Make A Splash with a Water Birthday Party

A summer birthday party can be one of the best parts of the summer months. With summer vacation comes so many activities and a great time to throw a blowout party. Especially as the temperature rises, it's the perfect time of year to throw an easy and inexpensive water-themed party.

Throw a Pool Party

Water party games are awesome. If you have your party in a pool, make sure guests are properly attired with safety gear. In the case of young swimmers, it may be a good idea to ask their parents to stay and help them in the water.

Pool games like Marco Polo or diving hide and seek are great. The good news is that it may not be necessary. Kids love to play in the water and need little in the way of entertainment. There is a great bonus for parents of hosting a party at a neighborhood pool. You and all the moms get to enjoy the sun and of course a little gossip!

No Pool? No Problem

Water balloons are a must if you don't have access to a public or private pool. Be sure to start filling them a few days in advance, and keep them in a place where they won’t break; buckets or coolers are a great idea. Have extras on hand so you can restock if needed.

Water balloons don’t last nearly as long as you’d think so make an amount that you think is overkill – then double it! Game ideas include a good old-fashioned water fight, the balloon toss, or the sit-and-squish relay. Today they sell biodegradable water balloons so you don't have to worry about finding all the little bits of balloons.

In addition to water balloons, you can also purchase a Slip ‘n' Slide or create your own. Your at-home sprinkler can be a great option as well. The local dollar store will stock a wide array of squirt bottles that, in some cases, work even better than an inexpensive water pistol. Have a squirt bottle for each kid and let them run wild. Add some simple food coloring for truly a colorful party!

Decorations & Food Can Enhance the Aquatic Theme

Since this party will be outside there is very little decoration needed! A few items that aren’t décor, but will add to the success of your party are extra towels and sunscreen. Your consideration will be appreciated. If the party runs into the evening some tiki torches and bug spray might also be in good taste.

Fun summer treats are the best. Make sure each guest gets an ice cream cone or ice cream sandwich and you are done. If you want to get fancy add a BBQ complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and of course birthday cake. It is simple food, but fun and theme appropriate.

Always Keep Safety in Mind

Everyone loves the water. One of the best things about having a water party for older kids is that there is even less for mom and dad to do. Help them to organize and purchase the supplies, but they can spend an afternoon filling the water balloons instead of you!

Younger kids will need more direction and organized games. But older kids are good to go all you need to do is add water. For a rockin’ summer party, all you need to do is add water. Just remember that the age limit will be around 12-13. After that, good luck seeing your kids at all during the summer!