How To Throw a Pajama Party: For Kids & Adults

Let’s be real — some of the best nights aren’t the ones spent out but the ones spent in. No long lines, no uncomfortable shoes, no overpriced drinks — just pure, unfiltered fun in your softest, most ridiculous pajamas. 

At FUNBOY, we’re all about bringing the fun wherever you are — whether that’s floating in the pool, sledding down a snowy hill, or turning your living room into the ultimate slumber party headquarters. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to throwing a pajama party that’ll have everyone talking long after the last late-night snack has been devoured. 

So, if you’re ready to turn an ordinary night into an all-night event, keep reading — because we’ve got all the best tips, tricks, and ridiculously fun ideas to make it happen.

But First, Why Throw a Pajama Party Anyway?

We get it — between work, responsibilities, and trying to have a social life, planning a whole night in might not seem like a priority. But think about it — when else do you get to kick back in your favorite PJs, snack like it’s an Olympic sport, and stay up way too late just because you can?

For kids, pajama parties are a core memory waiting to happen — games, movies, and the thrill of staying up way past bedtime. Adults? Same energy, just with better snacks, stronger drinks, and no one telling you to turn off the lights. 

There’s no pressure, no expectations — just a night of comfort, fun, and doing exactly what you feel like doing. And if you ask us, that’s the kind of chaos worth fully committing to.

How To Throw the Ultimate Pajama Party for Kids

So, you’ve decided to throw a legendary sleepover for your little one — now what? 

A good pajama party is more than just tossing some blankets on the floor and hoping for the best. It’s all about creating an experience that keeps the fun goingand (ideally) gets everyone to sleep at some point. 

Here’s everything you need to plan a stress-free, giggle-filled night that your kid and their friends won’t stop talking about.

Pick a Theme (Because Kids Love a Good Theme)

Kids don’t just like a theme — they thrive on it. A fun theme makes the night feel extra special and makes planning easier. Once you pick one, everything else — decor, snacks, games — just falls into place.

Movie night? Set up a DIY theater with tickets, a popcorn bar, and cozy seating. Glow-in-the-dark? Neon decorations, glow sticks, and blacklight-friendly crafts. A “camp-in” with DIY tents, fairy lights, and mini s’mores kits? Instant hit. Let the kids vote on a theme so they’re excited from the start.

For extra fun, go all in with themed pajamas. A Barbie™-themed sleepover? Everyone wears pink. A Hot Wheels™ party? Racing-themed PJs. You could even set up a station where kids decorate their own sleep shirts.

Set Up a Cozy Sleepover Space

Make the sleep zone fun, functional, and comfortable enough for actual sleep (eventually). Lay out blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows for a cozy setup. Want to upgrade? Our inflatable air mattresses give each kid their own space, with an ultra-soft flocked surface and an easy storage bag.

Add LED candles or twinkle lanterns for a magical glow. If space allows, build a giant pillow fort or set up DIY tents — kids love their own little “campsite,” and it doubles as a pre-bedtime hangout spot.

Plan Activities That Keep the Energy Up

Kids won’t be winding down anytime soon, so a little planning goes a long way before the inevitable sugar crash. For younger kids, keep it simple but fun — think a pajama runway show, pillowcase decorating, or a scavenger hunt. Older kids? Crank up the energy with karaoke, a TikTok dance challenge, or the ultimate Mystery Box Challenge.

Fill a box with random objects — some soft, some squishy, maybe even a little weird — and have kids take turns guessing what’s inside using only their hands. Expect a lot of laughter, a few dramatic reactions, and some wildly creative guesses. And when all else fails, charades and hide-and-seek never disappoint.

Create the Ultimate Snack Spread

Sleepovers = snacks. A DIY snack bar makes the night extra special and keeps everyone happy.

Mix sweet and savory: Mini sliders, popcorn, pretzels, and fruit skewers are easy winners. A popcorn station with seasonings and candy mix-ins turns snacking into an activity. Want to go big? Try a s’mores dip — just layer chocolate and marshmallows in a baking dish, bake, and let kids dip graham crackers for an easy, mess-free treat.

Drinks? A hot cocoa bar with marshmallows and sprinkles in colder months, or a “mocktail” station with fun cups and fruit juices in the summer.

Pro move: Set up a midnight snack basket with chips, cookies, and grab-and-go treats. When “I’m still hungry” hits at 1 a.m., they can grab something without waking the whole house.

Keep the Movie Magic Going

No sleepover is complete without a movie marathon, but picking the right film is key. You need something fun, lighthearted, and engaging enough to keep kids entertained without winding them up too much. 

Animated classics like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Shrek are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, while throwback favorites from the early 2000s (The Princess Diaries, Finding Nemo, Spy Kids) hit the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun.

Of course, not every kid is going to be locked in from start to finish. Some will be fully invested, others will lose interest halfway through, and a few will pretend to watch while secretly scheming their next round of giggles and mischief. 

The trick? Give kids options without making the night feel overplanned. Set up a "movie break" station with simple activities like sticker books, DIY dream catchers, or even a cozy reading corner for anyone who needs a breather. 

