13 Unique Shark Party Ideas

Anyone planning a shark-themed party will benefit from our list of 13 unique shark party ideas! Read on for our suggestions regarding decor, food and drink, venues, activities, and much more.

Plus, keep an eye out for examples of suggested venues that would work well with some of the shark party ideas on this list. You can rent these venues through Peerspace, the largest marketplace on the internet for hourly rentals of all kinds of spaces.

1. Watch a shark documentary

There are tons of documentaries about sharks to be found across various streaming services, as well as in DVD form at your local library. If the partygoers are interested in all things nature, they’ll love the beautiful visuals of a documentary set under the ocean! For some suggestions regarding shark documentaries, you might want to watch, check out this helpful list of 10 documentaries from Screen Rant.

2. Have your shark party during Shark Week

Perhaps your shark party isn’t specifically a birthday party, but a more general shark-themed party. If so, consider making the date of the party on-theme as well by having your party during “Shark Week,” which typically happens in late July on the Discovery Channel. For more background on the history of Shark Week as a cultural phenomenon, check out this short article from NPR.

3. Shark-themed party invitations

Let everyone know what the theme of your party is right from the start by sending out a shark-themed party invitation. You’ll have tons of different designs to choose from if you give it a quick Google search, but we especially enjoy these downloadable, editable shark invitations from Party Party Design Shop on Etsy. Or for a slightly more elevated aesthetic, consider these shark invitations by IYHTV Designs on Zazzle.

Our under-the-sea party ideas also help you set the perfect tone for your shark party!

4. “Jaws” party

“Jaws” is by far the most iconic film ever made about a shark, so what better focus for a shark-themed party? The movie remains genuinely scary despite having been released almost half a century ago, so this definitely won’t be the right movie choice for a party for young kids – teenagers and adults are more likely to enjoy “Jaws.”

Consider renting a private screening room or movie theater for your “Jaws”-themed party, like this loft with a movie theater in Akron, OH, or this incredible themed movie theater in Woodridge, IL.

5. Have a nautical dress code

Especially for a party with grownups, a nautical dress code is a great way to elevate the vibe of the party.

6. Have a seaside party

Another way to elevate the vibe is this inspired shark party idea: renting a beach venue! For instance, how about the Studio at the Beach in Santa Monica, CA? It’s an “extraordinary ocean front home located on the sand of Santa Monica Beach,” with ultra-luxurious features like private ocean-view balconies, a top floor master suite with a rooftop deck, an outdoor fire pit, and views of “world class sunsets from nearly every room.”

It’s no wonder that one reviewer who had a birthday party here commented, “The space was absolutely amazing. Celebrated my birthday here and had beautiful, multi-level views of the beach (great for sunset). Floor design, furniture, and sound system are perfect for throwing events. Looks even better than the pictures. The hosts are very understanding and responsive.”

7. Or rent a Peerspace with a swimming pool for a pool party

If you’re unable to make it to a coastal venue, the next best thing for your shark-themed party has to be a pool party, as long as the weather allows! After all, most kids and adults are bound to enjoy a pool party, and those who aren’t into swimming can bask and relax next to the pool instead.

There are tons of Peerspace rentals that come with access to swimming pools, such as this private pool in Las Vegas, NV, or this venue with a swimming pool in Upper Marlboro, MD, just to name a couple!

8. Play “Pin the Fin on the Shark”

If you’re planning a shark party for a younger crowd, “Pin the Fin on the Shark” is a fun update to a classic party game that kids are sure to love. You can order a copy of this game on Amazon, for extra convenience.

9. Play an ocean-themed trivia game

For kids, we’d recommend Professor Noggin’s Life in the Ocean as a challenging, educational, yet super fun trivia game that will get guests engaged and having a blast while almost certainly learning something new about the mysteries of the ocean.

10. Create a shark photo booth

One of our top shark party ideas: setting up a shark-themed photo booth, so guests can bring home lots of photos and remember how much fun they had at the party. We’re big fans of this funny shark photo prop, which you can order through Walmart, but get creative. You can even make your own shark photobooth frame if you’re so inclined.

Party planning for your little one? Then they may also love these mermaid party ideas!

11. Blow up some shark balloons for decor

You can’t go wrong with some shark balloons to add an extra dose of festivity to your shark-themed party! As an example, consider these super cool, shark-shaped metallic balloons from PartyDecorations.com, or these cute shark-shaped foil balloons from Aprilivshop on Etsy!

12. Eat some shark cupcakes

Shark cupcakes are super easy to make. Here’s a delicious recipe for shark fin cupcakes from the Food Network, which even beginner bakers shouldn’t have much trouble putting together!

13. Hang a shark piñata

Another easy, fun activity for a kids’ shark party: breaking open a shark-shaped piñata! This piñata shark from Target would be a super cute addition, as would this cute baby shark piñata from Party City if you’d prefer a pull string-style piñata instead of one you need to break open (these are a perfect choice for younger kids who love candy!)

Find unique party venues on Peerspace