How to Create a Ocean-Themed Party

If your child loves the ocean, sea creatures, and underwater adventures, a sea life-themed birthday party is a perfect way to celebrate! From friendly fish to mysterious jellyfish and majestic whales, this theme is bursting with fun, colour, and wonder.

Here’s your complete guide to creating a fin-tastic under-the-sea celebration that will make waves with your little guests.

 

Step 1: Send Out Splashy Sea Life Invitations

Kick things off with ocean-themed invitations that set the tone for the underwater fun. Think shades of aqua, blue, coral, and sandy beige with playful marine illustrations.

Try fun phrases like:

• “Dive in—[Child’s Name] is turning [Age]!”

• “Get ready for a whale of a time!”

• “Join us under the sea for a shell-abration!”

Add fish stickers or mini sea creature cutouts to get guests excited.

 

Step 2: Set the Scene for an Underwater Adventure

Bring the ocean indoors (or outdoors) with creative and colourful decorations.

Decor Ideas

• Blue and teal streamers to mimic waves

• Bubble balloons and jellyfish lanterns

• Coral reef table centrepieces

• Hanging fish, turtles, and whales made from paper or foil

• Seaweed garlands and netting with starfish

• Shells and sand scattered on tables

Design themed areas like “The Coral Reef Snack Bar,” “Whale Watching Zone,” or “Seahorse Play Station.”

 

Step 3: Sea-Inspired Dress-Up & Accessories

Encourage guests to come dressed as their favourite sea creature or in bright, beachy colours. You can also provide:

• Fish hats or goggles

• Shark fin headbands

• Starfish wands or shell necklaces

• Temporary tattoos of ocean animals

• Sea creature masks

Create a “Deep Sea Dress-Up Station” so kids can dive into the theme when they arrive.

Step 4: Splashy Sea Life Games & Activities

Keep your ocean explorers busy with fun, themed games and activities:

Ocean Animal Hunt

Hide plastic sea creatures around the party space and let kids go on a treasure dive to find them all.

Fishy Toss Game

Toss bean bags into a whale’s mouth or buckets labeled with different sea creatures.

Make Your Own Sea Creature Craft

Provide paper plates, googly eyes, and paint for kids to make their own jellyfish, fish, or turtles.

“Pin the Fin on the Fish”

A playful twist on a classic game—kids try to pin the fin in the right spot while blindfolded.

Bubble Play Area

Set up a bubble machine for kids to chase and pop bubbles in your underwater wonderland.

 

Step 5: Ocean-Themed Treats & Snacks

Make your snack table look like a coral reef buffet, full of bright colours and themed delights:

• Fish-shaped sandwiches

• “Seaweed Dip” (spinach or guacamole) with crackers

• Starfish cookies or sea creature cupcakes

• “Ocean Water” blue drinks with floating fruit

• “Octopus Sausages” or crab-shaped cheese snacks

• Jelly cups with gummy fish or treasure coins

Add themed signs like “Shark Bites,” “Crab Cakes,” or “Deep Sea Delights.”

 

Step 6: A Showstopping Sea Life Cake

Let your cake reflect the ocean magic:

• A blue ombré ocean cake with fondant sea creatures

• A jellyfish or fish-shaped cake

• A tiered coral reef cake with edible seashells and seaweed

• Cupcakes with shark fins or seahorse toppers

Finish it off with a topper that says “Making Waves with [Child’s Name]!”

Step 7: Ocean-Inspired Party Bags

End the celebration with a splash by gifting sea-themed party bags filled with:

• Mini sea creature figurines or puzzles

• Ocean stickers and stamps

• Shell necklaces or shark teeth keyrings

• Sea slime in bright colours

• Sweet treats in fish-printed bags

Tag the bags with “Thanks for swimming by!” or “A little ocean magic to take home.”

 

Step 8: Set the Mood with an Ocean Soundtrack

Play calming underwater soundtracks or upbeat ocean tunes to immerse everyone in the sea life atmosphere. You could even add fun sea animal sound effects between songs for laughs!

 

How Winterberries Can Help You Create a Fin-Tastic Sea Life Party

At Winterberries, we love bringing ocean dreams to life. Whether you’re planning a full sea adventure or just need a few underwater touches, we’re here to help.

✓ Sea Life-Themed Partyware & Decorations

From fish plates and jellyfish balloons to coral reef garlands and themed tableware, we’ve got everything you need to create an ocean-inspired celebration.

Browse our Sea Life collection

 

✓ Can’t Find That Perfect Sea Creature Balloon? We’ll Source It!

If we don’t have a specific item in stock—like a particular whale balloon or starfish table centrepiece—our party planning service can source it for you with ease.

✓ Custom Party Bags, Crafts & Decor

Want bespoke party bags or DIY craft stations for your guests? We can create personalised, themed solutions to make your party stand out.

✓ Full-Service Party Planning

Let us take the stress out of planning. Our expert party planners can manage everything from concept to setup—so you can enjoy every bubbly moment with your little one.

At Winterberries, we’re here to make party magic simple, joyful, and seamless—whether you’re making waves with sharks or dancing with dolphins.

Ready to dive in?

Visit our boutique at 604 Fulham Road, SW6 5RP or browse online to explore our sea life collection. Or chat with our team to start planning your ocean celebration today at info@winterberries.store!

 

Need more party inspiration?

Check out these ocean-themed party blog posts:

https://ohiothoughtsblog.blogspot.com/2015/09/under-sea-party-ideas.html?m=1

https://leafytreetops.blogspot.com/2011/06/ocean-themed-birthday-party.html?m=1

https://habitatschoolhouse.com/blog/ocean-themed-second-birthday-party

https://www.blog.birdsparty.com/2019/08/under-sea-birthday-party.html?m=1