Swimming pool games are a great way to get your kids active, help them learn new skills, and have fun in the water. They’re also a great way to spend time with your family while you’re all in one place—and if you’ve got older children who want their own space, they can swim around while you supervise from the deck!
Fret not if you are looking for top 10 swimming pool games such as freeze tag, here are 20 excellent swimming games for kids of all ages.
Safety Tips for Swimming Pool Games for Kids
It is crucial that children swim only when supervised by an adult, and all swimmers should wear a life jacket whenever appropriate. Pool rules should be reviewed with all children before swimming begins (for example, no running on deck or diving head first).
While enjoying yourself on the weekend is a good thing, it’s essential to keep safe. It would be best to inspect the pool area before children use it. Ensure that there are no sharp objects or broken glass in the vicinity, as this could cause injury to swimmers.
Lastly, ensure the children are well-hydrated before, during, and after swimming pool games.
Tossing Beach Ball
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This is an excellent game for young kids (even for toddler with parental help) just learning to swim. The goal is to toss the ball back and forth, but it can get pretty competitive!
Marco Polo
This classic game requires one person (the “it” person) to go to the bottom of pool while everyone else stays above water and tries not to be tagged by them when he resurfaces. If you’re playing with younger children, consider ensuring there’s always someone on deck watching out for them so they don’t get lost in the deep end of your pool.
Watermelon Race
To play this, the goal is to bring the watermelon across the pool and as fast as possible. Before that, you need to ensure that it melon has no sharp edges (especially the edge of the pool) before racing it across the pool—you don’t want anyone hurt.
Pool Basketball
Water basketball is a great way to keep cool on a hot day. All you need are some inflatable balls and basketball hoops secured to the side of the pool.
Water Balloon Volleyball
Here’s a great way to keep kids entertained and relaxed at the same time. All you need are some water balloons, a volleyball net and two teams of players.
Treasure Hunt
Hide waterproof toys or objects at the bottom of the pool, and have children dive to find them. The child who collects the most treasures wins.
Float Race
Provide each child with a pool float or noodle, and have them race from one side of the pool to the other using only their arms and legs to propel themselves.
Duck, Duck, Splash
Like Duck, Duck, Goose, but instead of tagging the chosen child, the “it” child splashes water on them, and the chase begins.
Alphabet Splash
Scatter foam letters or waterproof alphabet cards around the pool. Children must collect the letters and arrange them alphabetically or use them to spell specific words.
Underwater Limbo
Use a pool noodle or rope as the limbo bar, and have children swim under it without touching the surface. Lower the bar after each round. This game required the children to dive underwater, so parental supervision is required for safety.
Water Relay
Divide the children into teams and have them race to fill a bucket at the other end of the pool using only cups or small containers to carry the water.
Fish Out of Water
One child is chosen as the “fish.” The fish must swim around the pool and try to touch other players, who can avoid being caught by shouting, “Fish out of the water!” and jumping out of the pool. If the fish touches a player before they jump out, that player becomes the new fish.
Bobbing for Ducks
Fill the pool with rubber ducks or other floating toys. Children must collect as many ducks as possible using only their mouths within a set time limit.
Octopus
One child is the “octopus” and stands in the middle of the pool. The other children must swim from one side of the pool to the other without being tagged by the octopus. If a child is tagged, they become part of the octopus chain and help catch other swimmers. The game continues until all swimmers have been caught.
Ping Pong Scramble
Toss several ping pong balls into the pool, and have children race to collect as many as possible within a set time limit. Assign different point values to other coloured balls for added competition.
Whirlpool
Have children join hands and move in a circle to create a whirlpool. Once the water is swirling, they can let go of each other’s hands and try to swim against the current.
Splash Dance
Play music and have children dance in the pool while splashing water to the rhythm. Pause the music at random intervals, and the children must freeze in place until the music resumes. You can even rent an inflatable swimming pool at the comfort of your own home!
Water Balloon Toss
Pair up the children and have them toss water balloons back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last pair with an unbroken water balloon wins.
Pool Noodle Jousting
Divide the children into pairs and give each child a pool noodle. On the count of three, they must gently push their opponent off balance or out of a designated area using only their pool noodle. The last child remaining in the area wins.
Floating Islands
Use inflatable rafts or pool noodles to create “islands” in the pool. Children can sit and relax on the islands while enjoying pool time.
Fun Swimming Pool Games
Keeping cool by the pool is an excellent weekend experience for the family, especially the young ones. However, it is crucial to remember that safety is always the primary concern. Ensure that you supervise all children at all times and teach them proper swimming techniques. Remember to keep a first aid kit on hand and an adequate supply of sunscreen and water for everyone.
Remember to give the kids rest and breaks to prevent them from getting tired. If you keep these simple tips in mind, you’ll have a fun and safe time with your family at the pool this summer.