With summer on our doorstep, you're undoubtedly considering what to do for your child's entertainment in the glorious summer weather. Nothing combines in this season better then water, games, friends, food and entertainment. A pool party is an interesting way to give theme to a party for your child. There are many options for holding a successful pool party, but here's a list of some of the elements we find make pool parties best.

Necessities of the pool party can and may include most of the following:

1. Decorations that are durable enough in the sun, in the wind, and with kids running about.

2. A list of fun activities for the children to get involved in.

3. Music.

4. An alternate plan in case the weather turns bad.

5. Neighbors that are pre-informed of the upcoming party.

6. Food.

7. Other kids!

Sending invitations is a great way to start, getting the children excited about the upcoming event and if you have chosen a theme, setting it. The invitations can even carry the theme, such as swim trunks, beach balls, sandals, or a big smiling sun. Include a list of items each child will need to bring – swimsuit, towel, comfortable clothing, sandals, and/or something for the party theme.

Being in and around a pool is an opportunity to think of many interesting games and activities for the kids to do. Water guns and water balloons can be used for assorted games like tossing and target shooting. You can hold fun little races across the pool with items like rubber duckies that the kids can only push with their noses! Hold treasure hunts around the yard. Throw an assortment of floating objects in the pool and have teams of kids see who can get the most. Then of course, there's always games such as badminton.

Play some tunes to provide party ambiance and keep the energy going. You can pick the music theme or allow your child and their friends to compile playlists of their own. And if the weather decides to change on you the day of the party, be sure you've got a backup plan for games and entertainment indoors.

Then comes the food, a welcome addition to any pool party. Fruit is always a fitting summer treat. Hollow out a watermelon and prepare a nice assorted fruit salad, perhaps sprinkling a few marshmallows on top. Flavored gelatin with small candy fish inside will get a few chuckles from the kids. Picnic style food is also pleasant at a summer party, and easy to make. Pull out the grill and barbecue hot dogs, hamburgers, corn, whatever you please. Have napkins and plates that have a summery pattern on them.

Summer is a great time to organize outdoor activities to both spend time with your children and keep them active. It's also an opportunity for friends, and valuable memories. Create an original, entertaining pool party with these tips and the event surely won't easily be forgotten.