Here are some great pool games to keep the kids entertained for hours. Whether you’re at home in your own pool, at a friend’s place or in the hotel pool on holiday, these games will create some of their best childhood memories and don’t cost much (or anything at all!)
*Parental supervision is always required!
Classic Catches
Quite possibly the quintessential Australian Summer pool game. With the cricket on the telly, and the street cricket set up in the driveway or backyard, this takes those spectacular catches to the next level.
Taking turns as catchers and throwers, hitting with a bat (or just throwing the ball) from one end of the pool to the waiting catcher on the side of the pool (usually at the deep end for safety) with the aim of a good diving catch, just before hitting the water. Don’t forget to take the videos in slow-mo for that extra ‘wow’ factor to show everyone “that catch” later!
Pebble diving
Grab a bag of coloured pebbles, paint your own or just find contrasting pebbles to the pool surface colour. Have the kids pop on some goggles (unless you’ve got a Mineral Swim or Naked Pool), then throw the pebbles in the pool.
Line the kids up and then let them race each other to see who can dive in first and collect the most pebbles, or go one at a time, whichever is the safer option. This game requires minimal effort from you which means you can also relax poolside.
Pool jumping photos
We all know kids love having their photos taken. Have them get creative with synchronised jumping, striking a pose or anything else they can think of while you’re on photographer duty.
Not only will the photos keep them happy, but they’ll also be great fun to look back on as memories of the day!
Floaty races
These days you can buy floaties in all shapes and sizes. You can float on a flamingo, laze on a donut or ride on a dolphin! Stock up on the floaties in your desired form, and then you can oversee (or participate if you’re a touch competitive) the floatie race!
The hilarity is seeing who can get to one end of the pool and back on their giant flamingo or donut! It will ensure lots of laughs, and tired kids at bedtime. Then tired parents can enjoy floating in the pool in peace!
Come in-store to check out our range of Pool floats!
Pool hair salon
It’s an oldie but a goodie, and when you’re a kid, is there anything funnier than dipping your head underwater and creating a crazy hairstyle from your wet hair?
Go for a mohawk, cousin IT or the old lady look... you can even make it a competition and get all the kids to go underwater, then re-surface with their whackiest looks.
Add judging and/or a fashion parade to take it to the next level!
Invisi-bottle
A good game for when there are more than a few kids to keep busy. Grab a clear 1.5 - 2 litre plastic bottle, ideally with a white cap, and fill it up with pool water.
Divide them into two teams and line them up on opposite sides of the pool with them facing away from the water. Throw the bottle into the water, and when the players hear the splash of the bottle, they’re allowed to turn and jump in to try and find the bottle!
If sounds easy, it’s not! Because the bottle is clear, it blends in with the pool’s surface making it quite tricky to locate. It’s a fun and challenging game for all age groups and doesn’t cost a thing!
These activities should keep the little and big kids in your life entertained all pool season.
Have we missed one that you think we should add? Let us know below or post it on our Facebook page for everyone to see!