Summer is here and it’s time to plan a pool party with friends and family. The sun is shining, the pool is sparkling, and everyone is excited for a day of fun in the water. However, Mother Nature can be unpredictable and rain is always a possibility. Don’t let a little rain ruin your plans and keep you from having a good time. With a bit of preparation and creativity, you can still have a blast, even if the weather isn’t cooperating.
So, what do you do when a pool party gets rained out? There are plenty of options to consider, and in this post, we’ll cover them all. From finding a backup venue to creating indoor activities, there are ways to keep your guests entertained and make the most of a rainy day.
Keep reading to learn our top tips for salvaging a rained-out pool party. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can still make it a day to remember!
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Plan ahead with a backup venue
When planning an outdoor pool party, it’s always a good idea to have a backup venue in case of unexpected rain. Consider nearby indoor venues, such as community centers or indoor pools, that can accommodate your party. Make sure to book the backup venue in advance so that you have a backup plan in place.
If you’re unable to find an indoor venue, consider setting up a large tent or canopy in your backyard. This can provide shelter from the rain while still allowing your guests to enjoy the outdoors. Make sure the tent is sturdy and secure in case of strong winds.
Another option is to move the party to a covered patio or garage. This can provide shelter while still being outdoors. If you have a large garage, consider moving tables and chairs inside and using the open space for games and activities.
If you have a friend or neighbor with a large indoor space, such as a barn or warehouse, consider asking them if you can use it as a backup venue. This can be a unique and fun option that allows you to have a backup plan without having to spend money on a rental venue.
Finally, consider moving the party to a local indoor attraction, such as an arcade or bowling alley. This can be a fun and unexpected twist to your party and can keep your guests entertained even if the pool party gets rained out.
Choose an indoor location nearby
Check local venues: Research indoor venues near your location, such as community centers, recreation centers, or hotels, that offer party rentals or indoor spaces for events.
Consider a friend’s house: If you have a friend with a large indoor space, consider asking them if they are willing to host your party in case of rain.
Utilize a garage: If you or someone you know has a large garage, this can be a great space to set up for a party. Just make sure to clean it up beforehand and ensure that it is safe for guests.
Use a covered patio: If you have access to a covered patio, this can be a great option to still have an outdoor feel while protecting guests from the rain.
Check local restaurants: Some restaurants may have private rooms or spaces that can be rented for events, providing an indoor location for your party.
When choosing an indoor location, make sure to consider the size of the space, the cost, and whether or not it is available on the day of your party. By planning ahead with a backup venue, you can ensure that your pool party will be a success, rain or shine.
Consider renting a tent or canopy
When planning an outdoor pool party, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. One option to consider is renting a tent or canopy to provide cover for your guests. This will allow everyone to stay dry while still enjoying the outdoor space. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Size: Make sure to choose a tent or canopy that is large enough to accommodate all of your guests.
- Style: Consider the style of the tent or canopy and make sure it fits with the theme of your party.
- Setup: Make sure to discuss setup and take down of the tent or canopy with the rental company.
- Cost: Factor in the cost of renting a tent or canopy to your party budget.
- Location: Make sure to choose a location that is suitable for setting up a tent or canopy, and that you have permission to do so.
- Weather: Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your party, and be prepared to make a decision about whether or not to use the tent or canopy.
Having a tent or canopy as a backup plan can give you peace of mind when planning an outdoor pool party.
Create indoor activities to keep guests entertained
When rain forces a pool party indoors, you’ll need to have some entertaining indoor activities planned. Get creative and think outside of the box with games that will keep everyone occupied. Consider a DIY photobooth, where guests can snap some silly pictures and create memories. Alternatively, create a game room with board games, video games, and card games.
Another idea is to plan an art project or craft activity. Provide supplies for guests to create their own party favors or decorations, like painting a flower pot or decorating a picture frame. This is a great way to get everyone involved and engaged in a fun activity, and guests can take their creations home as a souvenir from the party.
For a more active option, consider organizing a dance party or karaoke session. This is a great way to get everyone moving and energized, and it’s a fun way to create some lasting memories with your friends and family.
Host a board game tournament
If your guests are game enthusiasts, a board game tournament is a fun and engaging activity to try. Choose games that can be played in teams or individually, and set up a bracket system so that everyone has a chance to compete. Offer small prizes for the winners to make it even more exciting.
Some classic board games that work well for tournaments include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Risk. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try games like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride.
Make sure to provide plenty of snacks and drinks for your guests, as tournaments can last several hours. This is also a great opportunity to show off your culinary skills by creating themed snacks or drinks that match the games being played.
Set up a photo booth with props
If you have a large indoor space, setting up a photo booth with fun props can be a great way to entertain your guests. You can set up a simple backdrop or create a more elaborate scene using decorations and props like hats, sunglasses, boas, and other fun accessories. Make sure to provide a camera or designate someone to take pictures for your guests.
Encourage your guests to get creative and silly with their poses, and consider offering a prize for the best photo or set of photos. You can also create a hashtag for your event and encourage your guests to share their photos on social media.
If you don’t have a lot of space, you can still set up a smaller photo booth area using a colorful sheet or a piece of fabric as a backdrop. You can also use a Polaroid camera or a smartphone camera with a portable printer to give your guests instant prints to take home.
Embrace the rain and make a splash
Don’t let a little rain get you down! Instead, embrace the weather and incorporate it into your party plans. Here are some fun ways to make a splash:
Dance in the rain: Who says you can’t dance in the rain? Put on some upbeat music and encourage your guests to let loose and have fun in the rain.
