- Ocean Entrance Tunnel Create a “walk-through” tunnel to simulate diving under the sea. Use blue streamers, plastic sheeting, and hula hoops or PVC pipe arches. Drape fishing netting and hang plastic fish and sea creatures along the sides.
- Bubble Pathway Line the walkway with clear or blue balloons in clusters to mimic rising bubbles. You can also use bubble machines for real bubbles at the entrance.
- Coral Reef Garden Transform bushes or flower beds into a coral reef by adding pool noodles cut and shaped like coral, hanging sea creatures, and colorful paper seaweed.
- Giant Sea Creatures Place inflatable sea animals like sharks, octopuses, or whales around the yard. You can also make large cardboard cutouts of sea creatures and anchor them in the ground.
- Underwater Welcome Sign Have a big sign that says “Welcome to the Underwater Kingdom” or “Dive into the Fun” at the front door, decorated with seaweed streamers and paper seashells.
- Treasure Island Design a corner of the yard as a treasure island with sand, treasure chests filled with costume jewelry or gold coins, and pirate-themed touches like a Jolly Roger flag.
Inside Decoration Ideas
- Ceiling Jellyfish Hang paper lanterns with streamers dangling down to resemble jellyfish. Use various shades of blue, pink, and purple. They can sway gently with the ceiling fan or air movement.
- Blue Light or Fabric Transformation Drape blue gossamer fabric or hang strips of blue streamers from the ceiling to give the effect of being underwater. You can also swap out white light bulbs for blue ones to create an aquatic glow.
- Seaweed Wall Tape long strands of green streamers or twisted crepe paper to the walls or door frames to resemble seaweed. Let some hang down so the kids have to brush past them like they’re swimming through kelp.
- Aquarium Wall Scene Use removable wall decals, construction paper cutouts, or painted cardboard to create underwater murals with fish, dolphins, mermaids, sea turtles, and coral.
- Bubble Balloons Use clear balloons or light blue ones, singly or in clusters, and tape them to walls, ceilings, and corners to represent floating bubbles.
- Clamshell Photo Booth Make a photo spot with a giant clamshell backdrop, maybe a pearl (white balloon) in the middle. Add props like mermaid tails, snorkels, sea crowns, or pirate hats.
- Table Centerpieces Use small fishbowls or jars with blue water beads, plastic fish, or floating candles. Surround them with netting, shells, or glass gems.
- Floating Fish Mobile Hang clear fishing line from the ceiling with cut-out fish or sea creatures dangling down at various heights, giving the illusion that they’re swimming overhead.