Hi there! I’m Emma, and I’m so excited to share my favorite Mermaid Party Games Ideas with you. If you’re planning a magical under-the-sea celebration, you’re in the right place! These games are perfect for kids’ birthdays, pool parties, or just a bit of summer fun with a splashy twist. From treasure hunts to bubble-popping adventures, let’s dive into some splash-tastic game ideas that will make your mermaid party truly unforgettable!
Mermaid Party Games Ideas
Make a splash with these fun and magical Mermaid Party Games Ideas, perfect for an under-the-sea celebration! Whether it’s a birthday, pool party, or summer bash, these games will bring waves of laughter and joy.
Treasure Hunt Under the Sea
Turn your backyard or party area into an underwater world full of hidden treasures! Kids will love following clues and searching for glittery seashells, gold coins, and other ocean goodies. It’s adventurous, exciting, and super easy to set up. Just a few clues and sparkly prizes can turn this game into a party favorite.
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Hide treasures in sandboxes, under sea-themed props, or inside plastic eggs.
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Use a treasure map with playful clues or riddles.
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Give each child a mini treasure chest or bag to collect their loot.
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Decorate the hunt area with blue streamers and inflatable sea creatures.
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Offer small prizes like stickers, rings, or candy for every treasure found.
Pin the Tail on the Mermaid
A fun twist on the classic party game, this one gets everyone giggling. Blindfolded players try to pin a colorful tail on a mermaid poster, and the results are always hilarious. It’s simple to set up and works well indoors or outside. Great for all ages, especially the little ones!
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Create or print a large mermaid poster without a tail.
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Cut out sparkly tails and add double-sided tape or Velcro to each one.
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Blindfold players and give them a gentle spin before their turn.
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Add names to each tail so everyone knows whose is whose.
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Play mermaid music in the background for extra vibes!
Mermaid Relay Race
Get the kids moving with a silly and splashy mermaid relay race! From flipping like a fish to balancing pearls, this race adds a dose of friendly competition to the party. It’s best done outdoors with plenty of space for running and mermaid-style moves.
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Set up a course with different challenges (e.g., crab walk, flipper hop, swim strokes).
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Use mermaid tails or fabric wraps for fun (optional).
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Add “pearl” passing with spoons or buckets for extra tasks.
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Divide players into teams and cheer each other on.
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Award seashell medals or stickers to all participants.
Underwater Limbo
Limbo with a splashy spin! Using a decorated stick or pool noodle, challenge party guests to go under without touching it. This game is filled with laughter and makes for great photo ops, especially with ocean music playing in the background.
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Use a pool noodle wrapped in streamers for the limbo stick.
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Play fun mermaid or tropical music to keep the energy high.
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Have someone hold each side or set it up with sturdy props.
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Lower the stick a little each round to increase the challenge.
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Give small prizes for the most flexible or funniest limbo dancer.
Bubble Pop Challenge
This is one of the simplest games to set up, but also one of the most fun! Kids go wild trying to pop as many bubbles as they can in a set amount of time. It’s active, silly, and a great way to use a bubble machine or even just a good old-fashioned bubble wand.
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Use a bubble machine for nonstop action or have adults blow bubbles.
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Set a timer for 30 or 60 seconds per round.
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Let kids go one at a time or as a group.
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Count pops or just play for fun with no scoring.
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Make it more magical with colored or scented bubbles.
Sea Creature Ring Toss
This mermaid party classic is easy to make and keeps kids engaged with fun tossing challenges. Decorate bottles like sea creatures and let kids try to land rings on them. It’s calm, competitive, and great for all ages.
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Paint or decorate bottles as sea creatures like jellyfish or seahorses.
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Use glow-in-the-dark rings or colorful pool rings.
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Mark different point values for different bottles.
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Offer prizes for most points or most improved.
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Let kids take turns or play in teams for a tournament style.
Mermaid Freeze Dance
Get the party rocking with this high-energy dance game. Kids dance to upbeat mermaid or ocean tunes, but when the music stops, they have to freeze! This simple game gets everyone laughing and moving around while keeping things playful and light.
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Play songs like “Under the Sea” or other upbeat tropical tracks.
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Pause music at random intervals to keep them on their toes.
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Watch for giggles and wiggles – anyone who moves is out!
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Let the last one standing be the dance queen or king.
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Offer seashell necklaces or stickers as fun rewards.
Mermaid Tail Race
Think of this like a sack race, but mermaid-style! Kids hop to the finish line with their legs tucked in a tail or sack. It’s hilarious, active, and makes for super cute pictures.
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Use pillowcases, sleeping bags, or DIY tails made of fabric.
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Set up a start and finish line in an open space.
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Have adult helpers to keep things safe and organized.
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Time the races or have fun relays.
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Give each participant a shell medal or sea-themed prize.
Clam Shell Scavenger Hunt
A perfect mix of mystery and movement, this game has kids looking for hidden clam shells around the party area. Some clams have surprises, while others are just for fun. It keeps little ones excited and curious!
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Hide plastic eggs painted like clam shells around the area.
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Fill some with candy, toys, or stickers.
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Leave a few empty for added surprise.
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Give each child a shell collection bucket.
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Let them trade clams at the end for a bigger prize.
