Organising a Teenager's Garden Bell Tent Sleepover

From setting up the perfect outdoor haven to creating unforgettable memories, discover how to host the ideal teenage garden sleepover with style and safety in mind.

A bell tent sleepover in your garden offers teenagers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and homely comfort. This unique experience creates lasting memories while keeping young people within safe boundaries. Here's how to organise an unforgettable garden camping experience for your teenager and their friends.

Planning the Perfect Setup

The Bell Tent

• Size matters: For teenagers, opt for a 5-6 metre bell tent to accommodate 4-6 friends comfortably
• Positioning: Choose a flat area of your garden, away from trees that might drop debris
• Weatherproofing: Check the forecast and ensure proper tent pegging for wind resistance
• Ground preparation: Use groundsheets and consider adding foam floor tiles for extra comfort

For a hassle-free experience, Chiltern Hills Event Hire offers fully equipped bell tents with delivery, setup and collection service—allowing you to focus on other aspects of the sleepover.

Creating Comfort

• Sleeping arrangements: Air mattresses or thick camping mats with quality bedding
• Temperature control: Provide extra blankets for cooler nights
• Lighting options: String fairy lights inside the tent, provide rechargeable lanterns and torches
• Seating: Create a comfortable lounging area with floor cushions and bean bags

Chiltern Hills Event Hire's atmospheric lighting packages include indoor/outdoor fairy lights, lanterns and rechargeable options to create the perfect ambience for your teen's special night.

Activities and Entertainment

Tech-Free Options

• Outdoor cinema: Project a film onto the side of the house or a sheet
• Campfire zone: If safe, create a fire pit area for toasting marshmallows (adult supervision required)
• Garden games: Set up outdoor games like giant Jenga, badminton, or glow-in-the-dark volleyball

For Rainy Weather

• Board games and cards: Provide a selection of age-appropriate games
• Craft activities: DIY friendship bracelets or photo frame decorating
• Pamper sessions: Face masks, nail polish, and hair styling (appeal varies by group)

Food and Drink Arrangements

Evening Meal

• BBQ: Let teens help with cooking burgers, sausages, and vegetable skewers
• Pizza delivery: Arrange for delivery at a set time
• Taco/build-your-own bar: Set up ingredients for teens to create their own meals

Snacks and Breakfast

• Midnight snacks: Create a dedicated snack station with drinks and nibbles
• Breakfast plans: Prepare simple breakfast options like pastries, fruit, and juice
• Allergies and preferences: Check dietary requirements in advance

Chiltern Hills Event Hire offers stylish serving platters, outdoor tableware and decorative food stations that elevate your teen's sleepover experience without the washing up afterwards.

Practical Considerations

Safety Measures

• Boundaries: Clearly establish which areas of the garden/house are accessible
• First aid: Keep a kit readily available
• Weather contingency: Have a plan B if weather becomes unsuitable
• Supervision balance: Maintain appropriate supervision without hovering

Communication

• Parent contacts: Collect emergency contact details for all attendees
• House rules: Establish clear guidelines about noise levels and curfew
• Access to facilities: Ensure clear access to bathrooms and hand-washing facilities

Extras That Make It Special

• Welcome packs: Personalised goodie bags with torches, snacks, and sleeping masks
• Photo opportunities: Create an outdoor selfie station with props
• Morning surprise: Deliver hot chocolate to the tent in the morning

For a truly Instagram-worthy setup, Chiltern Hills Event Hire provides themed decorative packages that transform standard bell tents into magical spaces with bunting, cushions, rugs and themed accessories—perfect for creating those shareable moments teens love.