Updated on: Feb 15, 2024
Whenever the temperature outside gets hotter, there is always something that helps everybody cope with the heat: a wonderful pool to swim in. But sometimes swimming by yourself can be boring and lonely. If your kid’s birthday falls in the summertime, now is the time to act. The pool area can be more fun if more people are present. Here are some pool party ideas to use for your spectacular swimming pool parties.
Pool Party Activities
1. DIY Beach Ball Bowling
What fun would a pool party be without outdoor activities for kids to engage in? You could create a fun little bowling ball set using pool noodles as barriers, plastic bowling pins, and any kind of beach ball.
2. Balloons in Pool
Make your pool activities extra vivid and fun by tossing inflatables in with the general mish-mash! It's a fun and reasonable thought that will get kids scrambling for more water play, can even work both balloons in a little plastic pool, or have an epic swimming pool. Participants of the Dukes and Duchesses' gathering surely had a ton of fun with pool balloons.
3. Jellyfish Lanterns
Surprise all of your guests with a unique under-the-sea vibe with these eccentric ocean animals from Me and My Insanity's Mermaid pool Party. All you require are some vivid paper lights and some crepe party decorations and strip to coordinate. Make the look with these straightforward advances with fun things to do in the backyard pool party.
4. Beachy Photo Booth Backdrop
Having a photo booth is a perfect way to keep memories of your wonderful pool party photos and could be used for an indoor pool party. Simply use a blue bed sheet and possibly throw some pool noodles in there for a good background in your photo booth. What a great addition to a girl's pool party.
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5. Glow Stick Pool Party Decorations
If you’re hosting a night pool party that will extend into the evening hours, why not include this unexpected nighttime surprise as part of your décor plans? Simply add glow sticks to the bottom of the pool to add a cool party vibe, what a great night pool party idea. Kids will love the atmosphere created. Plus, how fun to dive after the glow sticks. What a wonderful way to expand your pool party decorating ideas.
6. Sun Protection Station
If there is one thing that can ruin the fun of a pool party, it is a sunburn, especially at your girls' pool party! You can help keep party guests sunburn-free by setting up a sun protection station at your next outdoor pool party. Help guests lather on the sunscreen, and provide a simple protection station that includes a bucket or basket of sunscreen and lotion! Guests will appreciate the protection and this is a great girl pool party idea.
Pool Party Craft Ideas
7. Beach Bucket Party Favor
Although leaving the party is one of the hardest parts, a goodie bag makes the departure less painful. You could purchase 5-inch beach pail sand buckets with this goodie bag to act as the bags themselves. Then, simply put candy into each bucket along with a nice little shovel to go with it.
8. DIY Crazy Straws
If you want to have kids drink that fresh lemonade in style at the best pool party, why not give them crazy loop straws? They can enjoy the lemonade maneuver in a fun path before they drink it.
9. Temporary Tattoos
Nothing beats a sick temporary tattoo. Kids with temporary tattoos were the coolest on the block. Why not bring the swagger to the pool party? You could either place them in the goodie bags or have a little area for kids to get creative with these tattoos making a cool pool party.
