Swim Into Halloween: Last-Minute Costumes Using Swimming Gear!
Halloween is right around the corner, and sometimes, life gets busy. If you’re scrambling for a costume idea at the eleventh hour, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! If your little ones are swimming enthusiasts or happen to have their swimming gear handy, you can create some fantastic, water-inspired Halloween costumes in no time. Not only will they look adorable, but these ideas can also showcase their love for swimming while keeping things simple, comfortable, and fun.
Here are several easy costumes that can be put together with items you may already own. Plus, while swimming is about building confidence and skills in the water, these costume ideas highlight how swimming gear can spark creativity and joy out of the pool too!
- Swimmer Superstar
Celebrate your child’s swimming achievements by turning them into a professional swimmer for Halloween!
What you’ll need:
- Their favorite swimsuit or rash guard
- A swim medal or ribbon (ribbons from lessons work perfectly!)
- A pair of goggles and/or swim cap
- Flip-flops (best for warmer environments!)
- Optional add-ons: Wrap them in a towel or robe as if they just finished a race and/or give them a trophy (even a pretend one!) to carry for that finishing touch!
2. Scuba Diver
Transform your child into an adventurous scuba diver exploring the ocean depths. This costume is creative, easy to put together, and a hit with aquatic-loving kids!
What you’ll need:
- A black or dark-colored one-piece swimsuit or wetsuit
- A pair of long socks or leggings as faux "wet suit pants"
- Swimming goggles or a diving mask
- Dark gloves
- A snorkel (if you don’t have one, craft a pretend snorkel out of cardboard or a pool noodle segment!)
- Two empty soda bottles or water bottles as air tanks (strap them to their back using duct tape or an old backpack)
Safety tip: If your empty bottles feel heavy, make sure they’re extra-secure or lightened up so your child can carry them comfortably.
3. Merperson Magic
Let the magic of swimming inspire your child to become a graceful mermaid or merman!
What you’ll need:
- A swimsuit in sparkly or ocean-inspired colors (like blues, greens, or pinks)
- A seashell necklace or other beachy accessories
- A towel or fabric with shiny scales or glitter to wrap around their legs as a "tail"
- Optional add-ons: Create a headband with shells or sea creature decorations, and voilà! They’re ready to make a splash at Halloween!
4. Ocean Explorer
Turn your child into an ocean-loving adventurer ready to take on the high seas!
What you’ll need:
- Board shorts or swimsuit
- A lightweight shirt layered over their swim gear
- A map
- Swimming goggles or glasses to mimic a researcher
- A notebook and pen so they can “document” their discoveries
- Optional add-ons: Let them carry tools like a flashlight (to explore underwater caves) or even a toy camera to "capture" their findings!
5. Octopus or Jellyfish
If your child loves sea creatures, this is such a fun way to bring their favorite ocean animal to life—and it’s super easy to make!
Octopus Costume:
- A comfy swimsuit or matching-colored shirt and leggings
- Streamers, tights, or strips of fabric (six in total to create “tentacles”)
- Safety pins or a belt to attach the tentacles to their waist
Jellyfish Costume:
- A swimsuit or light-colored outfit
- An umbrella for your trick-or-treater to hold (preferably transparent or light-colored)
- Ribbons or shiny strips of fabric taped around the edges of the umbrella as “tentacles”
Safety tip: Always check that the costume materials are secured properly. If using an umbrella, make sure it’s easy for your child to carry!
6. The Lifeguard Look
For kids who dream of being the hero on duty at the pool or the beach, why not transform them into a mini lifeguard?
What you’ll need:
- A red swimsuit or shorts paired with a white or red t-shirt or tank
- Goggles or sunglasses
- A whistle tied on a lanyard around their neck
- A small pool float or foam noodle to mimic rescue equipment
7. Underwater Royalty
For both glamour and swimming fun, your child can embrace their royal side with this underwater-themed costume!
What you’ll need:
- A swimsuit paired with shorts or a skirt and more formal accessories (like a cape or shawl)
- A crown or a sea-shell headpiece
- Sandals or flip-flops
Encourage your child to think of themselves as an "underwater ruler" who loves swimming and taking charge!
A Splash of Creativity (and Safety!)
With these swimming-inspired costume ideas, you can make Halloween both exciting and hassle-free for your family. Not only are these costumes simple to pull together at the last minute, they’ll also bring a special connection to the water and help your child showcase their love of swimming on spooky night!
At Big Blue, we love finding ways to celebrate creativity while keeping kids active and confident—whether that’s in lessons, outings, or holidays. We love seeing our favorite swimmers inspire joy both in and out of the water.
Happy Halloween! 🎃