17 Pool Party Ideas for a Fun-Filled Summer
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Taking a dip in the pool is a great way to beat the summer heat, and lazing poolside is one of the most relaxing ways to spend the season. The only thing better than doing those things is doing them with friends and family—and these pool party ideas make any waterside gathering a bonafide event. From outdoor decorations and party favors to auxiliary entertainment and delicious refreshments, these fun pool party ideas will be a hit with guests of all ages.
Party Theme
Themes add an extra layer of fun to any party. Don’t be afraid to go all out with decor, food, and entertainment related to your theme, such as a luau or carnival. Use bright summer colors as a secondary theme to help tie your pool party ideas together.
Backyard Picnic
Take your picnic from the basket to the poolside. Lay down a cute rug or outdoor blanket for guests to sit on. Add throw pillows, flameless candles, and other decorations to establish the atmosphere.
Drink Cart
Looking for pool party ideas that ensure everyone’s thirst stays quenched? Put together a drink cart using a simple utility cart decorated with a banner and fresh flowers. Mix up a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic pitchers of drinks to leave on top so guests can help themselves. Keep utensils, cups, and ice on the bottom level for easy access.
Inner Tube Cooler
Waterproof your drinks by turning an inner tube into a cooler. Set a bucket in the center of the inner tube, fill it with ice and summer drinks, and send it sailing away on the water. Make sure the bucket is bigger than the inner hole so it doesn’t fall through—and make sure it’s not so heavy it’ll sink!
Yard Games
Need a break from the water or sunning in a lounge chair? Give your guests another activity option by setting up some yard games. Keep it classic with cornhole, or get creative and play tic tac toe with frisbees and a large taped sheet grid.
Custom Sunglasses
Surprise your guests with sunglasses! Get crafty and use a marker or paint pen to personalize the glasses, commemorating your event. In addition to being fun party favors, the glasses will help protect eyes from too much exposure to sunlight.
In addition to regular sized sunglasses, get some smaller frames for any kiddos in attendance.
Veggie Tray
A tray of fresh, in-season veggies will complete any pool party. Serve the refreshing summertime snack on a party platter so guests can nibble easily. Skewer veggies in a color gradient to mimic a rainbow—this is an especially great idea if your pool party is rainbow-themed.
Fun Floaties
Perhaps it’s one of the more obvious pool party ideas, but really, what water-based celebration would be complete without oversized pool floats? If your party has a theme, pick rafts and floaties to match. Choose swans, flamingoes, unicorns, or even inflatables shaped like the food you’re serving.
Water Balloons
Break out the water balloons! It doesn’t matter how old your guests are—they’ll love throwing them at one another as a fun way to cool off during a hot summer day. For a unqiue twist, tie them to a clothesline and whack them like mini piñatas.
Drink Pitchers
Provide plenty of cold beverages for your guests, and consider going the extra mile with a healthy, homemade concoction. Honey, cucumber, and lime mixed in water will create a rejuvenating and refreshing summer drink that’s easy to make. Whip up enough to fill a pitcher so your guests can each enjoy a glass or two.
Grill Out
Avoid making a mess in the kitchen by grilling something tasty on the patio. Prepare some hot dogs, hamburgers, and kabobs so there’s something for everyone. If you want a slightly more elevated menu, try ribs or barbequed chicken to treat your guests to a special summer meal.
Colorful Decor
Add bright summer accent colors and decorations for the ultimate pool party atmosphere. From outdoor pillows to balloons, make your space pop with colorful hues. Incorporate fresh-cut flower arrangements as well, playing off the surrounding nature. Bring them inside to continue enjoying their beauty after the celebration.
Sundae Bar
Cool off from the summer heat with a sundae bar. Ice cream is one of the most classic pool party foods that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Stock up on your favorite toppings and flavors for tons of yummy combinations that allow guests to customize to their liking.
Summer-Themed Cupcakes
If you’re feeling unexcited about ice cream, opt for one of our alternative pool party ideas: summer-themed cupcakes. Get creative and think up your own cupcake designs that reflect the season, or try these beach-inspired cupcakes. Crush up graham crackers as decorative sand; create super-easy waves on the cupcakes with store-bought gel icing, and make beach-ball style cupcakes using fruit leather and white frosting.
String Lights
To take your water bash from day to night, look to string lights. Add the charming outdoor lights around your house or backyard for a sweet glow. Once the sun sets, the lighting will lend a warm, welcoming ambiance that encourages your guests to stay a while longer.
S’more Cups
A staple of summertime, s’mores are a must at any seasonal gathering. Skip the mess by creating little s’more cups from recycled berry containers. Place a napkin at the bottom of each to help with sticky fingers and melted chocolate.
Thank You Tags
Gratitude is priceless. Thank your guests with adorable DIY tags you can attach to goggles, pool toys, or snack baggies. Try a cute pun phrase like “Thanks for making a splash at my party” or opt for a personalized message.
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