Swimming Pool Games

Pool Party Fun: 15 Swimming Games You’ve GOT to Try!

I’ve been scouring the internet for fun swimming pool games for the kids, and here’s a roundup of the best:

1. Atomic Whirlpool – Everyone lines up along the pool edge. Walk, jog, then spin in a human whirlpool! Bonus: Try it in reverse.

2. Battleships & Submarines – Two teams, two bases. Battleships try to taunt subs into chasing them; subs swim underwater to tag battleships. Hilarity (and splashing) guaranteed!

3. Belly Flop Contest – Judge contestants on form/creativity, splash factor, and “pain.” Applause wins prizes!

4. Bottle – A 2-liter bottle is tossed in the pool. Teams have to get it to the opposite chair for points. First to 3 wins. Eyes closed until splash!

5. Bumper Boats – Like bumper cars, but in tubes. Kick, bump, and try to knock everyone off their “boats.” Last one afloat wins.

6. Chicken – Pair up: one rides on the other’s shoulders. Push other teams over. Last pair standing wins!

7. Crocodile Hunter – Give volunteers 60 seconds to wrestle an inflatable croc. Judge creativity, rolls, and flair.

8. Rubber Ducky – Push ducks with your nose (or blow them) across the pool. No hands, feet, or biting allowed. First duck across wins.

9. Gator – One person is the gator in deep water. Others try to swim across without being tagged. Tagged? Join the gator team!

10. King of the Tube – Champions sit on a tube while opposing players try to tip them off. Longest-standing champion wins.

11. Noodle Joust – Two players joust on rafts with pool noodles. Knock your opponent off, then face the next challenger.

12. Pool Volleyball – Water version of classic volleyball. Teams hit the ball over the net. Miss? Opponent serves!

13. Water Freeze Tag – “It” tags players, who freeze in place. Others can unfreeze them with creative moves. Keep the game moving until everyone’s tagged!

Safety first: Adult supervision is a must! The most important part of any swimming game or pool party is swim safety.