Summer Baby Shower Ideas: 40+ Creative Themes, Decor & Activities
About 25–28% of babies are born during the summer months (June–August), making it one of the most popular birth seasons — and a busy time for baby showers. There's something magical about celebrating new life when the world is in full bloom. Summer offers endless possibilities—outdoor venues, fresh color palettes, and refreshing treats winter can't match.
The challenge? Keeping guests cool while creating an Instagram-worthy celebration. As a mom of 5, I've learned what works (and what doesn't) in the heat. Summer baby shower ideas require a unique approach. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical luau, strawberry soirée, or elegant garden party, this guide covers everything you need for a memorable, comfortable celebration.
If you're new to baby shower planning, don't worry—I'll cover summer-specific tips while you can also check out my complete baby registry checklist to help with gift ideas, newborn sleep tips for what comes after the celebration, and fun crafts for kids if you're including little ones at your shower.
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
Summer Baby Shower Ideas
Best Summer Baby Shower Themes for This Year
Picking a theme is honestly where the fun begins. I've planned quite a few baby showers at this point, and the summer ones are always my favorite because you can go wild with vibrant colors and fresh ideas.
Tropical Paradise is one of the most popular themes right now. Think palm leaves everywhere, pineapples as centerpieces, and flamingo decorations. The color scheme here is super forgiving—hot pink, bright yellow, lime green, turquoise—the bolder the better. I once helped plan a tropical shower where we hung fake coconuts from the trees, and the photos turned out amazing.
Lemon & Sunshine themes are perfect if you want something bright and cheerful. Yellow everything—lemon-print napkins, citrus slice garlands, and a lemonade bar. If you're leaning into this theme, be sure to check out my dedicated lemon baby shower ideas post for even more inspiration. One trick I learned: get those glass drink dispensers with the little spigots instead of mason jars.
Here's a breakdown of themes that work well in summer:
Under the Sea: Mermaids, nautical stripes, aqua colors, and shell decorations
Garden Party Elegance: English tea party vibes with lots of flowers and pastel tablecloths — explore my floral baby shower ideas or spring garden baby shower ideas for beautiful inspiration
Strawberry Sweetness: Perfect for a girl shower with red and pink everywhere
Beach Bash: Sandcastle centerpieces, starfish scattered around, maybe some beach balls
Boho Picnic: Macramé wall hangings, low seating on blankets, and natural wood elements
Ice Cream Social: Vintage ice cream parlor theme with a DIY sundae bar
Watermelon Wonderland: Pink and green color combo that screams summer
The watermelon theme is seriously underrated. I did one last year where we carved actual watermelons to hold fruit salad, and it was both practical and visually appealing. Plus, watermelon is like 92% water, so it keeps guests hydrated.
The key to picking your theme is thinking about the mom-to-be's personality. Is she laid-back and beachy? Go coastal. Does she love all things fancy? Garden party it is — my elegant baby shower themes guide has gorgeous ideas for that. Also, consider the gender reveal situation. If you're keeping it neutral, themes like "Sunshine & Rainbows," "Citrus Celebration," or "Under the Sea" work perfectly because they don't rely on traditional pink or blue.
You can also browse my dedicated summer boy baby shower themes or summer girl baby shower themes if you already know the sex, or check out summer gender reveal ideas for a fun twist on the celebration.
Outdoor Venue Ideas and Setup Tips
Finding the right outdoor space can make or break your summer baby shower. I've seen gorgeous backyards transform into absolute paradise, and I've also watched people struggle with parks that had zero shade.
Backyard transformations are honestly my go-to recommendation. There's something special about hosting in someone's home space—it's more intimate, you have access to bathrooms and a kitchen, and you're not dealing with venue rental fees. For a 40-person crowd, you really need at least 800-1000 square feet of usable outdoor space to be comfortable.
When setting up a backyard shower, create different zones: a main seating area, a separate food and drink station, and maybe a little activity corner. This keeps people from clustering in one spot and helps with traffic flow.
Park pavilion rentals can be a lifesaver if you need more space. Most city parks rent out pavilions for around $50-150 for a few hours. The downside is you usually need to reserve them 2-3 months ahead during peak summer months.
Here's what you need to know about park venues:
Check what's allowed: Some parks have restrictions on decorations or won't let you stake anything into the ground
Scope out the facilities: Are the bathrooms clean and close enough to your pavilion?
Consider parking: If guests have to park far away and carry gifts, that's going to be annoying
Have a backup plan: Public parks don't give rain checks
Garden venues like botanical gardens or arboretums are absolutely stunning for baby showers. These places are already decorated by nature, so you barely need to add anything. The catch is they're usually pricier—expect to pay $300-800 depending on your area.
