The sun is out and summer is here! Why not plan a beach party for friends and family?

Invitations.These Go Fish birthday party invitations would go perfectly with a seaside gathering.

Favors. Purchase colorful pails for the kids. Fill them up with little bottles of sunscreen, a towel, and a bag filled with Goldfish crackers. Tie name tags on each pail with the names of your guests.

Activities. There are so many things you can do at the beach that you don’t need to have planned activities. If you want extra ideas, however, throw a sand castle making contest or check out FamilyFun for more ideas.

Food and Drinks. Whether you decide to barbecue or prepare a picnic lunch, keep it cool with fresh fruits, a salad and fruity drinks.

I love anything that’s free! That’s why I was ecstatic when I received an email from Amazon.com saying that FamilyFun Magazine by Disney was offering a free Island Party Planner. Just go to Amazon.com type in FamilyFun magazine and click on the Island Party Planner link for a free download. It has cool ideas for a hot island party such as how to make a South Seas birthday cake, palm tree decoration and delicious island foods. Check it out and if you’re then inspired to create your own island themed party, take a look at some of the cool ocean themed party invitation Tiny Prints has. I think this ocean inspired party invitation would go perfectly well with any island party!