Winter Pool Party

Kids who celebrate their birthdays during the winter months are bound to harbor some jealous feelings against their friends who get to celebrate during the warmer seasons. After all, having a birthday during the summer means you can plan trips to the beach or zoo, host a BBQ or pool party in the yard, or head to the local park for a day of outdoor play. How can a winter birthday celebration compete with that?

Host an amazing pool party, of course! Just because temperatures have dipped below freezing, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a swim - just stay indoors! We have all the ideas and tips you need to plan a pool party in the middle of the winter season, so read on and get planning.

Host a Pool Party at a Hotel

The biggest challenge with hosting a pool party in the winter is finding a location.  Unless you have an indoor pool in your home, you’re going to have to find an outside venue. We recommend contacting a hotel in your area. Local pools are another option, but hotels offer you a lot more party for your patronage.

Why host it at a hotel?
Renting out a local pool could cost you a lot more money than it’s worth. Your time at the space is limited and chances are you’ll have to follow a regimented party plan. At a hotel, you’re free to follow your own schedule, and you also transform an ordinary pool party into a weekend getaway for the kids.

Hotel managers are extremely helpful, especially if you’re renting two rooms for a night. Call the hotel you’ve scouted out and speak with the manager during a lower time of the day such as mid-afternoon. Better yet, take a quick ride over and talk to them in person. An honest conversation may turn out a better deal than you expected.

What’s Included in the Hotel Price?

For the amount of money you would likely spend booking a pool for a few hours, you could afford to book a couple of rooms for the night at a hotel. Since pool use is included, the kids could spend as much time as they’d like in the water. Then, after everyone is tired from swimming, kids and parents who would like to spend the night can move the party upstairs.

Most larger hotel rooms include a small kitchenette where you’ll be able to warm a prepared dinner for the kids. If your room doesn’t, you can order pizza. The only other food items you’ll have to worry about are the cake and drinks (You don’t want anyone raiding the mini-fridge!).

In the morning, hotels usually offer complimentary breakfast, which means you won’t have to worry about serving it. Another bonus? No cleanup! The hotel does it all.

Things to Remember When Planning Your Hotel Pool Party

Book adjoining rooms - Having two separate, but adjoining rooms allows you to give the kids their space, but will also enable you to keep an eye on them.

Take a head count - How many guests should you expect for the night? Depending on the age of the group as well as your budget, you may want to limit the number of friends your child can invite.

Do your research - Contact multiple hotels for their prices and policies. This will give you bargaining power and help you get your money’s worth.

Surprise! - Surprise the kids with one of The Popcorn Factory’s Magnet Snack assortments. Not only does the tin and sampler come filled with the perfect movie-watching snacks, each one also has a keepsake, personalized magnet too! Pass around the goodies, but hold on to the magnet and tin for the birthday boy or girl to use for years to come.

Before you book your stay consider the following:

• What is the hotel’s policy regarding the pool?
• Is there a certain time when the pool is less busy?
• Will it be okay for you to hang decorations?
• Is breakfast included?

Remember to bring:

• A birthday cake or birthday cupcakes (Don’t forget candles, too!)
• Any decorations you’ll be using
• Drinks (Be sure you have enough for each child and parent staying the night)
• Snacks
• Paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins
• Movies (Perfect for entertaining the kids before bed)
• Games (Pick 1 or 2 that are ideal for your group’s size)
• A contact list of all the parents

One final tip: Incorporate a theme into your party. Celebrations.com has so many options to choose from, and with themed partyware it’s easy to add this little something extra to the celebration.