Poolside celebrations are tricky but can be amazing if done right. Safety is the number one concern. I always recommend keeping the pool area roped off or designated as a separate space from the main party. For poolside decor, go with things that won't blow into the water.
Beach locations are harder to pull off than you'd think. I've done exactly two beach baby showers, and both times we dealt with wind that destroyed half our decorations. If you're going the beach route:
Get a permit if your local beach requires one
Bring weights for everything—sand, water bottles, anything heavy
Skip paper plates and napkins; they'll blow away
Set up a large canopy or beach tent for shade
Consider timing around tides if you're near the water
The beach shower I remember fondly was scheduled for 6 PM to catch the sunset. We did heavy appetizers instead of a full meal, and the vibe was perfect.
Shaded area essentials are non-negotiable for summer showers. People will literally leave your party if they're roasting in the sun. Pop-up canopy tents are your best friend—you can get a 10x10 tent for around $100-200. If you're using a backyard with trees, position your main seating under the tree canopy.
Time-of-day considerations matter. The hottest part of the day is typically between 12 PM and 4 PM, so avoid that window. Morning showers from 10 AM to noon are lovely, or evening showers from 5 PM to 7 PM give you that gorgeous golden hour lighting.
Not sure when to schedule? My guide on when to have a baby shower covers all the timing details.
Keeping Guests Cool and Comfortable
Keeping people comfortable in summer heat is literally more important than any other planning detail. If your guests are sweating and miserable, your shower is going to fall flat.
Strategic timing is your first line of defense. Don't host during peak heat hours unless you have significant shade coverage. The difference between a 10 AM shower and a 2 PM shower in July can be like 15-20 degrees.
If you're pregnant yourself, check out my tips on staying cool during pregnancy in summer — the same principles apply for keeping your guests comfortable.
Hydration stations need to be everywhere. I'm talking multiple beverage stations strategically placed around your party area. Here's my usual setup for a 30-person shower:
Main drink station with lemonade, iced tea, and infused water
Secondary water station on the opposite side of the party area
Individual water bottles in a cute bin with ice
Maybe a signature mocktail station if you're feeling fancy
Pro tip: freeze fruit into ice cubes. They keep drinks cold and look attractive. My go-to infused water combinations are cucumber-mint, strawberry-lemon, and watermelon-basil.
Cooling comfort items make a real difference. I provide little baskets with:
Small handheld fans (bulk packs of 20 for around $15)
Cooling towels soaked in ice water
Cute paper fans that match your theme
Hair ties
Misters can drop the temperature by 20-30 degrees in the immediate area. You can rent professional misting systems or buy simpler versions that connect to garden hoses.
Shaded seating arrangements require planning. Set up seating under trees or awnings first, then add canopy tents for extra coverage. Make sure every seat has shade access.
Dress code suggestions on invitations help people prepare. Include a note like "This is an outdoor celebration—casual sundresses and comfortable shoes recommended." It gives people permission to wear breathable fabrics.
If the mom-to-be is looking for outfit inspiration, my summer pregnancy outfit ideas post has plenty of cute and comfortable options.
Creating indoor-outdoor flow is essential if you have access to air conditioning. Set up the gift-opening area inside, or have the dessert table in a cool space. This naturally pulls people indoors periodically for a break from the heat.
Frozen treat timing is a bit of an art form. I usually plan frozen treats for about 45 minutes into the party—after people have arrived and mingled, but before the energy starts to dip. Popsicles are easier than ice cream because they melt slower.
Summer-Inspired Color Palettes and Decorations
Color palettes for summer baby showers are where you can really let your personality shine. Summer gives you permission to go bold with colors in ways that would feel too intense for other seasons.
Citrus brights are having a major moment. Sunny yellows, bright oranges, lime greens—basically anything that looks like it came from a fruit stand. The trick with bright colors is balancing them so they don't overwhelm. I usually pick two main bright colors and add white or cream as a neutral.
Ocean blues create a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Think turquoise, navy, seafoam green, and sandy beige. I'm particularly fond of the turquoise and coral combination—it's tropical without being too in-your-face.
Sunset hues are absolutely stunning for evening showers. Coral, peach, pink, and gold together create this warm, romantic vibe. The gold accent is key—it makes the whole thing feel elevated.
