10 summer birthday party ideas for a sizzling hot celebration

Anyone with a summer birthday knows that the unofficial theme for any June, July, or August party is “Stay cool.” But summer birthday themes don’t need to stop at air conditioning and popsicles—although that does sound like a good time!

We’ve gathered ten fun birthday party ideas for summer for adults and kids alike, complete with ideas for summer birthday invitations, party refreshments, décor from Paperless Post Party Shop, and activities everyone will enjoy. Let Paperless Post help you throw a summer birthday party that takes the focus off the sun, and shines the spotlight where it belongs—on the guest of honor.

Summer birthday party ideas for kids

Kids with summer birthdays may not have to go to school on their special day, but they’ll still want to celebrate with their friends. Find inspiration from our summer birthday ideas that kids of all ages—and their parents—will love.

1. Pool party

For the ultimate kid-favorite summer party, host a pool party for all the children in the neighborhood. Just add water—and some pool floats and toys—for the best party in town!

• Invitation: Choose one of Paperless Post’s pool party invitations to invite guests poolside, such as “Mermaid Lessons” by Paperless Post or “KSNY Pool Party” by kate spade new york. Enable child and adult headcounts so you know exactly how many guests to expect.
• Refreshments: Order a few pizzas—or more than a few—and put out refreshing pitchers of strawberry lemonade by Tastes Better From Scratch.
• Décor: Bring out the birthday kid’s inner mermaid with Party Shop’s collection of mermaid décor, or invite all the local swashbucklers to your party when you set out pirate decorations in your party space.
• Activities: Let kids practice their swimming—and their spelling—with pool scrabble! Cut up some sponges or pool noodles and write alphabet letters on each piece. Toss them into the pool and have teams of kids retrieve them. Then, have the kids try to form a word or words with their letters—the best combination wins!

2. Stuffed animal picnic

A stuffed animal picnic encourages little ones to bring their favorite stuffies to the party. Ideal for kids who never part with their teddy bear or other beloved animal, this summer birthday idea is a cute and unique way to celebrate a birthday outdoors.

• Invitation: Send out the “Larger than Life” or “We’re Going on a Picnic” invitations by Paperless Post. Use a Details Block to indicate that guests should bring a stuffed animal as their plus one!
• Refreshments: This picnic calls for a classic kids’ favorite, with a twist—like these PBJs on a stick by Taste of Home.
• Décor: Channel those stuffed companions into your decorations with animal birthday party décor, including adorable tableware and festive garlands.
• Activities: Have kids participate in three-legged races or tug of war with their stuffed animals by their side! They can also draw pictures of their stuffed besties to bring home after the party.

3. Backyard camping slumber party

Summertime is perfect for a camping trip—even if it’s in your own backyard. Set up a tent and unroll the sleeping bags for guests to enjoy an outdoor sleepover in the beautiful summer weather.

• Invitation: Let guests know about their upcoming adventure in the great outdoors with camping invitations like “Forest Quest” by Petit Collage or “Sleepover Camp” by Paperless Post. Add a Schedule Block to your invitation, so parents know when kids will go to sleep—or if they should pick them up before it’s time for bed.
• Refreshments: Turn on the barbecue or fire pit so kids can roast hot dogs and marshmallows (with adult supervision, of course). Don’t forget the chocolate bars and graham crackers for s’mores!
• Décor: For a true campground feel, add outdoor party decorations to your backyard, including patterned table covers and garlands.
• Activities: Once the sun sets, have kids perform traditional campout skits and songs. Older kids may also enjoy telling some (mildly spooky) ghost stories!

4. Watermelon feast

There’s no denying it: Watermelon is a summer staple. It also happens to be a kid (and adult) favorite—so it’s only natural to make watermelon the unofficial theme of your child’s birthday. From decorations to refreshments, this watermelon feast is a tasty treat that will have guests asking for seconds.

• Invitation: Put watermelons on display with the“Slice of Summer” invitation by Felix Doolittle or the“Melon Ballers” invitation by Paperless Post.
• Refreshments: Besides slices of watermelon for everyone to share, put out watermelon pops and slushies by My Fussy Eater for a cool snack.
• Décor: Go all out with red party decorations and supplies to match the refreshments, including festive red balloons and tableware.
• Activities: Wash off all that watermelon juice with a water balloon toss! Pair kids up and give each team a water balloon. First, have them stand close together and toss the balloons to each other—then, have them take one step back and toss again, stepping back more for each subsequent round.  The winning pair keeps their balloon intact without dropping it!

5. Ice cream social

Who screams for ice cream? Everyone on your guest list, once they learn the delicious theme of your upcoming party. Get the scoopers ready and prepare to host the sweetest—and coolest—birthday party ever.

• Invitation: Find dessert-themed ice cream social invitations like “Ice Cream Party” by kate spade new york or “Popsicle Pattern” by Linda and Harriett. Enable Guest Questions with your invitation to ask guests if any kids have specific dietary restrictions.
• Refreshments: Supply various flavors of ice cream (both dairy and dairy-free) with all the toppings kids could want: chocolate syrup, sprinkles, cherries, cookie crumbs, and so on. For kids who prefer drinks to bowls, have root beer ready to make floats!
• Décor: Find retro ice cream shop decorations, plus cake stands and dessert bowls, in Party Shop’s collection of ice cream and sweets décor.
• Activities: Host the birthday party during a summer evening as the heat begins to fade, and let kids watch an outdoor movie while they enjoy their ice cream. (May we suggest Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?)

Summer birthday party ideas for adults

Summer birthday kids grow into summer birthday adults—and they still enjoy a seasonal shindig on their b-day. Check out our indoor and outdoor summer birthday party ideas for adults who like to stay cool as they celebrate.

