Longer days. Beautiful sunshine. Warm weather. If your kid is lucky enough to have a birthday during the warm months of the year, it’s the perfect opportunity for a pool birthday party for kids. They can splash, relax, and enjoy a great birthday celebration.

If you’ve never hosted a pool party before, we’ve got 10 tips you need to read for planning a great pool birthday party.

1. Adults on observation duty 

No one wants bumps or bruises during a birthday party. Make sure there is always an adult or two near the pool to keep an eye on the party guests, especially if they’re young. It also never hurts to have a few pool rules, like no running, diving, or horseplay. 

2. Extra sunscreen for everyone

Even if your guests arrive slathered in sunblock, there’s a good chance they’ll need to reapply at least once if the party is long or they’re constantly getting in and out of the pool. Keep a big supply near the party area. Adults might need it, too. 

3. Pool-themed decorations

Mermaids, pirates, beaches, and watermelons are fun birthday party themes for the hot days of summer. Look for matching pool floats, streamers, and summer game accessories for a fantastic party experience. You could also stock up on themed sunglasses, towels, and pool toys.

4. Enjoyable non-pool options

Almost everyone loves a birthday party, but not everyone loves swimming or getting wet. Have a few non-pool options like a sprinkler or water balloons. It’s nice to have non-water options, too, like lawn sports or chairs for lounging. 

5. Shady spots for cooling off

If you’re okay with dripping wet kids or teens in your house, by all means, let them inside to cool off. Otherwise, set up some umbrellas or use trees as natural shade for tables and chairs. Guests will appreciate a break from the sun.

Don’t forget extra towels too!

6. Yummy snacks and water 

Playing in the swimming pool and lounging in the sun can make your guests thirsty. Provide plenty of cool, refreshing drinks and snacks, like electrolyte drinks, fresh fruit, and frozen treats. If the party is long or during mealtime, a BBQ is the perfect complement to a pool party and will keep guests full and happy.

Need a birthday cake? Check out these creative birthday cake recipes for kids that even the most inexperienced baker can pull off.

7. Pool party accessories and games

It’s not a kid’s birthday party without fun and games. Fill your pool with inflatables, noodles, and toys to keep everyone entertained in the water. If you have room, you can put up a net for water volleyball or hang a basketball net near the pool for a friendly pool party competition.

Here are some pool games to try out:

Marco Polo: A classic pool game where one person closes their eyes and tries to tag others by calling out “Marco” while the other players respond with “Polo.” The blindfolded player must use their hearing to locate the other players.

Pool Noodle Jousting: Kids can use pool noodles as “jousting sticks” and try to knock each other off inflatable pool floats or balance beams. The goal is to stay on your float or beam while trying to knock others off.

Water Balloon Toss: Divide kids into pairs and have them stand facing each other, a short distance apart. They should toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The team that can throw the balloon the farthest without it breaking wins.

Treasure Hunt: Throw various pool toys and floating objects into the pool. Divide the kids into teams and provide them with clues or a treasure map. They have to find and collect the items within a time limit. The team with the most items wins.

Dolphin Races: Kids can imitate dolphins by swimming and racing from one end of the pool to the other. You can time each race or have them compete in heats. Provide prizes for the fastest swimmers or offer participation certificates for all participants.

Water Limbo: Set up a limbo stick or a pool noodle horizontally, and have kids take turns trying to pass under it without touching the stick or falling into the water. Gradually lower the stick after each round. The player who can go the lowest without touching the stick wins.

Sponge Relay: Divide the kids into teams. Set up two buckets at one end of the pool and place a sponge in each bucket. The first player from each team dips their sponge into the water and then races to squeeze it out into an empty bucket at the other end. They then pass the sponge to the next player in line. The team that fills their empty bucket first wins.

Water Balloon Piñata: Hang water balloons from a tree branch or a poolside structure using string. Blindfold the kids one at a time and give them a plastic bat to try and break the water balloons. Make sure to stand clear of the swinging bat for safety. The child who breaks the most water balloons wins.

These pool party games should provide hours of fun and entertainment for kids at your pool party!

8. Birthday party traditions

Don’t focus so much on the pool that you forget it’s a birthday party. Set aside a time and place so the guests can dry off and enjoy cake and presents. If the guests ask for gift ideas, have them create a birthday wishlist on giftster.com, so there’s no guesswork needed.

Happy splashing!