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Exciting Swimming Pool Games for Kids and Adults

Summer is a great time to enjoy warm bonding moments with your family and friends. In this article, I will list down safe and exciting swimming pool games for kids that adults can enjoy and play, as well. There are various exciting swimming pool games and activities for the whole family to participate in. If you want to make your summer days more enjoyable, exciting, and memorable then continue reading.

 

FUN POOL GAMES

  1. Water Volleyball or Pool Volleyball

Equipment Needed:

  • Pool net
  • Volleyball

Number of Players:

2 to as many as you like

How to play:

Water Volleyball is one of the most classic games in a swimming pool. It has the same rules as regular volleyball, the only difference is that it is played in the pool. There are two teams in this game, the first team would be the one to serve first, and they will serve two times. After that, it’s the second team’s turn to serve twice. The team that reaches 11 points first wins. If both teams end up with 10 points, then it is a tie. To break the tie, the team that wins by 2 points or the first to reach 15 points becomes the eventual winner.

 

  1. Cannonball Contest

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

As many as you like, but preferably more than 3.

How to play:

A cannonball contest is one of the easiest games to play with your kids. It is also one of the most fun swimming pool games and activities on the list. Supervision is needed though since jumping from the side of the pool or a diving board may cause injuries. Ensure that all players know how to swim, and if not, check that all are wearing the necessary flotation devices.

The game begins with the players standing on the edge of the swimming pool. I don’t recommend allowing the children to run towards the swimming pool for their cannonball dives since it is dangerously slippery. The player who can make the biggest splash wins.

 

  1. Treasure Dive

Equipment Needed:

A few shiny coins or shells

Number of Players:

As many as you like

How to play:

Treasure Dive is one of my favorite games as a child, and I am sure your children will love it, too. It will always be on the top of the list of fun pool games. The mechanics of the game are easy to understand. One person will throw coins, the treasure, into the pool. And the other players will have to dive and look for the treasure! The winner of this game is the player who retrieves the highest number of coins. Treasure Dive is one of the games in a swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools.

 

    1. Dr. Quack Quack

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

3 to as many players as you like

How to play:

Dr. Quack Quack is a game that originated from the Philippines. One person is chosen as Dr. Quack Quack, either by playing rock, paper, scissors, or any other way to choose one person. Afterward, the chosen Dr. Quack Quack turns around while the others hold hands and form a circle, and move over or under each other to tangle up themselves. After they sufficiently entangle themselves, Dr. Quack Quack proceeds to untangle them. Dr. Quack Quack wins if he frees up all the other players, and if he fails, the other players may give him a task to accomplish for losing.

 

  1. Marco Polo

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

3 to as many players as you like

How to play:

Marco polo is also one of the most fun games in a swimming pool. In this game, only one player is chosen as “It”. The objective of the game is that the “It” player will close his eyes and try to find and tag the other players by relying only on his sense of hearing.

The player who is “It” will shout “Marco” while the other players will respond by saying “Polo.” If a player is tagged, he will become the next “It” player. If the player who is “It” feels like one of the players left the pool, he can shout “Fish out of water!” The player who left the pool will become the new “It”. Marco polo is one of the games in a swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools.

 

  1. Chicken Fight

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

4 to as many as you like

How to play:

Chicken fight, also known as shoulder wars, is a game wherein one player will straddle on the shoulders of the other or ride piggyback style. It is also one of the most fun games in a swimming pool. There are usually two teams participating in this game and the objective is to knock down the person who is sitting on top of the shoulders.

The person responsible for carrying the other player may not use his hands to knock the other team down. Only the players who are riding piggyback or on top of the shoulders are allowed to use their hands.

 

  1. Belly Flop Competition

Equipment Needed:

Just your belly

Number of Players:

2 to as many as you like

How to play:

This pool game is similar to the cannonball contest mentioned above. The only difference is that in the former, one should jump and land on his belly. This pool game is more appropriate for older children or young adults since landing on your belly can hurt. If you want to play pool splash games with your children, the safer option will be to play the cannonball contest.

 

  1. Duck Push

Equipment Needed:

Rubber ducks

Number of Players:

2 to as many as you like

How to play:

One of the best swimming pool games and activities, I would recommend for children to play is the duck push game. The objective is to push the rubber duckies from one side of the pool to another without using your hands or feet. What you can only use is your nose or your mouth to blow the rubber duckies. Players can also distract each other by splashing water or blowing their rubber duckies away. The only catch is they can’t touch the rubber duckies of other players.

 

  1. Follow the Leader

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

An easy game for children to play is Follow the Leader. It is also considered one of the simplest and most fun swimming pool games and activities on the list. The objective of the game is for each of the players to fall in line and the person in front of the line is the leader. He will perform an act or movement which all the other players need to copy. The person who fails to copy the movement is out of the game. The process is repeated until only one player is left.

