There’s just something magical about a summer night spent outside—with the pool lit up, music in the background, and the kids (and maybe a few adults) giggling under neon lights. If you’ve ever hosted a pool party that started off strong but fizzled out after sunset, you’ll know the vibe totally changes once the sun goes down. That’s where glow-in-the-dark decorations come in. They make everything feel more festive, more memorable… and honestly, way more fun.
We threw a last-minute pool night for my daughter’s 14th birthday last year (because teenagers apparently give you two days’ notice), and I cobbled together some fairy lights, a neon sign from the garage, and a pack of glow sticks I found in a drawer. It was chaotic, hilarious, and one of the best nights we’ve had in the backyard. So now? I’m a little obsessed with the idea of making glow parties a regular summer thing.
Whether you’re planning a 16th birthday bash, a casual poolside family hangout, or just want a reason to break out some neon decor, here are 10 ideas for turning your pool area into a glowing wonderland. They’re all easy, fun, and—best part—kid-approved.
Neon Floating Balloons That Light Up the Water
Floating balloons are already fun—but add LED lights inside and suddenly the whole pool becomes a glowing, magical space. You can get waterproof balloon lights online or make your own with battery-powered mini lights inside clear balloons (pro tip: double layer the balloons to avoid water leaks). Go for bold neon colors like lime, hot pink, and electric blue. Spread them across the pool so they bounce and glow with the movement of the water. The kids love chasing them around, and it makes the water look like something out of a music video.
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To secure them in one area, tie a small weight to the bottom of each balloon string or use transparent fishing line. And if it’s a birthday party, spell out the age in glow balloons on the grass near the pool—it’s a small touch that makes a big statement.
Glow Stick Garland and Fence Decor
We learned the hard way that plain fences kind of disappear after dark. That’s where glow stick garlands come in. Connect long glow necklaces together and drape them across your pool fence or wrap them around any railings or poles. It adds instant structure and color to the edges of your space.
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If you want to go extra (which I usually do), you can even create shapes—like stars or hearts—with connected glow sticks and tape them to the fence. Add some glow-in-the-dark party streamers and you’ve got a backdrop for party pics that actually shows up at night. It’s affordable, DIY-friendly, and the kids can help make it all during the day as a party prep craft.
Light-Up Pool Noodles That Double as Toys
Pool noodles are the unsung heroes of summer—but for night pool parties, they get an upgrade. Slide glow sticks inside clear or white pool noodles (or wrap LED string lights around them if you’re okay with plugging into an outlet nearby). They’ll glow brightly in the dark and still float like normal, giving kids something fun and functional to play with.
Line them around the edge of the pool for extra color, or float a bunch in the middle for a glowing obstacle course. They’re also great for indoor pool parties where lighting might feel a bit harsh—these soft, colorful lights make everything feel more playful and cozy.
DIY Glow Snack Table Setup
Yes, the pool is the main event—but let’s be real, snacks are very important. Set up a simple table near the pool with glowing accents. Try a black tablecloth (or even a cheap plastic one) with neon plates and cups that stand out under LED string lights. Add battery-powered light-up jars filled with cotton candy or popcorn, and glow stick drink stirrers in lemonade or fruit punch.
We used mini light-up trays one year to hold cupcakes, and the kids nearly lost their minds. Not everything has to glow, but a few light-up touches go a long way. Keep the food simple—this isn’t a sit-down meal—but make the setup fun enough that everyone keeps coming back for snacks (which also helps keep kids warm between swims).
Glowing Pool Pathway for Safe and Stylish Vibes
Let’s talk safety for a sec—wet feet and dark garden paths are not a great combo. We solved this with glow-in-the-dark stones that we laid out leading from the house to the pool. You can find them in garden stores or online, and during the day they just look like decorative pebbles. But once night hits? They softly glow and show guests where to walk without any harsh lighting.
If you want something more visible, place solar LED lanterns along the path or create little glowing jars with tea lights and colored tissue paper. It’s a cute way to blend practical lighting with a party vibe. And for younger kids or older grandparents, it gives a sense of safety that doesn’t ruin the atmosphere with too much brightness.
Fire Pit Corner for Warmth and Glow
If you’ve got a little space beside the pool, setting up a small fire pit corner is such a cozy win. We grabbed a portable propane fire bowl one year (no smoke, no drama) and popped a few foldable chairs around it with glow-in-the-dark pillows—yes, they exist! It was where the grown-ups ended up while the kids swam. Bonus: it doubles as a marshmallow zone if you’re willing to supervise sticky fingers near flames.
Keep it safe with a heat-resistant mat underneath, especially if you’re on a deck or patio, and add some solar lanterns around the area so no one stumbles on the snack table en route. It’s warm, soft, and makes the party feel like it has more than one “zone.”
LED Floaties and Inflatable Glow Creatures
Okay, this one was a total hit. We got an inflatable glowing unicorn one summer and every child under 10 lost their minds. Look for LED floaties shaped like animals or fun designs—jellyfish, turtles, even glowing donuts if that’s your vibe. The trick is finding ones that light up from the inside or wrapping battery-powered string lights around the outer edge (safely, of course).
These look amazing once the sun goes down and make it easier to keep track of who’s where in the pool. Plus, they photograph ridiculously well. My sister-in-law still has a pic of her kid on a glowing flamingo printed on a mug.
Blacklight Zone for Games and Dancing
Want to take the party up a notch? Add a blacklight corner. You can hang a blacklight bulb under a pergola or a covered patio, and suddenly every white t-shirt and neon bracelet is glowing like a scene from a teen movie. We set up a tiny dance floor (okay, it was just a square of patio) with a Bluetooth speaker and let the kids go wild.
If you’ve got time earlier in the day, get them to decorate white shirts with glow fabric paint and have a mini runway moment after dark. Glow limbo, glowing hula hoops, and neon bean bag toss are also big hits. Honestly, it’s one of those things you think is just for kids… until you see a bunch of grown-ups trying to limbo under a pool noodle lit with glow sticks.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a pool and a pack of energetic humans—congrats, you’re halfway to the perfect summer night. Throw in some glow-in-the-dark decorations, a few snacks, and a string of lights, and suddenly you’ve created a family memory that’s actually fun for everyone (even the snack-duty parent).
And hey, not everything needs to be Pinterest-perfect. Some of our best moments came from last-minute decorations and slightly wonky balloon animals. The real magic? It’s the laughter, the light, and maybe that feeling you get when the kids say, “Can we do this again next week?”