In planning a pool party for children, the main things to keep in mind are safety, food and activities. If possible, include kids in on the planning of the party. It makes them feel important and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also adds to the excitement for the upcoming party.
If the pool party is for a special occasion, be sure to send out invitations at least two weeks in advance. If planning on decorations, keep it simple. Unless having a theme party, bright, colored balloons tied around the pool area should suffice.
Pool Safety Rules When Having a Party with Kids
Above all else, safety needs to come first. Before allowing any children into the pool, be sure to go over all safety rules with them. Suggestions for these would be no running or shoving, no pushing anyone into the pool, no food or drinks in the pool, using life vests for children who need them, and sharing the pool toys.
What Kids Should Bring To a Pool Party
Unless planning to supply everything, it's okay to ask guests to bring a few things to the party. Request for them to bring towels and sunscreen. For children whose eyes are sensitive to pool chemicals, ask the parents to bring along some goggles. A child's fun can be ruined at a party if their eyes are stinging from the water.
Food at a Children's Pool Party
Keep the food simple and keep it in the shade as food can spoil quickly on a hot day. Finger sandwiches are usually a hit, along with fresh fruit such as watermelon or sliced bananas in a dairy whip. Although kids love potato chips, consider serving fish crackers instead. Keep a cooler full of bottled water and boxed juices. If serving alcohol for the adults, keep these beverages in a separate cooler with a label saying adults only.
Toys and Games For Pool Parties with Kids
Balls, throwing rings, and pool squirt toys are always a hit with kids. Children enjoy inflatable pool toys, but, caution needs to be taken that they don't obscure the sight of other children in the pool. Some games to consider are water volleyball and Marco Polo. Another game kids have a blast with is hot potato. Make a large water balloon and poke a hole in it. Children quickly throw the balloon back and forth, trying not to be the last person to hold the balloon when the water runs out.
Taking Pictures at a Kid's Pool Party
Purchase a few throw away, waterproof cameras. Encourage children to take turns snapping pictures at the party. Being that the cameras are waterproof, it doesn't matter if one accidentally ends up in the pool. In addition, kids can take the cameras into the pool and try to get some underwater shots.
Cleanup at a Summer Pool Party With Kids
Not many people enjoy cleaning up after a party. Here's a suggestion to make cleanup much easier. Turn it into a game with the kids. Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. During that time have the kids clean up. If all of the cleanup is done by the time the timer goes off, children get to have a popsicle. Kids will enjoy the challenge and parents won't have as much cleanup to do when the party ends.
Pool parties can be a great way to spend a summer's day with kids. Keep it safe and as parents, be sure to throw yourself into all of the fun.
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