the preparation leading up to the big event, so start at least a few days in advance. Most children have a school backpack or a small duffel bag, so round those up and pack overnight items including:

-A favorite toy, blanket, stuffed animal
-Medications (And ask about allergies.)
-PJs, slippers
-Swimsuit (A backyard hose can be as much fun as a pool!)
-Toothbrush, toothpaste
-Change of clothes, underwear, sweatshirt

And, don’t forget: sleeping bag and pillow!

What to eat:

Make eating an activity! Of course stock up on popcorn, ice cream, sodas, etc., but it doesn’t have to be a marathon of sweets. There are many fun and easy summer snacks to make together.

A favorite: Scoop vanilla yogurt into the middle of a raspberry and freeze overnight. Fun to make and eat!
Another food idea: Make a signature dinner or breakfast and name it after one of you.

While we were making a breakfast of eggs, bacon and biscuits, my nieces named it:  “McAnne’s”  (after a similar fast food breakfast item). We still make these as a special treat today.

What to do:

One of the best sleepover memories we have to date happened by accident. My nieces brought a copy of a Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory DVD, and I had a variety of chocolate treats for the evening. Before we started the movie, my nieces suggested we organize the chocolates in small bowls, by color, size, etc. We had an eating fest of chocolate throughout the entire movie. Part of the fun was the anticipation of when we would eat what, when. Sooo much fun! Some additional activity ideas include the following:

-Give everyone $5 and head to the dollar store for puzzles, card games, balloons, etc.
-Play card games, LEGO, building blocks, etc.
-Have each child bring their favorite game from home and teach you how to play.
-Nail polish is always a hit!
-Tie-dye t-shirts. (Have them teach you how to do it!)
-Get some exercise and walk to a local park, pack some snacks and play.

Technically-speaking: Let’s face it – it’s tough to pry cell phones out of kids’/teens’ hands these days. Decide in advance if you want to have a “tech free” sleepover or maybe check your phones once in the evening and once in the morning. Set up a charging station to organize and power up everyone’s phones/tablets. Ask the parents’ permission about any social media and know the safeguards. It’s a great way to stay connected with your nieces and nephews, and share photos and memories after they head home.

Where to sleep:

One of the highlights of a sleepover is crashing on the living room floor all together. If you have hardwood floors, borrow a few inflatable mattresses from friends and family. Have lots of pillows and extra blankets to make it cozy and comfortable. Don’t forget to put a nightlight in the bathroom to make it easier to find in the middle of the night. And remember, one of the things that make a sleepover special is a “bath-free” night.

If anyone is missing their parents, this is where technology is key: Text, call or Skype®  parents good night.

One final tip:

Plan your sleep-over on a weekend night – when you don’t have an important meeting the following day. They might be on summer vacation, but you’re probably not. Contrary to the title, you won’t be getting much sleep – and that’s what it’s all about!

Travel Expert Anne McAlpin has been a featured guest on Oprah®, The View, and CNN, sharing up-to-the-minute travel tips. She has flown more than 2 million miles, traveled in over 71 countries, and cruised through the Panama Canal 98 times. When her nieces and nephews turn 16, she gives them a passport and takes them on a trip anywhere they’d like to go. She is currently planning next summer’s adventure for her niece, Mary Beth: Africa.

Published: July 31, 2013
Photo: Rido81