Easy Summer Party Ideas You Can Pull Off

Summer just might be our favorite time of the year for parties, and for good reason—the theme possibilities are endless! We’ve rounded up our favorite summer party themes that are just as fun as they are easy to pull off. With a little help from Amazon Prime (plus items you’ve probably already got hanging around the house), these parties are sure to be a hit. Read on to get the scoop.

photo: Epic Childhood

Glow-in-the-Dark Party

This party might be the coolest reason to keep your kids up after dark. Break out the glow sticks and spend the evening playing glow-in-the-dark games, from a light-up egg hunt to ultraviolet hopscotch. Click here to plan the perfect summer night.

photo: See Vanessa Craft

4th of July Party

No summer is complete without a proper 4th of July bash! We’ve got the rundown on how to throw a patriotic party that guests of all ages will love. To get all the details, click here.

photo: Dinner at the Zoo

Ice Cream Party

Sweeten up an afternoon with a simple ice cream sundae party. Have each guest bring a different topping and let the kids get creative building the dessert of their dreams. Click here for sundae inspiration, plus a few hacks to make the party even easier.

photo: Urbanic Paper

Outdoor Movie Night

Instead of going for overpriced movie tickets (or Netflix on the couch), switch things up by hosting an epic outdoor movie night. From cozy seating arrangements to picture-perfect decor and snacks, we’ve got the scoop on how to make it happen. Click here to get the deets.

photo: Rain0975 via flickr

Pool Party

If you’ve got a pool, now is the time to put it to use! We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks for you on how to throw the most amazing pool party, complete with kid-approved games, themed snacks and fabulous favors. Click here for all the info.

photo: Amie Bell Photography

Picnic Party

Break out the gingham blankets and head to the park (or your backyard) for a sun-soaked picnic party. Click here for our flawless food and decor ideas (think deviled eggs and festive party hats), and click here for a bunch of outdoor games that kids of all ages will love.

photo: All for the Boys

Water Party

Get through the dog days of summer by throwing a splash-worthy water party. Stock up on ice cream, tell everyone to wear swimsuits and play some of our favorite water games, from sponge ball relays to water balloon basketball. Click here to get all the details.

photo: Eyenvent via flickr

Block Party

Get to know your neighbors better by hosting a simple yet festive block party. Hop over to Crazy Organized for a quick guide on everything you’ll need for the party, from when to schedule it to how to make cleaning up afterward as easy as possible.

photo: Max Goncharov via Unsplash

Summer Reading Party

Your little bookworms will have a blast throwing a summer reading party, especially when you pack it with fun activities like book bingo, trivia games and a book swap. Click here to read up on how it’s done, courtesy of Nerdy Book Club.

photo: Anna Samoylova via Unsplash

Field Day Party

A great party doesn’t have to be fussy or elaborate! Get your kids playing and laughing with a field day party—we’ve got a roundup of our favorite classic yard games to get you started. Click here to let the fun begin.

—Susie Foresman

14 Clever Party Favors Perfect for Summer Fêtes

9 Smashing First Birthday Party Ideas for Your Summer Baby