A pool party is the best way to escape the heat, have fun, and make memories with friends and family. But what makes a pool party go from good to epic? Super games! Whether you’re having a kids’ party, a teen party, or an adult party, the right combination of games will keep everyone engaged.
43+ Pool Party Games That’ll Make Your Party Unforgettable!
From traditional water games to outside-the-box challenges, here’s the complete list of 43+ pool party games that will make your party a splash hit!
Traditional Pool Games 🏊♂️
1. Marco Polo
A classic hit! A player closes his eyes and yells “Marco,” and others say “Polo.” The object is to tag someone when blind.
2. Sharks and Minnows
One is the “shark” in the middle, attempting to tag “minnows” as they swim back and forth in the pool.
3. Pool Volleyball
Put a net across the pool and play a game of volleyball with a waterproof ball.
4. Chicken Fight
Two-player teams—one sits on the other’s shoulders and attempts to knock the opposing team over.
5. Cannonball Contest
Who can splash the largest? Judges score the best leaps!
6. Noodle Jousting ⚔️
Players ride on pool noodles and attempt to knock one another off with a second noodle.
7. Treasure Hunt
Cast coins or small toys into the pool and have players dive and grab them.
8. Diving for Rings
Cast plastic rings into the pool, and players dive to pick them up.
9. Whirlpool Challenge
Everybody walks in a circle to make a whirlpool, then attempts to float in it.
10. Synchronized Swimming
Teams practice and perform playful synchronized swimming routines.
Pool Games for Competition 🎯
11. Water Basketball
Put up a floating basketball hoop and play a quick game.
12. Pool Bowling
Employ floating pins and a ball to bowl on the water.
13. Ping Pong Ball Race
Blow ping pong balls across the water with your breath.
14. Sponge Relay Race
Teams relay a wet sponge over their heads to put in a bucket.
15. Cardboard Boat Race
Teams construct boats out of cardboard and race them in the pool.
16. Water Gun Target Shoot
Create targets and have a water gun battle to see who can hit the targets.
17. Underwater Obstacle Course
Create hoops and ropes for swimmers to swim through.
18. Poolside Limbo
Use a pool noodle for a wild and wet limbo game.
19. Tug-of-War (Pool Edition)
Two teams pull a rope while standing in the shallow end.
20. Floating Dice Game
Roll giant inflatable dice and complete silly challenges.
Team-Based Pool Games 🤽♀️
21. Water Balloon Toss
Pairs toss water balloons back and forth, stepping farther apart each round.
22. Pool Noodle Races
Race across the pool while sitting on a noodle.
23. Human Knot (Water Version)
Players grab hands underwater and try to untangle themselves.
24. Balloon Pop Relay
Teams perch on balloons to burst them before tagging the next player.
25. Capture the Flag (Pool Style)
Two teams battle to capture a floating flag from the other team’s side.
26. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Dodgeball, but with water balloons instead!
27. Poolside Scavenger Hunt
Hide waterproof objects throughout the pool area for teams to discover.
28. Musical Floaties
Musical chairs, but participants swim between floating mats.
29. Splash Tag
If you’re tagged, you have to splash water before tagging others.
30. Frozen T-Shirt Race ❄️
Freeze wet T-shirts; the first one to put it on wins!
Silly & Fun Pool Games 🎭
31. Mermaid Races
Players wear fins and swim like mermaids.
32. Belly Flop Contest
Who can create the loudest (and most humorous) belly flop?
33. Underwater Handstand Contest
Who can hold a handstand underwater the longest?
34. Ping Pong Ball Scoop
Players use spoons to scoop floating ping pong balls.
35. Watermelon Push
Teams push a watermelon across the pool using only their noses.
36. Duck Duck Splash
Similar to “Duck Duck Goose,” but the tagged player gets splashed.
37. Inflatable Ring Toss
Toss rings onto floating inflatables.
38. Poolside Twister
Use a wet Twister mat for slippery fun!
39. Sponge Pass
Teams pass a soaked sponge without squeezing it too much.
40. Floating Jenga
Play Jenga on a float mat—double the challenge!
Games for Everyone Ages 🎉
41. Water Balloon Piñata
Suspend water balloons and have players pop them blindfolded.
42. Poolside Karaoke Challenge
Sing your heart out between laps!
43. Glow Stick Pool Party
Shut off the lights and play with glow sticks in the pool.
44. Ice Cube Melt Challenge
Who melts an ice cube in their hands the quickest?
45. Homemade Slip ‘N Slide
Create a side pool slide for added fun!
Pool Party Hosting Tips
Safety Always: Supervise children and non-swimmers at all times.
Awards: Offer small prizes for game champions.
Tunes: Play an energetic playlist to maintain energy levels.
Drinks and Snacks: Offer cold beverages and snacks by the pool.
With these 43+ legendary pool party games, your party will be the buzz of the summer! Competitive racing, goofy challenges, or group play – we’ve got something for all. So slip on the swimsuits, grab the sunscreen, and get set for a splashing great time!🎉🌞