Party themes are an excellent way to enhance a special birthday. One theme that’s become particularly popular is a mermaid-themed party. You can include them in all aspects of party planning—including invitations, party favors, decor, and desserts. If you’re planning a mermaid-themed birthday party, you’re in for a treat. Check out our list of 66 fantastic mermaid-themed birthday party ideas. Let’s dive in!
1. Mermaid Backdrop
A party backdrop is an eye-catching way to incorporate your theme and provide a special area for pictures. It’s also a great spot to sing Happy Birthday, open presents, or simply pose for pictures with family and friends.
Learn More: Pinterest
2. Candy Crabs
These adorable candy crabs are just as tasty as they are cute. And the best part is that they’re simple to make; requiring just toothpicks, citrus wedge candies, and gummy rings. They’re part snack, part decor—like at this party, where they were “protecting” a nearby fruit tray.
Learn More: Motherhood in Progress
3. Treasure Box
Party favors are a must-have at birthday parties these days. I absolutely love this treasure box idea. All you need are empty baby wipe containers and some special mermaid-themed prizes to go inside. These are so much cuter and more clever than run-of-the-mill loot bags!
Learn More: Motherhood in Progress
4. DIY Mermaid-themed Invitations
How precious are these mermaid invitations? Follow these step-by-step instructions to personalize and create your very own paper invitations. Your invitations can then set the tone for your color palette, party venue, and overall party decor.
Learn More: YouTube
5. Swimming Goldfish Snack Bag
It doesn’t get much simpler—or more clever—than these treat bags. This party favor snack bag looks like it has little goldfish swimming across a sea of blue jelly beans. All you need are jelly beans,fish-shaped crackers, and clear plastic bags and ties.
Learn More: Young House Love
6. No-Bake Cheesecake Mermaid Dessert
It’s important to keep your dessert table looking and tasting good! These no-bake mini mermaid cheesecakes will really wow your guests! Since they don’t need to be baked and they start with a boxed mix, you’ll be done baking in no time and ready to party. Plus, they’re delicious and mermaid themed—what could be better?
Learn More: Ever After in the Woods
7. Mermaid Bean Bag Toss
Mermaid bean bag toss is a fun party activity that’s perfect if you’re planning a mermaid party for your younger child. Best of all—it’s easy to build and decorate this classic game yourself! All you’ll need is a poster board, fun stickers or stencils to decorate, and some bean bags.
Learn More: 3 Little Greenwoods Creations
8. Fishbowl Centerpieces
Decorate your party table with these amazing fishbowl centerpieces. I love how colorful these are! They’re the perfect touch for any mermaid-themed party. You can also use these to play a game by placing a number under each one and raffling off the centerpieces to your party guests.
Learn More: Pinterest
9. Mermaid Party Yard Sign
This is a simple, yet fabulous, decoration idea that’s sure to get your guests excited as soon as they arrive. By posting a mermaid-themed yard sign, you’ll be inviting your guests into another world! They’ll immediately notice your theme and become interested as they walk through each area.
Learn More: Target
10. DIY Mermaid Piñata
Incorporating a piñata into your mermaid party is a fantastic way to have fun and provide delicious candy for all to enjoy. Sure, you could buy one, but this DIY mermaid piñata is so adorable and inexpensive to make—all you need is cardboard, tissue paper, and other basic supplies like tape and twine. Plus, doing it yourself means you can personalize the colors— maybe even having the mermaid resemble the guest of honor!
Learn More: Sweet Tweets Bakeshop
11. Pin the Tail on the Mermaid Game
This pin the tail on the mermaid game is so entertaining and easy to play. Your guests will take turns simply pinning the mermaid tails to the mermaid—the only catch is that they’ll be blindfolded! Whoever pins the mermaid tail closest to the correct spot wins the game.
Learn More: Fin Fun
12. Mermaid Party Hats
This clever, mermaid-themed upgrade to traditional party hats is so sweet! Your little ones and their friends will be so excited to put on their mermaid hats and party the day away. With just paper, glue, string, and gold details, you’ll be able to bring them to life in no time. This is another simple and inexpensive way to incorporate your mermaid theme throughout your party.
Learn More: Introducing the Foil Quill
13. Mermaid-Themed Birthday Balloons
One of my favorite mermaid party decorations is the balloons. But you don’t need super-fancy, expensive balloons for a mermaid party—you just need the right colors! These balloons fit the bill with the perfect pastel color palette to match the theme.