 

  1. Simon Says

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Simon Says is one of the popular swimming pool games you can play. You start by having a player be “Simon,” which will change every time that player wins. The game is all about having every other player follow whatever “Simon” tells them to do. However, they must only follow when the command begins with “Simon says…”

“Simon” will win if he or she eliminates all the other players. They are eliminated if they do a command that does not begin with “Simon says…” or if they don’t carry out a command that starts with “Simon says…” The last person remaining will become the next “Simon.” This game is similar to Follow the Leader but with an added twist of words and that “Simon” doesn’t need to do anything but issue commands.

 

  1. Popsicle or Freeze Tag

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

4 to as many as you like

How to play:

This game is just like Tag but played in the swimming pool. The game needs to have someone be “it.” You can do this by having someone volunteer or with the majority agreeing on who would be “it.”

It starts with the person who is “it” swimming or wading around the pool and tagging the other players. Those who are tagged need to stay in place with their legs apart. They can be untagged by other players by swimming under and between the tagged player’s legs.

The player who is “it” can win by tagging everyone. Usually, we add a twist to the game so that the person who is “it” can win rather easily. We give them the power to drag the person tagged to a specific location that they can actually guard to avoid them getting untagged. Popsicle or Freeze Tag is one of the games in a swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools.

 

  1. Sharks and Minnows

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

5 to as many as you like

How to play:

The game is a variation of the tag where it starts with the “it” player or the Shark staying in the middle of the pool. Then he shouts “Fishes, come out and play!” The other players or Minnows will then start swimming toward the Shark. At that time, the Shark can shout “Shark Attack!” where the Shark can tap any of the Minnows to switch them into new Sharks.

The Minnows need to swim back to the corner of the pool when the Shark shouts “Shark Attack!” The game ends when there is only one minnow left. The last Minnow standing will be the new Shark for the next game. Shark and Minnows is one of the most exciting games on this list and will surely have your kids entertained for a long time. It’s one of the games in the swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools.

 

  1. Noodle Fighting

Equipment Needed:

1 Pool noodle per player

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Noodle Fighting is just a good old friendly fighting game. It is also considered one of the more straightforward and enjoyable swimming pool games and activities. Take all measures to ensure both adults and kids hit their opponents in moderation and with good spirit. That no one gets hurt.

Each player will have a pool noodle ready. The goal of the game is just to lightly hit each other in pretend fights. Imagination will be the most important factor for the kids.

This game is usually played by boys but that doesn’t mean you should stop your daughters from joining. Keep in mind though to watch over the kids since they might be hitting too hard. Be on the lookout for any potential accidents that may occur while playing. Just make sure that the players, whether kids or adults, are reminded to play the game in good spirit and not carry it too far and hurt each other.

 

  1. Air Ball

Equipment Needed:

Beach ball

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Air Ball is one of the more popularly enjoyed swimming pool game. Basically, it’s all about keeping the ball up in the air. Each player will have to chase after ball and hit it upwards to keep it up in the air.

The game ends when the ball falls and touches the water. I and my family often play this and we always try our damned best to keep the ball up in the air for as long as could. I suggest quick and short passes so that the other players will find it easier to receive and pass the ball around.

 

  1. Change Champion

Equipment Needed:

Coins

Number of Players:

4 to as many as you like

How to play:

This game provides a lot of thrills for those who are good at swimming. It starts with the players divided into teams, depending on how many are playing. One team will play and use the pool while the other team will be observing and time them.

The game begins when all the coins are scattered throughout the pool. Using coins will add an extra level of challenge to the game since you’d need to dive down to collect them. The team who can collect all of the scattered items in the shortest time wins.

 

  1. Bottle Scavenger Hunt

Equipment Needed:

Empty soda bottle (it would be best if the cap is transparent)

Number of Players:

4 to as many as you like

How to play:

This game is one of the best games in a swimming pool. The game begins by dividing the players into teams, based on the number of players. The teams will position themselves together at one end of the pool. Then, a non-player will fill the empty soda bottle with water and throw it at the opposite end of the pool from the teams.

Once the bottle touches the water, the teams can rush over to take it. The game ends when a team finds and takes the empty bottle. Personally, adding the rule where the teams need to face the opposite direction or close their eyes before throwing the bottle makes the game even more fun and exciting. This game is best played in private or empty public pools. Bottle Scavenger Hunt is one of the games in a swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools.

 

  1. Pool Ball Race

Equipment Needed:

1 Pool/Beach ball per player

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Pool ball race is one of the best swimming pool games and activities for kids. Each child will need a pool or beach ball. The goal of the game is to use the pool or beach ball as a flotation device to swim from one end of the pool to the other. The player who manages to balance well and swim the fastest to the other end of the pool wins.

  1. Mother Duck

Equipment Needed:

A lot of rubber ducks or ping pong balls

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Mother Duck is another classic and one of the best fun pool games for children. The game starts with the players staying outside the pool. You can choose to divide them into teams or have the players compete individually, depending on your preference or the number of players.

