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Planning a summer baby shower? Let’s make it one to remember! This guide is packed with summer baby shower themes, expert planning tips, and creative decor ideas to help you host a fun, joyful celebration. 

25+ Summer Baby Shower Themes, Ideas + Tips on www.prettymyparty.com. #summerbabyshowerthemes

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Whether you’re celebrating an expecting mom, expectant parents, adoptive parents, or hosting a second baby shower, we’ve gathered the best themes and ideas to spark your creativity and make planning easy and stress-free!

Sunny days, fresh flavors, and endless inspiration make summer the perfect season to celebrate a new baby. From chic garden parties and poolside celebrations to laid-back backyard picnics, you’ll find everything you need here to plan a day your guests will never forget.

Why plan a summer baby shower?

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to host a baby shower, and with good reason. The season offers incredible flexibility and built-in inspiration for planning a fresh, fun, and memorable celebration.

Whether you’re looking to host an elegant garden brunch, a casual backyard picnic, or a playful pool party, summer opens up a variety of options for venues, decor, and activities. It’s also an ideal time for honoring different types of families, from first-time parents to second baby sprinkles, adoptive parents, and blended families.

Here are just a few of the reasons why summer baby showers are so versatile:

  • Wide range of venues: backyard, park, beach, country club, event space
  • Vibrant colors and décor
  • Laid-back vibes, perfect for second baby sprinkles or virtual baby showers
  • Easy to incorporate seasonal inspiration, desserts, flowers, and fun, outdoor games
  • Longer daylight hours, giving you more flexibility for scheduling your themed baby shower

Expert tip: Summer is also a busier season for guests and vendors. Send invitations early and consider offering multiple RSVP options (email, text, web, or social) to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Of course, planning ahead is important to keep everyone, especially the mom-to-be, cool and comfortable during warmer weather. Here are some helpful tips on heat safety during pregnancy from the CDC. As a host, it’s important to be prepared and informed to keep the mom-to-be safe and happy at her celebration.

How to choose your summer baby shower venue

Choosing the venue is one of the first (and most important) decisions you’ll make when planning a summer baby shower. The location sets the tone for the event and helps shape decisions about the guest list, theme, decor, food, and games.

The good news is that summer gives you more options than any other season. Whether you’re picturing a cozy backyard gathering, a playful beach bash, or an elegant indoor-outdoor brunch, there’s a venue to fit your vision and budget.

Here are some of the most popular summer baby shower venues, with tips for choosing the right one:

  • Backyard baby showers: Offer flexibility, a laid-back vibe, and are budget-friendly. They’re perfect for casual picnics, garden parties, or family-focused events with kids. They’re also a great choice for second baby showers and baby sprinkles.
  • Local park: Affordable or free, scenic, and easy to personalize. Just be sure to secure any permits if you need them. Parks are ideal for picnic-style showers, splash-friendly games and activities, and larger guest lists.
  • Beach or poolside venue: These venues naturally fit beach baby themes, tropical luau vibes, or mermaid-themed baby showers. Just be sure to plan for shade and guest comfort.
  • Country Club: This venue offers indoor/outdoor flexibility and amenities like catering, shaded patios, and air conditioning. It’s a professional option for brunches, more formal showers, and baby girl tea parties.
  • Private event space: This is a smart choice for larger guest lists or when you want a private space. It’s fully air-conditioned, so it’s ideal if your guest list includes older relatives or if you want to avoid bad weather.

Expert tip: Once you’ve selected your venue and confirmed your guest list, everything else will start to fall into place—your theme, food, and decor choices will naturally align with the space’s style.

Best summer baby shower themes and ideas

Choosing your baby shower theme is one of the most fun parts of planning, and summer gives you more inspiration than any other season. The season’s colors, textures, and flavors lend themselves to dozens of beautiful theme ideas, from bright citrus palettes to beachy backdrops.

Your venue and guest list will help guide your choice. Backyard showers pair well with picnic and garden themes, while country clubs or private event spaces are ideal for brunches and more elegant themes. For casual events, beaches and poolside venues are perfect.

