Dive into summer fun and learn how to throw the best backyard theme parties on the block. Get inspired by these sweet, snackable setups. Rainy day? Not to worry, we’ve got backup plans to keep the goodness going, no matter the forecast.
Red, White & Blue BBQ Party
Summer and backyard BBQs go together like chocolate and marshmallows. Celebrate red, white and blue with juicy burgers, sweet treats and chocolatey desserts that taste like pure Americana.
What You’ll Need
Make your Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day holidays festive with all the best red, white and blue decor and a yummy grilled food menu. Offer your party-goers all the classics: burgers, hot dogs, chicken and meatless alternatives, as well as sides like mac and cheese, veggies and, of course, desserts! These Double Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, or go nut-free with HERSHEY’S Classic Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Once the sun goes down, give out these Easy Glow Stick Party Favors to light up the night and enjoy some tasty treats while watching a sweet fireworks show.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
If the forecast calls for a few passing showers, set up a couple tents to keep the party going outside and under cover. Or, bring your star-spangled celebration inside and cook on the stovetop or make an easy dish in the slow cooker.
Ice Cream Social
What’s better than enjoying a big bowl of ice cream with loved ones? Throw an ice cream party in your backyard and make some super sweet memories this summer.
What You’ll Need
For an ice cream social, you’ll definitely need a lot of ice cream! Provide guests with an array of ice cream flavors, scoops, utensils and bowls for this DIY ice cream sundae bar. Ask each guest to bring a different topping to have a wide variety that everyone can share.
You can also offer guests some yummy baked goods that they can enjoy with their ice cream. Make these Deep Dish Brownies that can be crumbled on top of ice cream, or make these Peanut Butter Stuffed Sugar Cookies for ice cream cookie sandwiches
Bad Weather Backup Plan
Ice cream is a weather-proof treat because you can always enjoy it indoors. A perk to this backup plan is that keeping your ice cream inside will help it stay colder for longer!
Yard Game Tournament
Do you have some competitive friends and family? That’s the perfect excuse to throw a backyard game competition. Think lawn games, laughter and bragging rights — plus plenty of snacks to keep the energy going strong.
What You’ll Need
To make this event one for the ages, you’ll need a lot of games! Grab your cornhole boards, set up a ring toss, line up the bocce balls and put out the croquet set. You can even add classic games like volleyball, basketball and soccer to your competition. Once you have the games in order, set up teams and make some awesome trophies and awards for the winners.
Here’s a delicious idea for prizes: All-Star Team Cupcakes. Customize them with numbers or colors, or even make them look like each of your guests to really ramp up the team spirit.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
If bad weather’s coming your way, there are still plenty of games that you and your teams can play indoors. Set up card games, darts, board games and more to keep the competition hot. Rain or shine, the fun (and snacks!) never stop.
Pool Party
Splash into summer with an epic pool party! Enjoy some fun in the sun while you lounge by the water with all your friends and family.
What You’ll Need
Set up an awesome pool party by providing guests with plenty of towels, sunscreen, pool toys and snacks. These recipes for Pool Party Candy Popsicles and Frozen S’mores Pops are easy to make and perfectly portable for busy kids. Add this fizzy JOLLY RANCHER Sangria Mocktail and everyone will have a very fruity reason to celebrate.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
While there’s no pool inside, you can still enjoy each other’s company. Play games and snack on something sweet while you wait for the rain to stop. It’s the perfect chance to cozy up, chow down and make memories — just a little drier than planned.
S'mores Night
Summer is never complete without a night dedicated to S’mores. Gather your friends and family around the campfire to make this classic ooey-gooey treat.
What You’ll Need
For the best S’mores night ever, you’ll need to stock up on the essentials. Graham crackers, marshmallows and HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bars are all you’ll need to make perfect S’mores, but don’t be afraid to get creative by adding other ingredients. Check out S’mores Ideas for Summer Nights for add-ins inspiration — like REESE’S THiNS and fresh fruit.
For an even sweeter night, make this Sweet S’mores Snack Mix for guests to munch on while they wait for the sun to set.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
S’mores night must go on, no matter the weather. We’ve got you covered with all the best recipes for making S’mores indoors. How to Make S’mores at Home lists the most convenient ways to make S’mores using the air fryer, microwave, oven and stovetop.
Outdoor Movie Night
Everybody loves a movie night under the stars. Set the scene with string lights, cozy blankets and your favorite snacks. Then press play on an unforgettable summer night.
What You’ll Need
Start planning your outdoor movie night by setting up the screen — either projecting it on a wall or sheet, or bringing a TV outside. Then gather chairs, blankets and pillows on the lawn for a cozy night of fun.
Another important element of movie watching is snacks, of course! Give your guests some satisfying options, such as these Sweet and Salty Snack Tray Ideas, which can be customized so everyone gets exactly what they want. For more fun inspiration, check out 4 Family Movie Night Ideas and Movie Night Ideas.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
Does a little rain have you flustered over film night? There’s an easy fix. Bring the fun indoors and lounge in the living room, or find a blank wall to project the movie inside.
Stargazing Party
Have a fun night under the stars with an out-of-this-world stargazing party. Make amazing memories with friends and family while enjoying a celestial celebration.
What You’ll Need
For a night that’s focused on looking at the stars, it’s best to keep your decor simple. Dress up your backyard with some constellation-themed decorations, but make sure to keep the lights dim so you can still see the stars. Set out lots of blankets, lawn chairs and pillows for guests to lie back and gaze at the galaxy.
Every party needs a plethora of snacks, so keep the food flowing with a Moon & Stars Themed Charcuterie Board, as seen in Backyard Stargazing Party Ideas. It’s a perfectly cosmic option to keep the crowd pleased all night long.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
Even just a few clouds can ruin a star-gazing party, so it’s important to have a backup plan in place. Set up star- and space-themed activities like space bingo and pin-the-astronaut-on-the-moon. You can also punch holes in constellation cards and project them onto the ceiling using flashlights.
Backyard Camping Party
Who needs a campground? Camping under the stars is even better when it’s right in your backyard. All you need are a few backyard camping essentials to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.
What You’ll Need
Make camping at home an occasion with just a few steps. Start up the campfire and cook everything from hot dogs to S’mores. Set up tents for guests to sleep in and put out blankets and lawn chairs for a fun and relaxing night.
Announce the festivities by sending out Camping Party Invitations that will get everyone excited for the event. Once your guests arrive, give them tasty, themed snacks, such as Homemade Sweet & Salty Trail Mix and S’mores Cookies, for munching on throughout the party.
Bad Weather Backup Plan
If the weather looks questionable for an outdoor bash, set up the tents inside and cook up these Indoor S’mores to keep the camping vibes going.
Tips for Hosting Your Backyard Party
No matter your theme, a few party-day musts always apply. Think sunscreen, bug spray and a backup plan for snacks in case the sun’s blazing or the bugs won’t buzz off. When in doubt, keep the food inside and the fun outside.
Even if it’s not raining, tents and umbrellas are always a welcome party addition. They’ll keep your guests more comfortable and out of the sun. If it’s a particularly windy day, have weights or clips in place to secure tablecloths and decor. Last but not least, set the mood with music and keep the fun flowing all night long.
From lazy afternoons to festive nights under the stars, there are so many ways to make the most of your backyard. Take these eight backyard party ideas and make sweet summertime memories with loved ones.
