20 Epic Pool Party Ideas
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Summer is a time of favorites for us: beach days, deep orange sunsets, riding bikes, eating ice cream — the list goes on and on. But there's nothing we quite love more than an honest-to-goodness pool party. There's something about breaking out your favorite bathing suit and a snazzy pair of shades, grabbing a towel, a treat and maybe even a cocktail, and turning those tunes up to celebrate summer with your friends or family. While the everyday pool party is just as exciting today as it was when we were kids, there's always room for improvement. And nothing will make your splash-tastic bashes even more fun than our favorite pool party ideas that take excitement to the next level.
Looking for new ways to keep younger kids occupied? In need of a food refresh when the burgers and hot dogs simply aren't cutting it? Want some cute presentation ideas for snacks and s'mores? We've got you all covered right here.
Scroll ahead to see which DIY ideas you can incorporate into your yearly pool party to leave your guests gushing about it long after it's over.
Check out more of our fun pool ideas:
Best Pool Toys for Your Coolest Summer Ever | Best Swimming Pool Designs to Elevate Your Backyard | Best Inflatable Pools
DIY Cocktail Cart
You don't have to actually buy a cocktail cart to create one. Any elevated cart will do with the right bar essentials, glasses and, of course, drinks. Not only does a well-decorated cocktail cart add to the decor of any pool party, but it keeps all the back-and-forth trips to the house for refills at a minimum. Whip up a specialty drink in bulk and leave a pitcher of it on top at the centerpiece to your cart. You can do the same with lemonade for kids.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »
RELATED: Unique Bar Cart Ideas to Bring Personality to Your Space
Get Balloons Involved
Pool floats are a must, but to take the fun to the next level, blow up some colorful balloons, or even ones that spell out words. It'll be an incredible first impression, and make for an epic photo opt.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY»
Self-Serve Snack Bar
Set up this self-serve snack bar with easy-to-restock snacks, and let guests fill up cups or paper bags with their own personal mix. Don't forget the scoopers, though! No one wants wet hands from the pool creating a soggy mess of snacks!
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
Hang Mood Lighting
Backyard spotlights and lamps work fine for lighting purposes once the sun starts to set, but can be pretty harsh and ruin a cozy vibe you might be going for. String some hanging lights throughout the trees and around the perimeter of the pool and yard to create the ultimate ambiance once it starts getting dark out.
Create a Signature Cocktail or Mocktail
In 15 minutes or less, you can have the perfect summer drink, filled with fresh fruit. For a kid-friendly version, skip the prosecco and top it with sparkling water.
Get the Star-Spangled Spritzer recipe »
Invest in Big Inflatables
Playing around with giant pool inflatables never gets old, whether you're a kid or an adult! Of course, we can't be responsible if the fun gets out of hand and a float or two accidentally pops, but we can promise a bunch of giant inner tubes and flamingo, dinosaur, unicorn and even food-themed inflatables will have all your guests in a fit of giggles.
Have a Taco Bar (or Any Food Bar Really!)
Food at a pool party can be tricky, especially if you're worried about feeling a LOT of people. A build-your-own taco bar (or rather a build-your-own-anything bar — wraps, ice cream, sandwich etc.) is a great way for every pool party guests to get exactly what they want to eat, plus you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time (for the most part) and set out when it's time to dig in. For the taco bar, grab soft and hard shells, provide some beef, chicken and rice bases and let folks go while with sauces, toppings and more!
Pool Accessories and Toys Chest
Set up a few baskets around the poll area full of underwater toys, bubbles, beach buckets, water guns, beach balls and more to add even more fun to an already splash-tastic day. And when it's treat time, set aside one of those beach buckets, fill it with ice and pop a bunch of popsicles in for easy serving.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
Plan Some On-Theme Games
Lawn games are a great way to keep kids entertained when they need a break from swimming. Put a spin on traditional games, like using pool floats and noodles for ring toss.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »
Set Up a Kid's Pool Area
Kids should always be monitored, but make it easier on the parents with a designated kiddie pool area for younger ones who might not be strong enough swimmers to tackle the big pool yet. As always, make sure there's always at least one adult supervising when children are swimming.
Host a Backyard BBQ
When in doubt, go with the expected. Pool parties and backyard BBQs practically go hand in hand. Get the grill going and throw on some steaks, chicken, veggies, kabobs and more that'll leave every party guest eagerly reaching for seconds. Need some new ideas? Check out our favorite grilling recipes below!
RELATED: Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP
Create a Poolside Towel Caddy
There's nothing worse than someone forgetting their towel and then, ironically, coming into the house dripping wet to ask you for one. And while we're more than happy to accommodate any guests, our floors don't appreciate the mess! To easily avoid, set aside a towel caddy with extras easily in reach of the pool and/or hot tub. Although, fair warning — we can't promise a few folks won't end up wandering home with one or two of them.
RELATED: Best Beach Towels for Summer
Turn the Pool Party into Movie Night
The pool party doesn't have to stop just because the sun has s disappeared. In fact, make it even more entertaining by turning it into a movie screening, with snacks (popcorn and candy bar, anyone?) and plush pool floats perfect for prime seating. Invest in a blow-up movie screen, or go at it the old-fashioned way with a giant white sheet and some clips. The only question now — what are we watching?
RELATED: Movie Night Ideas to Jazz Up Your At-Home Viewing Experience
Invest in Fun Cups
How adorable are these watermelon cups? You can also get them in a pineapple shape. The best part is, they also act as a little favor for guests.
Build Your Own S'mores bar
How can you enjoy warm weather without a nice gooey s'more? With this tutorial, you don't need a full-fledged bonfire to create marshmallow and chocolate treats — it uses a canned sterno! Set up a little station of roasting sticks, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers — and of course some more unique add-ins like Reese's Cups, cookies and cream chocolate bars and even fruit — and ready, set, roast.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
Use a Watermelon Whale Fruitbowl as a Centerpiece
Don't let it scare you — this watermelon whale fruit centerpiece can easily be created by the average Joe. With the tutorial at Woman's Day, you can create a truly stunning (and delicious) table centerpiece that also acts as the perfect pool party snack.
Get the tutorial at Woman's Day »
Set Aside Sunscreen, Aloe and Bug Spray Basket
The only thing that'll ruin the great mood both you and your guest will have after a great pool party? Skin that's sore from sunburn or itchy from bug bites. Make sure everyone has access to the basics by putting out a basket of sunscreen (be aware some folks need higher SPFs than others), some aloe (for those who still might not be able to beat a few rays) and of course bug spray to keep the pesky bugs and mosquitos away.
RELATED: Best Sunscreens, Tested by Scientists
Create the Ultimate Oasis
Some lawn chairs and towels will technically do just fine to provide extra seating, but if you really want to bring a sense of rest and relaxation to the party, set up an area with beachy pillows and blankets that guests can rest on in the shade.
Say Hello to a Snow Cone
We touched on the topic of food bars earlier, but for dessert, snow cones are the nostalgic sweet treat that's much easier to serve up than ice cream. Compared to pints of ice cream, toppings, syrups and more, all you need is some shaved ice, syrup, cups and a spoon — all of which come in most snow cone kits. Talk about easy-peasy!
Inflatable Pool Cooler
Keep the pool party theme in full swing by using a mini inflatable pool as your cooler. Fill it up with lots of ice, stock it with your favorite drinks and set it aside in the shade to keep drinks ice cold all day long.
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