This party is a dream come true for any young child who longs to be old enough to have a sleep-over! Guests arrive in their pajamas, take part in a round of fun bedtime activities, and enjoy a bedtime snack before heading home for a good night's rest in their own beds.
INVITATION
Paper Pillowcases Pillowcases cut out of colored paper make fun invites for this party. Print "Sweet Dreams" on the front and the party info on the back.
PARTY GAMES
Musical Sleeping Bags Set up everyone's rolled-up sleeping bags in a circle on the floor and play a lullaby. Have the kids walk around the circle carrying their stuffed animals. Remove one of the sleeping bags and explain that when you stop the music, everyone must quickly snuggle with their pet on one of the bags. Whoever can't find one is out of the game, but he or she can remove the next bag when the game resumes. Continue in this manner, allowing each child who's eliminated to remove the next bag until only one player, the winner, is left!Popcorn Ask the kids to pretend that they are popcorn kernels and their sleeping bags are pans. While they kneel on the bags, bang the bottom of a real pot with a wooden spoon. When the kids hear a beat, they jump, and when it's silent, they sit still. As the game progresses, the popcorn pops faster and faster! Afterward, serve a big bowl of the real stuff for a treat.
Bedtime Story Tuck the kids and their stuffed animals into their sleeping bags and read a story. Pause occasionally, and encourage the kids to add sound effects, if they like.
SNACKS AND FAVORS
Serve a treat of animal crackers and milk and send the kids home with new toothbrushes and storybooks.
PRETEND SLEEP-OVER PARTY POINTERS
• Ask the guests' parents to have their kids bring a sleeping bag, a pillow, and a favorite stuffed animal.• Plan on starting the party at 6 P.M. so everyone can be back home before their real bedtimes.
• Rearrange the family room furniture, if needed, to clear a space in the middle of the room for the sleeping bags.•After snuggling with their stuffed animals, guests at your Pretend Sleep-over can stuff themselves silly with this adorable panda cake.