Here's a breakdown of color combinations:
For tropical themes:
Hot pink + lime green + yellow
Turquoise + coral + white
Orange + pink + gold
For garden themes:
Lavender + mint + cream — see my lavender baby shower ideas for the full look
Blush pink + sage green + white
Peach + dusty rose + gold
For neutral/boho themes:
Cream + tan + sage
White + natural wood + greenery — my rustic baby shower themes post has tons of ideas for this aesthetic
Beige + terracotta + olive green
DIY flower arrangements save you considerable money. Florists charge $75+ per centerpiece. You can make your own for maybe $15-20 each if you buy seasonal flowers. Summer flowers like sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, and zinnias are affordable and gorgeous. I hit up Trader Joe's or Whole Foods for $8-12 bouquets.
For more inspiration, check out my wildflower baby shower ideas or daisy baby shower ideas — both translate beautifully into summer decor.
My foolproof centerpiece formula:
Get a simple container (mason jars, tin cans covered in burlap, ceramic pots)
Fill with water and flower food
Cut flower stems at an angle
Start with greenery as your base
Add your main flowers
Fill in gaps with smaller flowers
Make sure it looks full from all angles
For more detailed DIY decor inspiration, my DIY baby shower decorations ideas guide walks you through everything step by step.
Balloon installations are tricky for outdoor events because of wind. If you're doing balloons outside:
Use heavy bases (sandbags, weighted balloon stands, or tie them to furniture)
Go for balloon garlands attached to structures instead of free-standing arches
Consider helium balloons only for indoor spaces
Use fishing line or clear string to anchor balloons securely
String lighting creates a magical atmosphere, especially for evening showers. Those Edison bulb string lights or fairy lights transform outdoor spaces. You need outdoor-rated lights and a power source, so extension cords are usually necessary.
Refreshing Summer Menu Ideas
Food planning for summer baby showers requires a different strategy than winter events. You need to think about what holds up in heat, what's refreshing, and what won't make people feel too full.
For a deep dive into everything food-related, check out my complete guide to summer baby shower food ideas.
Light appetizers are the way to go. Heavy foods sound terrible when it's 85 degrees out. I always lean toward fresh, crisp finger foods.
Caprese skewers are my absolute favorite—just thread cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. I can prep 50 skewers in under 30 minutes.
Here's my go-to summer appetizer lineup for a 30-person shower:
Caprese skewers (60 pieces)
Veggie cups with ranch dip at the bottom (30 cups)
Fruit kabobs (40 skewers)
Cucumber cream cheese bites (50 pieces)
Hummus trio with pita chips and veggies
Bruschetta on toasted baguette slices
Chilled soups and salads are perfect for summer. Gazpacho shooters served in little shot glasses are incredibly refreshing. For salads, I like to do a DIY salad bar where people can build their own with different toppings. Pasta salads are classic because they sit out well.
Grilled options work great if you have someone willing to man the grill. BBQ chicken sliders on Hawaiian rolls are always a hit. You could also do a build-your-own taco bar or slider station.
Fresh fruit displays are basically mandatory. Watermelon carvings are easier than you think—you can carve one into a basket shape and fill it with melon balls. Fruit pizza (giant sugar cookie base with cream cheese frosting and sliced fruit) is a real crowd-pleaser. Berry parfait cups in small jars look adorable.
Dessert bars are where summer showers really shine. An ice cream sundae station with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry plus various toppings is guaranteed happiness. The key is keeping the ice cream in coolers with ice until serving time.
For styling tips, my baby shower dessert table ideas post has beautiful setups, and don't miss my baby shower cake ideas for the centerpiece sweet.
Popsicle displays are cute and easier to manage. Display them in a galvanized tub filled with ice, and they stay frozen for a good while.
Signature mocktails make guests feel special. I always have at least two options:
Watermelon mint coolers: Blend watermelon, add mint and lime juice, serve over ice
Peach bellini mocktails: Peach puree and sparkling apple cider
Strawberry lemonade: Fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water
Infused water stations elevate the whole event. Get big glass dispensers, fill with ice and water, add fruit and herbs, let it sit for at least an hour. Good combinations include cucumber + mint + lime, strawberry + lemon + basil, and watermelon + mint.
Make-ahead strategies save your sanity. Prep everything possible the day before—appetizers, pasta salads, fruit kabobs, desserts that don't melt, infused waters, and cut veggies. Make day-of only what needs to be fresh. My DIY baby shower food ideas post has a great make-ahead timeline you can follow.
Food safety in summer is no joke. The USDA says perishable food shouldn't sit out for more than 2 hours, and in temperatures over 90 degrees, that drops to 1 hour. Keep cold food on ice, use chafing dishes for hot foods, bring dishes out in batches, and throw away anything that's been out too long. Cover everything with mesh food covers to keep bugs away.
