Hosting a Swim Party for Kids
Hosting a swim party for kids is a fun and inexpensive party option, especially if you are lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, or have access to a pool. Whether it is a birthday party or a gathering for your child's sports team, a swim party only requires adult supervision, bathing suits and towels. Adding a few extra touches will ensure that kids have fun in the sun at the swim party!
Swim Party Essentials
Safety is the most important thing to consider when hosting a swim party for kids. Make sure you have substantial adult supervision at all times. Asking parents to stay for the party will guarantee that enough eyes are on the kids while they enjoy the pool. Ask guests to provide their own towels for the party, but still have some extras on hand just in case anyone forgets. Serve some light refreshments throughout the party, saving a heavy lunch or dinner for the end since you do not want kids to swim on a full stomach. For example, simple plastic bowls of pretzels, chips and candy will tide swimmers over until pizza or hot dogs and hamburgers are served later on. It is always wise to provide healthy alternatives as well such as cut up veggies or fruit and a salad option. Make sure that cold beverages area available at all times, especially if it is a hot day. Also, it is a good idea to put out a few bottles of sunscreen so that it can be reapplied to the little pool partiers throughout the day. Easy access to a bathroom and changing area is also key. Place rugs on slippery floors to avoid falls, which are all too easy with little wet feet.
Fun Enhancements
Stock the pool area with floating rafts, toys, and squirt guns. Make sure there is enough for everyone to choose something. Play music, just not too loud so that if a child needs help, adults are able to hear him. A luau theme works perfectly for a pool party, so if you have or can find them, inflate some plastic palm trees, and organize a limbo contest. When guests arrive, invite them to decorate plain white beach towels, t-shirts or flip flops with fabric or waterproof markers. These make for perfect party favors for kids to take home. Hand out bubbles for kids to blow, and plastic sunglasses, which also double as party souvenirs.
Games
If children are old enough, organize a diving contest or simple relay race. Younger children will enjoy a rubber duck race. Each child gets a rubber duck that they have to nudge along with their nose to the finish line. Hand out one flip-flop to each child after hiding its match in the yard; kids have to complete their pair. Dump ice cubes in the pool and ask the children to "rescue" as many as possible to the side of the pool before they melt.
Finishing Touches
Provide plastic bags for kids to take home wet suits and towels. Parents will really appreciate this gesture! Serve a cake shaped like a flip flop, fish or pool. As night falls, lights some Tiki Torches - just make sure to remind younger children not to touch them!
