Top 20 Fun Summer Pool Party Ideas for Kids (Even Without a Big Pool!) Leave a comment
When summer hits and the sun is blazing, there’s nothing better than a kid-friendly pool party to cool down and have some splashing fun! Whether you’ve got a large backyard or a cozy patio, you don’t need a fancy in-ground pool to throw an unforgettable party. As a busy mom of three, I know how important it is to plan something fun, easy, and affordable. So I’ve rounded up 20 awesome summer pool party ideas — complete with Amazon favorites, budget-friendly décor, and games kids will love.
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
🌞 1. Host a Splash Pad Party
Don’t have a pool? No worries! Sprinkler splash pads are a lifesaver.
🛒 Sprinkle Splash Pad – These are perfect for toddlers and younger kids who love running around in water. Set it up on the grass, and you’ve got an instant water wonderland.
Mom Tip: Pair with some water balloons or water guns for added fun!
- Non-Slip and Scratch Resistant: Fun summer toys, specially designed with a textured surface which could protect the kids…
- Thick and Durable: The sprinkler mat is made from thickened material, which is 0.55mm thick, thicker than other splash p…
- Safe and Fun: The splash pool uses PVC material which is friendly for humans and pets. Kids or babies could completely h…
🏖️ 2. Grab an Inflatable Pool
For smaller spaces, inflatable pools come in all shapes and sizes.
🛒 Family-Size Inflatable Pool with Seats – Spacious, sturdy, and easy to drain after the party.
🎉 Add floating toys and a couple of mini pool noodles for endless entertainment.
🎈 3. Budget-Friendly Pool Decorations
Turn your backyard into a beach paradise with these Amazon finds:
- 🛒 Tropical Palm Leaves and Balloons Set – Great for a luau theme!
- 🛒 Reusable Flamingo Pool Floats – Fun photo props and pool decor!
- 🛒 Beach Ball Garland – Easy and reusable!
Mom Hack: Use inexpensive plastic tablecloths as backdrops for your snack or activity stations!
🍉 4. Watermelon Pool Party Theme
Nothing screams summer like watermelons! Decorate with:
Serve real watermelon slices or watermelon-shaped cookies.
🎨 5. DIY Tie-Dye Swim Towels Station
Let kids create their own custom pool towels!
🛒 Tie-Dye Kit
🛒 White Cotton Towels in Bulk
Set up a dye station on the lawn and send kids home with their masterpiece!
💦 6. Water Balloon Piñata
Instead of candy, fill your piñata with colorful water balloons and let kids burst them for a cool surprise!
🛒 Quick-Fill Water Balloons
🛒 Durable Piñata Rope & Hook
🦈 7. Shark Attack Party Game
Float some toy sharks in the pool or tub and let kids “catch” them with nets.
🛒 Shark Toys Set + Nets
🛒 Floating Fishing Game
Great for all ages and keeps them moving!
🧊 8. Ice Block Treasure Hunt
Freeze small toys in ice cube trays and let kids chisel them out with toy hammers or spray bottles.
🛒 Mini Spray Bottles
🛒 Mini Dinosaur or Mermaid Toys
🍦 9. Ice Cream Float Bar
Let kids customize their own summer floats!
🛒 Cute Plastic Ice Cream Cups
🛒 Mini Soda Cans + Ice Cream Toppings
Keep it cool and delicious!
🎶 10. Dance and Splash Party
Bring a Bluetooth speaker, make a summer playlist, and let kids splash to the beat.
🛒 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
🛒 Color-Changing LED Pool Lights
Add bubbles for bonus excitement!
💦 11. Slip N’ Slide Madness
No pool? No problem! A slip n’ slide is always a win.
🛒 Extra Long Slip and Slide with Sprinklers
🎯 12. Sponge Tag Game
Wet sponges make the perfect water-friendly version of tag.
🛒 Bulk Colorful Sponges
Cut them into fun shapes for extra laughs.
🪣 13. Pool Noodle Races
Use pool noodles to create lanes in your inflatable pool and race floating rubber ducks.
🛒Extra Long Slip and Slide with Sprinklers
🛒 Flexible Pool Noodles
🎁 14. Party Favor Station
Set up a table where kids can grab their own party goodies.
Ideas:
- Sunglasses 🛒 Neon Kids Sunglasses Bulk Pack
- Bubbles 🛒 Bubble Wands Pack
- Swimsuit patches 🛒 Summer Iron-On Patches
🧁 15. Poolside Dessert Decorating
Kids love decorating their own cupcakes!
🛒 Dessert Decorating Kit for Kids
Include sprinkles, frosting tubes, and toppers!
🎥 16. Backyard Movie Night by the Pool
Set up a projector for a family-friendly flick after sunset.
🛒 Outdoor Movie Projector
🛒 Inflatable Screen
Let kids watch while drying off in beach towels!
🫧 17. Bubble Bonanza
Create a giant bubble station.
🛒 Giant Bubble Wand Kit
🛒 Non-Toxic Bubble Refill
💃 18. DIY Pool Party Photo Booth
Hang up streamers and props for Insta-worthy photos.
🛒 Summer Pool Party Photo Booth Kit
🛒 Tinsel Backdrop
🎲 19. Water-Themed Obstacle Course
Set up a mini course with water buckets, sprinkler hurdles, and towel “finish lines.”
🛒 Backyard Obstacle Course Kit
- Carnival Outdoor Games Combo Set: Still considering what carnival game to play? unanscre 3 in 1 Carnival Outdoor Games C…
- Suitable for Children and Adults: Multiple color discrimination and activity props not only let you and your kids enjoy …
- Multiple Game Combinations: 3 in 1 carnival games for kids party, Soft Plastic Cones Bean Bags Ring Toss can create mult…
🛟 20. “Rescue the Floaties” Game
Toss inflatable animals in the pool or splash pad and time the kids as they rescue them one by one!
🛒 Mini Inflatable Pool Animals
- Value Package: Great pool party decoration set includes 2 palm trees, 2 pink flamingo, 1 banana, 1 parrot and 4 beach ba…
- Premium Toys: These inflatable toys are made of premium thick plastic. Won’t break or leak air, have a smooth surface, b…
- Easy to Use: They could stayed inflated for a long time once blow them up. Ideal props that add fun to the atmosphere of…
🎉 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Pool to Make a Splash!
Being a busy mom doesn’t mean you can’t throw an epic party. With the right gear, budget-friendly decorations, and a dash of creativity, your summer bash can be just as fun (if not more!) than one with a big in-ground pool. So grab your Amazon faves, invite some neighborhood friends, and make this summer unforgettable for your kiddos — one splash at a time! 💦☀️
