Teen Swimming Pool Party Birthday Ideas

May 21, 2010
Janienne Jennrich

Teen Pool Party Toy - Photo by Anna Humphreys

Pool parties are popular with teenagers & good for summer teen birthdays. Planning a swimming party for teens is easy with fun ideas for decor & activities.

Teenagers and tweens love pool parties, whether held at home, a friend’s house, or a rented community pool. Swimming is a great activity for teen boys, teen girls, and some co-ed groups.

A teenage pool party doesn't necessarily need a lot of décor or pre-planning. For easy parties, a pool and swimming supplies may be enough. Teens and a swimming pool tend to become instant entertainment.

Theme Ideas for a Teen Pool Party

While a pool party does not really need a theme, giving a birthday party a central focus can be enjoyable for teens. A party theme pulls everything together, from the invitations and decorations to the cake and party favors. Some good swim party theme ideas include:

Beach balls or umbrellas
Tropical fish
Surfing
Seashells
Pirates
Flip flops
Hawaiian luau
Island paradise

Most of these themes have matching pre-printed party goods available at party stores (especially during spring and summer) and online. Some simple themes, such as a beach ball party, can be done inexpensively by using handmade or discount store items.

Solid color paper goods and party supplies are a good choice if a subtler look is preferred (for an older teen boy, for instance). Some cool summer color combinations include bright yellow and orange, royal and turquoise blue, or hot pink and teal. Dollar stores and party supply shops carry matching paper goods, plastic serving dishes, balloons, and accessories.

Teenage Swim Party Decoration Ideas

Flip flops (rubbery beach shoes) are popular with teens and make a cute pool party theme, especially for girls. An inexpensive way to decorate is to attach colorful new flip flops and balloon bunches near the entry or party area. Flip flops also make fun party favors.

Foam “noodle" pool toys come in bright colors and are a good value (about $1 to $5 each). Since they are bendable and about 6 feet long, pool noodles can be used in all sorts of ways as decor and then for pool play.

If a covered patio is near the pool, décor can be hung from beams. Homemade or purchased paper fish can “swim” through an ocean of green twisted "seaweed" streamers.

Beach towels make pretty table covers, banners, or extra seating on grassy areas. A few large towels can be hung to build a private area for changing out of wet swimsuits.

Food Ideas for Teenage Swimming Parties

Community pools will have their own rules about food and what items may be brought in. A party room may be available to set up in advance of the event.

Home pools often have a BBQ nearby. Hamburgers are always a hit, and are extra special with a lush condiments bar. Teens can make their own creations with a variety of cheeses, bacon, lettuce, and other toppings. Vegetarians or those with dietary issues can make salads or sandwiches.

Sliced apples and veggies with dip are easy for swimmers to grab without making a mess around the pool.

Drinks in a chest full of ice allow guests to dig for favorites. If pouring drinks, unbreakable cups will be needed in the pool area.

Dessert ideas include a theme decorated birthday cake and easy-to-serve individual ice cream bars.

Teen Pool Party Activities

Swimming will no doubt be the major activity of any party featuring a pool.
Disposable underwater cameras are a blast and create lasting memories.
With inner tubes and beach balls, keep-away and other games will happen naturally.
Poolside water-resistant board games are amusing during beaks.
For those with a larger budget, all sorts of party rentals are available, from extra chairs to outdoor games to party tents.

A Fast and Easy Birthday Party Theme

Birthday parties are great for teens to enjoy friends and celebrate. A swimming pool party is an easy theme to throw together quickly for teenagers, with many options for party favors, foods, activities and decor.