If parenthood plays an important role in your Sims 4 game, and you’re a strict parent, you may want to set frequent curfews to make sure the kids get back home early.
Steps to set up a curfew in The Sims 4
Follow the steps below to set up a curfew in The Sims 4:
- Go to the wall decorations category
- Buy a bulletin board
- Select the curfew time option you want to use (7 PM, 9 PM, or 11 PM)
- Save the curfew settings
Regarding the curfew time, The Sims 4: Parenthood offers players three options on the bulletin board.
Your Sims can ask their kids to come home when the clock strikes 7:00 PM, 9:00 PM, or 11:00 PM. Curfew lasts until 6:00 AM the next day.
There is also a color code that lets players know when the curfew time is drawing nearer:
- Yellow means that children and teens can roam freely
- Orange means curfew is drawing nearer
- Red indicates that it’s past curfew time
Keep in mind that adult Sims cannot remove the curfew while it’s in effect.
What happens if you break curfew in The Sims 4?
In The Sims 4, child and teen Sims receive a reminder 20 in-game minutes before curfew begins, giving them enough time to head home.
If they ignore the warning and stay out past curfew, their Responsibility character value decreases. Their parents or guardians are also notified and can choose how to respond.
Whether the child is punished is entirely up to you. If you decide to ignore the behavior, the game won’t apply any additional automatic consequences beyond the Responsibility penalty.
Also, unlike previous Sims games, there are no NPCs that force children or teens to return home when they break curfew.
⇒ Fun Fact: The Sims 4 High School Years expansion pack adds an E window and trellis ladder that teenagers can use to sneak out after curfew.
Editor’s Note: This guide was updated in August 2026.