Learn More: Etsy
14. Mermaid Cookies
These mermaid cookies are the perfect addition to your mermaid dessert table—and they’re also pretty easy to make. The “scales” are made of rolled and cut fondant, so there’s no tricky piping required. These are even simple enough for your kids to help decorate if you want to get the birthday boy or girl involved!
Learn More: Mimi’s Dollhouse
15. DIY Mermaid Bath Bombs
Mermaid bath bombs would be another amazing party favor that everyone would appreciate. You can create these on your own to save money and make them exactly how you want them! I love how these incorporate glitter to make the bath water look like the sparkly sea.
Learn More: Beauty Crafter
16. No-Churn Mermaid Ice Cream
This no-churn mermaid ice cream looks delectable—and is perfect for a summer mermaid party! This ice cream recipe is quick and easy and doesn’t even require an ice cream maker! All you need to do is whip heavy cream before adding condensed milk and any flavorings you’d like. I love the way these colors look mixed together—but feel free to change them up depending on your party decor or your little one’s favorites.
Learn More: Homemade Interest
17. Mermaid Slime
Looking for a fun activity for your mermaid-themed party? Make mermaid slime! The glitter and rhinestones added to ordinary slime are sure to give it an extra sparkle that’s fit for a mermaid. You can even send some home with the guests as party favors.
Learn More: The Farmgirl Gabs
18. Bubble Chandelier
I love this bubble chandelier because you can use it as a mermaid-themed party decoration or to decorate your home. It takes a little effort and you’ll need to find glass balls (check your local craft store), but the result is absolutely gorgeous and could not be more fitting for a mermaid-themed event. You can make whatever shape or size fits your space, and even add in colored ribbon or other decorations to fit your party’s color scheme.
Learn More: Martha Stewart
19. Mermaid Starfish Wands
How precious are these DIY mermaid starfish wands? If you’re interested in making these for your next mermaid party, you’ll need some wooden dowels, craft starfish, and ribbon. To create, it’s really only a matter of tying the ribbons to the dowels and gluing on the starfish. You could incorporate these wands into lots of different party activities and also give them to your guests as take-home gifts.
Learn More: One Whimsy Lane
20. Seashell Necklaces
If you’re looking for a fun activity to entertain your guests at a mermaid party, check out these seashell necklaces! You’ll need to make holes in your shells before the party begins, but it won’t take long for your mini artists—of any age—to decorate them accordingly and then string them on cord or ribbon. This quick make-and-take craft is the perfect activity AND party favor for any mermaid party.
Learn More: Pink Stripey Socks
21. Mermaid Hair Makeover
Has your birthday boy or girl ever dreamed of having colorful mermaid hair? If so, their dream is within reach! Check out this temporary hair chalk. It works on all hair types and colors and washes out when you want it to! I love this idea for a mermaid makeover party, but you’re sure to get lots of use out of it at other times, too!
Learn More: Amazon
22. Mermaid Name Game
If you’re transforming your house into a mermaid’s grotto for a birthday party, you might as well go ahead and transform the guest of honor—and all their friends! This printable mermaid name game is a fun way to boost the magic of your celebration by having your guests use some simple info to generate their new mermaid names. Make it extra fun by leaving out name tags so they can remind others of their new names throughout the party.
Learn More: Puggy Prints
23. Mermaid Birthday Cake
No mermaid birthday party is complete without an amazing mermaid cake! The best part is there’s no fondant, fancy equipment, or specialized techniques required! All you need to do is bake your birthday child’s favorite flavor of cake in a bowl or round pan. Then, you’ll remove the legs from a regular fashion doll to create your mermaid topper. Insert the doll into the cake and decorate it with regular frosting and colorful candies, and voila; Your incredible, on-theme cake is complete!
Learn More: My Kids Lick the Bowl
24. Seaweed Dip & Shark Toast
You’ve got to make sure the adults attending your party have something to eat, too! This “Seaweed Dip” is a classic party dip in disguise—if you check the recipe, you’ll find an easy route to a traditional spinach dip and a way to make adorable shark-shaped toast using cookie cutters.
Learn More: Martin’s Potato Rolls
25. Mermaid Party Punch
Three simple ingredients are all you need to make the tastiest ocean water you’ve ever had! Combine lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and blue Hawaiian punch. The result? A seaweed-green concoction that’s both fun and delicious!
Learn More: We’re the Joneses
26. Mermaid Tail Cake Pops
Make magic happen at your mermaid birthday party with these beautiful (and delicious) mermaid tail cake pops. Molded chocolate mermaid tails, tasty cake, and a healthy dose of sanding sugar make these mermaid wands absolutely magical.