If playing individually, each player needs to have an area that will act as their base. If playing by teams, each team needs to have a corner that will serve as their base. Mother Duck is one of the swimming pool games that are best played in private or empty public pools.

The rubber ducks or ping pong balls are then spread out into the pool. Afterward, the players or teams will go into the pool and start at their respective bases. The goal of the game is for the players to push the rubber ducks or ping pong balls, without touching them, towards their respective bases. The player who has the most rubber ducks or ping pong balls in their base wins.

 

  1. Pool Obstacle Course

Equipment Needed:

Hula hoops, water bottles, or other items that will float.

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

A pool obstacle course is another one of the exciting games in a swimming pool that you must try for your kids. Creating an obstacle course can be a bit challenging. However, when you finish making one, I’m sure that your kids will love going through it.

Pool Obstacle Course is one of the games in a swimming pool that is best played in private or empty public pools. You can pick and choose which items you’d like to have and the gimmick you want your kids to do during the whole obstacle course.  I usually have them swim through the hula hoops, and find and carry the water bottles to the finish line.

 

  1. Four Corners

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

4 to as many as you like

How to play:

Four Corners is a game that is well-loved by both kids and even adults. You start off by designating each of the corners of the pool with colors or numbers. You can even place markers like slippers, chairs or even balloons. Just make sure that every player knows and understands what the markers mean.

Next, you need to have a person who will be the caller or the corner master. He or she will be the one to stand in the middle of the pool and call out when the game can begin. The game starts with the corner master saying “Start” and then closing his eyes.

Afterward, the game moderator will give the other players a minute to shuffle around the corners of the pool area, and then hollers “Stop!” Then a particular color or number associated with a corner of the pool is then announced. At this point, players need to stop moving around. The players in the particular corner identified will be eliminated. The game ends when only one person remains.

 

  1. Ping-Pong Madness

Equipment Needed:

Ping pong balls

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

This game is one of the best games in a swimming pool for children. Not only is it fun but also has quick rounds of play. You just need to have a lot of players so that it will be even more enjoyable for your kids.

You prepare for the game by having the players stay at the corners or edges of the pool. Then you dump and scatter a box or more of ping pong balls all over the swimming pool. You need to make sure that the ping pong balls are evenly spaced out as possible.

The game begins when the parents say start. The players will then proceed to swim around the pool collecting the ping pong balls. You need to watch over the children and make sure that they are playing well with each other. The game ends when all of the ping pong balls have been collected and the player with the most collected wins.

 

  1. Water Balloon Toss

Equipment Needed:

Uninflated balloons

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Very few pool games can beat the simplicity and fun that playing catch can bring. Water balloon toss is one of the best swimming pool games and activities. You don’t really need to move around that much nor do you need a lot of equipment.

Preparations for the game involve filling up the water balloon with water. Then each player positions himself at an equal distance from the others. The game starts when the balloon is tossed by the first player and then caught by another. The player who fails to catch the water balloon is eliminated and the game ends when only one player is left.

 

  1. Pool Race

Equipment Needed:

None

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

A classic favorite, the pool race is one of the best games in a swimming pool for both children and adults. The players are to arrange themselves at equal distance to each other at a corner of the pool. Then a referee, watcher, or non-player gives the signal. The players will then race against each other to reach the other end of the pool. The first one to get there wins the game.

 

  1. Floatie Race

Equipment Needed:

Pool floaties

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Floatie Race is a variation of the pool race. In this game, the players do the same moves and techniques as when they are playing the pool race. The change is that the players need to use a pool floatie or a flotation device. This game is one of the most engaging pool games that are perfect for the kids and will even help them develop their swimming skills.

  1. Pool Tag Survivor

Equipment Needed:

Cloth or blindfold per player

Number of Players:

3 to as many as you like

How to play:

Pool Tag Survivor is another variation of tag. It is one of the relatively new games enjoyed in the swimming pool and will surely be a favorite for the kids. Like the swimming pool games and activities in this article, you need to be alert and keep watch of the children playing.

A player is chosen to be “it” and will win if he or she tags everyone in the pool. The twist is that the person who is “it” will be blindfolded. Each time that person tags someone, that player needs to put on their blindfold and then start tagging other players. The game ends when there is only one player left and the next person who will be “it” would be the one who was first caught.

 

Conclusion

There are a number of fun and exciting games in a swimming pool for both kids and adults. Out of the many swimming pool games and activities, the list I’ve prepared are the ones that I think are the easiest to do and the most fun to play. There are a lot more fun pool games out there but I hope that I was able to give you a good enough list for you and your family to try. Just remember that fun and games go hand in hand with safety as well. Ideally, have a certified lifeguard around. Always make sure that your kids are supervised to make them safe and exciting swimming pool games for kids

 

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