10 Ideas for an Epic Kids' Pool Party

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.