6 Sizzling Outdoor Summer Party Ideas

Now that it’s summer, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate with a summer soiree or two. Here are six sizzling outdoor summer party ideas for kids, teens and adults that are sure to create lasting memories.

No matter what kind of party supplies you need, you can save with an Oriental Trading Company coupon, Amazon promo codes, and Dollar General coupons!

1. Glow in the Dark Party

Source: Catch My Party

These parties are all the rage with kids this summer. A trip to the Dollar General will set you up with all the glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces and games you need.

Decor

• Signs with glow in the dark paint
• Glow in the dark glow stick jars
• Glow in the dark balloons

Source: B Lovely Events

Games

• Glow in the dark ring toss: Throw glow in the dark bracelets onto a stick.
• Glow in the dark hopscotch: Place glow in the dark rings in a hopscotch pattern

Source: Just Between Friends

Food

• Glow in the dark Jell-O: Follow the recipe but use tonic water with quinine instead of tap water.
• Glow in the dark frozen Popsicle: Mix Crystal Light lemonade with tonic water and quinine then freeze.

Source: Mom Advice

2. Outdoor Art Party

Inspire kids’ imaginations with an outdoor arts and craft party. Paint, build and create masterpieces to take home.

Source: Play Party Plan

Decor

• Use primary colors for table decor
• Setup easels and canvases on the lawn for kids to create art projects
• Have a table of Lego building bricks

Source: Play Party Plan

Food

• Make peanut butter and jelly splatter sandwiches
• Add Rice Crispy bars dipped in brightly colored frosting with Popsicle sticks
• Fruit kebabs with strawberries, pineapple and blueberries are healthy options

Source: Play Party Plan

3. Teen Hawaiian Luau

Source: eHow

Bring the sandy beach to the poolside with a Hawaiian luau complete with a tiki bar with virgin cocktails. End the evening with a poolside dance or limbo contest.

Decor

• DIY Photo Booth – grab a straw hat, grass skirts and a ukulele
• Decorate tables with grass skirts and a lei
• Use pineapples and coconuts as part of your decor

Source: Party City

Food

• Chicken & Beef Kebabs
• Pineapple filled with fresh fruit
• Macadamia Nuts Cupcakes
• S’mores Bar – graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, raspberry jam, sprinkles and white chocolate chips

Source: Rinse Repeat

4. Rock Star Party

Your teens can find their inner diva and rocket at this rock star themed party. This is one that your younger teens will enjoy.

Source: Sweet Boochie

Decor

• Roll out the red carpet
• Photo booth with boas, big sunglasses, leather jackets
• Hold your own Rock Star Talent Show with karaoke

Source: Sweet Boochie

Food

• Make microphone cupcakes with ice cream cone handles
• Licorice record albums

Source: Hoosier Homemade

5. Nautical Party

Source: Tutus & Toads

Classic but chic, nautical parties capture the essence of summer.

Decor

• Navy and white colors; stripes
• Seashells and anchors
• Use candle lit lanterns for lighting

Source: Tutus & Toads

Food

• Seafood – crab, shrimp or lobster rolls
• Corn on the cob
• Mini cherry pies

Source: Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

6. Brazilian Pool Party

Watch your favorite teams score goals during the World Cup with a hot Brazilian themed pool party.

Source: Kara’s Party Ideas

Decor

• Soccer balls & flags
• Brazil colors are blue, green, yellow and white
• Exotic flowers

Source: Biz Bash

Food

Brazilian Tomato & Grilled Bread Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups bread, cubed and roasted in oven with a little olive oil until crispy
• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 yellow bell peppers
• 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

1. Toss all ingredients together in a bowl and enjoy!

Cilantro & Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 clove minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

1. Mix together and put in plastic bag to marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Grill or sear in a pan on the stove.

Brigadeiro Chocolate Truffles

These decadent Brazilian chocolates are easy to make and even more fun to eat!

Source: Betty Crocker

Before you shop: Like these party ideas but looking for something more beachy? Take a look at our Backyard Beach Party for ideas on how to bring sand and surf to your home.

Cheri Liefeld of Adventures in the Kitchen believes in celebrating life around the table. She is a recipe developer, cooking instructor, and writer. She blogs over at Adventures In The Kitchen where she shares easy to make recipes, party inspiration and ideas for cooking with kids.

A native of Southern California, her cooking is filled with fresh ingredients from local farmers markets and often served spicy.