Learn More: The Iced Sugar Cookie
27. Jellyfish Crafts
Sometimes simple things turn out to be spectacular. Sit your little mermaids down for a crafting session during your mermaid party and have them create their own smack of jellyfish with a fun printable template and a variety of ribbons, yarn, and paper. They’ll love personalizing their critters by choosing their colors and accessories!
Learn More: Teach Starter
28. Mermaid Face Painting
Dive into a world of magical beings at your next birthday party and try some stunning mermaid face painting. As they arrive, transform your land-loving party guests into ocean beauties with shimmering scales and bright colors. Look online for ideas and tutorials, or create your own underwater looks. These are sure to create unforgettable smiles for all your guests!
Learn More: Fin Fun
29. Sandcastle Making Kits
Take your under-the-sea party on the road with “to-go” sandcastle-building kits! These party favors are tiny tubs filled with homemade sand playdough, seashells, and ocean-inspired treasures. They’re easy and inexpensive to assemble with supplies from a craft or dollar store. What a fun gift to send off with your guests at the end of the day!
Learn More: Mama Papa Bubba
30. Bring in a Bubble Machine
Bring on the bubbles! A quick and easy way to enhance your underwater paradise is by using a bubble machine. You’ll be providing eye-catching decor and a fun party activity all at once! Fill the air with mesmerizing bubbles and watch your amazing party decorations come to life.
Learn More: Pinterest
31. Tasty and Healthy Party Food Ideas
Your party theme is super sweet, but your party food doesn’t have to be full of sugar. If you’d like to serve more than just dessert for your guests, sea cucumbers (sweet gherkins), veggie coral (celery and carrot sticks), and crescent roll seashells are tasty and healthy party foods that will fit right into your mermaid theme.
Learn More: Live Like You Are Rich
32. Kiddie Pool Party
Water play is always a hit when you include it in your kid’s party theme. Borrow or purchase as many low-cost kiddie pools as you can and set them up for your little mermaids to go island-hopping around the lawn. This is a fun and easy way to guarantee your party guests and birthday kid will have a great time!
Learn More: Catch My Party
33. Sandcastle Cake
There’s nothing worse than getting sand in your mouth at the beach…unless it’s the tasty sand from this sandcastle cake! This is another great and simple option for a themed cake. Take any traditional iced cake and cover it in crushed graham crackers to get this look. Then, add some chocolate seashell accents, or even small toys, and you’re ready to party!
Learn More: Ulula
34. Mermaid Banner
This is a great decor option if you’re limited in space—a beautiful birthday banner in perfect mermaid colors! Paper cutouts, curling ribbon, and twine can be transformed into the perfect backdrop for photos or as standard birthday party decor.
Learn More: Party Snobs
35. Open a Mermaid Tattoo Shop
Temporary tattoos are always a hit! Give your little mermaid lovers fun temporary tattoos to wear and share during your party. You can apply them when they arrive or include them in your loot bags. They’re a great way to keep the fun going for days!!
Learn More: Walmart
36. Hermit Crab Cookies
These might just be the cutest mermaid party finger food I’ve ever seen! Decorate shortbread cookies with dollops of red dicing and candy eyes. Then, add some licorice strips and strawberry claws, and then top them off with a strawberry shell to make a fun hermit crab. They do take a little time to prep, but they’re totally worth it!
Learn More: Fin Fun Mermaid
37. Mermaid Goodie Bags
These beautiful party favor bags are a great way to send your guests home with a treat or two to say thank you for attending. They’re simple to make with paper cutouts and small paper bags, and you can customize them to fit your party’s color scheme. Include some chocolate coins, a mini-bubble wand, edible pearls, or even actual seashells in the bags to really surprise your guests!
Learn More: FitGirlXTina
38. Mermaid Karaoke
You can’t have a mermaid party without setting the scene with the right music! Add a karaoke machine to your backyard setup and watch a little Ariel come out in all of your party guests. Sing along with Ariel’s greatest hits and then hand off the mic for the next star(fish) to have a turn!
Learn More: Spotify
39. Make Mermaid Sand Art
This fun birthday party craft activity is a great option if you want to send your party guests home with something special at the end of the day. Sand art would make a great addition to an art station at any kids’ party. You can even purchase pre-made themed kits to make things easier on yourself in relation to prep.
Learn More: Faber Castell
40. DIY Mermaid Coloring Books
Warm up your printer and make your own DIY mermaid coloring books! Printable mermaid coloring pages can easily be printed full-size or scaled down using your printer settings to make adorable (and cheap) coloring books for your guests to take home. This is also a great “soft-start” activity if you have young guests who may be shy upon arrival.
