Nothing beats a sunny day at the pool! But if you’re a parent, caregiver, or running a summer camp, keeping kids safely entertained can feel like herding cats.

That’s where structured pool games come in. Pool games are a great way for kids to stay active, practice sportsmanship, and forge summer memories.

Pool Games Every Kid Will Love

1. Sharks & Minnows

This game is perfect for larger groups and promotes teamwork.

How to Play

  • Pick one child as the “shark.”
  • The rest of the players are “minnows” who start on one side of the pool.
  • The shark calls out, “Minnows, cross the water!” The minnows must swim to the other side without being tagged.
  • Any tagged minnows become sharks in the next round. The game continues until one minnow remains. In this game, the predators lose!

Safety Tip: Space the minnows out to prevent collisions during the chase.

2. Marco Polo

This familiar game involves listening and strategy.

How to Play

  • The player chosen to be “Marco” must close their eyes or wear a blindfold.
  • Marco calls “Marco!” while moving through the pool. All other players must respond with “Polo!” to reveal their location.
  • Marco tries to tag one of the players, who becomes the next Marco.
  • Kids must stay in the pool!

3. Treasure Hunt

An adventurous game that taps into kids’ love for scavenging!

How to Play

  • Drop items like pool toy coins, colorful rings, or small plastic gems to the bottom of the pool.
  • On a countdown, kids race to retrieve as many “treasures” as possible.
  • Whoever collects the most items by the end wins.

Safety Tip: Keep the depth kid-friendly and supervised to suit all swimmers’ abilities.

4. Pool Noodle Joust

Want to channel some friendly competition? Pool noodles to the rescue!

What Is a Pool Noodle?

A pool noodle is a lightweight flotation device. They’re typically long, cylindrical tubes made from durable foam.

Beyond their use as swim aids, they can serve as props for imaginative play. Their soft, flexible design makes them safe for kids to handle.

How to Play

  • Two players are given a pool noodle and an inflatable raft.
  • Their goal is to use the noodle to knock the other player off the raft.
  • The last one remaining upright on the raft wins the round.

Safety Tip: Use only inflatables and keep the game calm — no pushing or shoving.

5. Octopus

This is the mother of all pool tag games. Nothing escapes the octopus!

How to Play

  • Start with one player designated as the “octopus” in the middle of the pool.
  • The others line up at one side while trying to swim past the octopus to the other end.
  • Tagged players join hands with the octopus to create a larger “octopus” chain for the next round.
  • The last untagged swimmer wins.

Safety Tip: Encourage swimmers to avoid aggressive tagging to keep it safe and enjoyable.

6. Splash Ball

This game is similar to water polo but with simplified rules.

How to Play

  • Divide kids into two teams.
  • Place goal markers (like pool noodles or cones) at either end of the pool.
  • Players must pass and throw a beach ball into the opposite team’s goal to score points.
  • The team with the most points when time runs out wins.

Safety Tip: Use a lightweight ball to minimize the chance of injuries during gameplay.

7. What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?

This dry-land favorite gets a refreshing aquatic twist!

How to Play

  • One player plays “Mr. Fox” and stands at one end of the pool while the others line up at the opposite side.
  • Players ask, “What time is it, Mr. Fox?”
  • Mr. Fox gives a time from 1 to 12 — players swim closer that many strokes.
  • At random, Mr. Fox can yell, “Dinner time!” and chase the swimmers, attempting to tag them. Tagged players become additional foxes.

Safety Tip: Make all participants stay in the pool and assign boundaries to prevent overzealous swimmers from leaving the safe zone.

8. Beach Ball Race

A fun and engaging team-building relay race.

How to Play

  • Divide kids into two teams, one on each side of the pool.
  • Give each team an inflatable beach ball.
  • Players must push or swim the ball from one end of the pool to the other without using their hands, only their bodies.
  • Whichever team finishes first is the winner!

Safety Tip: Ensure adequate spacing between swimmers to avoid collisions during races.

Pool Game Safety Tips

  • Assign an adult supervisor who can handle any potential emergencies around water.
  • Ensure all players wear flotation devices if they’re not strong swimmers.
  • Supervise games and provide reminders about pool safety rules, such as no running around the edges, diving only in designated areas, and staying within the depth limits for each player’s ability.

FAQs: Fun Pool Games for Kids

Q: What’s the ideal age for pool games listed here?

Most of these games are suitable for kids aged 5 and up. Modify or supervise appropriately for younger children.

Q: How can I make sure my child participates safely?

Supervise actively, ensure children follow pool rules, and encourage calm, friendly play.

Q: Do non-swimmers need to sit out during pool games?

Not at all! Use shallow areas or provide life vests so non-swimmers can join the fun. Treasure Hunts and Pool Noodle Joust are great beginner-friendly options.

Q: Are pool games suitable for small pools?

Adjust the rules or restrictions to fit a smaller pool size. Games like Marco Polo or Treasure Hunt work well in limited space.

Q: What kinds of toys or accessories are safe for children?

Use soft beach balls, foam noodles, and non-slip inflatables to keep games safe and age-appropriate.

Q: How do I involve kids of different age groups?

Consider pairing older kids with younger teammates or alternating game rounds by age group to keep everyone engaged.

Q: My kids play rough — how do I control that?

Set clear rules before starting each game and intervene if necessary. Games emphasizing collaboration, like Sharks and Minnows, may work best.

8. What role does sunscreen play in pool time?

Always prioritize sunscreen for kids to protect them from harmful UV rays. Reapply every two hours or after extended water play.