Hello, all you pool-loving parents and guardians! Summer is here, and what better way to keep the little ones entertained than with a bit of poolside fun? Whether you have a pool in your backyard or know you’ll be spending the warmer months hanging out at the public pool, pools make keeping your kiddos active and engaged during the summer break a breeze.

And that’s never more true than when you have a pool and a lineup of exciting games to dive into, especially as you get into late summer and the excitement of early summer splashing around starts to fade. 

If you’re looking for a go-to guide for pool activities and games guaranteed to make this summer a blast for your little ones, you’re in the right place!

1. Add Some Fun and Variety With Pool Floats

Have you ever seen a child’s eyes light up at the sight of pool floats? This is to say nothing of how fun they can be for adults if you want to supervise little kids in the water without getting drenched … or if you’re just all about your Instagram content.

These inflatable delights are a staple of any fun-filled pool day. They come in various shapes and sizes, from vibrant rings to whimsical creatures. Not only do pool floats add an element of creativity and imagination to pool play, but they also offer a buoyant rest spot for kids in between their aquatic adventures.

2.  There’s Nothing Wrong With the Classics

Who says old-school isn’t cool? Let’s revisit the timeless classic Marco Polo.

If you missed out in your younger years, we’re here to help. Marco Polo is a combo of tag and hide-and-seek played in the pool. One person is chosen as “It,” closes their eyes, and tries to tag the other players based on their voices.

The twist? The child chosen as “It” can shout “Marco!” at any time, and all the players must respond “Polo!” This auditory hide-and-seek guarantees laughter and excitement while encouraging kids to use their hearing to navigate. Remember, safety is key. This game works best in pools where the kids can comfortably touch the bottom.

3. Underwater Exploration With a Treasure Hunt

Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? This game brings out the little explorer in every child. Toss a bunch of plastic toys, coins, or even specially-made pool dive toys into the pool and let the underwater adventure begin!

Children can dive to retrieve them, turning the hunt into a race or a challenge to see who can collect the most. It’s a thrilling game that also helps improve their swimming and diving skills, and you can customize it depending on the age and swimming skills of your little ones. 

Older kids will love the challenge of diving into the deep end, while younger kids can safely hunt for treasure in shallower waters with their hands and feet.

4. Summer Knights

Summer knights take on a new meaning when you take Medieval times to your backyard pool with a jousting game! Pool noodles are soft, flexible, and float on water, making them the perfect tools for a friendly joust. 

Have the kids pair up and try to unseat each other from their pool floats using pool noodles. If you want to get involved, you and another adult could lift smaller kids onto your shoulders and hold tight, acting as their faithful steeds as they joust with their noodles.

5. Try a Swimming Relay Race

A water relay is a great way to foster teamwork and competitive spirit. Split the kids into two teams. Each team will race one at a time from one end of the pool to the other, carrying a sponge full of water. 

The aim is to squeeze the sponge into a bucket at the other end before returning to hand it off to the next player. The team with the most water in their bucket at the end wins! This game is fun and a fantastic way to instill the importance of cooperation and strategy. It’s all fun and games, but there’s research that shows cooperative games can help your child’s development!

6. Wet and Wacky Tug of War

If your little ones are competitive or have a big group, a classic game of tug-of-war gets a hot weather-friendly makeover when you bring it into the pool. It’s also much safer than playing this game on hard ground. 

Find a water-safe rope or tightly connect a string of pool noodles and split your kids into teams. Try to divide everyone evenly to make the game as competitive as possible.

Takeaways

A treasure trove of pool games and activities to keep your little ones entertained all summer. From the whimsical charm of pool floats to the classic thrill of Marco Polo, these games promise endless splashes of fun. 

Remember, the key is to keep safety in mind and ensure all games are age-appropriate and supervised. So, gear up, dive in, and let the summer of pool fun begin! Let’s remember this summer, one splash at a time.

Image courtesy: DepositPhotos