My Mom Used to Throw Us Indoor Beach Parties When We Couldn't Go Outside, and They Were the Best

Published on 3/31/2020 at 4:32 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Caitlin Gallagher

I grew up in Chicago, so from October to March (OK, fine, April), staying inside and away from the bitter cold was the norm. But despite the lack of outdoor time during the winter, my sister and I were still able to have some of the summer fun we longed for . . . just with a twist.

My mom was always so creative when it came to throwing our birthday parties or celebrating holidays in fun and unique ways, and one of her best inventions was the indoor beach party. At least once a year, my sister and I would invite a few friends over in the middle of winter and "hit the beach" in our basement (peep the very '90s-esque photo above for reference). This entailed the heat being turned slightly up, us rocking our favorite swimsuits, lounging on beach towels, and snacking on our favorite summer snacks. It was the perfect (and most fun!) activity for when going outside wasn't an option, and it's really easy to put together. If you want to throw an indoor beach party for you and your kids, keep reading for seven tips on how to bring the sunshine to you.

Put On Your Favorite Swimsuits

No trip to the "beach" is complete without the proper attire, so bust out your favorite swimsuits. If you live in a warm place, open the windows to bring some of the outside temperature in, and if you live in a cold place, turn up the heat slightly so you can really feel like you're spending the day in the sun. Also feel free to rock some sunscreen, sunglasses, and floaties to take things up a notch!

Lay Out Your Favorite Beach Towels

Whether it's one large towel to fit the whole family or everyone has their own favorite, lay out colorful and fun beach towels on your living room floor, in the basement, or wherever you've dubbed your "beach" area for the day.

Put On a Water-Themed Movie

To further set the scene, put on a fun water- or beach-themed movie in the background for everyone to enjoy. Some ideas? The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo, and Finding Dory.

Have a Beach Playlist Ready

If you're all soaking up the "sun" on your beach towels, it's good to have something in the background to listen to. Put together a fun beach playlist as a family with everyone's favorite vacation songs.

Enjoy Lots of Popsicles

No day at the beach is complete without popsicles or ice cream. Indulge in at least one ice-cold treat to make the day feel extra special!

And Other Beach-Themed Snacks

Make sure all the food you enjoy at your beach party is appropriately themed. We're talking mini hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, potato salad, etc. Have a summer barbecue in your kitchen!

Go "Swimming"

Unless you have an indoor pool (which, if you do, we're jealous), you need to get creative with how to go "swimming" during your beach party. My mom filled a bunch of spray bottles with water so my sister and I could spray each other and our friends in a fun water game without soaking the entire house. It was so much fun!