Throwing a Pirate Treasure Hunt and Mermaid Themed Party for kids is a great way to treat your little ones to an exciting and adventurous day. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, the end of school term, or just a special occasion, this creative party idea has all the ingredients for a day full of fun! Read on for ideas to help plan, decorate, and host your pirate and mermaid themed celebration.
Planning the Party: An Overview
Before you start any party planning, consider the age and size of the kids attending, the availability of any helpers, and the space you have to work with. Make sure to allow plenty of time for the party, as a one-hour event may not be enough for a full-on pirate and mermaid themed adventure!
Next, think about decorations. You want your party scene to be an exciting environment for every participating buccaneer (with some mermaid throws too!). This can include pirate-themed cutouts and props like swords, ships, and treasure maps. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to check out our other sections for some creative DIY decorations.
Setting the Scene – Decorations and Props
There are many ways to create a totally immersive pirate and mermaid experience. Most home stores carry a range of themed props, decorations, and products including banners and flags, pirate hats, inflatable parrots and even Pirate piñatas!
You can also use your own props and decorations like treasure maps and shells to put together your own customized scene. You can find cheap items like bags of plastic coins and gems in most dollar stores. Look for items in blue and green tones to create an underwater feel. Add a skein of felt fabric from a craft store over the ceiling to make it look like your guests are setting sail into a vivid pink and purple sky.
Pirate and Mermaid-Themed Games and Activities
Keep your buccaneers entertained with plenty of fun activities! Make sure you choose a range of games that accommodate different age ranges so that all the kids can join in. Some classic ideas include Pirate Balloon Popping (where players pop balloons with their swords) or Sunken Treasure Fishing (where kids use a fishing pole to hook floating tokens from a kiddy pool filled with water).
If your little ones prefer witches and mermaids, try including a Mermaid Dress-up Booth where they can adorn themselves with colorful skirts and tops, along with sparkly headbands or tiaras. Or put together an Underwater Mermaid Hunt where kids search for hidden treasures in a pool filled with colorful balls.
Preparing a Pirate-Themed Menu for Kids
Your pirate and mermaid party feast can be hearty fare like mini pizzas or hot dogs, but why not go all out with a selection of pirate-themed snacks? Offer up goldfish crackers stuffed in paper cones, Pretzel Swords (made by dipping the ends of pretzels in melted chocolate), or your own personalized Jolly Roger cupcakes.
Cavern Cocktails are an easy to create cool treat that can be presented as refreshing drinks like lemonade or juice in an icy treasure chest! You can also pay homage to the high seas by labeling your drinks “Sea Monster Slushes” or “Shark Fin Shakes”.
Crafting DIY Pirate and Mermaid Costumes
Every swashbuckler needs a costume set that includes a hat, scarf, gloves, and boots. Cut up old fabric dolls or flannels for pirate hats, flags, and bandanas. Create your own eye patch accessory with craft paper and elastic string. Plus, add homemade accessories like Pirate Hooks from cardboard tubes or spooky skull earrings from large plastic beads. For mermaids, you can use coffee filters trimmed into frilly mermaid tail skirts!
Creating Pirate-Themed Goodie Bags
Fill each guest’s goodie bag with party favors in line with the theme. Add some chocolates coins to represent buried treasure and plastic cutlasses that double as instruments during musical adventures. Your guests will love taking home small packs of pirate stickers or even tiny plastic parrots.
Tips for Keeping the Party Fun and Safe
Active play can sometimes lead to unforeseen accidents so make sure that your space is as safe as possible. Don’t leave sharp objects out and if you’re using a pool or other water features make sure all parents are aware ahead of time. Ensure that there are enough adults to help keep an eye on the event at all times.
Clean Up Tips After the Party
After a day of swashbuckling and mermaid escapades, it pays to plan a head for a quick clean up at the end of the festivities. Give yourself enough time after the final game is over to tidy up the space before your guests leave. Provide bins for rubbish for easy disposal and recruit some volunteers to help pick up any large items like inflatables.
Whether you’re an experienced or beginner event planner; hosting a Pirate Treasure Hunt and Mermaid Themed Party for kids is an exciting project that will get everyone involved in the pirate lifestyle. Gather some mates, arm your vessels with these tips, and surrender to a day of pirate and mermaid mayhem!
