Everyone knows that a pool party is an enjoyable way to spend a special day, birthday, or family reunion, but it can also be a fun and educational back-to-school playdate for the under 3 set! August is a busy time of year as kids and parents prepare to head back to school. Those who don't get to go to school this year may feel left out. Take time to do something special for them by planning a toddler pool party!
Invitations
- Email- If you are hosting an informal play date inviting your guests by email is the way to go. Jazz up your invite with a cute poem such as, "Splish, splish, splash! We're having a pool bash!"
- Evite- Electronic invitations are a quick and easy way to let guests know of your pool party. Evite is a free website that has pool party templates you can add your information into or a blank template you can personalize.
- Create Your Own- If the party is a first birthday celebration or formal event paper invitations work best. Check your local Target or stationary store for pool party invitations you can fill out. If you are feeling crafty cut out water drops from blue construction paper and write, "Drop by for a pool party!" or "Splish, splash its baby's first birthday bash!" Include the party information at the top and send the drops out to all of your guests.
Food and Snacks
- Blue Food- Keep the food simple and healthy at a play date by serving an all blue feast! Fresh or frozen blueberries serve as a basis for all your treats. Choose handheld, poolside friendly food such as, mini-blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes and blue popsicles. If blueberries aren't a favorite at your house add an all-natural blue food coloring to any treat to achieve the blue water effect.
- Fish Cupcakes- In honor of your little fishy's 1st birthday serve goldfish cupcakes. Make a cupcakes using a mix and top with blue frosting. Buy rainbow-colored goldfish crackers to place on top and enjoy!
- Ice Cream Sundaes- At a family reunion or other multi-age event make-your-own ice cream sundaes are perfect. Fill condiment serving bowls with toppings and let everyone create their own.
Party Games and Activities
- Cups and Watering Cans- Babies and toddlers have the most fun with simple toys and activities. Put out plastic cups and mini watering cans for them to use to pour the water in and out of the pool. Tub toys such as rubber ducks, floating animals, water squirters and wind-up fish are also quite amusing.
- Splashing Games- Children at this stage learn through their senses, especially touch. Splashing in the water is always a hit! Make up silly songs and games to sing and act out with the kids so everyone can splash together. Try this song, "In the pool we splash, splash splash. Splash, splash, splash. Splash, splash, splash. In the pool we splash, splash splash and then we touch our nose."Sung to the tune of "Mary had a little lamb."
- Motorboat- Get into above-ground or in-ground pool with your child. Hold your baby or toddler securely and twirl them around in the water while singing, "Motorboat, motorboat go so fast. Motorboat, motorboat step on the gas!"
Remember safety is the most important thing at the pool. When hosting a pool party or play date for babies and toddlers you need to ensure there are enough adults and that all of the children are closely supervised in and around water. Then put on your bathing suit and have a splashing good time!
More birthday party ideas: ladybug picnic, a very buggy birthday, carnival party
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