The Kids’ Party Trend That Brings Luxury Camping…

Key Points

• Glamping sleepovers bring the magic of tents and slumber parties together in a cozy setup.

• Rental companies can take care of all the details so parents can host a special celebration without added stress.

• With a few smart choices, families can also create an unforgettable glamping night at home on a budget.

When it comes to family travel, there’s plenty to love about the glamour-meets-camping trend. From furnished tents to air-conditioned lodges, glamping is all about enjoying the great outdoors with a side of modern conveniences. Now, slumber parties are getting a similar spin.

Simply put, a glamping sleepover combines the fun of a slumber party with building forts in the living room—and a side of luxury—to turn things into a party. Think a mini tent for each child, personalized props, soft bedding, and a plethora of twinkle lights.

But perhaps the sweetest detail of the glamping sleepover trend? Sleepover party rental companies are popping up in more cities than ever to help parents execute a magical event without spending hours running around town gathering supplies.

What a Glamping Sleepover Entails and Why Kids Love Them

Glamping sleepovers take the nostalgia of a classic sleepover and elevate it with a cozy, boutique-hotel twist, explains Virginia Frischkorn, founder of Partytrick and an award-winning event planner with over 15 years of experience. Instead of sleeping bags, glampers are set up for the night with all kinds of swag, including:

• Individual A-frame or cone-shaped tents

• Soft mattresses and cozy bedding

• Twinkle lights and lanterns

• Coordinated décor based on a theme

• Optional add-on experiences like spa setups, crafts, or picnics

Glamping sleepovers are primarily a popular birthday party idea for kids ages 6-13. But in recent years, Frischkorn has noticed more and more parents hosting them over long holiday weekends or before heading back to school to celebrate the end of summer.

As for what makes the experience so special for glampers? “Kids love the decor, the tents, and individual ‘pods,’” Frischkorn says. “It gives them a sense of independence and ownership over their space for the night. I have a 9-year-old daughter, and these are her favorite types of parties because she’s with her friends, but there is a ‘space’ for her and her stuffies.”

How Rental Companies Are Ramping up the Glamping Trend

Sleepover rental companies let you relax while someone else creates the magic, explains Tara Conigliaro, owner of The Glamping Party Company, an event planning company based on Long Island, New York. It’s all about convenience since they handle all the props and setup.

While sleepovers have always existed, professionally styled parties with tents, themes, and spa add-ons didn’t really emerge until the mid-2010s. “The trend started in Australia and the U.K. and quickly spread to the U.S. as Pinterest and Instagram made curated celebrations more popular,” Conigliaro says. “Then between 2018 and 2021, the industry grew rapidly.”

Today, sleepover rental companies are a well-recognized part of the event industry, offering glamping experiences, spa parties, luxe picnics, and more. “They’re perfect for families seeking a memorable, magical, at-home celebration without the stress of DIY setup,” Conigliaro says.

The price to hire a professional to style your glamping sleepover can add up though—especially for larger parties. For example, when booking through The Glamping Party Company, four tent setups start at $380 with each additional one priced at $80. There’s also a fee for delivery and additional items you may want to add on to keep in mind.

Tips for picking a sleepover party rental company

When choosing to enlist the help of the pros to plan a glamping sleepover, Frischkorn recommends picking a company that is transparent about cleanliness, safety, and the quality of the materials they use. Then she suggests asking the following questions:

• What themes do you offer?

• What features are included?

• How long does the party setup take?

• What is the process of breaking down the party experience like?

How to DIY a Glamping Sleepover on a Budget

Want to skip party planning fees? You’re in luck. “A magical glamping-style experience can absolutely be done on a budget,” Conigliaro says. “Atmosphere matters more than cost, and small details make a big difference.”

Here’s how to plan a budget-friendly glamping sleepover, according to experts.

Keep the theme simple and the guest list small

Conigliaro recommends sticking with two to three colors rather than going super elaborate when it comes choosing a party theme to cut down how much you have to buy and coordinate. Another way to decrease cost and hassle is to keep the guest list small, she adds.

Shop smart and use what you have when you can

Affordable pop-up tents can be found on Amazon, and using bedding and pillows you already have will save on your budget big time. Pro tip: Dollar Tree and Target are great spots to find baskets, lanterns, and twinkly accessories, Conigliaro says.

Opt for easy-yet-high-impact elements

“String lights are low cost and high impact,” Frischkorn says. You can also create a singular “wow” moment with balloons, a movie projector, or star lights. “The goal isn’t perfection but about creating these cozy spaces that feel different and exciting,” she says.

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