Looking for Suggestions for a 5 Year Old Pool Party

We have had several pool parties, lots of fun. Swimming is pretty much the entertainment so I wouldn't worry about much more. We had a volleyball net and some ride on motorized pool toys to play on (don't recommed those at all - we only had 2 and everyone wants to ride them and they go thru batteries way to quick). I bought beach balls & water guns and the kids were allowed to take those home as "gift bags". Definately, INSIST, don't request that the parents stay with their child!! At 5 y/o you shouldn't have too much of a problem with that. When the kids get older, to the point where parents no longer accompany them to b-day parties, we would hire a certified lifeguard anytime there was a get-together or party involving the pool.

I had a pool party for my son several years ago. The kids were infatuated with the pool and hanging out - no other activity required. I think it's fine to ask the parents to stay. I'm sure you can politely "invite" them as well. Just make sure that you have beverages and snacks appropriate for them. I've been to kids parties where parents were expected to stay and they only had juice for the kids! So offer some bottled water, soda, something for the adults and you'll all end up in the shade, watching the kids and chatting.

You should have the parents stay.

sounds like you have it covered! Definitely ask the parents to stay--note that it will be required on the invite, so there is no question. Maybe see if you can get an older teen or two to help you out. Bring extra sunblock and water for the parents. I wouldn't really plan any other activites as I am sure it will go by fast with swimming, eating, cake, and presents. Have fun!

hmmm, boy party/pool..........id say one of those floating basketball nets at academy

When my kids were 7, they had what I called a splash party at the end of the school year. I had a slip n slide, a small pool setup, and water balloons. Then we had sundaes. The kids would not have been interested in doing any other activity. And I totally agree with you to have an adult accompany the child. You could just word on the invite that you would like an adult to stay with the child. I don't see why there would be a problem.

My 8 year old attended a backyard pool party recently and the party favors were all things they used in the pool during the party. A water gun, a slingshot with 2 soft balls to shoot, and a water fight shield. During the party they divided into 2 teams and had a huge water fight in the pool. They also played Marco Polo, and she had two ride on inflatable pool toys that they did a relay race on. Not sure if you'd be able to do all of that at a community pool or not, but my son had a lot of fun and I thought the party favors being toys that were used during the party and also could be used at home were a great idea.

Good luck,
K.

I think that will be plenty of activity. Maybe just some balls that they can play catch with in the pool. Definitely state on the invitation that a parent is required to stay. I don't think too many people would be comfortable dropping their 5 year old off at a pool anyway.

My son has gone to many pool parties and in the time alotted for the party (2-3 hours) just doing swimming, cake, and presents is more than enough. Maybe bring snacks in case the kids get hungry like chips, pretzels, fruit. We go to a community pool and the other guests don't always appreciate the kids running around with water guns. Actually in our pool the lifeguards don't allow anthing that's not inflatable in the pool and they don't let kids spray each other with guns directly around the pool either. But you will probably do the favors after the party anyway. And definitely, have the parents stay especially at that age. Again at our pool you have to have at least 1 adult per 6 kids under the age of 13. Also, if you have any non-swimmers who use floating devices you have to have a responsible adult within arms length of the child. Have fun.

Buy plastic beach buckets and fill them with small water toys and dollar store goggles. Use a paint pen to write the kids names on the buckets and hand them out as goody bags as the kids arrive. Another fun game is a treasure hunt using pennies or small toys that don't float or fake gold coins found with pirate party supplies. If you do it in teams and put some of the "treasure" in shallow water, the kids who won't dive under water won't feel so bad.