This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here
Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Alaina
Throwing a summer party for kids? These cheap and cheerful decoration ideas will make your space pop, without the big price tag!
Party decorations can get expensive fast. But here’s the thing: kids care way more about having fun than about whether your balloons match your plates. Over the years, I’ve learned how to make summer party spaces look festive and fun without spending a fortune. It’s all about using simple, colorful, and creative touches, and sometimes a little bit of DIY!
These budget-friendly summer party decorations for kids are easy to put together, easy on your wallet, and a big hit with little party guests.
Why You’ll Love These Summer Party Decorations:
- They’re colorful, festive, and super affordable
- Most ideas use dollar store or DIY materials
- Easy enough to prep in an hour or less
Cheap and Easy Summer Party Decoration Ideas
1. Balloon Garland with a Twist
Balloons are the ultimate party starter, and you don’t need helium to make them pop (ha ha!)! Whether you go with red, white, and blue for the 4th or tropical colors for a luau, balloon garlands are low-cost but high-impact. You can even wrap them around a hula hoop for a DIY photo backdrop that doubles as a statement piece!
- Use different sizes and bright colors to build a fun garland
- Add in a few mylar or themed balloons for flair
- Use a strip or tie to a hula hoop for a DIY photo backdrop
- Look around for a balloon garland kit or themed balloon set to save time
- Use a pump to blow the balloons up!
2. Dollar Store Table Settings
You’d be surprised just how far $10 can go at the dollar store. With colorful plates, cups, napkins, and even matching straws, you can create a festive table setting that ties in perfectly with your theme and looks way more expensive than it is.
- Use colorful paper plates, napkins, and cups
- Mix and match bold summer colors or match your theme
- Add a few themed straws or stickers for extra cuteness
- Tip: Grab plastic trays or platters to serve snacks without buying fancy serveware
3. Printable Party Signs & Banners
Printables are your best friend when you need decorations fast. A cute sign or themed banner can instantly pull the party together. Plus, if you laminate them, you can save them to reuse again next year.
- Use Canva or find already-made printables on Etsy and blogs (like the ones coming to Bullock’s Buzz soon!)
- Hang banners on the snack table or welcome sign at the front door
- You can even laminate and reuse them later
4. Pool Noodle Decor Hacks
Pool noodles aren’t just for swimming, they’re party magic! From party decor to pool noodle crafts, they’re bright, squishy, and super easy to cut and shape. Make garlands, centerpieces, or even a DIY limbo stick with pool noodles and a few simple tools.
- Cut into small pieces and string together for garlands
- Bend into circles to create DIY wreaths
- Stack and decorate for colorful centerpieces or games
- Tip: Use skewers or chopsticks to anchor them into foam blocks
5. Themed Table Centerpieces (on a Budget)
You don’t need fancy decorations to set the vibe, use what you’ve got! Some of the best party tables I’ve seen (and made) were put together with jars, snacks, or even toys that I found around the house, from a friend, or at a dollar store.
- Ice Cream Party? Fill clear jars with sprinkles or mini cones
- Camping Theme? Mason jars with battery tea lights and faux leaves
- Ocean Theme? Shells, blue beads, and small toy fish
- Add name cards or labels for a personalized touch
6. DIY Photo Booth
Photo booths are a great way to entertain kids and capture memories. No need for a pro setup either, streamers, a plastic tablecloth, and a few silly props are all you need.
- Use streamers, a plastic tablecloth as a backdrop, and a sign
- Add simple props like sunglasses, hats, or chalkboard speech bubbles
- Let kids take silly photos or use it for group shots (great party favor idea!)
7. Flower Pot Snack Displays
Here’s a fun hack: use (clean) flower pots to hold party supplies or snacks. I’ve used this trick for everything from fruit cups to plastic cutlery. You can even decorate them to match your party theme. Decor + functionality = win!
- Use new or clean plastic flower pots to hold snacks or drinks
- Perfect for holding napkins, utensils, or even snack cups
- Bonus: match to your theme (paint them rainbow or add sticker labels)
8. Tissue Paper Pom-Poms and Fans
These super light decorations add color and fun texture to any space. Hang them from trees, party tents, or above your snack table to make your whole space feel festive without spending a ton.
- Hang pom-poms from ceilings, porches, or tents
- Mix sizes and colors for layered effect
- Pair with matching fans or paper lanterns for more impact
9. Summer-Inspired Wall Art or Window Clings
Want to cover a large wall or window fast? Removable clings or summer-themed posters are a fun, affordable way to add instant impact without the mess!
- Use vinyl window clings or printable wall art to decorate fences, doors, or sliding glass
- Choose fun shapes like flamingos, pineapples, beach balls, or sea creatures, or match them to your party theme!
- No nails or damage, just peel, stick, and remove after the party
- Bonus: let the kids help put them up for extra fun
10. String Lights and Solar Lanterns
Lighting can totally transform your outdoor party space, especially if your celebration goes into the evening. From twinkling fairy lights to colorful solar lanterns, a little glow goes a long way in setting the mood – and you don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen. Bonus: lights help keep the party vibe alive after the sun goes down.
- Use glow sticks for extra fun after dark
- Hang string lights along fences, trees, or across the patio
- Use solar-powered lanterns or jars for eco-friendly flair
- Wrap fairy lights around poles or umbrella stands
- Add battery-powered LED candles to centerpieces for safe sparkle
Pro Party Decor Tips:
Planning your party decorations doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, just a few clever touches can totally transform your space. Use these cheap summer party decor tips to help you decorate smarter, not harder, while still creating a fun and festive vibe kids will love.
- Stick with 2–3 main colors to keep things from looking too chaotic
- Use what you already have before buying anything new
- Lighting makes a big difference, fairy lights or string lights are party magic
- Group similar items in threes (it’s easier on the eyes)
- Don’t underestimate the power of tape, command hooks, or clothespins for quick setup
- Label everything for extra fun – snacks, games, drinks, you name it. Match your theme if possible!
FAQs:
Q: How far in advance can I decorate?
A: Non-food decor (like banners and backdrops) can go up the day before. Just keep balloons out of direct sun if prepping early!
Q: How much should I spend on decorations?
A: You can easily decorate an entire kids’ party space for under $25 — especially with dollar store finds and printables.
Q: What’s the easiest decoration for impact?
A: Balloons! Big bunches or garlands make everything feel festive fast.
Show Me What You’ve Got!
Tried any of these budget-friendly summer party decoration ideas? Tag @bullocksbuzz or use #bullocksbuzz to share your party setup!
Click the heart or pin this post for later and be sure to share it with friends who want to throw a fun party without going broke.