Sleepover checklist: everything to arrange

A sleepover needs more planning than a regular playdate, especially when several children are staying overnight. This checklist takes you from invitations and emergency contacts to sleeping spaces, food, activities, and morning pickup. Confirm dietary needs and arrival times early, then prepare the room, bedding, games, film setup, and snacks before guests arrive. A clear schedule and simple house rules help the evening run smoothly without making it feel over-organized.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send Invitations
Process RSVPs
Collect Dietary Requirements
Collect emergency contacts
Confirm arrival and pickup times
Assign sleeping places
Prepare activity schedule
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Clear the sleeping area
2 people
Make up the beds
2 people
Set Up Tables and Chairs
2 people
Hang Decorations
2 people
Lay out game materials
Chill Drinks
Prepare Snacks
2 people

Event

Welcome Guests
2 people
Collect luggage and sleeping gear
Explain house rules
Serve welcome drinks
Lead a game round
2 people
Serve Snacks
2 people
Refill Drinks
Lead movie night
2 people
Serve dinner
2 people
Serve dessert
Supervise brushing teeth
Assign sleeping places
2 people
Lead quiet time
2 people

Aftercare

Prepare breakfast
2 people
Serve breakfast
2 people
Hand back luggage
Help guests leave safely
2 people
Strip the beds
2 people
Wash Dishes
2 people
Tidy up rooms
2 people
Collect trash
Clean the spaces
2 people
Collect laundry
Check supplies

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Children's chairsqty 8
Folding tablesqty 2
Bean bagsqty 4
Air mattressesqty 8
Air pump
Sleeping matsqty 8
Duvetsqty 8
Pillowsqty 8
Duvet coversqty 8
Fitted sheetsqty 8

Tableware

Platesqty 12
Bowlsqty 12
Drinking glassesqty 12
Mugsqty 10
Cutlery setsqty 12

Kitchen

Serving bowlsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 3
Cutting Boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2

Equipment

Portable speaker
Television
Movie player
Extension Cordsqty 2

Game supplies

Board gamesqty 5
Card gamesqty 3
Craft kitsqty 8

Decorations

Balloonqty 30
Bannersqty 3

Lighting

String Lightsqty 2

Safety

First aid kit

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Collect emergency contact details, dietary requirements, and confirmed arrival and pickup times before you finalize the sleeping arrangements. Keep the information together so you can find it quickly during the night.
Plan two or three activities for the evening, but leave at least 30 minutes between them for snacks, bathroom breaks, and settling down. A game round followed by a film gives the group a clear rhythm.
Prepare one sleeping place per child, including a mattress or air bed, fitted sheet, pillow, duvet, and cover. Inflate air beds several hours beforehand so you can replace a faulty pump or find a leak before arrival.
Serve a proper evening meal before the film and prepare snacks in separate bowls. Keep drinks cold in advance, and set aside extra cups so you are not washing dishes halfway through the evening.
Clear the sleeping area before guests arrive and explain house rules at the start, including where bags go, which rooms are off-limits, and what to do if someone feels unwell. Keep the first-aid kit easy to reach.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send sleepover invitations?: Send invitations about 2 to 3 weeks before the sleepover. Ask for confirmation, dietary requirements, emergency contacts, and arrival and pickup times no later than 5 to 7 days beforehand.
How many sleeping spaces do I need for a sleepover?: Plan one complete sleeping space for every child, including a mattress or air bed, fitted sheet, pillow, duvet, and cover. Prepare one spare sleeping place if space allows, especially when children may change their minds during the night.
What food should I prepare for a sleepover?: Plan one evening meal, snacks for the activity and film periods, and breakfast for the next morning. Keep at least two snack options available and check every dietary requirement before shopping.
What time should children arrive and be picked up?: Set a specific arrival window of about 30 minutes and confirm the pickup time at least 5 to 7 days in advance. A clear pickup time prevents children from waiting while the host is still organizing breakfast and bags.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.