12 Pool Party Games for Kids That Take Minutes to Set Up

Planning a pool party for the kids? You’ve got the floats, the snacks, and the sunscreen sorted. But what about the F.U.N?!

Nothing keeps a group of water-loving kids happier than some a few games that allows them to go cray-cray splashing around in the pool.

The best pool party games don’t need fancy equipment or complicated rules. If you have a pool, you will likely have most of the items needed for the games list I’ve put together, making the games perfect for last minute fun.

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These swimming pool games work for different ages and swimming abilities, keeping everyone from your cautious 5-year-old to your daredevil 12-year-old entertained during those hot summer afternoons.

Each game is quick to explain, easy to supervise (and obvs. having a responsible adult or teen in life guard mode at all times is a must) , and totally super fun.

Also read: Fun DIY Summer Water Activities For Kids

12 Easy Pool Games That Will Make Your Kid’s For Summer Pool Party Fun

Here’s my collection of classic and classic with a twist swimming games that are splashingly good fun for kids. Each one takes just minutes to set up but provides tons of aquatic fun.

Treasure Hunt

This underwater adventure turns your pool into a treasure-filled lagoon where kids dive for hidden riches.

Number of players: 2-10
Age range: 6-12 years (must be comfortable putting their face underwater)
What you need: Weighted dive toys, coins, or rings that sink

How to play:

Toss several weighted objects into the shallow end of the pool
On “go,” children dive down to collect as many treasures as possible
Set a time limit (1-2 minutes works well)
The player who collects the most items wins
For younger kids, use brightly coloured objects that are easier to spot

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Freeze Tag – Pool Edition

A refreshing twist on the classic playground game that keeps kids moving and laughing.

Number of players: 4-12
Age range: 5-12 years
What you need: Nothing!

How to play:

Choose one player to be “it”
Other players swim around trying not to get tagged
If tagged, players must freeze in place with one arm raised above water
Frozen players can be unfrozen when another player swims under their raised arm
Switch who’s “it” every few minutes to keep it fresh
For safety, restrict the game to the shallow end for younger children

Marco Polo

The classic swimming pool game that never goes out of style—perfect for developing listening skills while having fun.

Number of players: 3-10
Age range: 5-12 years
What you need: Nothing!

How to play:

Select one player to be “Marco” who closes their eyes
Marco calls out “Marco!” and other players must respond “Polo!”
Marco tries to tag others based only on sound
The first person tagged becomes the new Marco
Set boundaries to keep players from leaving the pool
For younger kids, limit the play area to make it easier

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Dolphin Relay Race

This team-based swimming challenge encourages cooperation and friendly competition.

Number of players: 4-12 (even numbers work best)
Age range: 6-12 years
What you need: Pool noodles (one per team)

How to play:

Divide children into equal teams
Teams line up at one end of the pool
First player places the noodle between their legs like a dolphin tail
They must swim to the other end and back
Pass the noodle to the next teammate
First team to have all members complete the course wins
For mixed ages, give younger kids a shorter distance

Splash Contest

A simple but hilarious game that lets kids make the biggest mess possible—with permission!

Number of players: 2-10
Age range: 5-12 years
What you need: Nothing!

How to play:

Players take turns jumping into the pool
Each jump is judged on splash size, creativity, and style
Appoint an adult or non-participating child as judge
Award points from 1-10 for each jump
Highest score after everyone has jumped wins
Keep jumpers well-spaced for safety
Only allow jumps in the deep end with supervision

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Watermelon Push

This quirky challenge uses a greased watermelon for slippery, giggly fun.

Number of players: 4-10
Age range: 7-12 years
What you need: One watermelon lightly rubbed with vegetable oil

How to play:

Divide into two teams at opposite ends of the pool
Place the greased watermelon in the middle
On “go,” teams try to push the watermelon to the opposite end
No throwing or lifting the watermelon out of water
First team to get it to the opposite wall wins
For younger kids, use a smaller watermelon
Keep the game in chest-deep water for safety

Noodle Joust

A pool noodle version of medieval jousting that’s guaranteed to create laughs.

Number of players: 2-8
Age range: 7-12 years
What you need: Pool noodles (one per player), inflatable rafts or kickboards

How to play:

Players sit on rafts or kickboards
Each player gets one pool noodle as their “lance”
Two players face off at a time
Players try to knock each other off their rafts using only the noodles
Last player remaining on their raft wins
No hitting above shoulders
Play in water where kids can stand for safety

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Ping Pong Scramble

A fast-paced collecting game that works well for mixed swimming abilities.

Number of players: 3-10
Age range: 5-12 years
What you need: 20-30 ping pong balls, small buckets or containers

How to play:

Scatter ping pong balls across the pool surface
Give each player or team a small bucket
On “go,” players collect as many balls as possible in their bucket
Set a time limit (2-3 minutes)
Player or team with the most balls wins
For younger kids, assign ball colours to collect
Keep the game in shallow to medium depth water

Submarine Search

This underwater listening game sharpens senses while providing cooling fun.

Number of players: 4-10
Age range: 6-12 years
What you need: A waterproof clicking toy or metal objects that make sound underwater

How to play:

One player is the “submarine” who goes underwater and makes clicking sounds
Other players close their eyes and try to point to where the sound is coming from
Players take turns being the submarine
Award points for accurate pointing
Player with most points wins
Keep rounds short (15-20 seconds underwater)
Only play with children comfortable submerging their heads

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Pool Volleyball

A simplified version of volleyball that’s adaptable for different ages and pool sizes.

Number of players: 4-12
Age range: 6-12 years
What you need: Beach ball, pool volleyball net (or rope strung across pool)

How to play:

Divide into two teams on either side of the net
Use a beach ball instead of a volleyball for easier play
Standard volleyball rules apply but allow unlimited hits per side
First team to 7 points wins
Lower the net for younger players
For mixed ages, give younger players “free hits” that don’t count against the team

Sharks and Minnows

A thrilling chase game that builds swimming confidence and speed.

Number of players: 5-15
Age range: 6-12 years
What you need: Nothing!

How to play:

One player is the “shark” who starts in the middle of the pool
Other players are “minnows” who start at one end
When the shark yells “Swim!”, minnows try to swim to the opposite end
Any minnow tagged becomes a shark for the next round
Last minnow remaining wins and becomes the shark for the next game
For younger kids, give them a head start
Play in water where most kids can stand

Noodle Race

This swimming race with a twist encourages both speed and balance.

Number of players: 2-8
Age range: 5-12 years
What you need: One pool noodle per player

How to play:

Players line up at one end of the pool
Each player sits on their noodle like a horse
On “go,” players race to the opposite end while staying on their noodles
First to reach the finish line while still on their noodle wins
If you fall off, you must get back on before continuing
For younger kids, allow them to hold the noodle rather than sit on it
Keep the race in water where kids can stand if needed

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Luci McQuitty Hindmarsh

Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.