Summer is finally here and now it’s time for the fun in the sun to begin!! Whether you are having a party at your own home pool or a shared pool, here is an easy checklist and tips to ensure that your pool party is a big splash with the kids and adults.
Pool Party Must-Haves
For a pool party, besides having an awesome swimming pool venue, many things are optional, but as the party host, the items below are must-haves for your guests!
Swim Clothes. Now unless you plan on skinny dipping (which also might be fun), make sure everyone remembers to bring their swim clothes. Try to have some of your child’s extra swim shorts/suits available for guests that may have forgotten to bring their own, or in case of a wardrobe malfunction.
Sunblock. Make sure you have sunblock available for your guests. Try to keep a spray sunblock and a lotion handy.
Towels. Ask friends to bring their own towels, but make sure you have some extras on standby in case someone forgets.
Lifeguard or parents to keep watch. Safety of the kids at your party is very important. Find out which kids are confident swimmers and able to swim in all depths. If a child attending your party is unable to swim, recommend that the parent get in the pool or watch, be responsible for them at all times. If all the kids are able to swim at your party, still make sure that you either engage a lifeguard to keep watch or have an assigned parent keep watch at allotted time slots.
Waterproof Bandages. Poolside scrapes & cuts are a common occurrence. Make sure to keep box of waterproof bandages handy.
Pool Games & Fun Stuff!
Swimming and splashing around in a pool can be fun on its own, but to make your pool party AWESOME, you will need to plan ahead and organize some fun activities. No need to break the bank, you can always ask your guests to bring some of the items from the list below to share.
Inflatable Floats. Try to get a variety of pool floats of different shapes and sizes. These can be loungers, floats you play on (like a whale or bike), or inflatable games (volleyball net, basketball ring, etc.).
Water Pistols & Blasters. The kids are already wet and a water soaker just adds a bit more fun.
Pool Bouncy or Water Slide. Many companies rent pool bouncy castle slides, alternatively you can always buy a cheap one online and reuse it year after year.
Snorkel & Goggles. These are good to have on hand especially if you are playing diving games!
Swimming Pool Toys. There are so many different pool toys to choose from. The usual favorites are inflatable balls, water rings, diving toys, swim noodles, flippers, etc.
Pool Games: You can organize a variety of pool games for the kids to play. Some of the popular games include Marco Polo, Diving for Rings, Treasure Hunt, Shark Attack, etc. Just look on the Internet and you can find tons of fun swimming pool games that require very little prep work on your part.
Yummy Poolside Food
Poolside party food does not need to be complicated! Since you will be outdoors in the sun, try to keep the food as simple as possible. It needs to be easy to eat & serve – remember that most kids will be wet. The food that you serve will depend on the time of your pool party – is it lunch, snack-time or dinner. Here are some ideas for what you can serve that are sure to be crowd pleasers.
- A variety of Chips & Dips
- Veggie Platter
- Fruit Skewers
- Watermelon Wedges
- All kinds of finger foods
- Sandwiches
- Pizza
- Hot Dogs
- Burgers
- Satay
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Nuggets
- Noodles
- Pasta Salad
- Mixed Salads
- Mac & Cheese
- Corn on the Cob
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Popsicles
Super Pool Food Tips:
- BBQ food is always fun for a pool party. It also gives the adults something to do while the kids are playing. However, if this is too complicated- just don’t do it. You can always cater or make the food at home.
- You can always consider making it “pot-luck” style and have everyone bring a food item to share.
- Keep cooler full of ice to keep the food & drinks chilled (especially on a hot day).
- Make sure the food you serve can withstand the heat and sit outdoors for a long period of time, otherwise find an alternate food to serve or a way to keep it chilled.
- Keep a few extra bags of chips handy in case food starts running low. The kids will work-up an appetite after they swim.
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Hope you have an awesome splish-splashing party!
-xoxo-
SuperMommy