Expert party planner tip: Think about how the lighting will affect your decor and photos. Midday sun can wash out balloon colors and cause harsh shadows. Late morning or golden hour (early evening) is ideal for photos of your backdrop, dessert table, and guests.

Here are some of the most popular and versatile summer baby shower ideas and themes:

Beach summer baby shower theme

East Coast Kids

Beach baby

Whether you’re at the shore, poolside, or in a backyard, this classic summer theme brings all the fun of the beach to your party. Get creative with the theme with ideas like “A beach babe is on the way for a girl or “Baby on board” surfboard theme for a boy.

Décor

  • Balloon arch in ocean hues
  • Seashell backdrop
  • Mini sandcastle centerpieces with seashell accents
  • “Message in a Bottle” guest wishes table

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Little Ray of Sunshine Summer Baby Shower Theme

Time4Wedding

Little Ray of Sunshine

Bright, happy, and full of warmth, this little sunshine theme works beautifully for a baby girl, boy, or gender-neutral shower and is easy to adapt to a backyard, park, or indoor venue.

Décor

  • Yellow + white balloon garland with sun cutouts
  • Fabric backdrop in ombré yellow shades
  • Hanging paper sunbursts
  • Small vases of sunflowers or daisies
  • Yellow + white tablecloths
  • Sunshine-shaped plates or napkins

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Baby in Bloom Summer Baby Shower Theme

Framed Fables

Garden party / Baby in bloom

This timeless option works especially well in gardens, parks, or country club patios—it’s great for brunches or afternoon tea showers.

Décor

  • Floral hoop wreaths hung behind the dessert table or as a photo backdrop
  • Mini potted flowers as table centerpieces (that double as guest favors!)
  • “Bloom bar” station where guests can build their own mini bouquets to take home
  • Vintage watering cans or teapots used as vases for whimsical floral arrangements

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Fruit-inspired and citrus themes are especially popular for summer:

Berry Sweet Summer Baby Shower Theme

Sticky Wall Vinyl

Berry sweet baby / One in a Melon / Sweet as a Peach

Perfect for laid-back, picnic-style showers, these fun fruit themes are easy to style and adapt well to backyard or park venues.

Décor

  • Balloon arches or garlands with fruit balloons mixed in
  • Fruity banners
  • Fruit-themed backdrops
  • Fruit-themed signs

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For family-friendly and splash-friendly showers, carnival themes shine:

Circus/carnival summer baby shower theme

Walls By Uniq

Carnival Theme

Perfect for backyards or parks, this playful theme appeals to all ages and is excellent for baby sprinkles and second baby showers.

Décor

  • Striped red + white or pastel carnival tent backdrop — perfect behind the dessert table or photo booth
  • Balloon garlands in carnival colors (red, yellow, blue, or soft pink, mint, gold for a modern twist)
  • Popcorn boxes, ticket rolls, and mini marquee lights used as table decor or centerpieces
  • Cotton candy cart or display — doubles as decor and treat station

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For modern and Instagram-worthy decor, these trends stand out:

Aloha Baby Summer Baby Shower Theme

Dahling Design Co.

Hawaiian Tropical Theme

A tropical aloha theme is stylish, on-trend option that works beautifully indoors or outdoors, especially for showers you’ll want to photograph and share.

Décor

  • Rattan and wicker accents — use rattan chargers, wicker baskets, and boho lanterns
  • Palm leaves and pampas grass centerpieces — mix tropical greens with neutral textures
  • Macrame backdrop paired with tropical flowers for a photo spot
  • Layered rugs and floor cushions — create cozy, low picnic-style seating with boho textiles and pops of tropical color

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Mama to Bee Baby Summer Shower Theme

Photo credit: Create with Kait

Bee theme/ Mama-to-bee

Sweet, sunny, and full of charm, this theme is especially popular for summer sprinkles or second baby showers.