Learn More: Fun Money Mom
41. Plaster Mermaid Painting
Make or purchase some fun, mermaid-themed plaster crafts. Set up an art station and have your party goers paint their own special mermaid statues to remind them of the fun they had.
Learn More: Charlottes Dream Boxes
42. Mermaid Crafts
If you need fun ideas for a mermaid art activity, look no further than the laundry aisle at your local discount store. A bit of paint, some sparkly bits, and clothespins morph into adorable mermaid clothespin dolls for your little ones to take home. Your guests will love using these as decor or tiny mermaid dollies.
Learn More: Mom Does Reviews
43. DIY Mermaid Crown
No mermaid can be seen in public without her seashell crown! Make your own by grabbing one of those cheap party favor crowns from the discount store. Then, turn it into a beautiful under-the-sea-themed tiara by adding shells, pearls, and other colorful ocean elements using hot glue. It’s easy to customize this idea based on your party colors and/or your little one’s favorite colors.
Learn More: Creative Green Living
44. Dress Up in DIY Mermaid Tails
With a little sewing know-how, some sharp scissors, and a lot of patience, you can DIY these cute mermaid tails for your guests to wear during the festivities. Pick up some iridescent fabric, elastic, and some sheer material, and start sewing! Your party goers will love wearing them during the party, and they also make a fantastic take-home gift!
Learn More: PA Country Crafts
45. More Ocean Themed Snacks
Dive into deliciousness with ocean-themed treats! Made from graham crackers, blue icing, and other edible decorations, these sweet treats will be a hit at your mermaid party. You can make these in advance for a snack table or lay out the supplies and let your guests decorate their own—either way, they’re sure to make a splash!
Learn More: Cutefetti
46. I Spy—An Ocean Slime Treasure Hunt
Who says mermaids have to stay perfectly clean and beautiful all the time? An ocean slime treasure hunt is an exciting way to encourage them to work together, share, and have fun finding special little treasures to fill up their loot bags. All you have to do is fill a shallow bin with blue slime (or even Jello!) and drop in your trinkets. Then, have your party members dive in and find one of each object! Messy, fun, and rewarding!
Learn More: TP Craft
47. Ocean Waves and Seagull Sounds
Add to the ambiance of your mermaid-themed celebration by adding in the soothing sounds of the ocean. It’s a clever way to add sound that won’t be too distracting for your little mermaids—in fact, it’s downright relaxing! Immerse your guests in an underwater world by playing a peaceful ocean soundtrack during the festivities.
Learn More: YouTube
48. Crab-tastic Croissants
There are so many creative ideas for finger foods to serve at your mermaid-themed birthday party. For instance, these adorable little sea creatures are chicken salad sandwiches—served up to look like cute crustaceans. That’s an ingenious way to use croissants in your party planning and serve a lunch that’s both fun and belly-filling!
Learn More: Pinterest
49. Go to Mermaid School
If you’d rather not host your mermaid party at home, check and see if there’s a mermaid school nearby! Programming varies by school, but your kiddos can expect to engage in all sorts of fun, from mermaid-themed photo shoots to mermaid swim classes. With locations around the country, this would be a top-notch way to celebrate your little one’s birthday!
Learn More: TinyBeans
50. Mermaid Movie Marathon
You can never go wrong with a movie marathon. Set up theater seating in your living room or put up an outdoor projection screen and spend some time watching a mermaid movie marathon! There are more options out there than you might realize—you’ll be able to find a good option for any age group!
Learn More: Teen Vogue
51. Message in a Bottle Invites
No need to wait until the actual party to start on your theme—roll up your mermaid party invitations and set them afloat (just kidding) by placing them in recycled plastic bottles and delivering them to your guests. This would work with any paper invitation you like as long as it fits in your bottles. What a fun way to invite those friends and family members to your special event!
Learn More: Finding Time to Fly
52. Mermaid Bingo
Every kids’ party needs some quality games, but you don’t need to stress over them or break the bank. Keep it simple with games like mermaid bingo—you can simply print out these free bingo cards and host a game or two. Winners can pick a special prize from your mermaid treasure box!
Learn More: The Artisan Life
53. Mermaid Lemonade
Is it a tasty drink? A cunning STEM experiment? A beautiful addition to your mermaid theme? No—it’s all three! This magical mermaid concoction is a fun color-changing drink idea that’s sure to impress your guests. By mixing a dense simple syrup into a glass of lemonade, your kiddos can watch as the different densities cause the colors to separate like magic!
