Top 5 Pool Party Activities and Games
Beat the heat and make a splash this summer with exciting pool party activities and games for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're lounging on an inflatable raft or showing off your best cannonball, there’s something for every mood, relaxation or high-energy.
Turn your pool into the ultimate summer hotspot with a mix of refreshing entertainment. With decades of experience delivering professional poolside fun nationwide, we’ve got the best ideas to make your pool party for adults, teens, or kids unforgettable.
1. Poolside Movie Party
A poolside movie night is an unforgettable experience, one that combines the magic of cinema with the relaxing ambiance of the pool in the evening. It’s no wonder this has become a signature offering of ours and a favorite way to unwind under the stars.
We transform your pool area into an open-air theater with state-of-the-art equipment, delivering the full cinematic experience right to your backyard. With crystal-clear projection and immersive surround sound, we rival even the best movie theaters. Except here, you can float on a raft or lounge poolside while enjoying the show.
Where Can I Rent an Outdoor Movie Screen?
Available nearly anywhere in the U.S., we bring the silver screen to you, making every movie night a special event. Dive into the ultimate blend of relaxation and entertainment with a poolside cinema experience like no other.
Summer Pool Party Movie Ideas
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2. Bring on the Water War
Turn your backyard into an epic battlefield with a high-energy water war, one of the most exciting pool party activities to beat the summer heat. Perfect for a pool party for teenagers, this game combines strategy, teamwork, and tons of refreshing fun.
Prep for battle and stock up on water balloons and an arsenal of water guns, from high-powered blasters to quick-draw pistols. Split into teams, claim your territories, and let the drenching begin! The air will buzz with laughter, shouts, and the thrill of competition as everyone gets soaked.
Whether you’re planning pool party activities for family fun or a pool party for teenagers craving adventure, a water war guarantees unforgettable memories. So rally your crew, gear up, and dive into the ultimate aquatic showdown, right in your own backyard!
3. Throw a BBQ Cookout
Nothing says summer like sizzling burgers on the grill and the sound of splashing water. A BBQ cookout is the perfect addition to your family pool party ideas, offering delicious homemade food that guests of all ages will love. Fire up the grill and make sure to cook plenty, because nothing brings people together like great food and fun in the sun.
No backyard BBQ? No problem! Many parks have grills available for public use. Just bring your own coals, fire starter, and lighter. Before you go, check the park’s rules on hours, charcoal use, and alcohol policies to keep the day hassle-free.
Pair your BBQ with classic pool games, refreshing drinks, and plenty of sunshine, and you’ve got the ultimate family pool party ideas that’ll make this summer unforgettable.
Spicy Hawaiian Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 4 slices pepperjack cheese
- 1 cup pineapple - finely diced and well drained of excess juices
- 1 jalapeno - finely diced
- 1/4 onion - finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 4 bacon strips - cooked til near-crisp
- 1 cup hawaiian bbq sauce - see below for recipe
- 4 hamburger buns
Hawaiian Hamburger Sauce
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Hamburger Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Farmers Market Summer Veggie Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta noodles
- 1 medium zucchini - or 2 small, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow squash - or 2 small, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes - or heirloom tomatoes
- 2 ears of corn
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper - to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - optional
- handful of fresh basil and/or arugula
- ½ cup gorgonzola cheese - or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto - optional
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts - cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper - chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper - chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped onion - (I used ½ white onion, ½ red onion)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 4 tablespoons greek yogurt - (may sub sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup sweet red chili sauce - (found in the Asian section at most grocery stores)
- ½ teaspoon sriracha - (a hot red chili garlic sauce found in the Asian section at most grocery stores)
- 1 teaspoon honey
4. Play Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a timeless pool game that's entertained swimmers for generations. With simple rules and endless fun, it’s a classic for pool party activities and perfect for turning any swim day into excitement for the whole family.
One player takes on the role of "Marco,” blindfolded or with eyes closed, while the others become "Polos." The game begins when Marco shouts "Marco!", and the Polos must respond with "Polo!" Using only their hearing, Marco tries to tag a Polo, who then becomes the next Marco. The thrill of the chase, the laughter, and the splashes make this a must-play for any family pool party.
Watch as your kids dive into hours of laughter and friendly competition with this classic aquatic hide-and-seek!
5. Slide into Summer
Dive into summer fun with the thrill of water slides! Watch the kids light up with excitement as they race down the slippery slopes again and again. A towering water slide will wow your guests the moment they arrive, setting the tone for an unforgettable summer pool party.
For a budget-friendly alternative, a classic slip-n-slide delivers just as much laughter. Let your guests compete in slippery races for some friendly competition.
Safety tip: Always supervise little ones (wet surfaces can get risky!), and set up your slide on grass instead of hard surfaces to cushion any tumbles.
Pool Party Activities for Kids
- Diving for Pool Toys
- Swimming Lessons
- Pool Safari Ride
- Marco Polo
- Scavenger Hunt
Pool Party Activities for Teenagers
- Cannonball Competition
- Water War
- Video Game Party by the Pool
- King of the Hill - Noodle Jousting
- Chicken Fights
Pool Party Activities for Adults
- Water Basketball
- Luau BBQ Potluck
- Poolside Karaoke Night
- Beer Pong Tournament
- Synchronized Swimming Challenge
How to Throw a Family Pool Party
Choose a Location
To begin planning your family pool party, start by choosing the best location. When deciding on a location, be aware of the expected crowd size. There should be enough room for your guests to be comfortable.
The comfort of your guests should be your highest priority in order to ensure a good time. Keep in mind the space that would be taken up by tables, chairs, or an inflatable movie screen.
If you plan on having your party at a pool that is not your own, be sure to ask for the owner's permission beforehand. There should be a nearby power source sufficient for powering our rental screens if you plan on renting.
Pick a Date and Time
Plan your party at least a month in advance. This gives you plenty of time to think ahead and invite your guests. More guests will likely show up if they know about the party several weeks beforehand.
When choosing a date, consider having your party on a Friday or Saturday evening. Parents tend to be off work and most free during that time, maximizing your chances of guest arrival.
Not only should you make sure that your party date works for your guests, but you should also make sure that it works for you. Plan ahead and be aware of the time you’ll have to spend setting up and cleaning up after the fun is done.
Choose a Family Pool Party Theme
Every party needs a theme to tie it all together. For a family pool party, some fun theme ideas may include under the sea, Hawaiian luau, pirate adventure, or tiki lounge. When your party has a distinct theme identifiable by decorations, costumes, food, and choice of movie, it allows your guests to be more immersed in the fun.
Pick a Movie
When choosing the best movie to watch at your family pool party, be mindful of the age group attending and the theme of your event. If you have trouble deciding on a film, let your guests vote online. Social media polls are a great way to allow your guests to express what they want to watch most.
Send Your Family Pool Party Invitations
After you’ve finished planning your party, it's time to send out invitations. Make sure to have a clear note reminding attendees to bring bathing suits and towels.
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