Décor

  • “Sweet as can bee” backdrop with yellow, white, and black balloon garland and a banner
  • Honeycomb-shaped shelves or wall decor filled with flowers, candles, and mini honey jars
  • Beehive centerpieces made from painted paper lanterns or stacked donuts
  • Place settings with mini jars of honey or bee-themed cookies as favors

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For whimsical or magical summer showers:

Under the Sea Summer Baby Shower Theme Guest Book

Wood Crafts By Kristy

Mermaid / Under the sea

This theme is a great choice for beach venues or poolside showers, and works well for baby girls or gender-neutral events.

Décor

  • Balloon garland in ocean colors (shades of teal, aqua, lavender, and pearl) with hanging bubble balloons
  • Table centerpieces with sand, seashells, and mini “treasure chests” or glass jars with pearls
  • “Mermaid tail” photo booth backdrop with iridescent fringe curtains and shell props
  • Netting draped along walls or tables with starfish, faux seaweed, and hanging sea creatures

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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Summer Baby Shower Theme

Blushing Drops

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Ideal for evening or indoor summer showers, this classic shower theme works beautifully with navy and gold color schemes.

Décor

  • Hanging star garlands or twinkle lights strung across the ceiling or backdrop
  • Balloon arch in shades of navy, gold, silver, and white with metallic star accents
  • Centerpieces with floating candles and star confetti in clear vases
  • A “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” photo booth backdrop with a moon prop and hanging stars

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For casual backyard and family-friendly showers:

Summer picnic baby shower theme invitation

Invite Me Over

Picnic baby shower

A picnic theme is simple, affordable, and always fun. It is perfect for backyard showers and family-focused events at local parks.

Décor

  • Low picnic tables with layered rugs and floor cushions for cozy seating
  • Mason jar centerpieces filled with wildflowers or fresh greenery
  • A hanging “Hello Baby” banner strung between trees
  • Wicker baskets filled with rolled blankets for guests

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Summer baby shower tips

Summer is an ideal season for celebrating, but it does require a little extra planning to keep everyone comfortable, especially the mom-to-be and any older or very young guests.

With a few thoughtful details, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that lets your decor shine and ensures guests can relax and enjoy the day.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Time your event wisely

  • Schedule for cooler parts of the day: late morning (10 am–12 pm) or early evening (5–7 pm). Avoid mid-afternoon, when temperatures and sun exposure are at their peak.

Create comfort zones

  • Provide shaded seating with umbrellas, canopies, or tented areas.
  • Set up fans or misting stations, especially for outdoor venues.
  • Offer cooling towels or paper fans as practical favors that your guests will appreciate.

Plan a refreshing menu

  • Keep foods light and hydrating: salads, fruit platters, chilled drinks, and desserts that hold up well in warmer weather.
  • Include a signature mocktail or infused water station.

Prioritize hydration

Expert party planner tip:
Less is more when the sun’s out! Focus on just a few high-impact elements—think a fun balloon arch or a beautifully styled dessert table. These become natural photo backdrops and help define the space without needing to decorate every corner. Stick to two or three main colors. A well-edited color palette will make your decor (and your photos!) stand out.

How to plan your guest list

Your guest list will help shape almost every other part of your summer baby shower, from your choice of food, games, and decor.

Summer showers often attract a wider variety of guests since many families are traveling or visiting during the season, so it’s especially helpful to plan ahead.

Here’s how to create a guest list that works for everyone:

Start with the parents-to-be

  • Have a conversation early about who they would love to celebrate with. Include close family, friends, co-workers, and anyone special to them.

Consider your guest mix

  • If kids will be attending, plan for splash-friendly activities (like splash pads or bubble stations) and a menu that includes child-friendly options like finger foods and desserts in cups.
  • If older relatives are attending, consider comfortable seating, shade, and parking accessibility.

Match your guest count to your venue

  • Smaller guest lists (10–20): Backyard showers, private dining rooms, parks.
  • Medium (20–40): Parks with shade options, country clubs, beach or poolside venues.
  • Larger (40+): Private event spaces or banquet rooms.

Communicate clearly

  • Be sure to note any dress code or special theme in your invitations, so guests can dress comfortably for the weather (shades, hats, and flat shoes for outdoor venues).
  • Include RSVP options (email, text, paper) since summer is a busy season for many guests.

