Peter Pan Costume and Prop List for Schools, Homeschools, and Youth Theater

One of the questions I get regularly is:

“What costumes and props do I need for Peter Pan ?” Ok, really, I get this for most of my plays, but I just received this question and thought I’d put together a post to address costumes for the boy who refused to grow up.

Quick Answer

As the author of more than 40 flexible-cast adaptations of Shakespeare, Greek myths, and classic literature for young performers, I’ve spent years helping teachers, homeschool groups, and community theaters stage productions with limited budgets and resources. One thing I’ve learned is that Peter Pan can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.

I’ve seen productions with professional costumes and detailed sets, and I’ve seen fantastic performances built almost entirely from thrift store finds, cardboard, and a little creativity. (that’s where I land for my classes and camps!)

When I direct or adapt a play, I typically read through the script and make notes as I go, adding costume and prop ideas to a running list. Here’s a great starting point for Peter Pan.

Complete Peter Pan Costume and Prop List

Costumes

• Peter Pan costume
• Captain Hook costume
• Pirate costumes
• Wendy costume
• John costume
• Michael costume
• Lost Boys costumes
• Tinker Bell costume and wings
• Nana dog costume
• Crocodile costume

Props

• Prop swords
• Hook hand
• Teddy bear (or any stuffed animal, who says it HAS to be a teddy bear?!
• Bow and arrow
• Medicine bottle or vial (we call them vitamins, as it was confusing the kids – (are they sick?”)
• Small glass, or plastic cups
• Peter’s shadow
• Thimble, or anything small
• Button on a string
• Pixie dust container
• Pirate accessories
• Poison bottle

Peter Pan Costumes

Peter Pan

The most recognizable costume in the show.

No need to spend a fortune. Many schools create Peter’s costume from basic green clothing and a little felt. I simply got green t-shirts from thrift, flipped them inside out, and shreaded the bottom. Boom! Instant Peter! (I had 3 in a recent production!)

Wendy, John, and Michael

The Darling children are usually dressed in pajamas or simple nightwear.

Ideas:

• White or light-colored pajamas (I let John and Michael just choose pajamas from home – easy, they fit, and the kids feel comfortable in them.
• Nightgowns for Wendy
• Sleep caps (optional)
• Robes (optional)

Since much of the story takes place after bedtime, comfortable sleepwear works perfectly.

Captain Hook

Hook is one of the most fun characters to costume.

Consider:

• Pirate coat
• Tall boots
• Pirate hat
• Fancy shirt
• Hook hand

The hook is often the centerpiece of the costume and can be purchased inexpensively or made from cardboard and silver paint. Our hook prop was cardboard. we had a pirates hat, hook, and simple pirate coat.

Pirates

A collection of mismatched pirate costumes works surprisingly well.

One of the advantages of pirate costumes is that they don’t have to match. The more variety, the better. Nor to they have to fit… oversized adds to the humor.

Lost Boys

The Lost Boys can be dressed however your production chooses.

Possibilities include:

• Earth-tone clothing
• Animal ears
• Patchwork outfits
• Homemade tunics
• Simple hats

Many productions give each Lost Boy a unique look. We took our Jungle Book costumes and repurposed many of the pieces.

Tinker Bell

Tinker Bell can be portrayed by an actor, narrator, or even a light effect depending on the production.

If using an actor, consider:

• Fairy wings
• Green dress or costume
• Sparkly accessories
• Attitude (okay, that’s not exactly a prop, but hey, she’s not nicknamed stinkerbell for nothing! Tink as the tude!)

Nana

Nana, the Darling family’s dog, can be represented several ways:

• Full dog costume
• Dog ears and tail
• Simple costume pieces that suggest a dog

Sometimes less is more. And, anything that covers the actor’s mouth can make them near impossible to hear offstage – some kids have challenges projecting their voices.

Crocodile

The crocodile is another role that can range from simple to elaborate.

