Sharks are so popular with little boys, and putting together a "killer" party can be easy with our shark birthday party ideas! We loved putting on a shark party for our son last week, and we'd love to share some of our ideas so that you throw one yourself! Don't miss our tutorial for this fun shark shirt too!
Shark Birthday Party Ideas
My son developed a fascination with sharks recently, so when I brought up the idea of doing a shark-themed party for his upcoming 5th birthday, he was all in! We started making handmade invitations, which really entailed only cutting out simple shapes, which my son glued down himself. The silver sparkle paper was a big hit, and one 12" x 12" sheet goes a long way.
Shark party hats were another project my son was so happy to help me with for his shark birthday party. He helped me cut out strips of triangles which we glued to the inside of metallic pointed hats, then I hot-glued on some googly eyes. He gave each shark some eyebrow lines with permanent markers.
I think the key to making this shark cake look nice was keeping the top layer free and forgiving with a loose buttercream layer of mixed white and blue frosting! You could cover an entire cake with loose knife swirls and I think it'd look great! The "5" is made of fondant and poked into a pile of graham cracker crumbs with a toothpick. The sharks are also red fondant, but painted with a mixture of black food coloring and lemon extract to make them glossy!
We put goldfish crackers and gummy worms in fish bowls with piles of flattened glass marbles for a fish tank effect.
The big hit of the shark party was a fishing game! I used a shower curtain rod to rig up some blue blackout curtains. The felt fish were simply pinned on with sewing pins from behind so that I didn't have glue residue on the curtains after the party. The fishing pole was simply a dowel rod with twine and a clothespin tied on the end, with which to clip small toys and treats.
Each kid would come up to the curtain and throw over their fishing rod to "go fishing" for a toy. Someone behind the curtain would clip on a small treat and then tug on the string for the fisher to know that they caught something! This was a big hit, especially when they got to go up several times to fish for more treats.
And every shark party needs a shark pinata! This particular pinata can be found on Amazon.
My son's favorite memorable item from his shark party was his shark shirt! He LOVES it and it's a struggle to keep keep him from wearing it every single day. Be sure to check out our Shark T Shirt Tutorial to make your own!
Are you planning a shark birthday party of your own?
We hope you enjoy using these shark birthday party ideas!
Grab supplies for your shark birthday party:
Ya Otta Pinata Shark Pinata
Deluxe Shark Birthday KitShark Photo PropShark Splash Loot BagsShark Birthday BalloonsShark WhirlsShark Birthday BannerShark Thank You CardsMini Shark Squirts (1 dz)Trolli Sour Sharks GummiesShark Tank Bubble BottlesShark Cake Banner Kit
Lisa Weeks says
How fun with a boy on the way this will surely be a future bday theme!
Robin Dogan says
THANK YOU! My boy asked for a shark party this year (his birthday is July 2) and I looked on Pinterest but I'm not much of a party planner and was quickly baffled. Your ideas look so doable while still being adorable.
Maranda says
Love the pic blowing out the candles, looks like the shark shirt is swooping in fire a bite of the cake.
Mia says
What a wonderfully fun party idea. The cake looks fabulous with the scary sharks around the sides.
Brandi Ellison says
i love all the ideas for a shark party. i am thinking a flower party for my niece and these ideas work!
G K says
Very cute! I love the hats and shirts!
Jessi Jo Housel says
So many great ideas, I like the easy diy of the party hats.