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Top 10 Swimming Pool Games

For a lot of pool owners, nothing beats a steamy afternoon more than floating leisurely around the backyard pool. For most kids, however, nothing could be more b-o-r-i-n-g! That is why pool games were invented. But even eight-year-olds can take only so many hours of Marco Polo. What is the solution, you ask? The exciting ideas that follow go well beyond Marco Polo, and they will help keep kids entertained all season long.

1. Dolphin Race or Relay


2. Bobbing Heads

One player is it while the other players bob in and out of the water at one end of the pool. Without crossing the center line, the person who is it tries to hit one of the bobbing players with a foam or soft rubber ball. Bobbing players should come up and submerge at an irregular pace to keep the person who is it from knowing exactly when they will emerge again. If the person who is it misses, he or she must retrieve the ball and return to the throwing side. If he or she hits one of the bobbing players, the person who was hit then becomes it.

3. Cardboard Boat Race

Supply teams with large cardboard boxes, packaging tape, colored paper, markers and stickers, and allot them one hour to build the best seaworthy boat. (Note: An adult should be on hand with scissors to cut the boxes). To add to the fun, encourage creativity in design and decoration, and, of course, every boat must have a name. Each team (one member at a time) must race the boat from one end of the pool to the other side and back again, using his or her arms as oars. The team that does this in the fastest time wins. If the boats are not sturdy enough to be raced, the contest can be based on which boat stays afloat the longest.

4. Crocodile Hunter


Whoever completes the stunt in the least amount of time, wins. This game can be even more amusing if kids verbalize what they are doing, a la the Crocodile Hunter, himself. You can even subtract a few seconds from a player's time if he or she can imitate an Australian accent.

5. F-I-S-H


6. Numbers Crunch


7. Popsicle


8. Splash Dance

Have individuals or teams choreograph water ballets to their favorite pop songs. Suggest using waterproof props and costumes to make the "show" more creative. Then invite family, friends and neighbors over to watch the premiere. An evening show complete with lots of pool lights and spotlights can make a dramatic presentation. If the kids would like to compete, make up different performance categories, such as Funniest, Most Original, etc., so that each child or team can win.

9. Treasure Hunt

Throw a variety of treasures into the pool-from coins and seashells to beaded necklaces and gold-painted rocks. Just make sure the items are not sharp, that they are not made of glass and that they will not stain the pool surface. Be sure to "bury" some treasures in the shallow end for the little kids. Then give the youngsters a set time limit to see who can collect the most treasure. The game can be made easier for small children by providing swim goggles and fins.

10. Water Hoops


Article originally written by Dirk Stenner for Pool & Spa Living magazine.

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