Child Safety Temporary Tattoos / If Lost Please Call / Temporary Tattoos / Kids Safety / If Found Call / Disney / Vacation / Safety / Disney
Child Safety Temporary Tattoos - I personally use these when I take the kids to crowded areas such as the zoo, aquarium, amusement park, the pool, sporting events, etc. With school I send them on any field trips or school activities with their tattoos on! They absolutely love picking out what image they want on that day, usually their favorite TV characters! These tattoos are great quality! They stay on up to one week, and even stay on for most of one day at the water park. ( Typically they will need replaced more frequently if using at the water park, so plan accordingly. ) They are safe on sensitive skin and don't have any harsh adhesives. When you're ready to remove, just run under warm water and rub a washcloth over the tattoo until It peels up. Baby oil helps if you're having a hard time removing it! To order - Select the amount of tattoos you'd like to purchase, the larger the quantity the better the value! Select your image that you'd like for your tattoos. I do accept custom image requests, please select CUSTOM from the image drop down menu and in the notes box include what image you would like! You also must select a quantity with the CUSTOM label listed. If you do not select a quantity option with the custom image add on, you will not receive a custom image. I also offer digital previews! You must select a quantity with a PREVIEW option, after your order is placed as your temporary tattoos are being designed and printed, you'll receive a message from me containing a digital image of exactly what your order will look like! ( This is not an opportunity to change your order ). In the personalization box before checkout, please include ONLY what you'd like your temporary tattoos to say, ALL other requests and notes should be in the notes box mentioned above. Be sure to spell check and ensure all phone numbers are correct as I don't accept any adjustments after your order is placed. Once I receive your order, I will get them finished and on the way within 3-5 business days! They will arrive in a bright orange envelope via USPS. Standard shipping will arrive in about 5 business days and does include reliable tracking information. For application instruction please refer to my Etsy Shop home page, or there's a card included in every order! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or special requests please message me, I will do my best to answer any questions. Thank you so much! Best, Breanna Please read before ordering! ***** Customization & Personalization EXPLAINED : I have been getting a TON of questions regarding this, and there is more information in the Q&A section of my Shop. I do not fulfill any "split orders" or orders that have half and half information. The individual listing of temporary tattoos that you add to your cart will have the same image, the same personalization, and the same information. You can absolutely add multiple listings to your cart for different children, different images, or different personalization before checking out! That way they will all ship together and you can save on shipping costs, plus any order over $35 ships for free! I will share an example with you of what I mean below. You can NOT place an order like this: 9 Tattoos, CUSTOM image, If Lost Please Call 123-456-7890, and in the personalization box put "Split these 9 tattoos for Emily/Rachel/Gavin 3 each and the two girls want Minnie but Gavin likes Mickey". If that is what you'd like to order you would need to add 3 listings to your cart before checking out. 1- 3 Tattoos, Mickey, GAVIN If Lost Please Call 123-456-7890 2- 3 Tattoos, Minnie, EMILY If Lost Please Call 123-456-7890 3- 3 Tattoos, Minnie, RACHEL If Lost Please Call 123-456-7890 And once all of those are in your cart you can check-out together! I hope this clears up any confusion while placing your order and of course, if you have questions please reach out to me! Thanks! ***** Adding another frequently asked question for clarification here : As seen in the Policy section of my Shop, I do NOT accept order cancelations or refund requests. So please, double check your order before submitting! If you have questions, feel free to message me prior to placing your order. Thank you! Best, Breanna
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$4.79
10. Pool Noodle Boats
Add excitement to the pool with this little and simple creation. You just need pool noodles, straws, and foam sheets. Cut the noodles into 1-3 inch parts to make the base of the boat. Then, stick a straw into the noodle to make the pole of the flag. Last, cut triangular pieces of the foam sheet and stick them through the straw to create a sailboat. It is a good decoration for the pool and easy to make adding to the pool party favor ideas.
11. Party Straws + Flags
Paper straws will make you look better as a host. Simply place a paper flag on top that suits the theme of the party. This is a clever way to make sure people do not mix their drinks. More party supplies can be found here.
12. DIY Beach Ball Garland
A way to stick to the theme of your summertime pool parties is by putting a wonderful beach ball garland across your patio or yard. This just gives it a more vibrant feeling to the whole atmosphere with kid pool party games. Open your fun in the summer by having some summer pool parties with beach ball garland.
Beach Ball Garland, Beach Ball Banner, Summer Party Banner, Beach Wedding, Photo Prop
This Beach Ball Banner/Beach Ball Garland would be a perfect decoration for your beach birthday party, summer party, beach wedding, photo prop, etc... ****** IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ DETAILS BELOW ******** - Made from printed images on cardstock paper - Garland strung on coordinating string ***When ordering, please leave party date. Also, for coordinating pieces such as: Matching cupcake toppers, centerpieces, cake toppers, favor tags, matching goody bags, napkin rings, etc.... https://www.etsy.com/shop/Crafty Cue/search?search_query=beach+ball&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search Thanks! -Cue Crafty Cue.com
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$16.99
13. Shark Themed Party Pools
This summer, invite sharks to your teen pool party. A shark-themed pool party is a fun twist on an ordinary pool party. Instead of featuring a ferocious shark, this party features a grinning shark throughout the party decorations. There are plenty of “JAWsome” details to sink your teeth into, including a dessert table you might just figuratively die over. Gummy sharks, shark fin topped cupcakes, shark decorated cookies, and a myriad of other yummy treats will keep party guests’ tummies full and hearts happy. Make it fun, adding to your kid's pool party ideas.
