How to Plan a Cool Summer Kids Beach Party

Planning a do-it-yourself children's beach party? Sun, sand, water, kids - the perfect recipe for summer fun. The nice thing about a beach party is it doesn't require access to a golden sandy beach or seashore. You can plan a kid's beach party for the backyard and not worry about cleaning up sand. It's also easy to keep the party budget small and easy on the pocket.

Guest List

Keep the guest list small. A general rule of thumb is: one guest per year of age of the hosting youngster. A seven year old child should have a maximum of seven guests. Ask parents to send a beach towel, sunscreen*, and a change of clothes with their children.

Invitations

Get your kids involved in the party by letting them design their own handmade invitations. Free beach theme printables that are unique can be found online at: www.simplifun.com/Printable-Birthday-Invitations-Childrens-Beach-Party.html

Party Favors

They can also help make party favors for guests. Buy some inexpensive cellophane bags, ribbons, and aquatic themed trinkets at a discount or dollar store. Use items like plastic seahorses, seashells, flip-flop key rings, and ocean colors like blue and white with a punch of neon colors for emphasis to make the beach party bags original and memorable.

Decorations

Creating an atmosphere for a beach party for kids is simple. Position a plastic kiddy pool in a shady location and fill with sand. Provide some pails, shovels, and sand toys, and watch the kids add the right touch of imagination.

Set up another pool in a sunny area, fill with water, and let the sun warm the water. Be sure to keep an eye on the pool to keep kids from playing in the water unsupervised.

Have toys like hula hoops, beach balls, and Frisbees ready for play. Beach towels work great when kids need a place to sit and rest or eat lunch.

Games & Activities

Games are fun, but optional. Have one or two planned, like hula hoop competitions or beach ball volleyball. Be flexible, and let the youngsters indulge in their own creative play. Kids have a sense of wonder and an eagerness to explore and discover things on their own. Self-paced activity combined with group games is a good balance.

Refreshments

Simple refreshments are best: hot dogs, pizza, or hamburgers with chips and a drink. Finish up with an icy cold, juicy watermelon or frosty ice cream. Just have the kids sit on a beach towel, and if they accidentally spill something, clean up is fast and easy. Some paper towels, plates, and cups are the only necessary supplies for this stage of the festivities.

Water Fun

Do water activities last to let the beach party kids cool off and wind down. Let half the group play in the pool, and half in a water sprinkler, and then alternate as needed. Parents can towel them off and have them change prior to leaving the party. Remember to give each guest a party favor bag as they depart.

Clean up

Clean up is a cinch! The kids who are waiting for rides can help gather up toys, fold beach towels, and pick up trash. Viola! Your kids beach party has been a fun in the sun success, and you have enjoyed it just as much as your guests.

*Some people prefer not to use sunscreen due to potential risks. Leave the decision to the parents.

Beach Party Supplies List - Print and use to help you stay organized.

• Guest List
• Invitations
• Party Favors
• Decorations
• Games
• Hula hoops, beach balls or other toys
• 2 kiddy pools
• Simple refreshments
• Sand
• Water and sand toys
• Beach towels