Fun Summer Baby Shower Games and Activities
The right games can really enhance a party. The key is choosing activities that fit your crowd and don't feel too cheesy. For a full roundup, my baby shower games guide has dozens of options sorted by type and group size.
The watermelon baby belly contest is entertaining and summer-appropriate. Each guest gets yarn or string and cuts it to the length they think will fit around the mom's belly. Whoever gets closest wins a prize.
Baby pool predictions are classic. Give each guest a card where they guess:
Baby's birth date
Birth time
Weight
Length
Hair color
Whoever gets closest on most categories wins after the baby's born.
Onesie decorating stations are my favorite activity. Set up a table with white onesies in various sizes, fabric markers, iron-on transfers, fabric paint, and stencils. Guests design custom onesies, and the mom goes home with personalized outfits. I usually buy a pack of 24 white onesies from Amazon for around $30.
Advice cards for baby are sweet and low-pressure. Give everyone a decorative card where they write down parenting advice or wishes. Make them theme-appropriate—yellow cards with lemon prints for a lemon shower.
Diaper raffles help parents stock up. Anyone who brings a pack of diapers gets entered into a raffle for a prize like a beach bag, sun hats, or gift cards.
Photo booth setups give guests something fun to do. Create a cute backdrop and provide props. For tropical themes, use oversized sunglasses, leis, and flamingo cutouts. For beach themes, use starfish, beach balls, and sun hats. My baby shower photo booth ideas post has backdrop and prop ideas for every style.
The "Don't Say Baby" game gets people interacting. Give each person a necklace when they arrive. If someone catches you saying "baby," they get your necklace. Whoever has the most at the end wins.
Keep summer games short, simple, and accessible—under 15 minutes each. People should be able to participate while still mingling. If you're hosting a co-ed shower, check out my co-ed baby shower games for crowd-pleasing options everyone will enjoy.
DIY Decor Projects for Summer Showers
DIY decorations are where you can save the most money and create personalized touches.
Mason jar centerpieces are versatile, cheap, and attractive. Fill with water and fresh wildflowers, fill with lemons and a floating candle, wrap with burlap and lace, paint in pastel colors, fill with colored sand, or put fairy lights inside. A dozen mason jars from the dollar store costs about $12.
Painted terracotta pots make adorable favors and decorations. Paint small pots in your theme colors and plant succulents or herbs. For 30 pots with plants, expect to spend around $70 total.
Paper fan backdrops are surprisingly easy. Fold paper accordion-style, glue the ends together, flatten into a fan shape, then arrange different sizes on a wall. I made about 20 fans in 2 hours.
Fruit-themed banners are cute for summer. For a watermelon banner, cut triangles from pink paper, add green at the top for the rind, draw black seeds, and attach to string. Takes about 30 minutes and costs $5.
Flower crown stations are both an activity and decor. Set up a table with floral wire, fresh or faux flowers, floral tape, ribbon, and scissors. Guests make their own crowns to wear. For a butterfly baby shower or wildflower theme, this station is especially magical.
Chalkboard signs are classic and useful. Paint a board with chalkboard paint ($8), then use it for welcome signs, menu boards, or direction signs. You can reuse them for other events.
Tissue paper pom-poms give you the most impact for the least cost. A pack of tissue paper costs around $3 and makes a bunch of pom-poms. Stack 8-10 sheets, fold accordion-style, tie string around the center, trim ends, and fluff. Make them a few days before the party.
Summer Baby Shower Favors Guests Will Love
Party favors should be useful, edible, or plantable. Summer themes give you lots of good options. For even more creative favor ideas, check out my DIY baby shower favors ideas and eco-friendly spring baby shower favors — many of those ideas translate perfectly to summer.
Personalized sunscreen tubes are smart. Buy bulk sunscreen sticks (30-pack for about $40), create custom labels on Canva, print on sticker paper, and apply.
Seed packets are affordable and meaningful. Buy bulk wildflower or herb seed packets for around 50 cents each. For a garden shower, I gave each guest three seed packets tied with twine. Cost per favor: about $2.
Local honey jars are cute and summer-appropriate. Buy small honey jars from a beekeeper, add custom labels that say "Sweet as can BEE." Usually $3-5 per jar.
If you love the bee theme, don't miss my full bee baby shower ideas guide for even more honey-themed details.
Homemade lemonade mix in mason jars looks adorable. Mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 1 cup citric acid, layer in small jars, add a ribbon and instructions. Makes 20 jars for under $30.
Beach-themed items include mini sunglasses, flip-flop keychains, seashell soaps, or beach ball stress balls. These run about $1-2 per favor in bulk.
