Kids' birthday theme
A pool party birthday
Pool games, a water watcher, and towels on every chair.
Pool party invitations
Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.
Ideas for your pool party
Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.
Decor
- Pool floats and beach balls scattered on the lawn
- Striped towels on every chair
- A pool rules sign at the gate
- Blue and yellow balloons tied well away from the water
Food
- Pizza or hot dogs under the canopy
- Watermelon wedges from the cooler
- Ice pops straight from the freezer
- A water bottle for every guest
Games and activities
- Free swim with a water watcher on duty
- Dive for treasure rings in the shallow end
- Sponge bucket relay on the grass
- Decorate a foam sun visor in the shade
Cake
A bright blue sheet cake with a candy life ring and bear-shaped crackers lounging on paper umbrellas.
Favors
One small, useful or fun thing per child beats a bag of extras. How many to buy.
Colors
DeepBrightPopSoft
Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.
What to do and when
The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.
6 to 8 weeks out
- Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
- Set a budget and choose your big two
- Write the guest list
- Choose a theme together
- Lock in the location and a rain plan
- Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
4 to 6 weeks out
- Send the invitations
- Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
- Book rentals if you need them
- Order the cakeCake idea: A bright blue sheet cake with a candy life ring and bear-shaped crackers lounging on paper umbrellas.
- Ask helpers and give them roles
- Make one contact and confirmation list
2 to 3 weeks out
- Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Pool floats and beach balls scattered on the lawn
- Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Pizza or hot dogs under the canopy
- Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: Free swim with a water watcher on duty
- Follow up on RSVPs
- Build your one-stop shopping list
The week before
- Confirm every vendor
- Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
- Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
- Write the party-day schedule
- Send the final party note
The day before
- Pick up the cake and set up what you can
- Pack a party-day kit
- Charge devices and share the run sheet
- Make the final weather and space call
Party day
- Set up an hour before
- Run the party and finish on time
- Reset the space and check for left-behind items
After the party
- Share photos and settle any remaining balances
- Send thank-yous
- Save photos and notes for next year
- Leave a quick note for your future self
Party-day run of show
For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.
- Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
- Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
- Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
- Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
- Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
- Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
- Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.
Free pool party printables
Print at home on letter paper or card stock.
More kids' birthdays themes
