Stranger Things Party Ideas for Kids & Adults

Step into the Upside Down—if you dare! A Stranger Things–themed celebration blends retro nostalgia, eerie ambiance, and playful mysteries inspired by the beloved show. Whether you're planning a party for kids who love the adventure side or adults who grew up in the age of arcades and mixtapes, this theme is packed with fun, creativity, and a touch of supernatural charm.

From flickering lights and forest vibes to 80s snacks and cryptic clues, here is your complete guide to hosting a Stranger Things event that feels immersive, unforgettable, and totally binge-worthy.

🚲 Stranger Things Fun for Kids

Kids love the adventurous spirit of the show—bikes, best friends, mysterious creatures, and problem-solving. These activities keep things spooky-but-fun without being too scary.

Upside Down Treasure Hunt

Hide Demogorgon “clues,” eggo waffles, flashlights, or faux vines around the party space. Kids search for items to “save Hawkins.” You can create simple clue cards or have them solve tiny puzzles to find the next location.

DIY Portal Slime Station

Let kids make their own “Upside Down slime” using glitter, black beads, or blue food coloring. Label jars with fun names like Hawkins Ooze or Portal Goo.

Create-Your-Own Hawkins Bike Badge

Set out cardstock circles and let kids design their own 80s bike badges with stickers, markers, and stencils. They can attach them to bags or keep them as souvenirs.

Kids’ Party Favors

Send junior monster hunters home with:

• Mini flashlight keychains

• Eggo waffle–themed stickers

• “Hawkins Hero” bookmarks

Mighty Pen Designs can create custom stickers, tags, and bookmarks inspired by the retro Hawkins aesthetic.

✦ Stranger Things Party Activities for Adults

Adults will love leaning into the eerie atmosphere, 80s nostalgia, and fun, themed challenges that bring the show to life.

Upside Down Cocktail Flight

Offer a trio of themed drinks—think dark berry mixes, smoky bourbon cocktails, or glowing neon spritzers. Add fun names like Mind Flayer Mule, Hopper’s Old Fashioned, or Eleven’s Blackberry Smash. Zero-proof versions work beautifully too.

Demogorgon Escape Puzzle

Set up a short puzzle challenge or mini escape room moment. Guests work together to solve clues—alphabet lights, scrambled walkie-talkie notes, missing posters—to “escape the Upside Down.”

80s-Inspired Photo Booth

Polaroid frames, retro sunglasses, fake vines, fairy lights, and Hawkins signs make for a nostalgic photo setup. Add props like walkie-talkies, cassette tapes, and bikes for humor and charm.

Adult Party Favors

Give guests a little Hawkins magic to take home:

• Retro cassette-style magnets

• Mini candles in moody Upside Down colors

• Custom “Hawkins Middle A.V. Club” bookmarks

Mighty Pen Designs can help with custom labels, retro magnets, photo booth signs, and themed bookmark designs to tie your whole party together.

✦ Bringing the Stranger Things Aesthetic to Life

The magic of this theme comes from the moody, mysterious ambiance. Think:

• Fairy lights + alphabet letters

• Fog machines for an Upside Down vibe

• Red and blue lighting for dramatic effects

• Wood textures, vines, leaves, and rustic props

• Classic 80s elements—arcade tokens, mixtapes, old TVs, VHS tapes

Mix the eerie with the nostalgic to create a space that feels like guests are stepping right into Hawkins.

Whether you’re crafting a spooky-but-fun kids’ adventure or an 80s-infused adult gathering, a Stranger Things theme brings excitement, nostalgia, and immersive storytelling into your celebration.

If you’d like themed party favors, custom stickers, labels, or Stranger Things–inspired designs, Mighty Pen Designs can help bring the whole vision together with personal, one-of-a-kind touches.

Let’s Connect!

Questions or want to chat party ideas? Email me at julia@mightypendesigns.com or DM me on Instagram @mightypendesigns!