November 2011
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If you want to throw your child a great birthday party, you can round up some games, a birthday cake and some friends. But if you want to plan a fun-filled day your child will really remember, try a party by the pool.
The warm sun and sparkling water provide the perfect backdrop for your birthday festivities. For summer birthdays, use the following ideas to host a poolside party with either a beach or an Olympic theme:
Transform your backyard
Luau theme: Turn your backyard into a tropical paradise by purchasing beach- and Hawaiian-inspired decorations, such as palm trees and tiki torches. You can also use beach towels as tablecloths, and decorate tables with flower necklaces and seashells that kids can take home with them. Don’t forget to play luau or island music in the background.
Olympic theme: This theme is great for older kids, and there are a wide variety of party supplies available that are perfect for the occasion, says Linda Kaye, owner of Linda Kaye’s Partymakers in New York City. Focus on the colors of the Olympic rings when purchasing paper products and balloons. You can also place tiki torches—resembling the iconic Olympic torch—around the pool deck. Kaye suggests playing the Olympic theme music to put kids in a competitive spirit.
Let the games begin
Luau: Bring out kids’ adventurous nature by playing a game in which children search the pool for “hidden treasure.” This can include pennies and nickels, water toys and goggles. For another party activity, set up a water volleyball net and have a friendly game using a beach ball. After the children are out of the water, let them take a whack at a palm tree- or fish-shaped piñata in the yard.
Olympic: Kaye suggests setting up lanes in the pool with pool noodles and holding a relay race. Kids can also have a splash contest, and you can give out plastic medals or other awards for the biggest splash. Poolside, use your garden hose to hold a game of limbo on the lawn or have a water balloon toss competition.
Serve up themed treats
Luau: Incorporate tropical flavors and bright colors into your child’s party by serving goldfish crackers and snack mix in beach pails. Or try the following recipe:
Mini Blue Gelatin Ocean Cups:
Kaye recommends this kid-tested favorite for any pool birthday party. Create mini aquariums for each party guest using small fish bowls, prepared blue gelatin, gummy fish and Skittles®.
- Prepare blue gelatin according to the package and pour the mixture into clear fish bowls (one per party guest). Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- When the liquid is cold, pour a few Skittles into the bottom of the bowl to create the look of ocean pebbles and place the bowl in the refrigerator to set completely.
- Prepare another batch of blue gelatin and allow it to cool but not set.
- Place gummy fish onto the set gelatin and pour the second batch of cooled gelatin into the bowls.
- Return the bowl to the refrigerator until party time.
Olympic: Keep your child’s competitive spirit high by serving food fit for an Olympic athlete. Energize party guests with healthy snack mixes and sports-themed food, such as hot dogs. Or try the following energizing drink:
Sports Drink Smoothie:
2 4-ounce containers of strawberry yogurt
2 cups of frozen strawberries
2 cups of frozen blueberries
2 cups of frozen cherries
4 cups of orange juice
2 cups of fruit punch-flavored sports drink
In a blender, combine all six ingredients and blend until smooth. Makes 8 servings.
Perfect party favors
Luau: Fill sand pails with colorful sunglasses, beach balls, gummy fish and other beach-related candies for each guest to take home.
Olympic: “Don’t forget to hold a closing ceremony with medals and ribbons for race and contest winners,” Kaye says. Also, fill reusable water bottles with candy and sports ribbons to give out as fun party favors.
Whether you choose to hold an Olympic-inspired athletic competition by the pool or turn your backyard into a tropical paradise with a beach-themed luau, make your child’s birthday party one they will never forget by celebrating poolside.
