A Halloween sleepover is one of the best parties to host for 10 to 15 year olds, and one of the hardest to keep under control after midnight. Here is a plan that keeps everyone entertained, scared just the right amount and, eventually, asleep.
Before Everyone Arrives
- Clear the floor of the room they will sleep in and put down sleeping bags, cushions and blankets.
- Fairy lights or a couple of lamps, not the big light.
- Check with other parents what films and games their children are allowed.
Early Evening: Make Things
Pizza with toppings arranged as faces, spider web biscuits or toffee apples. Making the food keeps everyone busy while the last guests arrive.
After Tea: An Escape Room Challenge
Put The Skeleton’s Curse on the TV. It is free, takes ten minutes and suits 12 and up. Split them into two teams, let each team play in turn while the other waits outside, and see who escapes fastest. They will want a rematch, and the best time is saved.
For a younger group, Old McDonald’s Farm is free and has nothing scary in it at all.
Late Evening: The Film
Pick something that suits the youngest in the group. Hocus Pocus, Coraline, Ghostbusters and Goosebumps are safe bets for most families. Popcorn in a big bowl, everybody under one blanket.
Midnight: Stories With A Torch
Lights off, one torch, and everyone tells a ghost story in turn. The torch passes round the circle. Whoever screams first has to tell the next one.
Breakfast
Pancakes with chocolate chip eyes and banana ghosts. It softens the blow of being woken up at nine.
A Few Tips
- Set a realistic lights out time, then add an hour.
- Keep phones in a basket for the film and the stories.
- Have a quiet corner for anyone who gets scared or tired.
Want more ideas? Our Halloween escape room page has games for different ages and bravery levels.
