A Magical Parent Trap Slumber Party: Camp Walden Comes to Life

If you’re looking for fun birthday party ideas, especially for a girl, this one’s a winner! When my daughter Regan requested a slumber party for her 7th birthday, I initially envisioned a simple evening. However, inspiration struck, and we transformed our home into the enchanting world of the Parent Trap movie!

Parent Trap Party Theme Birthday Sleepover

The Parent Trap theme was a hit! We embraced the camp songs, classic treats like Oreos and peanut butter, and the mischievous energy of the twins. The best part? Despite a short timeframe, we pulled it all together for under $300.

This post shares all the details and resources we used so you can create your own memorable Parent Trap themed birthday celebration.

Related: Creative Sleepover Party Ideas

Creating Camp Walden: The Slumber Party Atmosphere

To capture the essence of the summer camp setting, we transformed our media room into “Camp Walden.” We set up play tents to mimic the camp experience, arranged them in front of a projector screen, and settled in for a cozy movie night.

I found a set of 4 play tents for under $24 each. After the party, I sold them on Facebook Marketplace, effectively making the setup cost almost nothing!

We added twinkle lights for that magical camp vibe (minus the bug spray, of course!).

Related: Backyard Movie Night on a Budget

DIY Bandana Charm Necklaces: A Fun Craft Activity

One of the most popular activities was crafting DIY bandana charm necklaces. I pre-cut bandanas, and the girls tied knots and added their own favorite charms.

This simple and budget-friendly craft only cost $31 in total and was perfect for the camp theme.

The girls loved wearing their unique creations throughout the party.

A Parent Trap Photoshoot: Capturing Memories

To embrace the iconic moments from the film, we organized a Parent Trap photoshoot. We printed signs with famous movie quotes (“Honey, you never looked better!”), gathered props from my daughter’s dress-up collection, and let the girls have fun with our Instax mini camera, which we already owned.

The photoshoot activity, including film and the Etsy PDF file, cost less than $25, and the girls could take home their instant photos as party favors.

Sticker earrings added the finishing touch to complete the Hallie/Annie look.

Learning the Secret Handshake: A Fun Moment

Teaching the girls the butler’s secret handshake was an absolute highlight. They practiced it until they mastered it (or created their own variations!), and it’s a memory that’s sure to endure beyond the party.

The secret handshake printable from Etsy cost just $6.

Parent Trap Decorations: Creating the Atmosphere

I focused on bright, fun, and affordable decorations.

A green gingham tablecloth instantly transformed the dining room into “Camp Walden.” I paired it with gingham plates and napkins on existing rattan chargers for a rustic look. I also scattered the remaining bandanas from the necklace craft on the table.

For additional decor, I printed movie scenes from Walgreens, along with playing cards and toy lizards.

A $14 pink and green banner added a festive touch, and a foil number balloon completed the decorations.

Camp Snacks: Themed Treats

Themed food was a must! We served:

Popcorn for the movie
Oreos with peanut butter (a must!) – we omitted if any guest had allergies
S’mores roasted over a “firepit” (a $5 S’mores Heat Sterno can)
“Dirt cake,” made from chocolate cake topped with crushed Oreos and camp figurines, including a tent and trees.
Two large pizzas for dinner (keeping it simple)
Lemonade and Evian water bottles with toy lizards glued on (the girls weren’t fans of the fancy water!)

The girls loved the camp-themed snacks, and I loved how easy they were to prepare.

Why This Parent Trap Party Was a Hit

The Parent Trap theme made everything come together so effortlessly. The nostalgia factor was great for us, and the activities were engaging for the kids. With the camp setup, crafts, food, and movie, it felt like an entire sleepaway adventure packed into one night.

I may not have slept much, but I knew what I was signing up for! 😉

To create your own Parent Trap party, embrace creativity with bandanas, Oreos, tents, and even the secret handshake to capture the magic.

Resources Used:

Sleep Setup – Set of 4 small play tents + fairy lights $99
Craft Activity – Bandanas + jump rings + charms $31
Sticker earrings $6
Photoshoot Activity – PrintableParent Trapquotes and Instax film $23
Secret Handshake Activity – printable instructions $6
S’mores Activity – Sterno can + ingredients $20
Cake – Mini camp figurine cake toppers and grocery store chocolate cake $38
Room Decor – bunting banner + number balloon
Table Decor – gingham tablecloth, gingham plate set, playing card decks, bandanas, printed photos, toy lizards, and grocery store flowers $68
Food – popcorn containers, microwave popcorn, Oreos, peanut butter packets, lemonade, Evian water $63
Movie Setup – We already had a projector, movie screen, and Disney+ access. A great option is this $40 projector, plus a DIY movie screen using a white shower curtain liner for under $20.

After the party, I sold the play tents for $80 on Facebook Marketplace.

Party Grand Total: $294

(We utilized many items we already had, like popcorn, playing cards, and a camera, helping us spend less.)

This Parent Trap birthday party brought pure joy. Regan declared it her favorite birthday, and honestly, I’d happily host a Parent Trap themed party for my own birthday!

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