10 Ideas for an Epic Kids' Pool Party

Throw an awesome pool party that kids will be talking about all summer long.

By: Erin Gifford

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Kid-Approved Pool Party Ideas

What’s better than a backyard pool party on a hot summer day? Whether you’re celebrating your child’s birthday, the end of the school year or any other occasion, we’ve got tips and tricks for planning a shindig that’ll really make a splash.

Set the tone for your kids’ pool party with fun invitations, colorful decorations and upbeat tunes. Then, keep the kids entertained and energized with outdoor games (both in and out of the pool) and refreshing snacks. Don’t forget to send guests home with a summer-themed party favor. Read on for more must-know tips for hosting an unforgettable pool party.

Start With Splashy Invitations

There's no better feeling than opening up an envelope or an email to find an invitation to a refreshingly splashy summer pool party. You'll find fun, easy-to-customize online invitations with flip-flops, sunglasses and pool floaties on Evite. Or, search for free invitations online that you can print at home, like this design by blogger Wita Puspita of Design is Yay.

Wow With Insanely Cool Pool Floats

Pool floats have gone so far beyond basic inner tubes. Every epic summer pool party needs crazy pool floats, like unicorns, flamingos, watermelon slices and even ice cream cones. Get an accurate party headcount before guests arrive so you can make sure that every child has their own float for lazing the day away in the pool. Floaties make great party favors, too!

Go Shopping: These Are the 15 Hottest Pool Floats for Summer

Rock the Pool Deck With Colorful Decor

When kids enter the pool deck, wow them with colorful decorations. Hang beach balls, fill the pool with oversize floats and set out colorful beach towels on every chair. Create a photo-worthy display of pool snacks, and add to the theme by filling a baby pool with ice to keep bottled drinks cold.

More Ideas: 55 Easy DIY Decorating Ideas for Your Next Party

Set Out Kid-Friendly Party Treats

You can't have an awesome pool party without incredible snacks and refreshing drinks to keep kids fueled and hydrated throughout the day. Watermelon ice pops and mini waffle cones filled with fresh fruit are fun (and healthy!) grab-and-go snacks. Think about Rainbow Twizzlers, too, since they look so much like pool noodles. For drinks, try Ocean Water. And don't forget crazy straws!

More Ideas: Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Let There Be Selfies

Every kid wants to be snapped while splashing around at a pool party. Colorful floats and decorations make perfect backdrops, but also consider setting up a DIY selfie station complete with flower leis, beach balls and oversize sunglasses. Let party-goers follow the fun by creating a party-specific hashtag to tag on photos, like #sarahsepicpoolbash.

Keep Kids Active With Pool Games

Keep kids entertained with games that can be played both in the pool and poolside. A few in-water favorites include sharks and minnows, freeze tag and Marco Polo. Also, try a scavenger hunt in which pairs of kids collect certain items you've tossed into the pool, like two dive sticks, two pool rings, etc. As for poolside games, consider cornhole or ladderball.

More Ideas: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages

Bring On the Party Favors

Every kid will remember the incredible pool party at your house when they take home fun favors, like sand pails filled with candy or brightly colored beach towels. Look to a party store website to buy favors in bulk, like sea creature swim goggles and pool noodle toppers.

More Ideas: DIY Favors and Decorations for Kids' Birthday Parties

Stock Up on Party Supplies

Make a shopping list so you can stock up on all the party-specific supplies you need, like sunscreen, beach towels, pool noodles and extra goggles. It's also a good idea to have a few life vests and armband floaties on hand, just in case anyone forgets to bring their own.

Go Shopping: 13 Things You Need for the Ultimate Pool Day

Don't Let the Fun End When It Gets Dark

Let the party extend well past sunset with proper outdoor lighting. You may already have LED lighting in your swimming pool, so plan to light up the surrounding space. Hang strings of globe lights over the pool and lace twinkle lights around tall plants and deck spindles. Another idea is to set up tiki torches around the pool area. Make sure pathways and steps are illuminated, too.

More Ideas: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Pump Up the Party Jams

No pool party is complete without the right music. Turn up the beat with your own summer playlist or look to online music services, like Spotify or Pandora, to create one for you.

10 Ideas for an Epic Kids' Pool Party

Related To:

Shop This Look

Kid-Approved Pool Party Ideas

Start With Splashy Invitations

Wow With Insanely Cool Pool Floats

Rock the Pool Deck With Colorful Decor

Set Out Kid-Friendly Party Treats

Let There Be Selfies

Keep Kids Active With Pool Games

Bring On the Party Favors

Stock Up on Party Supplies

Don't Let the Fun End When It Gets Dark

Pump Up the Party Jams

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