The audience will gladly use their imagination.

Peter Pan Props

Swords

You’ll definitely want a collection of pirate swords.

Foam or plastic swords work well and are safer for younger performers. Foam for me. And I don’t give out swords to the final day – I have a saying I tell the kids, “if you abuse it, you’ll lose it” – I once had Hamlet do the play without a sword, because… well… he abused it backstage!

Bow and Arrow

A simple prop bow can be used for scenes involving the Lost Boys.

Safety note: avoid functional arrows. Lightweight prop versions are best.

We had Nibs actually “carry” the arrow as it was shot and flew off stage – she moved it along sideways and the crowd thought it was hilarious!

Medicine Bottle or Glass

For the famous medicine scene, you’ll want:

• Small bottle
• Tiny vial
• Decorative glass

Anything that clearly represents the medicine will work. Again, we call them vitamins, because it’s easier for the audience to understand.

Teddy Bear

Michael’s teddy bear is a simple prop that helps establish his character immediately. Or any stuffed animal will work.

Hook Hand

Captain Hook’s signature prop.

Many inexpensive costume hooks work perfectly, or one can be crafted from cardboard, foam, or lightweight plastic. We did cardboard.

Tinker Bell Effects

Depending on your production:

• Bell sound effect
• Flashlight effect
• Fairy wand
• Sparkly prop container

(Your custodians will thank you for skipping actual glitter. TRUTH!)

Easy-to-Miss Props

When directors first read Peter Pan, they often focus on the pirates and flying scenes. However, some of the smaller props are just as important.

Peter’s Shadow

A piece of black fabric works wonderfully for Peter’s shadow.

This can be:

• Sewn to clothing
• Detached and carried
• Represented by a separate actor

The Thimble

One of the most famous moments in the story.

A thimble can be:

• An actual oversized thimble
• A simple prop version
• A creatively decorated cup
• But, an actual “thimble” isn’t mentioned in my play. So, any prop can work just fine.

Button on a String

Peter gives Wendy a button as a keepsake.

This is easy to create and costs almost nothing.

Pixie Dust

Depending on your production style:

• Small pouch
• Decorative container
• Imaginary pantomime version (easiest to clean – worked well for us)

Again, avoid real glitter unless you’re looking for a permanent relationship with your vacuum cleaner.

Can Peter Pan Be Staged on a Budget?

Absolutely.

In fact, many successful school and homeschool productions spend very little on costumes and props. Pirate costumes can be assembled from thrift-store clothing, Peter Pan’s costume can be created from basic green clothing, and many props can be made from cardboard, fabric scraps, and inexpensive craft supplies.

Remember, audiences come to see the story. They aren’t expecting Broadway-level costumes from a school or homeschool production. A little creativity often goes much further than a big budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What costumes are needed for Peter Pan?

Most productions need costumes for Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, pirates, the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, Nana, and the crocodile.

What props are needed for Peter Pan?

Common props include swords, a hook hand, medicine bottles, a teddy bear, Peter’s shadow, a thimble, and a button on a string.

How do schools create Peter Pan costumes cheaply?

Many schools use thrift-store clothing, homemade accessories, and simple costume pieces rather than purchasing professional theatrical costumes.

Does Peter Pan require flying effects?

Nope. Nope. And Nope. Many successful school productions portray flying through acting, choreography, narration, lighting, or audience imagination.

My Best Advice

Don’t let costumes and props keep you from producing Peter Pan.

The heart of the story isn’t the costumes, the flying effects, or even Captain Hook’s hook. It’s the adventure, imagination, humor, and wonder that have captivated audiences for generations.

Start simple.

Borrow what you can. Visit thrift stores. Ask parents to help. Use cardboard, fabric scraps, and creativity.

You’ll be amazed at what a group of young actors can bring to life with just a few costumes, a handful of props, and a little imagination.

After all, imagination is what Neverland is all about. And, kids have it in truckloads!