A Complete Guide for Sneaking Around at Night

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Stealthy tricks for sneaking out at night without getting caught
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When you want to stay up past your curfew or see friends late at night, you may have to sneak past your parents. If you plan your route and stay quiet, you’ll be able to sneak around at night without your parents even waking up. Keep reading and we’ll walk you through how to be quiet as you’re sneaking around your home and how to go outside silently.

Things You Should Know

  • Check for squeaky floors or loud doors during the day so you can avoid them at night. Plan out your path so you know where you’re sneaking to.
  • Wait until your parents fall asleep to leave your room. Wear socks and dark pajamas so you’re quiet and harder to see in the shadows.
  • Move slowly so your toes touch the ground first to walk silently through your home. Go back to bed before your parents wake up.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Sneaking Around Your Home

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  1. Plan out which rooms you want to sneak into at night. Try to walk from your bedroom to all the rooms without making any noise. Listen for any squeaks or creaks so you know which areas to avoid at night.
    • Some fun things to do while you’re sneaking around could be playing on the computer, going on your phone, or getting a snack.
    • Write down any noisy spots you find in a notebook so you don’t forget where they are.
    • If your parents ask you what you’re doing, tell them that you’re pretending to be a ninja or playing a game you made up so it doesn’t seem as suspicious.
    • Turn off anything that’s making noise while you practice sneaking around so you can get an idea of how quiet it will be at night.
  2. It might be tempting to sneak around earlier in the night, but your parents may spot you if they’re still awake. Try to find out what time they normally go to bed, and patiently wait until they fall asleep before leaving your room.
    • If you want to check if your parents are asleep, try creeping up to their bedroom door and listening for heavy breathing or snoring.
    • Wait about 10–20 minutes after your parents go to their bedroom so they have time to fall asleep.
    • It will be easier to sneak around at night if your parents sleep with their bedroom door closed instead of leaving it open.
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  3. Find the thickest pair of socks you own and put them on. If you don’t have thick socks, just put on 2 pairs so you can walk around quietly. Practice walking around in your socks so you don’t accidentally slip and make a loud noise.
    • If you plan on sneaking outside, wait to put on your shoes until you’re out the door so you don’t make loud footsteps.
  4. Put on tight pajamas so they don’t get caught or cause you to trip while you’re sneaking around. Pick dark black, blue, or brown so you blend in with the shadows better. That way, you may be able to hide in the dark if your parents wake up. [1]
    • Stay in your pajamas even if you plan on sneaking outside. That way if you’re caught while you’re still in the house, you can tell them that you were just getting a glass of water or going to the bathroom.
  5. When you want to walk silently , put your weight on your toes first. Slowly lower your heel down and shift your weight so you don’t make the floors squeak. Watch your step so you don’t accidentally kick or step on anything in the dark. [2]
    • Even though walking on your tiptoes seems like it would be quieter, you’re more likely to trip or lose your balance.
    • Practice taking slow steps around your home without making any noise during the day so you’re easily able to sneak around later.
    • Lean against a wall as support if you’re worried about falling or tripping.

    Tip: Stop moving every now and then to listen for sounds coming from your parent’s bedroom. If you don’t hear anything, you’re safe to keep sneaking around. If you hear any noises, try to get back to your room or find a hiding place nearby.

  6. Turn the doorknob or handle all the way before opening or closing a door so the latch doesn’t catch. Keep your hand on the knob and push the door open just far enough so you can sneak out. Hold the handle on the other side of the door and gently close it. [3]
    • If you open a closed door while sneaking around, be sure to close it again right away. Your parents may be suspicious if they find the door open.
    • If the door has a lock, try to turn it as slowly as possible so it doesn’t make a loud noise.
    • Doors with squeaky hinges sometimes make less noise if you open them quickly. Test your doors during the day to see which way makes the least noise.
  7. Avoid stepping in the middle of the stairs since that’s usually where they’re the squeakiest. Hold onto the wall or railing for support so you don’t trip or fall. [4]
  8. If your parents find you sneaking around your home, give them a believable reason for why you’re awake. Try saying that you needed a glass of water or that you had to go to the bathroom so they don’t get suspicious.
    • After your parents catch you, go right back to your bedroom to make it look like you’re going to fall asleep. You can try sneaking around again when your parents go back to bed, but they may be more aware that you’re awake.
    • Try to stay relaxed when your parents ask what you were doing. Try making eye contact and staying still so they don’t think you’re lying. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Sneaking Out