Expert party planner tip:
Planning a summer guest list is about balance. Include everyone the parents-to-be want to celebrate with, but choose a venue that comfortably accommodates your guest count. Guests will remember how relaxed and welcoming the day felt far more than the size of the event.

Your decor helps set the mood for your event, and summertime is the perfect season to have fun with color, texture, and creative details.

Whether you’re creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop or adding subtle seasonal touches, these trends work well across many popular summer baby shower themes:

  • Balloon arches and balloon garlands (in bright colors or citrus-inspired palettes)
  • Greenery accents such as eucalyptus, ivy, or tropical leaves
  • Fabric backdrops or banner walls behind the dessert table
  • Pops of citrus (oranges, lemons, limes) in a beverage container, table centerpieces, or place settings
  • Mason jars for drinks, floral arrangements, or layered desserts
  • Mix of textures: macrame, rattan chargers, linen napkins, metallic accents
  • Dessert table as a visual focal point (with matching backdrops and signage)

Expert party planner tip: Focus your decor budget on one or two high-impact areas, like a balloon arch at your entry or a well-styled dessert table. These eye-catching elements will make your photos shine.

Games and activities for summer baby showers

Games and activities help break the ice, entertain your guests, and add a playful touch to your event. Summer showers offer unique opportunities to incorporate outdoor games. If you’re on a budget and looking for quick and easy baby shower games, check out our 10 free printable games.

Here’s a mix of classic and seasonal ideas:

  • Baby photo match-up
  • Diaper raffle
  • Onesie decorating station (set outdoors or on a shaded patio)
  • Advice for new parents cards
  • Baby name race
  • Baby bottle chug relay
  • Water balloon toss (great for kid-friendly showers or backyard venues)

Expert party planner tip: Plan the flow of your games. Start with quieter, interactive games during your meal or gift opening, then move to more active or splash-friendly activities once guests have had a chance to mingle and relax.

Summer baby shower menu ideas

Food is one of the easiest ways to bring your summer baby shower theme to life. The season’s fresh flavors and colorful ingredients lend themselves to light, refreshing menus that are perfect for outdoor celebrations.

When planning your menu, think about the style of your event (backyard brunch, beach bash, formal luncheon), and the time of day.

Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:

For brunch showers:

  • Lemonade and iced tea bar with fruit infusions
  • Mini quiches
  • Yogurt parfaits with fresh berries
  • Mini muffins and pastries

For lunch or afternoon showers:

  • Grilled burgers and veggie skewers
  • Pasta or grain salads with seasonal vegetables
  • Charcuterie boards with cheeses, fruits, and crackers
  • Fresh green salads with citrus vinaigrettes
  • Mason jar desserts (fruit crumbles, trifles)

For dessert-focused or evening showers:

  • Cupcakes, cookies, and cakes with seasonal flavors like lemon or blueberry
  • Ice cream sundae bar
  • Lemon bars, citrus-flavored cookies
  • Signature mocktails or cocktails

Expert party planner tip: Choose desserts that hold up well in the heat. Mini cupcakes, cookies, and mason jar desserts are easy to serve and photograph well, perfect for your dessert table and Insta-worthy moments.

Virtual summer baby showers

Virtual baby showers became popular out of necessity, but they’ve remained a great option for celebrating with long-distance guests or when a traditional in-person shower isn’t practical. 

Summer is an ideal season to host a virtual shower. Guests are often traveling or vacationing, and a virtual event makes it easy for everyone to attend, no matter where they are.

With a little creativity, a virtual shower can feel just as festive and connected as an in-person one. Here’s how to make it special:

Set the scene

  • Use bright, summery virtual backgrounds to match your theme—think beach scenes, garden settings, citrus patterns, or colorful balloons.
  • Encourage guests to wear theme-friendly colors or accessories (flower crowns, sunglasses, etc.)
  • Send mini decor kits. Mailing simple decor kits ahead of time helps guests feel included. Ideas include mini banners, balloons, drink stirrers, small favors, or matching napkins.
  • Include a printed program or game cards if you’ll be playing along on Zoom.

