Headin' to the Island!
Include a few inflatable palm trees, tiki torches and pineapple drinks...your guest will feel like they are hanging out poolside in the tropics!

POOL PARTY INVITATIONS
Send personalized invitations to match your theme. 
Or make your own using card stock paper.
Cut flip-flops, board shorts, or tropical flowers. 
Write..."Dive right in for a Fun Party!"
If hand delivery is possible...attach each invitation
to a small beach ball or container of sun block.

DECORATING FOR A POOL PARTY
There isn't much additional decorating that needs to be done with a pool party. The standard, balloons, streamers, beach balls, or go with a tropical luau theme. Create whimsical  centerpiece with a Barbie and Ken in swimsuits. Tie balloons around their hands.

POOL PARTY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Rubber Duck Race
Using only their noses, players nudge a rubber duck from one end of the pool to the other.

Fun Floating
Race the clock to see which team can gather the most floating objects
from the pool; rubber ducks, bath toys, cut foam noodle pieces etc.

Ice Cube Race
Dived the children into pairs. One player will retrieve ice cubes out of the pool using only your feet and pass them to their team mate who is outside of the pool. 

Flip Flop Fantastic
Every child gets one flip flop sandal and has to search the yard for it's match. The pair is a prize to take home!

Limbo
Order this complete Limbo Kit with everything you need 
to play this traditional pool side game. click here to view

6' Bamboo Limbo Set
No luau is complete without a game of Limbo! How low can you go?

Relay Race
Divide the group into two teams
Equipment: 2 pairs of XL board shorts, 2 pairs of sunglasses 
2 Straw Hats ,2 Beach bags, 2 Beach chairs
Each team lines up in a row. Place chairs a reasonable running distance in front of each team or any distance your space will allow. The objects listed above are placed into the beach bags and located with each team. The first runners dress in ALL of the items, run to the chair, return and take all of the items off again. The next players continue until the entire team has had a turn. 

Bobbing for Flip-Flops
Fill a LARGE tub with water. Before the party, use a permanent
marker to write either a 1,2,or 3 on each flip flop and place them
into the tub of water. Create 3 corresponding prize bags
(grocery bags). Write 1,2,or 3 onto the bags and fill them
with candy bars, gum or other inexpensive items.
To play
Two players at a time hold their hands behind their backs and they must use their teeth to grab a flip-flop. They then collect a prize from the bag that matches the # on the one they "caught".

Pool party craft idea...

A flip-flop and sunglasses craft kit, from Birthday In a Box is an easy
craft addition to your party.

Squirt Gun Targets
Insert large plastic yard pinwheels into the ground.
Place an X on the ground a reasonable distance from the pinwheels.
Provide squirt guns or "super soakers". Players take turns standing
on the X and use the pinwheel as a target.

POOL BIRTHDAY PARTY FAVORS
Say "thanks for coming", with fun and unique party favors.
Add a Flip-flop decorating activity to the party and they'll have
a fun gift to take home. It's easy with inexpensive flip flops, ribbons,
silk flowers and / or beads. Use craft glue if necessary.
Our favorite pool party favor ideas are provide below:
A bottle of fun sun-screen, small beach ball and/or a squirt gun
and a few sweet treats. Place the items in a plastic sand pail.

Fill a plastic poolside cup with a lip sun block, bright colored candy
and plastic shaped ice cubes to use all through the summer!

A beach towel and sunglasses for each guest, will make a special party favor for smaller parties. However, it can be costly if your guest list is
larger than a few children.
 

Related Links:
Kids' Birthday Party Planning
The Big List of Party Themes
Luau Party
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