Set up water games: A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to set up some fun water games like water balloon toss, water gun fight or even a slip and slide.
Hot tub party: If you have access to a hot tub, a rainy day is the perfect time to use it! You and your guests can relax and enjoy the rain from the warmth of the hot tub.
Pool party in the rain: If you have a pool, don’t let the rain stop you from using it! Put on some swimsuits and jump in the pool to enjoy the rain in a whole new way.
Organize a friendly rain dance competition
If you can’t beat the rain, join it! Embrace the weather and get everyone involved in a friendly rain dance competition. Set up a designated dance floor, crank up some tunes, and let your guests show off their best moves.
Consider awarding prizes for different categories such as the most creative dance, the best solo performance, or the most enthusiastic dancer. You could even encourage your guests to come up with a group dance routine.
To make things even more fun, provide props such as umbrellas, rain boots, and raincoats for guests to incorporate into their dance routines. Don’t forget to have someone record the dance-off so you can watch the fun back later!
Serve warm drinks and comfort food
When the rain starts pouring, nothing beats a cup of hot cocoa or tea to warm up. Make sure to have a selection of warm drinks available for your guests, and consider adding some seasonal flavors such as cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
Comfort food is also a great option for a rainy day. Serve up some mac and cheese, soup, or chili to keep your guests cozy and satisfied. Don’t forget about some sweet treats, like cookies or brownies, to indulge in after the meal.
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, make sure to have some options available for them as well. Consider serving a vegan or gluten-free soup, or offering non-dairy milk for their warm drink of choice.
Set up a cozy indoor seating area where guests can enjoy their warm drinks and comfort food. Add some soft blankets and pillows to make it even more inviting. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere despite the rainy weather.
Provide a hot cocoa station with toppings
Nothing beats a warm cup of cocoa on a rainy day. Set up a station with a variety of hot cocoa flavors and toppings for guests to customize their drinks. Consider options like marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, and cinnamon.
For an extra touch of coziness, provide festive mugs or disposable cups with lids and sleeves. You can also offer non-dairy or sugar-free options for guests with dietary restrictions.
If you have access to electricity, consider using a slow cooker to keep the cocoa warm throughout the event. This will allow guests to refill their cups as they please and enjoy a warm treat all day long.
A hot cocoa station with toppings is a simple yet effective way to keep your guests warm and satisfied during a rainy event.
Offer a variety of soups and stews
When it comes to serving warm and comforting food for a rainy day event, soups and stews are always a crowd-pleaser. Offer a variety of options such as vegetable, chicken noodle, chili, and tomato soup. Don’t forget to provide gluten-free and vegetarian options for guests with dietary restrictions.
Set up a self-serve station with different toppings and condiments such as croutons, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Guests can personalize their bowls according to their preference.
Another great idea is to offer a soup bar where guests can choose their base broth, meat, and vegetables to create their own soup concoction. This is a fun and interactive way to get guests involved in the food preparation process.
Reschedule the party for another day
While it may be disappointing to reschedule a party, sometimes it is the best option when inclement weather hits. Keeping guests and hosts safe should always be the top priority.
If possible, consider sending out an email or message as soon as you know the party will be rescheduled to avoid any confusion or inconvenience for guests.
When choosing a new date, try to pick a day that is convenient for most of the guests and give them plenty of notice. Be sure to update any invitations or event pages with the new date and time.
Finally, use the extra time to make any necessary adjustments or improvements to the party plans. Maybe you’ll come up with some new ideas or find ways to make the rescheduled party even better than the original.
Send out a rain check invitation
When bad weather threatens to ruin your outdoor party, it may be best to reschedule for another day. By doing so, you can ensure that your guests will have a great time without having to worry about the rain. Be sure to send out rain check invitations to let everyone know the new date and time. Make the invitations creative and fun by adding a rain-themed design or a playful message.
When sending out the invitations, consider including a small gift or gesture of appreciation for your guests’ flexibility and understanding. This could be as simple as a handwritten note or a small goodie bag filled with treats.
When choosing the new date, make sure to check the weather forecast to avoid any potential rainstorms. Choose a day that is likely to be sunny and warm, so your guests can enjoy the outdoor activities you had planned.
Remember, rescheduling the party may be disappointing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. By sending out a rain check invitation and rescheduling for another day, you can ensure that your party is a success, rain or shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you prepare for bad weather before hosting a pool party?
Planning ahead is key when it comes to hosting a successful pool party. Consider checking the weather forecast a few days before the party and have a backup plan in case of rain or storms. Make sure you have enough indoor space to accommodate your guests if you need to move the party indoors.
What are some fun indoor activities to do during a rained-out pool party?
Just because the party is indoors doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! You can set up board games, have a karaoke competition, or even host an indoor dance party. Consider having a photo booth or a DIY project station to keep guests entertained.
How can you make the best of a rained-out pool party?
Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits! You can still have a great time by embracing the weather and organizing rain-related activities such as puddle jumping or friendly rain dance competition. Consider serving warm drinks and comfort food to make the party cozy and enjoyable.
What should you do if the rain is too heavy to continue with the party?
Safety always comes first. If the rain is too heavy and poses a danger to your guests, it’s best to reschedule the party for another day. Consider sending out a rain check invitation to let your guests know the new date.
How can you make a rained-out pool party memorable?
With a little creativity, you can turn a rained-out pool party into a memorable experience for everyone. Consider setting up a DIY s’mores station or a hot cocoa bar with lots of toppings to warm everyone up. You can also organize a board game tournament or a scavenger hunt indoors to keep guests entertained and engaged.