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Awesome Pool Party Ideas for Kids:

Whether you’re a family with your own pool at home, or one with a winter-birthday kiddo and a nearby hotel, there’s nothing more fun for little ones than a birthday party at the pool. Planning the perfect pool party for your little one is, in some ways, just like planning other kids’ parties. And although there are a few extra safety considerations with a water-based party, a pool party also has added benefits.

Here are some ideas to get your pool-party-fun creative juices flowing!

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Pool Party Fun for Kids: Planning the Perfect Kids’ Pool Party

1. Choosing a Pool Party Location

As with any birthday party you plan for your children, the first step is figuring out when and where you’re going to hold the party. For pool parties, each option has its pros and cons.

A. Having a Private Pool Party at Home

If you have your own pool at home, or access to a relative’s pool for your party, this is a no-brainer, as long as you think things through:

Pros: There is no rental cost for using your own pool, and you have complete control over the setting. This can make for a very affordable pool party – as well as a more private one, since there will be no outside guests present. There are no rules about what foods, favors, decor, etc. you can bring in, so the party is fully customizable to whatever you want. Also, there is no time limit.

Cons: However, hosting your own pool party at home puts the burden of keeping all your guests safe clearly on you. Keep in mind that you’re liable for any accidents that may happen. For this reason, I recommend having several extra grownups on hand throughout the party.

Make sure you go over the rules with all your guests as they arrive, and have safety signs clearly posted. Especially if your guests will be small children, you might also consider hiring a local teen with lifeguard certifications to be on duty at your party.

B. Pool Parties at a Public or Semiprivate Outdoor Pool

If you have a membership at a public community pool, have access to a public pool with daily rates, or have access to a pool through a private club, this can also be an attractive option for your child’s pool party, as long as you do your homework ahead of time.

Pros: If you’ve already paid a membership fee, at least some of your entry costs will be covered already. This can make your party more affordable than booking a party at an indoor pool location such as a hotel or rec center. You may also have more flexibility in bringing in your own food, pool toys (e.g., diving toys), etc. There may also be a lifeguard on duty.

Cons: Be sure you thoroughly vet the rules and regulations of your venue ahead of time. Find out how much each guest’s entry fee will cost, whether outside food is allowed, and whether there will be lifeguards on duty; if no lifeguards, make sure you have plenty of adults to help monitor your guests’ safety in the water. Also, will you have access to a table or pavilion for eating, and is there a separate rental or reservation cost? And what is your backup plan in case of inclement weather? Finally, keep in mind that you’ll be sharing the pool space with other patrons.

C. An Indoor or Hotel Pool Near You

Indoor pools, whether at a rec center/fitness center or a nearby hotel, give you the flexibility of hosting a pool party regardless of the season or outdoor weather. Because these locations usually offer standard pool party packages, this often means that for a flat fee, you’ll have most of the work done for you.

Pros: There will almost certainly be lifeguards on duty (but check this ahead of time!), as well as a dedicated party room for your guests to use. The site may also have several pre-set theme packages to choose from for decorations and plates, and will take care of setup and cleanup for you. And the attractions of hotel pools that rent out for parties, such as special water features, are totally worth it, especially for younger kids like my niece Sam and her pre-K friends.

Cons: While these are the easiest locations in terms of minimal work for you, they’re also likely to be the costliest (and, when your guests are in the water at least, the most crowded). Also, because these sites will likely have fixed packages ready to go, you may have less freedom in choosing a theme, bringing in your own special food choices, etc.

2. Choosing an Epic Pool Party Theme

One of the BEST parts about having a pool party for your child’s birthday is that most of the hard work – planning the theme and activities – is already done for you! Having a pool to entertain your guests is like hitting the “easy” button on a lot of the mental work.

Beyond that, take into consideration your guests’ ages and interests (as well as those of your child) when thinking about a theme:

For example, having a mermaid-themed birthday party, like the one my brother Evan threw for his daughter Sam last Friday, is among the easiest birthday party ideas for a 5 year old girl you can get.
If you’re using an indoor hotel pool for your party, the venue’s water features may suggest a theme. Many indoor pools that rent out for parties include floating islands or other features that might give you ideas for a theme; the hotel may already have several themed packages to choose from.
Pool party ideas for tweens and teens of mixed genders might include lots of games, or activities like diving for submersible toys. For tween or teen girls, a day of lounging by the pool with takeout pizza might be just what they crave.

**3. The Best Pool Party Favors**

While your location and theme may help determine what sorts of favors you’d like, there’s nothing like custom favors for your kid’s epic pool party. (Or for your organization’s pool party, that pool-included work retreat for your company, or pretty much any other occasion!) Having custom branded pool-themed floats and related favors will not only make your child’s special day memorable, but will also make a meaningful gift that attendees can use whenever they’re near the water again.

Imagine how delighted your child’s friends will be when they each receive their own well-designed custom pool floats for advertising the special occasion, whether it’s a 5th birthday party or a sweet sixteen party! Custom-designing your own floating mattresses, inner tubes, or beach balls with a photo, a child’s artwork, or your own unique eye-catching graphics, is a fabulous way to celebrate your child AND make a memorable day even more special.

Because custom floats are uniquely designed by you, they are not just floats but intriguing pieces of decor that highlight your little one’s milestone event in an unforgettable way. These floats become conversation starters, grabbing attention with their bright colors and distinct shapes. When guests see your event prominently displayed in fun, creative ways, it adds a new level of engagement and pool party fun that regular floats can’t match.

Safety features such as sturdy handles or strong materials also provide your young guests with a secure experience. Custom inflatables create an engaging atmosphere that stands out. And best of all, these customized items are more affordable than you might think!

Your turn:

Have you ever held a pool party for one of your kids, whether for a birthday or some other special occasion? What was the best part of celebrating that milestone poolside? Let us know in the comments!

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