Plan easy, summer-friendly games

  • Diaper raffle
  • Baby shower bingo
  • Baby trivia
  • Guess the bump size
  • Ice breaker questions (summer favorites edition)
  • Summer-themed background contest or best drink presentation

Expert party planner tip:
Keep virtual showers to about 60–75 minutes. That’s the sweet spot for keeping energy high and making sure the experience feels fun, not drawn out. A mix of games, gift opening, and social time works well.

Summer baby shower FAQs

Who typically pays for a baby shower?

Traditionally, the host or hosts of the baby shower cover the costs of the event. This could be a close friend, a family member, or a group of people (like a few friends or coworkers) who split the expenses. That said, every shower is different! Some families choose to contribute or co-host, and modern showers often reflect what works best for the parents-to-be and their circle.

When is the best time of day to host a summer baby shower?

The best times to host a summer baby shower are late morning (10 am–12 pm) or early evening (5–7 pm), when temperatures are cooler. This helps keep guests and the mom-to-be comfortable, especially for outdoor showers.

Can you host a summer baby shower indoors?

Absolutely. Many summer themes adapt beautifully to indoor spaces—garden party, lemonade stand, tropical, or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Indoor venues also provide air conditioning, which can be important for older guests or very young children.

Are summer baby showers good for baby sprinkles?

Yes. Summer’s laid-back, casual feel is perfect for second baby showers and sprinkles. Backyard picnics, pool parties, and simple brunches work especially well.

How far in advance should I send invitations for a summer baby shower?

Send invitations early—summer calendars fill up fast! Mail or email your baby shower invites 4–6 weeks before the big day. With vacations, weddings, and other events on everyone’s schedule, a little extra notice gives guests the best chance to RSVP “yes” and join your celebration.

How big should the guest list be for a summer baby shower?

Your guest list depends on your venue and the style of your event.

  • Backyard or park showers: 10–20 guests
  • Beach or poolside: 15–30 guests
  • Country club or private event space: 20–50 guests
  • Be sure to consider space, seating, and guest comfort when planning.

What should guests wear to a summer baby shower?

Encourage guests to dress for the venue, theme, and weather. Light, breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, sun hats, and sunglasses are great choices for outdoor events. If you have a theme or color palette, mention it on your invitation.

How can I keep guests comfortable during an outdoor summer baby shower?

To keep guests comfortable at an outdoor summer baby shower, provide plenty of shade with tents, umbrellas, or natural cover, and offer refreshing drinks like infused water, iced tea, or mocktails. Set out fans or misters for hot days, and have sunscreen and bug spray available. Lastly, consider hosting the shower in the late morning or early evening to avoid the midday heat. A little planning goes a long way to keeping everyone happy and relaxed!

What are the best colors for a summer baby shower theme?

Summer baby showers shine with bright, cheerful palettes! Some popular choices include:

  • Sunny yellow + white (perfect for a “Little Sunshine” or citrus theme)
  • Coral + aqua (great for beach or tropical vibes)
  • Peach + blush + gold (for a soft, elegant summer look)
  • Lavender + mint + light blue (perfect for garden parties or tea-themed showers)
  • Bold citrus tones — orange, lime, pink grapefruit — for fun, fruity themes

No matter which colors you choose, keep your palette simple—2 or 3 main colors will pop beautifully in your decor and photos.

Can I incorporate water activities at a summer baby shower?

Definitely! Splash pads, kiddie pools, water balloon games, or bubble stations are fun additions, especially for family-friendly showers or backyard venues where kids are attending.

Expert party planner tip:
Include a brief FAQ in the envelope with your invitation or on your event website to answer common questions up front, like dress code, parking, kid-friendly activities, etc.

Check out more baby shower etiquette tips here.

There’s something extra special about celebrating a baby shower in the summer. The bright colors, seasonal flavors, and laid-back outdoor vibe set the stage for a joyful gathering. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach theme, a charming garden tea party, or a fun fruity theme, it’s the little details that make your event stand out. Plan like a pro with our baby shower checklist.

Have you hosted a summer baby shower? I’d love to hear your favorite ideas — share in the comments below! And don’t forget to pin this post for your baby shower planning inspiration.

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