Save the Sea Creatures
This imaginative rescue mission is great for storytelling and cooperative play. The idea is that sea creatures are “stuck” in nets or trapped in jelly, and kids must work together to save them. It’s fun, creative, and meaningful.
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Use toy sea creatures trapped in nets, slime, or water.
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Give kids tongs or spoons to carefully “rescue” them.
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Set up different stations with various challenges.
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Encourage teamwork and gentle handling.
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Offer awards like “Best Sea Saver” or “Kindest Mermaid.”
Mermaids vs Sharks Tag
Get ready for giggles and fast feet! In this twist on tag, one or two players are “sharks,” and the rest are mermaids trying not to get caught. It’s great for outdoor play and burns off lots of energy.
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Mark a safe zone as a coral reef.
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When tagged by a shark, mermaids freeze or become seaweed.
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Switch roles each round so everyone gets a turn.
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Use soft headbands or fin props to tell roles apart.
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Play upbeat music to keep the mood light and exciting.
Pearl Spoon Race
It’s a classic egg-and-spoon race with an ocean twist! Use white plastic balls as “pearls” and let the balancing act begin. It’s perfect for testing patience and coordination in a silly, mermaid-approved way.
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Use large white beads or ping pong balls as pearls.
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Give each player a spoon and a start line.
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Add obstacles for older kids, like cones or turns.
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Let them decorate their spoons mermaid-style before racing.
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Give mini trophies for best balance or best effort.
Make a Mermaid Potion
Let the kids play pretend mermaid alchemists by mixing their own magical potions. This sensory game is messy, colorful, and completely magical. It doubles as a quiet activity and a creative experiment.
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Provide bowls, glitter, water, food coloring, and sequins.
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Let them mix their potions using ladles or spoons.
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Add a touch of fizz with baking soda and vinegar.
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Use mermaid jars or mini bottles for take-home potions.
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Supervise younger kids during mixing fun.
Shell Stack Challenge
How tall can your shell tower go? This calm and careful game is all about balance and patience. It’s great for a quieter moment during the party and perfect for a little friendly competition.
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Use real or plastic seashells in different sizes.
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Let kids compete to build the tallest stack in 1 minute.
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Offer multiple rounds or pair them up in teams.
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Use timers and record scores to build excitement.
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Give awards for tallest, most creative, or neatest stack.
Mermaid Says
Just like Simon Says, but with mermaid flair! This game is great for groups and helps burn energy in a silly, structured way. Add ocean-themed actions like “swim like a fish” or “flip your tail” for extra fun.
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The leader gives commands starting with “Mermaid says…”
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If “Mermaid” isn’t said, players shouldn’t move!
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Add actions like twirl, splash, dive, or blow bubbles.
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Rotate leaders to keep everyone involved.
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Let the silliest or best listeners win small prizes.
Tips for a Magical Mermaid Vibe
Creating a magical mermaid party isn’t just about the games—it’s about bringing the whole under-the-sea world to life! From twinkling decorations to ocean-inspired tunes, these simple touches will make your party feel like it’s happening in a real-life mermaid lagoon. Here’s how to set the scene for a truly unforgettable celebration:
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Play under-the-sea music
Choose dreamy ocean sounds or upbeat tropical tunes with wave and bubble effects. Songs like Under the Sea, Part of Your World, or even instrumental ocean ambiance can keep the mood enchanting and energetic. -
Use pastel and aqua decorations
Think shimmering blues, mint greens, soft purples, and sandy golds. Decorate with tulle, streamers, and balloons in sea-inspired shades. Add seashells, netting, and faux pearls for extra sparkle. -
Add a photo booth with seashell props
Set up a cozy corner with a glittery mermaid tail backdrop and ocean-themed props like starfish glasses, crowns, and tridents. Kids (and grown-ups!) will love snapping memories as their best mermaid selves. -
Incorporate lighting for an underwater glow
Use string lights, blue LED bulbs, or glow sticks to mimic the gentle flicker of underwater light. Place them around tables, in jars, or behind fabric to give the whole space a soft, magical feel. -
Serve ocean-themed treats
Think “seafoam” punch, “clam shell” cookies, and cupcakes topped with edible pearls. Even simple snacks can become mermaid-approved with the right names and colors!
FAQ
What age group are Mermaid Party Games Ideas best suited for?
Mermaid party games are perfect for kids ages 3 to 12. You can easily adapt the games to be simpler for toddlers or more competitive and creative for older children.
Do I need a pool for these Mermaid Party Games Ideas?
Not at all! While a pool is great for water-themed games, most mermaid games can be played on dry land too. You can create a magical mermaid vibe indoors, in your backyard, or at a park.
How many games should I plan for a mermaid party ideas?
Aim for 4 to 6 games depending on the age and energy level of your guests. Mix high-energy games with calmer, creative ones to keep the flow balanced and fun.
Can these games work for a small party?
Absolutely! Many of the games can be played in pairs or small groups. You can even turn them into fun challenges or DIY activities to keep smaller parties just as exciting.
I’m Emma Rosenthal, an event planner based in New York City with a passion for bringing people together through unforgettable celebrations. I created partyonmind.com to share my best party ideas, wedding inspirations, and fun games for kids, adults, and everyone in between. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a grand event, I love helping you make every occasion special with creative and engaging activities. Let’s make every party one to remember!