Once upon a time, slumber parties were for resting your head and catching some Zs. NOT! Don’t be fooled by the innocent name. Slumber parties are a time for sweets, secrets, movies and mischief. So if you and your best friends want to party ‘til the early morn, read on for some fun games and tips. Oh, and don’t forget to get a little shut eye!

What You Need

• Somewhere to Sleep: It sounds simple enough, right? Get a sleeping bag and a pillow. Tell your friends to bring sleeping bags, too. You’ll feel almost like your camping indoors! Just be sure to lay your bags on something soft like carpet. Sleeping bags and tile floors don’t mix. Ouch!
• Eats and Drinks: Slumber parties are a great time for ice cream and pizza. But finger foods that can survive outside of the fridge are best. That way you can snack all night! Some of our favorites are popcorn, cookies and chips. Or sliced veggies and nuts are also good if you want something healthier.
• Movies: Get a DVD or two. Or have your friends bring some of their favorite flicks and TV shows. The more, the better! There’s nothing like crunching on popcorn and watching a funny movie with your BFFs.
• Magazines:  Reading is way fun when you’re not nose-deep in a history book. It’s also great for between movies or when everyone starts getting tired. Have everyone get in their sleeping bags and take a magazine quiz together.
• Music: For a party that rocks, you need to rock! Get your favorite CDs, MP3s and play them please! Have your friends bring their favorite tunes, too. Maybe you’ll discover some new favorite music.

Games and Other Fun Stuff

• Fashion Frenzy: Have your own fashion show! Arrange all the pillows and sleeping bags to make a runway. Do each other’s hair all fancy, create outrageous outfits, crank up the music and strut down the catwalk. See who has the best model walk. Grab a disposable camera and have a photo shoot! Put on wild makeup and strike a pose.
• Dance Off: Pick an upbeat song and give everyone thirty seconds to dance like a maniac. Then pick a slow song and do the same thing (well, maybe tone down the dancing for the mellow songs). Pick a country song and practice your do-si-do. You’ll be amazed at the crazy moves you and your friends come up with.
• Truth or Dare: This game is perfect for slumber parties! Each girl picks between truth or dare. If she chooses truth, you get to ask a question. ANY question. And she has to tell the truth! If she picks dare, give her a dare. And she has to do it! It’s that easy. Everybody gets a turn asking and answering. But remember to be nice because eventually, it will be YOUR turn to choose!
• MASH: Mansion. Apartment. Shack. House. We’ve all played MASH. We all love MASH. Is there really a better game out there?
• Bake: Gather everyone in the kitchen and bake cookies. (Be sure to have an adult around.) Someone can be in charge of the eggs. Someone else can measure the flour and sugar. Another girl can be the stirrer. Everyone gets to shape the cookies. And don’t forget to lick a spoon! You can also save this activity for the morning and make pancakes. Yum!