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Up All Night
How to Have a Great Slumber Party
Q: Are there many ideas for younger kids with shorter attention spans?
Warner: Lots! For the 8- to 12-year-olds, try an "Arty Party" where the kids get creative with craft materials, a "Fifties Sock Hop" for a rock-and-roll dance party, a "Friends Forever Party" to celebrate friendship, an "Indoor Camp Party" where you sleep under the ceiling stars, a "Karaoke Party" to sing along with pop songs, a "Silly Olympics Party" where everyone wins a medal or a "Toon Town Party" where your favorite characters come alive.
Q: What about older kids, who've grown tired of traditional children's parties?
Warner: Keep the 10- to 14-year-olds entertained with a "Comedy Club Party" where the kids make jokes and have a lot of laughs, a "Creative Kitchen Party" for cooking up some fun, a "Deejay Dance Party" to dance your pants 
off, a "Miracle Makeover Party" for a new look in the mirror, a "Mystery Mansion Party" to put a little scare in their slumber and a "Secret S蠮ce Party" so the kids who "see dead people" can share the experience.
Q: Should boys and girls both be included at a slumber party?
Warner: Usually not, mainly because most young girls and boys want to relax at a party and prefer to be with their own gender. If the opposite sex is around, they may not feel as comfortable. Besides, girls like to do girl things, boys like to do boy things, so it makes for an easier party if you keep the genders separate. If a group would like to have the opposite sex at the party, invite them for a few hours, then send them home at bedtime.