Learn More: Squirrels of a Feather
54. Mermaid Science Experiments
This electrifying mermaid party idea is a fun way to bring science into your party planning. Provide each guest with playdough and modeling clay and have them mold and create their own mermaids. Partway through, help them incorporate a circuit-making kit. Lastly, take out your circuit tester and watch their eyes light up when they discover that their magical mermaid can transmit electricity.
Learn More: SteamSational
55. Play a Game of Under the Sea Limbo
Grab a pool noodle or broomstick and cut a cheap plastic tablecloth into strips to make this fun mermaid party game! Get your little mermaids up and moving with an undersea game of Limbo—this is a good time to blast your very best mermaid music too! As a bonus, your limbo stick can be used as party decor before and after the game.
Learn More: 365 Days of Crafts
56. Make DIY Mermaid Tutus
With or without the seashell bra, consider crafting your own DIY mermaid tutu for your special birthday girl to wear. This pattern requires very minimal sewing and it’s a fun way to mimic the glamor of a mermaid tail—without all of the leg-binding and restriction of movement.
Learn More: 365 Days of Crafts
57. Coral Reef Creatures
If your mermaid party is a special event for the younger crowd, you can never go wrong with play dough. Give each of your guests a small container of play dough, pipe cleaners, and other decorative bits and bobs. Encourage them to work together to build a whole reef of colorful coral playdough creatures. They’ll be having fun and working their fine motor skills at the same time—all while creating some more party decor for you!
Learn More: Live Like You Are Rich
58. Buckets of Seaside Snacks
You’re going to be entertaining a pack of wild children, so be prepared with buckets and buckets of snacks to keep them entertained and well-fed. Grab a stack of dollar store sand pails and use them as serving dishes! No matter what you choose to serve, buckets will keep everything on theme. Plus, your mini mermaids can dish out their own treats and have fun doing so!
Learn More: Suntail Mermaid
59. Make Mermaid Popcorn
Mermaid popcorn is a definite must-have for your party’s dessert table. Grab a bag of premade popcorn, some chocolate candy melts, and sprinkles in pastel colors. Then, just mix the dry ingredients on a sheet pan and drizzle them with the melted chocolates.
Learn More: By Amber’s Hands
60. Mermaid Nail Salon
You’ll need an extra set of hands to open up your mermaid nail salon. Enlist the help of another parent or friend and set up a nail-painting salon for your little mermaids to get their manicures! Pretty polishes, fun stickers, and more are sure to make this special station a hit!
Learn More: Toddler Approved
61. Ursula Cupcakes
Mermaid cupcakes are all the rage, but these would be a great option if your birthday boy or girl wants to go in a different direction. Why not show some love to our favorite Disney villain by making these fun treats? They’re filled with black sprinkles and topped with colorful frosting and fondant tentacles. Display them next to your mermaid cupcakes on your dessert table for a fun, contrasting theme.
Learn More: Ruffles & Rain Boots
62. DIY Lollipops
Here’s a fun new twist on a classic candy. Grab a silicone mermaid tail mold and some lollipop sticks. Place an unwrapped Jolly Rancher candy in each mold cavity; then, place the molds in a low-heat oven until the candy melts. Remove them, insert your sticks, and let them cool— we bet that your guests will love their custom mermaid lollipops!
Learn More: Ruffles and Rain Boots
63. Mermaid Snack Board
Create a magical mermaid-themed snack tray that radiates your under-the-sea party theme. Combine pastel-colored treats like mermaid popcorn, pearl candy, and salt-water taffy for a beautiful and delicious snack tray display. This is a great way to stick to your theme while still customizing your spread based on your personal taste.
Learn More: Love From the Oven
64. Jellyfish Lanterns
Create beautiful creature decor with paper lanterns! Grab some collapsible paper lanterns from the party store and add strips of crepe paper streamers. Hang them up, and voila- you’ll have fun jellyfish lanterns to add to your ocean backdrop.
Learn More: Winter Garden Moms
65. Mermaid Jello Cups
These mermaid Jell-o cups are so pretty you could skip eating them and use them as birthday party centerpieces! Make these amazing party treats with a mixture of Jell-o mousse, whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and chocolate shells. And, of course, be sure to top them off with a mermaid tail!
Learn More: Finding Zest
66. Mermaid Treasure Hunt
Help your little mermaids earn their land legs by sending them on a mermaid-themed treasure hunt. A printable map, clues, and cute poem-like riddles will lead your guests right to the buried treasure!
Learn More: Etsy
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