Summer parties are the best! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need an excuse to enjoy the pool, patio and lots of food, I’ve rounded up the best ideas to make it fun and easy.
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Every good party needs just two things: food and entertainment. The ideas below will help you plan a stress-free summer party for:
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- birthdays
- luau/cookout
- pool party
- and lots of other fun themed parties
Summer Parties
Summer party themes
You might not really need a theme for a summer party – usually “summer” is the theme. But if you’re hosting a kids’ birthday, with matching invitations, tableware, etc. then these are a lot of fun.
1. Flamingo Luau | Crafting in the Rain
Bright pink flamingos are a summer staple and mixed with tropical floral patterns, make a cute party theme. If it’s a pool party, stock up on flamingo-shaped floats.
2. Orange You Glad It’s Summer | Giggles Galore
This punny party theme is cute for celebrating the end of school. Even without the pun, it would be fun to choose a one-color party theme with food and decor to match.
3. Pastel Summer Birthday | Twelve on Main
Not all summer parties need to be bright and colorful. For a child who loves something a little more delicate and classy, this pastel party idea is precious.
4. LEGO Birthday Party | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Almost all kids love LEGO and this is a fun party idea for any time of year.
5. Picnic Party | All for the Boys
Set up a picnic area with blankets for guests to sit back and relax. Set up a food station to protect your snacks from ants and show a movie on an outdoor screen after dark.
Summer party food
Planning summer party food is pretty easy. You can throw some meat and veggies on the grill and mix up a few fruity cocktails. Dessert can be as simple as ice cream or popsicles.
6. Walking Tacos | Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
A build-your-own taco buffet is a fantastic party idea. Set out a variety of toppings and guests can make up their own plates. To make it less messy for kids, try these walking tacos, which are eaten right out of the Frito chip bag.
7. Lemon Bars |Tastes of Lizzy
Instead of cake or another heavy dessert, try these bright and cheerful lemon bars. They’re a mix of sweet and tart that’s easy to serve a crowd.
8. Easy and Fabulous Peach Tea | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Summer in Texas means tea and lots of it. This recipe is a simple variation made with canned peaches.
9. Pineapple Cocktail | Pizzazzerie
There’s something about a fruity cocktail that just screams vacation. Serve your adult guests a pineapple cocktail for a light and relaxing treat.
10. Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs | Delicious Meets Healthy
Grilled food recipes are usually quick to cook after a little prep before guests arrive. These kebabs are made with chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
Summer party games
The best party games have simple rules that can be learned on the fly. Our parties usually have a mix of kids, teens, and adults so a game that can be played by all is ideal.
11. Minute to Win It | Chica Circle
Minute to Win It games are quick challenges that are silly fun for all ages. These usually require everyday household items and test skills like balance and hand-eye coordination.
12. Color Fight | Dukes and Duchesses
A color fight is fantastically messy outdoor fun, kind of like paintball but much gentler. Make it part of a color-themed party or a stand-alone activity.
13. Summer Bingo | Busy Mom’s Helper
Summer parties usually mean outdoors, but if the weather is bad an indoor game is a good way to avoid the kids getting stir-crazy. This summer bingo is fun for a crowd.
14. Football Toss | Cherished Bliss
Make this DIY outdoor game ahead of time to add a little challenge to just tossing a ball back and forth.
15. Beach Ball Bowling | Polkadot Chair
This game requires a little setup with pool noodles but will be tons of fun for kids and adults. The large ball will make it easier for little kids to “win” and older kids will like being able to reset the Coke bottle pins.
Summer party activities
If you need some ideas for non-competitive things to do at a summer party, these activities are fun and creative.
16. Squirt Gun Tie Dye | 3 Little Greenwoods
Messy activities that are best done outdoors are fun for summer. Tie-dye tees are a classic, but this idea makes them easier by using squirt guns.
17. Paper Tube Hula Girl and Mermaid | Molly Moo Crafts
How sweet are these two paper tube crafts? Set up a craft station for guests to have a busy activity while waiting for everyone to arrive. Put out a mix of craft materials and let each child get creative.
18. Paper Pinwheels | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Make up a bunch of these ahead of time for decor or set up a place where guests can make their own. Use paper that matches your party theme, whether that’s patriotic, mermaids, or a simple color scheme.
19. Mini Piñata Party Favors | My Crazy Good Life
Rather than having guests whack a piñata for treats, set up a craft station so each person can make their own mini piñata to take home.
20. Scavenger Hunt | One Mama’s Daily Drama
Divide the kids into teams and give them the scavenger hunt list. This is perfect for a larger group of kids at a venue like a park, but could also be done in a big backyard.
Summer party printables
I don’t use printables for every party, but they’re always so cute it’s hard to resist. Printables can be found for everything from invitations and decor to activities and favors.
21. Summer Photo Booth Props | Kristen Duke
As my kids get older, it gets harder to take their photos. They love selfies, though, so setting up a photo booth means I’m sure to get some cute party pics.
22. Pineapple Favor Boxes | Persia Lou
These pineapple favor boxes would be cute with any tropical/summery party theme. Fill them with candy or other small trinkets for guests to take home.
23. Picnic Party Printables | Ashlee Marie
Set up a mini concession stand for your picnic party food with everything you need and these printable picnic food labels.
24. Popsicle Party Printables | Create Craft Love
Host a popsicle themed party or just set up a frozen treat station at your summer parties. This printable set includes a banner, invitations, and labels.
25. Neighborhood Block Party Invitation | Our Thrifty Ideas
Summer is the best time for a block party. Host a potluck and invite all your neighbors for a laid-back social with this cute door hanger invitation.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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