Hotels may serve as a good overnight destination for a slumber party, especially if you don’t want your house messed up by a group of pre-teen boys or girls. If you decide to take a group of kids to a hotel overnight, it will be a thrill for kids age 9 to 14. A hotel is an especially popular venue if your child wants a swimming party, but his or her birthday falls in winter!

When planning your party, make sure that the hotel understands how many children will be attending so they can approve the use of the hotel for your party. They may offer you a special price on adjoining rooms or rooms with kitchens. I suggest limiting the number of guests to five, plus the birthday kid. With four double beds, three will be used by the kids (two kids to a bed), and the fourth bed will be for the parent.

On the invitation, make it clear where the slumber party will take place, and make sure to have all parents’ contact information readily available.

This party will likely revolve around swimming, so have the kids bring their swimsuits and beach towels. They can swim, play water games, and enjoy the hot tub. Swimming will wear them out, so when they return to the room, provide dinner (make it easy and order pizza!) and the traditional cake and birthday candles. This would also be a good time to open presents. Afterwards, put on a video for the kids to watch together.

If you want an activity, you could provide a mini-spa for girls: have them give each other manicures, pedicures, and facials. Boys may be interested in playing video games, if available. Later, the kids could also tell stories into the night—another “game” that keeps kids interested, but also calm.

Hotel parties are fun—kids feel quite sophisticated at a hotel party with friends. Keep close watch and enjoy!

--Lisa Kothari, Peppers and Pollywogs