Sharks have been the source of fascination for millennia, and it’s only natural that kids have become captivated with these mysterious sea creatures too. When it’s time to plan their next party, why not go the extra mile and throw a fun and unique shark-themed celebration?
Tips for Planning the Perfect Shark Party
When it comes to planning a shark-themed party, preparation is key. This is especially true if you plan on hosting a lot of people. To help you get started, here are some useful tips on how to make sure your party is a success:
- Create a budget and stick to it. Before you start planning, determine how much you can afford to spend and how many people you’re inviting.
- Choose a date and venue for your party. Make sure to give yourself enough time to buy decorations, food, and supplies.
- Come up with a list of activities and games that everyone can enjoy.
- Don’t forget to plan for safety. Make sure any activities and games that involve water can be done safely.
Ideas for Decorations and Supplies
When it comes to decorating for a shark-themed party, there are many ways to make your chosen venue look the part. Try hanging some blue and white streamers in the style of ocean waves, or cutouts of sharks and other ocean creatures. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, why not try making
- DIY shark pictures or cutouts
- Shark-inspired cupcake wrappers
- Felt sharks attached to balloon-filled nets
- Hanging paper lanterns painted in white or blue
Another great idea is to get a few Disney and Pixar Finding Nemo or Finding Dory posters to hang around the room. This will really add an underwater feel to your celebration.
Creative Shark-Themed Games and Activities
To keep the kids entertained and engaged, provide an array of shark-themed games and activities. If your party is taking place in a backyard, try organizing a Shark Treasure Hunt—hide shark-shaped tchotchkes all around the yard and have the kids hunt for them. For older kids, why not try setting up a Shark “Pin the Tail” game, or a Feed the Shark game? For younger guests, why not provide them with shark-themed coloring books or dress up clothes? Make sure to keep age-appropriate activities in mind, too.
Shark Themed Food and Drink Ideas
To give your guests something to munch on, provide a selection of shark-themed snacks and drinks. Some ideas include:
- Sharkfin sandwiches cut into shark-shaped pieces
- Shark cupcakes with blue icing and chocolates in the shape of fins
- Gummy Sharks
- Blue Koolaid with sharks swimming in it
You can also make a fun activity out of snack-time by having your guests create their own shark-shapes with pretzels and fruit pieces! For a more grown-up crowd, try making a few shark-inspired cocktails or martinis.
How to Make Your Own Shark Party Favors
A party isn’t complete without a few favors for your guests to take home to remember their special day by. There are a variety of ways to make your own DIY party favors that won’t break the bank. Try filling clear cups with candies in blue, white, or gray shades that resemble the ocean, or attach one of your homemade sharks onto a keychain that they can take home. You could even fill little pouches with colorful sand and seashells.
Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged and Entertained
To keep your guests as engaged as possible throughout the celebration, have some craft projects set up for them to enjoy during any downtime. Crafts tools like pipe cleaners, sequins, and paint will come in handy here. You can also prepare some music that they can dance along to.
Safety Considerations When Planning a Shark Party
If you’re planning an outdoor event near a pool or pond, it’s important to keep safety in mind. If young children are in attendance, make sure an adult is supervising them at all times. Have life jackets on hand for any activities that involve water, and only allow activities that are appropriate for each child’s age and skill level.
Where to Find Unique Shark Party Supplies
When it comes to party supplies, you’re not limited to what you can find at your local store. Etsy has plenty of unique items like personalized water bottles, shark-shaped cookie cutters, and glow-in-the-dark decorations. You can also find plenty of helpful DIY tutorials online if you’re looking to go the do-it-yourself route.
What to Do After the Party is Over
The party is over…now what? After you clean up any messes left behind, make sure to save the decorations, games, and crafts you created—they can come in handy at your next event! You can also take some photos to commemorate the special day, either using an instant camera or printing out photos from your smartphone.
