Introduction and Party Invitations

Are you looking for a great way to celebrate a summer birthday? Or perhaps your child's big day falls during the winter and he or she wants to escape the cold for a little while. Whatever the reason or season, a beach-themed bash or pool party is always a big hit with kids.

Don't worry if you don't live near the beach or have a pool in your yard. You can still throw a pool party by reserving time at a community pool or local swim club. Even better, with the right decorations, food, and activities you can plan a rockin' beach party at home any time of the year. This is a wonderful idea for kids with birthdays in the middle of winter: a perfect little taste of summer during the coldest time of the year.

Ready to hang ten? Read on for more pool and beach party how-to’s.

Decide on a Location

The first decision you need to make is what form your child's birthday bash will take. Here are some options:

• A swimming party around your backyard pool
• A swimming party at a local pool (outdoors in warm weather; indoors in cold weather)
• An outdoor beach bash without a pool, but with a sprinkler and water toys
• An indoor beach-themed party that evokes sand and sea

Safety First

Children always need supervision, but especially when they are around water. Ask the parents of young guests to stick around to keep an eye on their child, or arrange for other adults to help chaperone. If you are hosting the party at home with your own pool, you may want to consider hiring a lifeguard during the party for added pool safety.

Sea-Worthy Invitations

Your party invitations are a great way to alert guests to your pool or beach theme. You can purchase ready-made invitations and fill in the details, or you can make your own custom invitations by cutting card stock or poster board into sand- and sea-themed shapes. Some possibilities:

• Inner tubes
• Fish
• Sunglasses
• The sun
• A wave
• A beach ball
• A surf board

Alternatively, create Beach Ball Invitations. Buy small, inexpensive beach balls, write the party details on each ball with a permanent marker, and mail them to each guest in a padded envelope. Have the guests bring the ball to the party.

In your invitation, ask the guests to wear their bathing suits and cover-ups (or under their warm clothes if it is winter), and bring a change of clothes, beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats; alternatively, you can provide these items for all the guests.