Be sure to download our teen party checklist to stay organized and make the most out of planning your event as well as other ideas for games/activities.
Spice Up Your Invitations for Pool Parties
14. DIY Pool Float Invitation
A way to get your kid’s friends excited for the big party is a creative invitation. Customize a small pool float of your choice and write a nice invitation statement with a permanent marker on the float. It’s best to mail the invitation when it is deflated so it does not pop during the transportation process.
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No Assembly required!!! Just open your package and your float is ready to use! As the original founder of the custom pool floats on Etsy, we have perfected the creation of this!! Over 3,000 custom pool floats sold! We use the highest grade lettering guaranteed to stay for 5+ years. Can be customized to your names, date, phrase and whatever decal you would like! I am almost able to convert almost all custom images and logos! Please reach out with any questions! How to Order: 1. Select the float color ( pink, purple, teal and lime green) 2. Select your font color and whether you would like it to face towards the center of the float, or away from it. The Samantha example would be considered away from. 3. If ordering multiples you can change your quantity when going to your cart. 4. Let me know what font you would like in the note to seller section. You can include any information you would like me to know there. 5. As always please feel free to reach out with any questions!!!!! We have worked with some big companies, and often create bulk order.
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15. Splish Splash Printable Invitation
If time is really going against you, this is a quick and effective way to formulate a fun kid pool party invitation. Find a beautiful picture of the summertime whether it is the beach or a swimming pool birthday party. Then, place the image into a document and type in the details of the party below the picture. Pop the invitation in the mail and let the excitement begin.
16. Beachball Pool Birthday Party Invitations
You’re sure to capture pool party invitees’ attention with these genius beach ball pool party invitations. Get guests excited for your pool party bash by including all of the party details, as well as a gift idea printed on a beach ball. Delivering the balls full inflated is a fun idea, or send the beach balls with instructions for guests to blow up the ball to reveal the party plan. A great addition to your birthday pool party ideas.
17. Jumbo Floats
A pool party without afloat? There are a variety of jumbo floats to choose from to create a fun atmosphere on a bigger scale. There is nothing more fun than riding on a giant watermelon while floating in your pool for a great welcoming pool party sign.
Pool Party Food Ideas and Pool Party Snacks
18. Watermelon Popsicles
Two things that are always pleasing to eat are watermelons and popsicles. Why not have both? This delicious treat will refresh everybody at the party and has the potential to be a big hit. Very good easy pool party food ideas to have for your guests.
19. Raspberry Crush Punch
A refreshing drink is exactly what the party needs after a luxurious swim in the pool. Mix cran-raspberry juice and pineapple juice together for a nice cool beverage.
20. Ice Cream Cake
Cake time is the nail to the coffin of any pool bday party ideas. It is a good way to close out all the festivities that went on throughout the pool bday party. Rewarding the whole party with this delicious dessert is a good way for everybody to cool down.
21. Licorice Pool Noodles
Add some color to the party with this quick snack to put together. Grab a family-sized bowl and dump in some rainbow-colored licorice. Place a small sign near the bowl and label it “pool noodles” to add to the theme of the pool area decor. Great idea for a swimming pool party.
22. Summer Pool Party Desserts
A summer pool party calls for summer-themed desserts. This retro pool party bash has loads of great pool party ideas! How fun are the ice cream bar cake pops, ice cream cone, and ice cream sundae-inspired cupcakes, and cookies decorated to look like sunglasses, popsicles, and flip-flops? Plus, the outdoor pool-shaped cake with little fondant swimmers is a creative cake idea too!
Check out our other fun teen ideas on throwing the most awesome celebration!
Written by Samantha Tagher and Nathan Rogers; Contributors: Chris Legere, Royce Legaspi and Sonam Choedon