There are not many things that beat summer heat like owning your own swimming pool full of bright blue water under a shade tree in your back yard. Often children will go to great lengths to make friends and invite them to come over and swim in it. Generally the more challenging things to do is finding good pool party games for kids and their playmates to play that will maintain their interest and involvement while still having fun.

When planning one of these get togethers, you do not need to spend a lot of money and in many cases a lot of time. What is important is that it is well thought out with activities that involve all the children so no one will feel left out. Doing this will not only help ensure more play dates but will ensure your place as a popular parent with happy friendly children.

One of the more critical items for most parties is the themes. This is the main thought or idea you will incorporate into them. It may be something as basic as a tropical theme using flowers or as ultra complex as a sixties superhero theme where everybody dresses like a favorite hero. Try letting your children brainstorm and come up with various ideas that they like. The idea is to let them use their imaginations.

Decorations are always a must for the successful get together. They are what sets the mood and for children they will often help to build the excitement for the day to come. They should be simple, easy to clean up and hopefully inexpensive. A few streamers, some inflatable yard effects and a lei for guest when they arrive.

Games are generally the best part of the experience. Parents and children can easily make some home made paper chains that help cut off different areas. You can have areas for the different games, around the pool, an eating area and a kids only and parents only area. It is always important to set ground rules to be followed so everyone has fun.

There are many good games for children to try. Find your coin is where someone drops a coin or another small item into the pool's water and watch who can find it first. The balloon toss is when children throw a water filled balloon to each other while using only a towel to catch it held between two children.

Another great game is hose limbo. This is where two people hold a hose while someone passes under it. Whoever goes the lowest wins. A good group game is marco polo. A chosen player swims around saying marco with their eyes closed. The other children say polo. When one is touched they become the new it person.

Always wait 30 min after eating food before getting back in the pool. Try planning a pinata sometime near the end of the event. Every kid there would love that. Remember to always have supervision at all times. Pool party games for kids typically are meant to be fun, good supervision ensures they remain that way.