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  1. Figure out the easiest path from your bedroom to the door so you can easily sneak outside at night . Practice sneaking around during the day to see if there are any noisy floors or doors you should avoid later at night. [6]
    • If you’re planning to meet up with friends, talk to them to figure out where you want to meet beforehand.
    • If you notice squeaky hinges on doors, try pointing it out to your parents during the day to see if they fix it. Say something like, “That door is really squeaky, we should fix it.”
    • Check if your home has any alarms or security cameras near the entrances. If your home has a security system, you may not be able to sneak out without your parents noticing.
  2. Bring things like clothes, your cell phone, and your wallet, and pack them tightly into a bag before you fall asleep. Keep the backpack near the door you’re leaving from before you sleep so you don’t have to carry it through your home late at night.
    • Try to hide the backpack outside if you’re positive that no one else could steal it.
    • Make sure your backpack doesn’t have any loud zippers or keychains hanging from it or it will be difficult to sneak in and out.
  3. Stuff any extra blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals under your bedsheets. Position them in the shape of your body and pull the covers up so it looks like you’re fast asleep for the night.
    • If you’re sure that your parents won’t check in on you during the night, you may be able to skip this step.
  4. Look for a spare door key during the day and keep it with you at all times when you’re sneaking out. When you leave your home, slowly close and lock your door. Turn the key as slowly as you can so the lock doesn’t click loudly inside. [7]
    • Avoid bringing a key ring since they may jingle and make a lot of noise while you’re trying to lock and unlock the doors.
    • Don’t leave doors or windows unlocked because it could make your home vulnerable to break-ins.
  5. Carry your shoes as you sneak through your home and out the door. Once you’re outside, make sure you are away from your parents’ bedroom window and slip on your shoes. [8]
    • Wearing your shoes while you’re inside can make your footsteps sound a lot louder and could wake your parents up.
    • Avoid wearing shoes that squeak or make loud noises when you walk, like old sneakers, flip-flops, or heels.
  6. Learn your parents’ schedule so you know when they get up for the morning. When you get back home after sneaking out, take off your shoes outside and let yourself in quietly. Get back into bed so it looks like you were sleeping the whole time.
    • If your parents find you when you’re back inside, just tell them that you thought you heard a noise or were getting a small snack.

    Tip: If you notice a light on inside when you get back, someone else woke up but they may not know you’re gone. Wait outside until the light turns off, and give it a few more minutes to make sure that the person falls back asleep.

  7. If your parents woke up and saw you were gone, they may be worried or upset that you snuck out late at night. Tell the truth about where you were and what you were doing so your parents don’t get more upset. Even though they may punish you for breaking rules, they’ll appreciate that you were being honest with them. [9]
    • Call your parents if there’s an emergency or if you’re in an uncomfortable situation. While they may be mad that you snuck out, they’ll be able to help you out.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you sneak down creaky stairs?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Staying up against the wall and supporting a lot of your weight on the railing will help reduce any creaking. You can also experiment with walking up and down the steps and try to identify any stairs that are especially creaky. Then, when you sneak, step over those stairs.
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  • Question
    Is it bad to sneak out?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Sneaking out of your house can be dangerous, especially if you’re a younger kid. If you don’t have a phone or a car, you’re more vulnerable, and it will be harder for you to get help if you need it. Your parents might also be less likely to trust you in the future, or more likely to restrict what you can do, if you sneak out. Always have a safety plan and be prepared for the possible consequences of sneaking out.
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  • Question
    Is it normal for a teenager to sneak out?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    Being a teen is tough. Teens are in the process of becoming adults, and in many ways they are expected to act like adults while still being treated like children. A lot of teens turn to sneaking out if they feel too limited and restricted at home. It’s very important for parents and teens to communicate clearly and establish healthy boundaries and expectations so that teens understand the consequences of sneaking out and why they shouldn’t do it. In turn, parents can help their teens feel less trapped by making compromises (e.g., “You can go out with your friends tonight, but I need you to come home by 10, and you have to answer the phone if I call to check in.”).
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      Tips

      • Practice sneaking by your parents during the day to see if they hear you moving around. If they don’t notice what you’re doing, then they may not wake up at night.
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      • Be careful sneaking around if you have pets since they may growl or make noise if you startle them at night. Carry a few treats with you to help keep your pets quiet.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you see a light on, that could mean someone is awake. Wait for 5-10 minutes after the light turns off to sneak out, since the person who turned the light on may still be awake.
      • Be careful what you say as an excuse. For example, do not say you were getting water if you were not even close to the kitchen.
      • Knowing your parents and/or siblings's schedule can really help!
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      Warnings

      • Don’t do anything illegal while you’re out at night since you could get in trouble with law enforcement and your parents.
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      • Your parents may punish you if they catch you sneaking out past your curfew. Instead of arguing, accept the punishment so your parents don’t get upset.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://theprepperjournal.com/2016/07/29/camouflage-and-concealment/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/qPeLm7ijNB8?t=118
      3. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/2/
      4. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/2/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-about-kids/201609/how-lie-your-parents
      6. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/
      7. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/2/
      8. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/2/
      9. ↑ https://www.rookiemag.com/2016/03/how-to-sneak-out/2/

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