Planning a pool party for kids? Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a summer bash, or just a fun weekend gathering, the right games can turn an ordinary pool day into an unforgettable adventure!
50+ Coolest Kids Pool Party Games for an Unforgettable Day
From classic water games to creative new twists, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 50+ kids’ pool party games that will keep everyone entertained, active, and splashing with joy. Let’s dive in!
Classic Pool Party Games 🏆
1. Marco Polo
A classic classic! One player closes his eyes, yells “Marco,” and the rest yell “Polo” while attempting to evade being tagged.
2. Sharks and Minnows
One player is the “shark” and attempts to tag the “minnows” as they swim from one side of the pool to the other. The tagged become sharks as well!
3. Cannonball Contest
Who can make the biggest splash? Children take turns jumping in with the most dramatic cannonball while judges score their splashes.
4. Pool Noodle Jousting ⚔️
Two players sit on floating noodles and attempt to knock each other off with soft pool noodles—last player standing wins!
5. Treasure Hunt
Throw coins or small toys into the pool and have children dive to retrieve them. The child with the most treasure wins!
6. Pool Freeze Dance ❄️
Play music and have kids dance in the water—when the music is turned off, they have to freeze! Anybody who moves out.
7. Water Balloon Toss
Have kids pair up and toss water balloons back and forth, moving back one step after every catch.
8. Duck Races
Place rubber ducks in the pool and have kids race them using the blow or splashing of water—no hands!
9. Whirlpool Challenge
Walk in a circle to form a whirlpool and attempt to float or swim upstream.
10. Jump or Dive Contest
Establish a panel of judges for the most excellent jumps, dives, or flips into the pool.
Skill-Based Pool Games 🎯
11. Floating Ring Toss
Toss inflatable rings onto floating pool toys or noodles.
12. Ping Pong Ball Scoop
Scatter ping pong balls throughout the pool—kids have to pick them up with only a spoon or small net.
13. Pool Basketball
Provide a floating basketball hoop and have teams compete to see who can make the most baskets.
14. Underwater Obstacle Course
Design a course with hoops, noodles, and toys that kids have to swim through.
15. Sponge Relay Race
Teams rush to wet a sponge, dash to a bucket, wring it out, and hand it to the next player.
16. Floating Ball Balance ⚽
Children have to balance a ball on a buoyant object as they swim—no hands involved!
17. Synchronized Swimming
Let children create a fun water dance routine and perform in front of the group.
18. Bottle Flip Challenge
Fill plastic bottles with a small amount of water and have them flip to land standing on a floating board.
19. Pool Volleyball
Create a net and play a splashy game of volleyball using a beach ball.
20. Noodle Races
Children race across the pool balancing on a pool noodle—not allowed to swim!
Silly & Fun Pool Games 🤣
21. Dress-Up Relay
Set up clothes (such as big shirts or hats) at the other end—children have to swim, put them on, and return.
22. Ice Cube Melt ❄️
Hand out an ice cube for each child—the first one to melt it (by holding it or sitting on it) is a winner!
23. Bobbing for Apples
A pool version of a classic—float apples and have children pick them up using their teeth.
24. Wacky Hair Contest
Use gel and water to style the most outrageous hairstyles, then vote for the most outrageous one.
25. Poolside Limbo
Use a pool noodle as a limbo stick—kids bend backward to go under without falling in.
26. Wet T-Shirt Relay
Teams compete to put on a dripping wet T-shirt, then relay it to the next player.
27. Floating Charades
One player acts out a word or phrase while floating, and others try to guess.
28. Musical Towels
Similar to musical chairs, but towels placed poolside—when music ends, claim a spot!
29. Water Gun Showdown
Divide into groups and have a friendly water gun fight—last dry player stands!
30. Human Knot in Water
Children form a circle, hold hands, and attempt to free themselves without releasing.
Team-Based Pool Games 🏅
31. Capture the Flag (Pool Edition)
Two teams try to steal each other’s flag (a floating toy) without getting tagged.
32. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Play dodgeball with water balloons—if you’re hit, you’re out!
33. Pool Poker
Float playing cards, and kids must dive to collect the best poker hand.
34. Noodle Bridge Relay
Teams race to build a bridge with pool noodles and cross without falling in.
35. Floating Puzzle Race
Scatter puzzle pieces in the pool—teams must collect and assemble them first.
36. Poolside Bowling
Use inflatable pins and a beach ball for a fun bowling challenge.
37. Splash Tag
A twist on tag—players can only “tag” others by splashing them.
38. Water Bucket Brigade
Teams pass water from one end of the pool to another using only cups—most water wins!
39. Invisible Jump Rope
Children mimic jumping rope in the water as others critique the best “performance.”
40. Poolside Pictionary ✏️
Sketch clues on a waterproof board as teammates try to guess—splashy fun!
Creative & Unique Pool Games 🎨
41. Mermaid Races
Children wear cloth “tails” and swim across the pool using only their arms.
42. Glow-in-the-Dark Pool Party
Utilize glow sticks and floating LED lights for evening pool games.
43. Sponge Bullseye
Splat wet sponges onto a target board—highest score takes the win!
44. Floating Memory Game
Lay matching cards on floating trays—children flip two at a time to locate pairs.
45. Poolside Karaoke
Sing favorite songs while floating—most fun performance wins!
46. Underwater Handstand Contest
Who can sustain a handstand underwater for the longest time?
47. Watermelon Push
Teams compete to move a watermelon across the pool with their noses.
48. Poolside Bingo
Make waterproof bingo cards with pool objects to search for.
49. Floating Tea Party ☕
Host a fancy tea party with floating trays and treats.
50. DIY Slip ‘N Slide
Employ a tarp, soap, and hose for an epic plunge into the pool!
51. Fish Out of Water
Children act like fish floundering out of water—most ridiculous performance wins!
52. Poolside Scavenger Hunt
Hide water-proof toys and hints outside the pool for children to discover.
Pool Party Tips for Success 🎉
Safety Always 👶: Never leave kids alone and have floaties available for non-swimmers.
Water & Snacks 🍉: Have water and nutritious snacks handy.
Sunshade & Sunscreen ☀️: Save kids from sunburn with sheltered spots and SPF.
Awards & Rewards 🏆: Little medals or rewards increase the fun factor of games!
With these 50+ kids pool party games, your party will be filled with laughter, splashes, and memories to last a lifetime. So put on your swimsuits, blow up those floats, and get ready to have fun!