The Little Mermaid has captured hearts for generations with Ariel's curiosity, independence, and beautiful underwater world. A mermaid-themed party offers stunning visual possibilities and works wonderfully for pool parties, beach celebrations, or any indoor venue transformed into an ocean kingdom.
This guide covers everything you need to create an under the sea celebration—including bringing Ariel herself to enchant your guests.
Why Little Mermaid Parties Are So Popular
- Stunning visuals: Ocean colors and sparkle create gorgeous decorations
- Versatile venue: Works for pool parties, beach parties, or indoor celebrations
- Beloved character: Ariel's curiosity and spirit resonate with children
- Rich world: Sebastian, Flounder, and underwater kingdom offer endless inspiration
- Summer perfect: Ideal theme for warm-weather celebrations
- Gender-flexible: "Under the Sea" theme works for any child who loves the ocean
Under the Sea Decorations
Color Palette
- Aqua/teal (ocean - primary)
- Purple (Ariel's seashell top, Ursula)
- Coral/peach (starfish, sea elements)
- Green (seaweed, Ariel's tail)
- Gold (treasure accents)
- Iridescent/holographic (fish scales, shimmer)
Essential Decorations
- Fishnet draping: Hung on walls with seashells and starfish attached
- Balloon arch: In ocean colors with bubble balloons mixed in
- Jellyfish lanterns: Paper lanterns with ribbon tentacles
- Seaweed streamers: Green and blue streamers hanging from ceiling
- Treasure chest: Filled with gold coins, pearls, and jewels
- Bubble machines: Create magical underwater atmosphere
- Starfish and shells: Real or decorative scattered throughout
Creating Ariel's Grotto
Create a "collection" display inspired by Ariel's treasure cave:
- Display interesting objects ("whozits and whatzits galore")
- Include forks labeled as "dinglehoppers"
- Add old books, candelabras, and "human world" curiosities
- Make this the photo backdrop area
Pool Party Tip
For pool parties, add battery-operated floating lights and pool-safe floating decorations. Mermaid tail pool floats make great photo props!
Mermaid Party Activities
Mermaid Tail Dress-Up
Provide mermaid tail blankets, skirts, or costume pieces for kids to wear throughout the party. Photo ops are amazing!
Treasure Hunt
Hide "treasures" (plastic jewels, coins, seashells) around the party area for children to find and collect in small bags or treasure boxes.
Shell Decorating
Provide real or paper seashells and craft supplies (glitter glue, gems, paint) for kids to decorate their own shells to take home.
Dinglehopper Station
Set up a "hair salon" where kids can brush hair with "dinglehoppers" (forks) and apply ocean-themed temporary tattoos and gems.
Under the Sea Dance Party
Play the soundtrack! "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and "Kiss the Girl" get everyone dancing.
Pin the Flower on Ariel's Hair
Classic party game with a mermaid twist—use a poster of Ariel and flower cutouts.
Ocean Sensory Play (for younger kids)
Create a sensory bin with blue water beads, shells, plastic sea creatures, and sand for little ones to explore.
Craft: Pearl Necklaces
String "pearls" (beads) onto ribbon or string to make ocean-themed jewelry.
Bring Ariel to Your Party!
Our Ariel leads mermaid adventures, sings beloved songs, and makes every child feel like part of her world!
Meet ArielOcean Food & Cake Ideas
Themed Food
- Goldfish crackers: The obvious choice! Label as "Flounder's Friends"
- Seaweed: Green fruit roll-ups or roasted seaweed snacks
- Octopus hot dogs: Cut hot dogs into tentacle shapes
- Shell pasta salad: Shell-shaped pasta is perfect
- Clam cookies: Two round cookies with frosting "pearl" between
- Starfish sandwiches: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter
- Blue Jello cups: With gummy fish inside for "ocean water"
- Crab rangoons: For the Sebastian fans
Drinks
- "Ocean Water": Blue Gatorade or blue lemonade
- "Mermaid Shimmer": Lemonade with edible glitter
- Sparkling water: With blue food coloring and gummy fish
Mermaid Cake Ideas
- Mermaid tail cake: Tail emerging from waves
- Under the sea scene: Blue ombre cake with fondant sea creatures
- Seashell cake: Shell-shaped cake pan
- Ariel figure cake: Simple cake with Ariel topper
- Cupcake ocean: Blue-frosted cupcakes arranged as "waves" with sea creature toppers
Hiring an Ariel Character
A professional Ariel character brings the magic of the ocean to your celebration.
What Ariel Does at Parties
- Arrives in her signature look (often the ball gown version for parties)
- Sings "Part of Your World" and other beloved songs
- Tells stories about life under the sea
- Leads the treasure hunt and mermaid activities
- Teaches "mermaid swimming" dance moves
- Shows off her "dinglehopper" collection
- Takes photos with each guest
- Crowns the birthday "mermaid princess"
Pool Party with Ariel
Note: Our princess performers do not go in the water, but Ariel can sit poolside, lead pool games from the deck, and create magical moments around the pool area.
Perfect Pairings
- Moana: Both ocean-loving princesses! Great for a "Sea Princess" double party. Check out our Moana party guide.
- Other princesses: Ariel works well in any multi-princess celebration
Pool Party vs. Indoor Party
Pool Party Advantages
- Authentic "mermaid" swimming
- Natural theme fit
- Active fun for hot days
- Mermaid tail swimsuits and floats
Indoor Party Advantages
- Weather-proof
- More controlled environment
- Better for craft activities
- Works year-round
Mermaid Party Favors
- Mermaid tail candy bags
- Shell-shaped lip gloss
- Temporary mermaid tattoos
- Mini treasure boxes
- Mermaid scale notebooks
- Ocean slime
- Goldfish crackers bags
- "Pearl" necklaces they made at the party
- Small Ariel figurines
Final Thoughts
A Little Mermaid party transports guests to a magical underwater world filled with treasure, music, and adventure. The beautiful ocean colors photograph stunningly, the activities are engaging for all ages, and having Ariel herself appear makes children feel like they're truly part of her world.
Ready to dive in? Book Ariel today or explore our other princess characters!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ariel wear to parties?
Our Ariel typically wears her sparkly ball gown or her signature look. The ball gown works well for mobility at parties while still being instantly recognizable.
Can Ariel go swimming at pool parties?
Our performers stay out of the pool for costume and safety reasons, but Ariel can lead poolside activities, pose for photos by the water, and interact with children in the pool from the deck.
Is there a difference between Ariel and generic mermaid characters?
Yes! Ariel is the specific character from The Little Mermaid with her signature red hair, storyline, and songs. Generic mermaids can be fun but don't have the same recognition and emotional connection.
