If you’ve been here a while, you know I can’t help but turn a simple get-together into an event. All my daughter Regan wanted for her 7th birthday was a small slumber party, but a last-minute inspiration turned it into a full Parent Trap–inspired evening with a camp theme, crafts, photos, and a cozy movie screening.
I originally planned something simple—pizza, a movie, and bedtime. Then I spotted a Parent Trap party idea and showed it to Regan. She loved it, so within a few days I pulled together a themed slumber party for seven kids for under $300. The result was nostalgic, playful, and surprisingly easy to execute.
The Camp Setup
Because much of The Parent Trap takes place at summer camp, we turned our media room into “Camp Walden” for the night. Small play tents lined up facing the projector screen created a cozy campsite, and twinkle lights overhead completed the mini-camp atmosphere.
I bought a set of small play tents and kept the look simple and rustic. After the party I resold the tents, which helped offset the cost so the overall expense for that setup was very low. The tents, soft lighting, and sleeping bags made the movie screening feel like a true sleepaway camp experience—without the bugs.
DIY Bandana Charm Necklaces
A simple, budget-friendly craft was a highlight: bandana charm necklaces. I pre-cut bandanas and provided jump rings and small charms so each girl could knot a bandana and add her favorite charm. The activity was inexpensive and perfectly camp-themed—easy for kids and quick to set up.
The girls wore their handmade necklaces proudly for the rest of the night, and the craft doubled as a fun keepsake to take home.
A Parent Trap Photoshoot
No Parent Trap party is complete without classic quotes and a bit of dress-up. I printed cue signs with memorable lines from the movie, laid out simple costume pieces from my daughter’s dress-up box, and let the girls pose with an instant camera we already owned. They took turns snapping photos and left with their own instant prints as a party favor.
Sticker earrings and other small accessories finished the Hallie-and-Annie look without doing anything permanent—easy, playful styling that made the photos extra cute.
Learning the Secret Handshake
The kids loved learning the butler’s secret handshake from the movie. We printed a simple instruction sheet so everyone could practice, and they performed the handshake all evening—some even added their own silly moves. It’s a small interactive element that adds authenticity and a lot of giggles.
Parent Trap Decorations
Decorations were bright, fun, and inexpensive. A green gingham tablecloth set the scene for “Camp Walden,” and gingham plates and napkins on rattan chargers gave the table a rustic camp vibe. Extra bandanas from the craft added color and texture.
I also printed a few stills from the movie to scatter around, along with playful camp props like toy lizards and a handful of playing cards to hint at scenes from the film. A pink and green bunting banner and a numbered foil balloon made the space feel special without a big budget.
Small touches and a few themed props made the room feel cohesive and festive without a lot of expense or effort.
Camp Snacks
Food followed the camp theme and kept things simple. Menu highlights included:
- Popcorn for the movie
- Oreos with peanut butter (a classic, skipped if anyone has allergies)
- S’mores toasted over a small, indoor-safe heat can for convenience
- A “dirt cake” made from chocolate cake topped with crushed Oreos and little camp figurines
- Two large pizzas to feed the group
- Lemonade and bottled water decorated with toy lizards for a playful touch
The food looked camp-inspired and young guests loved the themed presentation. Keeping dinner simple with pizza left more time for activities and movie time.
Why This Party Was Such a Hit
The Parent Trap theme provided the perfect mix of nostalgia and kid-friendly fun. Adults enjoyed the throwback factor while the girls loved hands-on activities like crafting, role-playing, and the secret handshake. Turning a single room into a tiny camp with tents, themed snacks, and a movie created a memorable overnight adventure that didn’t require extravagant spending or complicated planning.
I stayed up late tending to seven excited kids, but seeing Regan declare it her favorite birthday made every minute worth it.
Resources We Used:
- Sleep Setup – set of 4 small play tents and fairy lights (resold tents after the party)
- Craft Activity – bandanas, jump rings, and charms for necklaces
- Sticker earrings for costume finishing touches
- Photoshoot Activity – printable Parent Trap quote signs and Instax film
- Secret Handshake – simple printable instructions
- S’mores Activity – indoor-safe heat can and s’mores ingredients
- Cake – chocolate grocery-store cake decorated with mini camp figurine toppers
- Room Decor – bunting banner and number balloon
- Table Decor – gingham tablecloth and plates, playing cards, toy lizards, printed movie photos, and grocery-store flowers
- Food – popcorn containers, Oreos and peanut butter, lemonade, and bottled water
- Movie Setup – projector and screen or a TV; we used our own projector and streaming access
After the party I sold some of the reusable items, which lowered the net cost. The party total came in at about $294, helped by supplies and props we already had around the house.
Overall, this Parent Trap slumber party was pure joy. Regan called it her favorite birthday yet, and I’d happily recreate this cozy, campy theme again—simple touches go a long way toward making a memorable, themed celebration.
More Party Hosting at Home Ideas
- How to set up a backyard movie night on a budget
- Swim party checklist and backyard party planning tips
- Creative small group sleepover party ideas
- How to plan a fiesta-themed baby shower
