OP.

Yes, I expect parents (at least 1 parent) to go in with their child. I have not explicitly communicated this but given their ages, I'd be shocked if parents don't automatically assume that. People don't have to attend or go in the pool if they don't want to, I realize some people don't enjoy going in pools but others do, so I am hoping it will be fun for those who do typically like water.

I think a pool party for 4-5 year old is a bit young. One on one time with your child that enjoys the pool is wonderful. A party of this sort is poor judgement

Anonymous wrote:Ugh this is the type of party where a parent would have to go in the pool. Most 4-5 year olds can't yet swim.

Yes, OP have you communicated that a parent needs to get IN the water with their own kid? You won't have the pool to yourself, right, it will still be open to the public? If so, the lifeguards will have more than your party attendees to cover.

Anonymous wrote:I'd hand out squirt guns and water toys and those can be the party favors.

Maybe a game where you pretend to be different animals or race from one side to the other (across the pool not lengthwise).

Do you think all 5 year olds can race from one side of the pool to the other?

My boys are 8 and 10 and decent swimmers from when they did swim team. I'm actually surprised how many of their friends can't swim. I'm an adult and never really learned to swim properly either.

I'd hand out squirt guns and water toys and those can be the party favors.

Maybe a game where you pretend to be different animals or race from one side to the other (across the pool not lengthwise).

Hire a teenage lifeguard or two to be in the water with the kids and let the parents know that there will be in pool supervision.

Anonymous wrote:Decorate in an organized way -don’t just get the happy birthday multicolored stuff. For example, red everything - balloons (lots), table cloths, plates, napkins cups, favors and cake and maybe the birthday girl’s bathing suit. Have a splash contest - some 5 year olds will not be good swimmers.

This is the world's most random advice.

If the pool allows toys, get a bunch of ones that the kids can use in the water.

Ugh this is the type of party where a parent would have to go in the pool. Most 4-5 year olds can't yet swim.

I would expect a community pool to have a Lifeguard or two on duty. If they know that there are a group of 4-5 year olds coming for a party, the Lifeguards will know to be paying attention. Check with the pool and see if they have the floating backpacks that are used in swim lessons.

Decorate in an organized way -don’t just get the happy birthday multicolored stuff. For example, red everything - balloons (lots), table cloths, plates, napkins cups, favors and cake and maybe the birthday girl’s bathing suit. Have a splash contest - some 5 year olds will not be good swimmers.

OP. Regarding safety - each of the kids is coming with at least one parent so I don't expect to be in charge of all the kids. Plus both me and husband will be there so hopefully we will have the safety issue covered.

I'd be more worried about just keeping an eye on everyone to make sure everyone is safe.

And yes, with changing and some 4 and 5 year olds being timid around water, I'd expect the In the Pool play time to be a lot shorter than one hour.

See if you are allowed to take pool toys in, some pools are ok with it and some are super strict. I don't know if you need a theme in the water though, they can just play.

Most kids are gonna take 10-15 mins to get changed so your actual time with all the kids in the party room is probably gonna be about 45 mins

I will be hosting a birthday party for my 5 year old daughter in a couple of days. We will have 1 hour in the pool (community center pool) followed by an hour in a reserved room where the kids will have pizza and cake. around 10 kids have rsvped yes, maybe even more because of siblings. I know it is not the norm to host pool parties in the winter but my daughter LOVES the pool and money was a consideration too (the community center is much cheaper than a special venue). I figured I would do what she wants and hope at least some f her classmates can come. Now, I have the basics figured out - place, food, etc. BUT does anyone have any special fun ideas as to what to do in the pool? or a theme? anything creative the make the whole thing as fun and special as it could be? Thank you in advance!!! very much appreciated.