6. BBQ birthday party

No one’s going to turn down an invitation to a barbecue party—especially if the host has a reputation as the neighborhood’s best griller. Invite your loved ones to the backyard and celebrate another trip around the sun as you heat up delicious burgers on the grill.

• Invitation: Invite guests to your BBQ with the “Turn Up The Heat” invitation by Crate & Barrel or the “On the Grill” invitation by Paperless Post. If you’re making the event a potluck, link guests to a food sign-up sheet with a Link Block in your invitation.
• Refreshments: Grill outside the box when you add the grilled mushrooms recipe by The Pioneer Woman to your BBQ menu.
• Décor: Find the outdoor decorations and tableware you need with Party Shop’s collection of BBQ and cookout party supplies.
• Activities: Want to prove you’re the best BBQ-er on the block? Host a grilling competition for eager contestants to put their skills to the test. Have guests vote on the winner!

7. Nautical birthday

You don’t necessarily need to host your nautical-themed birthday party on a boat—but you absolutely can, if you’re lucky enough to have access to one! Wherever your party sets sail or stays ashore, it’s bound to be a good time for everyone on board.

• Invitation: Send the “Smooth Sailing” or “Sailor’s Delight” invitations by Paperless Post to let everyone know when it’s time to lift anchor.
• Refreshments: Serve seafaring cocktails like this rum runner recipe from The Spruce Eats or an oyster-inspired pearl julep by Wine Enthusiast.
• Décor: Deck out your party space in a nautically-appropriate navy hue with Party Shop’s blue décor.
• Activities: Determine which guests are true sailors—and which are landlubbers—with a nautical knot untying contest. Tie several pieces of rope into complicated knots and have volunteers try to untie them before the time runs out.

8. Backyard luau

If you can’t have a birthday party on an island, bring the island to your birthday party! This summer party theme brings the Hawaiian spirit to your backyard with hula skirts, pineapple decorations, and ukulele music to set the vibe.

• Invitation: Let guests know that you’re hosting a luau party with Paperless Post’s collection of luau party invitations or beach party invitations, including “Tiki Time” by Hello!Lucky.
• Refreshments: You can enjoy pineapple and pork without a full pig roast when you prepare bacon-wrapped pineapple bites by Melanie Cooks.
• Décor: Drape tropical decorations around your outdoor party space, including tablecloths covered in palm fronds and tropical-themed balloon bouquets.
• Activities: Host a lei toss game at your luau! Stand the guest of honor several feet away from guests, hand out leis, and see who can toss theirs around the birthday honoree’s neck.

9. Margarita mixer

It’s never too hot for margaritas. Or tacos. Or a guacamole cart. A summer birthday is a perfect time for a fiesta party, from a full taco spread to a celebratory flan at the end of the night.

• Invitation: Let guests know that margaritas are on the menu with an invitation like “On the Rocks” by Jonathan Adler, or send a more cocktail-themed invitation like “Coquetel” by Paperless Post if you’re providing a full bar.
• Refreshments: Surprise everyone with creative margarita flavors they may not have tried before, such as blueberry margaritas by Food & Wine.
• Décor: Choose stylish drinkware that matches the rest of your party decorations, including pitchers perfect for pouring margaritas all afternoon.
• Activities: Continue the fiesta theme with piñatas from the Party Shop! Fill it up with adult-approved prizes, such as gift cards or mini liquor bottles—candy too, of course—and let blindfolded guests try their best to break it open.

10. Summer dinner party

For a memorable night under the summer stars, make your birthday a dinner party and invite all your favorite people. Prepare a multi-course dinner if you love being in the kitchen, or have the event catered if you’d rather spend time chatting than cooking.

• Invitation: Find a beautiful summer party invitation for your dinner party, like “Under the Lights” by Paperless Post or “Celestial Flowers” by Stephanie Fishwick.
• Refreshments: Add a summer stone fruit salad recipe by The Toasted Pine Nut as a first course or side dish on your dinner menu.
• Décor: Set a gorgeous table with elegant tableware from the Party Shop, including reusable bamboo plates and gold-colored flatware.
• Activities: Once dinner is over, use the table to set up board games or card games for guests to spend more time together.

How to keep cool during your summer birthday party celebration

The most important goal for any summer party is to have fun—but the second most important thing is to keep cool. We’ve compiled our favorite cool things to do for summer birthdays that will keep everyone refreshed and your party on track.

• Keep the drinks coming. Don’t let guests get dehydrated! Whether everyone’s drinking lemonade or lemon drops, have pitchers or bottles of water for guests to grab when they feel parched.
• Provide mist machines or spray bottles. If you can, set up cooling mist machines to gently douse your guests on a backyard patio or park area. Spray bottles filled with ice water also get the job done.
• Have indoor space available. Some outdoor parties just get a little too hot to handle. Have an indoor area, such as an air-conditioned house, available for guests who need a break from the sun.
• Create shade outdoors. For parties that don’t take place at home, make sure guests can find shade anyway. Beach and park parties can use portable tents to create pockets of shade, while pool parties can take advantage of overhangs and awnings.
• Serve cool desserts. Summer birthdays aren’t just limited to cake. Ice cream, popsicles, and snow cones also make wonderful end-of-party treats that keep guests refreshed and appeal to their sweet tooth.

Beat the heat and have fun with Paperless Post

Summer party invitations

Customizable designs for having fun in the sun, made to email, text, or share.

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Whether you’re hosting a pool party or a taco bar for your birthday party, Paperless Post is here to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Find the perfect summer party invitation ideas and use features like Guest Tags to keep groups of guests organized after you’ve sent invitations out. With Paperless Post, your special day is right on track—and all set to make a big splash this summer.