Is there anything more relaxing than the chill vibes of a lake party? I recently planned a lake birthday party and it was such a fun and easy party to plan. Here are a few favorite ideas I used and games to play on the sand or in a lake house.
 
 
The words "Lake Birthday Party Ideas & Games" with four photo examples of lake party ideas, including cocktails, water floats, and hot dogs.

Whether I’m beating the summer heat or warming up by a fire pit, it just doesn’t get any better than doing it with my friends and a lake view. If you’re wondering how to plan a lake house birthday party to make the best summer or fall memories, I’ve got you covered.

While lake parties are often best in warmer weather, you can still throw one on a chilly evening. There’s something so cozy about gathering around an outdoor fire with loved ones to toast marshmallows and play a few games, right?

From games and supplies to food and decor ideas, this list has everything you need to throw an unforgettable lake party.

The Best Lake Birthday Party Games

One of the best things about hosting a lake birthday party is that you can have fun on land AND in the party ideas water! There are lots of different games you can offer guests, whether they want to stay dry or plan on staying in the water as long as possible.

Pro Tip: While most of the action will be happening outside, it’s important to consider guests who may prefer or need to hang out indoors, too. Make sure to include some indoor activities when making your plans.

6 examples of lake party game ideas.

1. Water balloon toss

You can’t go wrong with a water balloon toss game or a water balloon fight at a lake birthday party. These ones are even reusable, so you can feel good about cutting down on waste!

2. Frisbee

Adults, kids, and dogs all love frisbee games. 

Pro Tip: Get a frisbee that floats on the water as well as regular land frisbees for your lake house party.

3. Volleyball 

4. Water volleyball

This volleyball net floats, so you can use it in a pool or the lake. Your party guests can take their game from the land into the water if you have both types of nets!

5. Water football

6. Horseshoes

Horseshoes is such a relaxing and low-pressure game almost anyone can play. This affordable set is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and is safe for all ages.

7. Aqua skips balls

Aqua skip balls are made to skip across the water – your guests can throw them out into the lake to see them dance and then swim out to retrieve them.

8. Badminton

Pro Tip: Get a volleyball net, a volleyball, and a badminton set for your lake party – that way you’re set up to play multiple games with one net. You can also play badminton without a net!

9. Cornhole

10. Water gun tag

11. Beach ball

If you get water guns AND a big beach ball, you can have a race where players try to get the ball to opposite sides of the yard or into the water using only the spray from their water guns. Super fun!

Pro Tip: Get multiple sizes of beach balls – a jumbo one like this and several of these smaller ones to toss in the water. They look cute as decorations, too!

12. Water slide

13. Board games

It’s always a good idea to set up some board games, puzzles, and cards inside and outside for guests who can’t or don’t want to partake in water activities.

14. Puzzles

15. Card games

All the Lake Party Supplies You Need

You may already have some of the things you need for your lake birthday party on hand, but just in case, I’ve compiled a list of supplies. Here are some ideas of what you’ll want to get to make sure your guests on land and in the water have the best time.

6 examples of lake party supplies, including water toys and floats.

16. Rainbow water float

Stock up on a bunch of water floats so your party guests can lounge in the lake. There are so many cute inflatables to choose from, but I’m obsessed with this rainbow one!

17. Water float set

Pro Tip: You can buy packs of water floats so you don’t have to worry about picking out several individual floats. This set comes with three floats and a bonus beach ball, all for less than $20!

18. Log water rafts

These inflatables are two floating devices and a game, all in one!

19. Inflatable boat with paddles

20. 4-person float with coolers

21. Arm floaties for kids

Safety first! Make sure there are plenty of arm floaties for kids on hand, just in case any children want to take a dip.

22. Floating cooler with cup holders

23. Floating drink holders

24. Electric air pump

With all these inflatables, you’ll definitely want an electric air pump around when you’re hosting a lake party.

25. Folding lawn chairs

26. Lawn blankets

Pro Tip: Waterproof outdoor lawn blankets like this one are a great way to provide lots of casual seating for guests without having to buy a chair for every single person.

27. Firepit

I highly, highly recommend getting a firepit you and your guests can gather around in case it gets a little chilly outside. As a bonus, you can use it to toast marshmallows!

28. Fishing poles

Fun Lake Party Decor and Theme Ideas

A lot of your lake party supplies can double as decorations, such as water floaties, floating cup holders, etc. But it’s always a good idea to choose a theme and have some special decoration pieces to go with it.

And you’ll need plates and cups anyway, so why not make them be on theme and be part of the decor?

4 examples of lake birthday party decorations ideas.

29. “Lovin Lake Life” party set

This party set includes disposable cups, plates, and napkins, all with an adorable “Lovin Lake Life” theme!

30. “Gone Fishing” party set

31. “Happy Birthday” lake theme party set

32. Custom lake party drink pouches

These customizable drink pouches are perfect for any outdoor party. They’re resealable and BPA-free!

33. Custom lake party koozies

How CUTE are these customized lake party drink koozies? They are so affordable and make an excellent party favor for guests to take home. 

34. “Relax You’re At The Lake” banner

35. Customizable Lake Party Invitations

Your invitations should match your theme and decoration scheme, so try these cute customizable ones with sweet lake graphics.

4 examples of the best lake party food and recipes, including hot dog sliders and adult popsicles.

The Best Lake Party Food and Recipes

I don’t know about you, but when I go to any party, I’m all about the food, and a lake party is certainly no exception. Whether you want to fire up the grill or whip up some baked goods, here are the classic lake birthday party recipes you need for your guests.

36. Hot dog sliders with mango-pineapple salsa

37. Cheeseburger sliders

38. Easy taco dip

You can serve this yummy taco dip with a variety of sides like tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, carrots, and celery, to make a huge spread.39. Green goddess potato salad

40. Party snack mix

Customize your party snack mix any way you want by adding ingredients like dried fruit/berries, M&M’s, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, popcorn, sprinkles… whatever you have handy! 

41. Popsicles

Pro Tip: You can provide store-bought popsicles for the kids, but you can also make an *adult* version of popsicles using this recipe.

42. 3-ingredient Nutella brownies

If you’re short on time, this brownie recipe with just 4 ingredients is super easy to make. 

43. Pinwheel sandwiches

44. Zucchini fries

45. S’mores

You can’t go wrong with this classic outdoor party favorite

3 examples of lake party drink and cocktail recipes.

Lake Party Drinks and Cocktail Recipes

46. Strawberry watermelon lemonade

This alcohol-free drink recipe is refreshing and delicious as it is, but you could add some tequila or vodka to spice it up.

47. Raspberry iced tea

48. Cucumber-mint mojito

The mint and cucumber in this recipe help keep you cool in the outdoor heat.

49. Big Batch: Lime in the Coconut

50. Summer berry Moscow mule

I love this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. It looks so pretty in the glass, too!

51. Big Batch: Mint Julep

52. Bourbon-peach iced tea

53. Pink sangria

So, what do you think? Just making this list has me longing for warm weather and planning my next trip to the lake. I can’t wait to get outdoors and celebrate with family and friends. Did you find some inspiration to help you host your lake birthday party, from the perfect food and cocktails to the fun theme ideas? 
 
The point of a lake party is to kick back and relax. Don’t get too stressed out planning your lake party – everyone is there to chill, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Grab a few of the items on this list to make your party preparations easier, and let us know in the comments which of these ideas you liked best!

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