Sun, splash, and good vibes. That’s what summer is all about!
That’s why a pool party is the ultimate go-to. The best summer pool party ideas aren’t just about the water either. They’re about laughs, food, and those little details that make the day feel unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning something simple or going all out, get ready to turn your backyard or neighborhood pool into the place everyone wants to be!
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Summer Pool Games
First, take advantage of the water games, free printables, and low-cost resources for these pool party ideas. You’ll be creating sweet memories in no time!
1. Water Telephone
Supplies: None
How to play: Kids who don’t swim in deep water can participate in this pool game by dipping their faces in to hear the message. Choose one person to relay the telephone game message (usually one or two words). Then the “guesser” goes underwater with the messenger and tries to guess what they’re saying.
2. Shark Attack
Supplies: None
How to play: One player is the shark and stays in the middle. Other players try to swim across without getting tagged. If tagged, they become sharks too!
3. Airball
Supplies: Beach ball
How to play:
- The goal of this game is to keep the ball from touching the water. You can pass it to other players or go around in a circle.
- Count out loud how many times the ball is caught.
- When the ball touches the water, the round is over, and you can try again to beat your score.
4. Red Light, Green Light: Pool Edition
Supplies: None
How to play: One player calls “green light” to let swimmers move forward and “red light” to make them freeze. First to reach the caller wins.
5. Water Balloon Toss (Pool Edition)
Supplies: Water balloons
How to play: Stand in the pool and toss a balloon back and forth, stepping farther apart each time. The last team with an unbroken balloon wins.
Make this game even harder by playing in the deep end of the pool. Don’t let your balloons drop or break!
See more awesome pool games for all ages >>
Things to Do Outside of the Pool
Now, not everyone loves the water, or you might have downtime when you need to be out of the pool (or sun). For this time, try out one of the super fun games!
6. 5 Second Rule Game Summer Edition
This Summer 5 Second Rule Game is a lively family game with quick thinking. Players must name three things in a category within 5 seconds.
Who can play? All ages! But beware, players may get tongue-tied, blurt out funny answers, and laugh a lot!
7. Free Summer Bingo
Fill up a row on these free printable Summer bingo cards. We used Gold Fish for playing, but candy, pom poms, and papers or erasers work too! For ultimate fun, play in a dry area or put them in page protectors before the party.
8. Family Feud Summer Edition
Summer Family Feud is a fun teamwork game that brings you together for a fun time! This version is a clean and appropriate family edition, so it’s perfect for kids and teens too. Play right on your device for free using the post or grab the screen-free version here.
9. Play Summer Trivia
This Summer trivia game tests players’ knowledge, from food to history and traditions. Questions can range from easy to challenging. It’s a fun way to compete and learn new facts.
Bonus Idea: Play an iconic summer movie
10. Summer This or That
Sun’s out, fun’s in! These Summer This or That questions spark laughs, debates, and plenty of good vibes. Get ready to make some tough summer choices—flip-flops or barefoot? Beach day or backyard BBQ? S’mores by the fire or ice cream on a cone?
11. Finish the Summer Song Lyrics
Looking for a fun, feel-good game that gets everyone laughing, singing, and soaking up summer vibes? Finish the Lyrics: Summer Song Edition is the perfect choice.
This easy, crowd-pleasing game is quick to set up, fun for all ages, and can be played competitively or just for laughs.
Fun Pool Party Food Ideas
Next, for a pool party, the real attraction is the water. So, the food needs to be easy to grab, low-mess, and fun enough that everyone will love it.
12. Slider Bar
A slider bar, complete with cheese, ripe off-the-vine summer tomatoes, and fun condiments? Absolutely! People will be showing up uninvited. Check out How Sweet Eats for more on how to build one.
You could also turn this into a Hot Dog bar!
13. Walking Tacos
Love the idea of tacos, but don’t like the mess? Use individual chip bags instead. Top them with fixings or let your guests decide on toppings. You won’t even need plates!
14. Pizza
It’s simple, familiar, and always a hit with kids and adults. You can get delivery or make your own simple flatbread. Either way, guests will be happy, and you won’t spend all your time cooking.
15. Chips and Dip Station
If you haven’t ever tried poolside dip, you’re missing out! This skinny version is a loaded veggie dip that is easy to make and seriously addictive! It’s a go-to dip for pool parties when people are on the move.
16. Popsicles or Ice Cream Sandwiches
As the party winds down, pull out a treat from the freezer. Everyone out of the pool will love cooling down with this!
Easy Summer Decor Ideas For Your Pool Party
And finally, these decoration ideas are adorable but EASY. Because let’s face it, pool parties are fast, wet, and a bit chaotic. Everyone will love these!
17. Hang a Colorful Sign and Balloons
Print this free printable banner so that everyone knows the party is happening here! Balloons are another cheap and easy way to brighten things up.
You can also pull out a chalkboard and write in fun colored chalk, “Pool Party.”
18. Pull Out The String Lights
Hang them around the pool or backyard for a cozy summer evening vibe.
19. Flip-Flop or Sunglasses Table Scatter
Decorate with sunglasses and clean flip-flops. It’s cheap, colorful, and instantly summery.
Some of your guests will appreciate extra umbrellas for shade, too! You can use them for decoration and necessity.
20. Set Up a Fun Drink Station
Decorate a table with signs, straws, and jars to create a cute focal point.
What’s Next?
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