Kids' Stargazing Sleep-Over Party
With lots of new twists on kids' favorite treats, this party is sure to be the meteoric hit of the summer! From hot dogs garnished with pizza toppings to a sweet and savory snack combo for munching from dusk to dawn, there's plenty of fun and variety for all of your sleep-over guests. A highlight of the party is stargazing. But don't worry if the weather doesn't cooperate; when kids get together for a sleep-over, there's never a dull moment. And we've provided a few other ideas so your party will be an out-of-this-world hit.
Make It Special!
Star Light, Star Bright
- The night sky will provide a natural ambience, but you can also add to the theme with some simple star and planet decorations available at your local party-supply store.
- Create a fun party game by drafting your own connect-the-dots astronomy quiz (check the Internet or a library for background information). The kids complete and name the constellations as they discover them in the night sky.
- Stargazing can be fun while sprawled on the grass in your backyard, or you can borrow a telescope to get a better view. Whether you decide to have your guests sleep in your family room, porch or backyard, have everyone bring along a sleeping bag and pillow.
Wilted-Weather Plans
Even though you've checked with your local weather reporters, watched the national weather channel and relied on your Aunt Emma's homespun weather-predicting trick, sometimes Mother Nature just does not cooperate. Your stargazing party still can be a success with a little contingency planning. Here are some alternative ideas:
- Make a trip to a local planetarium where you can take your sleep-over guests for a star show and then return to your house for the rest of the party.Move your party indoors and decorate your designated party room with glow-in-the-dark stars. When the lights are turned off, the room will look like a galaxy and provide just the right backdrop for giggling, telling scary stories or watching videos.
Out-of-This-World Eats
- Turn fresh veggies into celestial creations. Cut slices of carrots, jicama and bell peppers with small round, star- and moon-shaped cookie cutters.
- Make a "Jungle Breakfast" for sleepyheads to wake up to. Hang individual-serving-size boxes of cereal and bananas on strings from tree branches. Then just provide milk, juice and spoons!
Preparation Guide
Up to 1 Week Ahead
- Make All-American Snack Mix.
The Day Before
- Make Spaceship Cake or Star-Studded Celebration Cupcakes; cover loosely.
- Wash and prepare veggies.
- Chill juice and ginger ale for Frosty Fruity Sodas.
About 3 Hours Before
- Prepare ingredients for Grilled Pizza Dogs; wrap separately and refrigerate.
About 1 1/2 Hours Before Serving
- If using a charcoal grill, heat grill.
Just Before Serving
- Make Frosty Fruity Sodas, or set out ingredients and let guests serve themselves.
- Grill hot dogs. When kids are done eating, grill marshmallows.
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