Succulent plants are trendy and last a long time. I've found 2-inch succulents for $1.50 each when buying 30 or more. Buy them close to the party date so they don't die beforehand.
Cold brew coffee bags are perfect for tired parents. Fill small muslin bags with coarse-ground coffee and add instruction tags. About $4-6 per bag with a mug.
Fruit-infused sugar scrubs are easy to make. Mix 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp extract. Spoon into 4 oz jars and add labels. Cost per favor: about $2.
Reusable tote bags are practical and eco-friendly. Buy plain canvas totes in bulk ($2-3 each) and customize with fabric paint, iron-on transfers, or stamps. Check out my baby shower gift bag ideas for packaging and presentation inspiration.
Invitations and Virtual Shower Options
Invitations set the tone for your event. Digital and physical both have their place. If you're new to planning, my how to plan a baby shower guide covers every step from start to finish, including invitation timing.
Digital invitation platforms are convenient. I use Canva because it's free with gorgeous templates. Other options include Paperless Post, Evite, and Greenvelope. Benefits include no postage costs, instant delivery, easy RSVP tracking, and clickable registry links.
Printed invitations feel more personal. Order from sites like Minted, Zazzle, or Etsy ($1-4 per invitation), or DIY and print at home on nice cardstock.
Wording should include who the shower is for, date and time, location with address, RSVP info, registry information, and theme/dress code if relevant. Keep it simple and friendly.
Sample wording: "Join us for a Summer Celebration Honoring [Mom's Name] Saturday, July 15th, 2026 at 11:00 AM [Address] RSVP to [Name] by July 1st Tropical attire encouraged"
Timing recommendations: Send invitations 6 weeks before for local guests, 8 weeks before if people need to travel. For summer showers, be mindful of vacation schedules.
Virtual showers work well when the mom lives far from friends, has pregnancy complications, or the guest list is spread out. Use Zoom or Google Meet, send party boxes beforehand, and keep it to 45-60 minutes maximum. My virtual baby shower ideas post has everything you need to pull off a seamless online celebration.
Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual. Set up a laptop at the in-person party so virtual guests can join via video. Designate someone to manage the tech and position the camera so virtual guests can see the action.
Registry information can be handled with a separate insert card, a line saying "Registry information available upon request," a wedding website-style page, or word of mouth through the host. For a curated list of summer essentials, check out my summer baby registry essentials guide.
RSVP tracking is important for planning. Use Google Forms, RSVPify, or a shared Google Sheet. Include an RSVP deadline at least one week before the shower. Not sure who's in charge of organizing everything? My who throws the baby shower post covers the etiquette so everyone knows their role.
Final Thoughts
Planning a summer baby shower is simpler when you start early and stay organized. Remember, perfect decorations matter less than celebrating with loved ones. I've seen showers go both smoothly and sideways—guests remember the joy, not Pinterest perfection.
Summer's natural beauty does much of the work: fresh flowers, beautiful weather, and natural lighting create a lovely atmosphere. Focus on keeping guests comfortable and embracing the season. Give yourself grace, ask for help, and don't stress. The memories you create will last long after baby arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to host a summer baby shower?
Host at 10 AM - 12 PM or 5 PM - 7 PM to avoid peak heat. Morning showers are cooler with lighter foods; evening showers offer golden hour lighting and comfortable temperatures.
How do I keep food fresh at an outdoor summer baby shower?
Don't leave perishables out longer than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F). Use coolers, serve in batches, keep food shaded, use chafing dishes for hot items, and mesh covers for bugs.
What should I do if it rains on the day of the outdoor baby shower?
Have a backup plan ready. Rent a waterproof tent, use a garage/basement, or move inside. Check forecasts a week ahead.
How can I incorporate a summer theme while keeping it gender-neutral?
Use seasonal themes like "Sunshine & Rainbows," "Citrus Celebration," or "Garden Party." Choose neutral palettes: yellow and gray, coral and mint, or sage green and cream.
What's an appropriate budget for a summer baby shower?
Home-hosted: $300-800. Venue with catering: $1,000-2,500. Focus budget on food and one statement decor piece.
How far in advance should I start planning a summer baby shower?
Start 2-3 months ahead. Key timeline: 6-8 weeks—invitations; 4 weeks—decorations/menu; 2 weeks—confirm RSVPs; 1 week—prep.
What are some alternatives to traditional baby shower games for summer events?
Try DIY flower crowns, onesie decorating, lawn games (cornhole, giant Jenga), or "wishes for baby" cards. Choose activities guests can do at their own pace.
