09/07/2025

Friday Finale Dress-Up Ideas for a Fun-Packed Summer at Camp!

At Barracudas, we believe in ending each exciting week with a bang – and what better way than our Friday Finale dress-up days? Each week follows a unique theme, and the last day in the week gives children the chance to celebrate with fancy dress fun. The best part? It’s all about creativity over cost. Fancy dress should be easy, comfy and totally practical for a day full of action-packed activities.

We're always all about choice at Barracudas, and it's completely optional if children want to dress up.

Here’s your handy weekly guide to fun, simple and affordable dress-up ideas for every Friday Finale! 🎭 

🏛 18th July: Historic Happenings

Theme: Time-travelling through history – from dinosaurs to Victorians!

Dress-up ideas:

• Roman: White T-shirt belted with a scarf + sandals = instant toga. Add a cardboard laurel crown!
• Viking: Grey jumper, faux fur scarf or old furry cushion cover as a cloak
• Dinosaur: Green hoodie with paper spikes taped along the back
• Victorian child: Dark trousers/skirt, white shirt/blouse, flat cap or headscarf
• Cave person: Brown oversized T-shirt with jagged hem and “bone” (cardboard) necklace

💡 Top Tip: A name tag that says “Hello, I’m Cleopatra!” or “I survived the Ice Age” adds instant context.

🌍 25th July: Wonders of the World

Theme: Exploring countries and cultures across the globe.

Dress-up ideas:

• Flag outfit: T-shirt and shorts in the colours of their favourite country’s flag
• National animal: Kangaroo (Australia), Panda (China), Bald Eagle (USA) – think animal onesies, face paint or masks
• Famous landmarks: Eiffel Tower or Big Ben on a cardboard hat!
• Cultural symbols: Lei and sunglasses for Hawaii, beret and stripes for France

💡 Top Tip: A world map badge or passport-style name tag makes for fun role-play.

🏅 1st August: Sports Stars

Theme: From famous athletes to favourite sports – it’s all about getting active!

Dress-up ideas:

• Footballer: Favourite team’s shirt and shorts
• Olympian: Medal made from cardboard + sporty headband
• Tennis player: Polo shirt, shorts and visor cap
• Gymnast: Leggings, sparkly top and ribbon wand
• Team spirit: Face paint and fun socks in favourite team colours

💡 Top Tip: Trainers and breathable outfits keep kids ready for action all day.

🚀 8th August: Future Fun

Theme: The future is now – what will tomorrow look like?

Dress-up ideas:

• Astronaut: White clothes, foil-covered cardboard helmet
• Inventor: Lab coat (white shirt), goggles (swimming ones!), and clipboard
• Future teacher/rock star/artist: Dress the part with props – e.g., paintbrush, guitar, or book
• Robot: Boxy silver outfit made from foil or cereal boxes (to take off during our fun activity sessions!), alternatively, a t-shirt with a Robot picture!
• Alien: Green face paint, antennae made from pipe cleaners and headband

💡 Top Tip: Add glow sticks for futuristic flair!

🌟 15th August: Super Stars

Theme: Celebrating performance, talent, and stardom!

Dress-up ideas:

• Pop star: Sunglasses, sparkly clothes, toy mic
• Movie star: Dress-up clothes, boa, and big smile
• Dancer: Tutu, leotard, jazz shoes or just glittery leggings!
• Talent show: Bring a prop to show their “talent” – yo-yo, book, paintbrush
• Cool kid: Funky hair, neon sunglasses and attitude!

💡 Top Tip: Add a pretend “VIP badge” or “Backstage Pass” for extra flair.

🐾 22nd August: Crazy Creatures

Theme: All creatures great and small – from jungle to under the sea!

Dress-up ideas:

• Animal mask: DIY paper plate mask on a stick or elastic
• Cat/dog: Hoodie with ears taped on, drawn-on whiskers
• Jungle explorer: Hat, binoculars and khakis
• Fish or bird: Bright colours, fins or feathers made from paper
• Animal print: T-shirt, trousers or leggings in stripes or spots

💡 Top Tip: A tail made from a stuffed sock or fabric strip is easy and fun.

🧦 29th August: Silly Socks & Crazy Locks

Theme: Express yourself – mismatched and marvellous!

Dress-up ideas:

• Odd socks: Bonus points for knee-highs or patterns!
• Crazy hair: Hair chalk, coloured spray, pigtails, pipe cleaners or wacky hairbands
• Mismatch master: Spotty top, stripy bottoms, accessories galore
• Inside out: Flip a shirt or wear something backwards for giggles

💡 Top Tip: Hair not long enough for wild styles? Get a fun hat or make a “wig” from yarn!

Final thoughts

Remember – Friday Finale is all about fun, creativity and self-expression, not fancy or expensive costumes. Most looks can be pulled together with what you have at home or by upcycling a few items. We love seeing the imagination our campers bring to life each week!

So grab the glue sticks, raid the sock drawer and get ready for the best dress-up Fridays of the summer! 🌞🎉

SEE MORE ABOUT OUR WEEKLY THEMES