How to Plan a Kids Stranger Things Birthday Party
- Amaya Burkhart
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Bring a little Hawkins magic to your child’s birthday with a Stranger Things–themed celebration! With the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and 80s nostalgia, this theme is a hit with big kids and tweens without being too scary. Here’s how to plan an Upside-Down-inspired party that’s fun, immersive, and totally kid-appropriate.
1. Choose Your Stranger Things Aesthetic
Decide which vibe you want for the party:
Hawkins Arcade/ Starcourt Mall — bright lights, retro games, and 80s neon
The Forest / Upside Down — moody, mysterious, and foggy (but still kid-friendly!)
Joyce’s Alphabet Wall — holiday lights, letters, and walkie-talkies
Pick 1–2 areas to decorate and keep the rest simple so kids don’t get overwhelmed.
2. Stranger Things Invitations
Set the tone early:
Arcade-style tickets with “Party at Level Eleven!”
Walkie-talkie or cassette tape–themed invites
Include a note like: “Dress as your favorite Stranger Things character—or come in your best 80s outfit!”
3. Upside Down-Inspired Decorations
Transform your space into Hawkins with easy DIY touches:
Alphabet Wall: Hang string lights behind black cutout alphabet letters.
Portal Entrance: Stretch black crepe paper, cellophane, or cardboard vines over a doorway.
Arcade Zone: Add neon signs, Rubik’s cubes, and old-school game printables.
Lab Area: White tablecloths, clipboards, and “Hawkins Lab Restricted Area” signs.
And of course… don’t forget a few Demogorgon-lite silhouettes for atmosphere. Cute, not creepy for kids!
4. Stranger Things Games & Activities
Keep the party thrilling with activities inspired by the show:
Hawkins Lab Slime Station Kids make “radioactive” slime using safe, basic ingredients.
Arcade Game Corner Set up retro-style video games or tabletop games (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, air hockey, etc.).
Upside Down Scavenger Hunt Hide walkie-talkies, Eggo waffles, flashlights, and vines along a path. Each clue leads them to a different character (Eleven, Dustin, Max, Lucas, and Hopper)
Max’s Music Challenge Play a few seconds of songs and let kids guess the name. Bonus points if you use 80s tunes!
Bike Obstacle Course (outdoors)Create a mini Hawkins neighborhood bike challenge with cones and “danger” signs.
5. Stranger Things Themed Snacks & Treats
This theme is so fun for food!
Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream Bar Sundaes, cones, toppings—the whole shebang!
Eleven’s Eggo Waffle Bar Whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, strawberries, syrup.
Surfer Boy Pizza Offer classic flavors + “pineapple optional” for authenticity.
Demogorgon Cupcakes Use a strawberry or chocolate cupcake with fondant or icing “petals.”
Byers House Snack Board Cheese cubes, veggies, pretzels, and fruit arranged around fairy lights.
6. Party Favors from Hawkins
Send them home with themed goodies like:
Mini flashlights
Walkie-talkie keychains
80s-style sunglasses
Stranger Things stickers
Eggo waffle-shaped pop-its
Glow sticks for “portal protection”
Add a tag: “Friends don’t lie—and we had the BEST time!”
7. Add Some Extra Magic with Pixie Dusted Party
Make your Stranger Things celebration even more unforgettable by booking Pixie Dusted Party! While we don’t bring Demogorgons (thank goodness!), our team can create immersive , 80s-inspired activities, themed games, and custom craft stations—perfect for Hawkins-loving kids.
We sprinkle the magic so you can enjoy the party right-side up (not in the Upside Down)!