Have a (Loose) Sleep Plan

Let’s be real — kids are not going to sleep at a reasonable hour, but having a general plan helps avoid a total meltdown at 2 a.m. The trick is to gradually bring the energy down. After the high-energy activities and movies, shift into low-key mode with something calming like storytime, a quiet card game, or even a mini meditation session (yes, some kids actually love it).

A “quiet hour” rule works wonders — dim the lights, play relaxing music, and let kids settle into their sleeping spots. They’ll still whisper and giggle, but eventually, one will crash, and the rest will follow. Hosting younger kids? Let them know they don’t have to sleep, but they do need to stay in their spots — because once they start running around again, game over.

Send Them Off With Something Fun

Nothing makes a sleepover feel extra special like a little surprise at the end. A simple takeaway — like a cute sleep mask, fuzzy socks, or a fun keychain — turns the night into a full-on event and gives kids something to remember it by. If you want to keep it budget-friendly, mini goodie bags with stickers, glow sticks, or a tiny bag of popcorn for “movie night at home” do the trick.

For a super creative touch, set up a DIY station where kids can make their own take-home items, like decorating pillowcases with fabric markers or personalizing a sleepover certificate with their name and the date. It’s a fun way to wind down in the morning while they wait for parents to pick them up — and it gives them a cool keepsake from the best sleepover ever.

How To Throw a Grown-Up Pajama Party

We covered the ultimate sleepover for kids, but what about the adults? When it comes to a grown-up pajama party, you’ve got options. 

But if you’re looking to host the best pajama party ever, here’s how to do it right:

Set the Vibe (Comfort Is King)

The dress code? Pajamas, obviously. But not just any PJs — go all in. Think matching sets, fuzzy slippers, or even that ridiculous onesie you bought on impulse and never had an excuse to wear. Bonus points if you and your friends embrace the nostalgia with early 2000s sweatpants, scrunchies, and an unreasonable amount of butterfly clips.

Make your space just as cozy. Pile up blankets, pillows, and anything remotely nap-worthy. Add candles for an extra chill ambiance. If you really want to commit, build an actual pillow fort. You’re an adult, and that means you can make executive decisions — like deciding forts are still fun.

Drinks, but Make Them Fun

No pajama party is complete without a DIY drink station. Whether you’re feeling fancy with a mixologist-level setup or keeping it simple with spiked hot cocoa, the key is making drinks part of the fun.

And for the ultimate sleepover flex? Enter our Inflatable Shotski® — aka, the most chaotic way to bond with your friends. Unlike rigid shotskis that end in spilled drinks and broken dreams, this one is inflatable, flexible, and way more fun. Line up your shots, count down, and see who’s got the coordination of a champion (spoiler: it’s harder than it looks).

Not into shots? No problem. Set up a pajama party punch bowl, mix up some mocktails, or embrace the classic "wine and unwind" approach. As long as your cup is full, you’re doing it right.

Throwback Snacks and Midnight Munchies

Sleepover food should be easy, nostalgic, and slightly unhinged. Think childhood favorites — pizza bagels, popcorn with way too many toppings, and an entire section of the snack table dedicated to random gas station finds.

Take it up a notch with a late night snack bar. Fill it with chips, candy, and anything that sounds good after a few drinks. Bonus idea: a DIY cereal bar. Nothing hits harder than a giant bowl of Froot Loops at 1 a.m.

Games and Nostalgic Chaos

If you’re thinking, “We don’t need games, we’ll just hang out,” trust us, the right game will take things to a whole new level. 

Here are some elite pajama party picks:

• Would You Rather (Unhinged Edition): The weirder, the better.
• Karaoke Battle: Because someone’s singing Toxic by Britney Spears, whether you plan for it or not.
• Truth or Dare (But Make It Grown-Up): Less “prank call your crush,” more “text your boss something confusing and mysterious.”
• Drunk Uno or Spicy Jenga: Uno rules are already aggressive, but add some "take a shot" rules and watch friendships get tested.
• Movie Drinking Games: Pick a classic, make some rules (drink whenever Regina George says “shut up”), and let the mayhem unfold.

If games aren’t your thing, set up a movie marathon with throwback favorites — Mean Girls, Clueless, Legally Blonde, or any comfort movie that hits just right.

The Morning After

A true pajama party doesn’t end when you go to sleep — it ends when you wake up and recap all the questionable decisions from the night before.

Be the host of the year by setting up a lazy morning brunch with coffee, bagels, and enough carbs to revive the group. No one’s cooking a five-star meal, but toaster waffles, eggs, and some OJ (or mimosas, let’s be real) will do the trick.

The Bottom Line

At FUNBOY, we make staying in just as fun as going out. A pajama party is the perfect excuse to kick back, indulge in late-night snacks, and embrace a little nostalgia — no uncomfortable shoes or overpriced drinks required. 

From kid-approved sleepovers to adult slumber parties with a side of chaos, it’s all about good company, great vibes, and maximum comfort. So, grab your coziest PJs, stock up on snacks, and make it a night to remember!

Sources:

Are ‘core memories’ real? The science behind 5 common myths | University of Wollongong

Are Sleepovers Right for Your Child? | University Hospitals

The key to hosting a successful theme party? Start planning early | NPR

Meditation for Kids: The Basics and the Benefits | Cleveland Clinic