Playing in the pool keeps kids active. It builds strength, improves coordination, and helps burn off energy. It’s also a great way for kids to bond, laugh, and learn to work together.
You don’t need toys to make it fun. In fact, skipping the toys can spark more creativity. It pushes kids to use their imagination and come up with new ways to play.
All the games below need no equipment. Just water, friends, and a little energy!
Game 1: Marco Polo
How to Play
Marco Polo is a classic pool game that’s easy to learn. One player is chosen to be “Marco.” This player closes their eyes and counts to ten. The other players quietly spread out in the pool.
Once the count is done, “Marco” starts calling out “Marco!” The other players must answer by shouting “Polo!” Marco uses the sound of their voices to try to tag them. Players can swim, duck underwater, or move around to avoid being tagged—but they must answer every time “Marco” calls.
If Marco tags someone, that person becomes the new Marco, and the game starts over.
To keep things fair, no one is allowed to leave the pool or stay silent for long. If they do, they’re out.
Why It’s Fun
Marco Polo is fast-paced and silly. It sharpens kids’ listening and movement skills at the same time. It also works well with groups of any size.
The game encourages focus, strategy, and plenty of laughter. And because it doesn’t require any toys, it’s ready to play anytime kids are in the pool.
Game 2: Sharks and Minnows
How to Play
In Sharks and Minnows, one player is the “shark,” and everyone else is a “minnow.” The shark starts in the middle of the pool. The minnows line up along one side of the pool.
When the shark shouts “Go!” the minnows try to swim to the opposite side without getting tagged. The shark’s goal is to catch as many minnows as possible before they reach safety.
If a minnow gets tagged, they become a shark in the next round. The game continues until only one minnow is left. That player is the winner and often becomes the first shark for the next game.
This game can be played in pools of any size, but make sure there’s enough room for players to swim safely.
Why It’s Fun
Sharks and Minnows is full of action. It pushes kids to swim faster and think quickly. The excitement of trying to escape the shark keeps everyone moving and engaged.
It’s a great way to build swimming skills, including speed, agility, and awareness. Plus, it encourages friendly competition and teamwork as players take turns being the shark.
Game 3: Underwater Races
How to Play
Underwater Races are simple but exciting. Players line up at one end of the pool. On a signal, everyone takes a deep breath and dives underwater.
The goal is to swim underwater as fast as possible to the other side of the pool without coming up for air. The first player to touch the pool wall wins the race.
Players can only surface after they finish the race. If someone comes up too early, they have to start over or lose that round, depending on the rules set before the game begins.
Make sure all players know their limits and stay safe while holding their breath.
Why It’s Fun
This game challenges kids in a fun way. It helps improve lung strength and breath control, which are useful swimming skills.
The competition adds excitement and pushes kids to do their best. It’s also easy to play anywhere there’s a pool and works well for small or large groups.
Game 4: Pool Freeze Tag
How to Play
Pool Freeze Tag is just like regular tag but with a twist. One player is “it” and tries to tag the others by touching them. When a player gets tagged, they must freeze in place and can’t move.
To get unfrozen, another player has to swim over and tag the frozen player. Once unfrozen, that player can swim and play again.
The game continues until everyone is frozen or a set time runs out. Then, a new player becomes “it” for the next round.
Make sure players stay safe and avoid rough tagging. The pool should be deep enough to swim freely but shallow enough for kids to stand if needed.
Why It’s Fun
Pool Freeze Tag adds teamwork to the usual tag game. Players have to work together to free their friends and stay active.
It also brings strategy into play. Players decide when to tag others or when to help teammates. This keeps the game exciting and full of surprises.
Because it combines movement and thinking, Pool Freeze Tag is a favorite for kids who love action and cooperation.
Game 5: Whirlpool
How to Play
To play Whirlpool, everyone gathers in the pool and forms a circle. Players start walking or swimming in the same direction around the edge of the pool.
As everyone moves, they create a swirling current in the water. This spinning water is the “whirlpool.” Players keep moving in the circle to keep the whirlpool going.
Once the whirlpool is strong enough, players can try floating or swimming in the center, letting the current push them around gently.
Make sure the group moves at a safe speed and that everyone stays comfortable in the water.
Why It’s Fun
Whirlpool is a fun way to work together and see how movement creates waves and currents.
Kids love feeling the water push and pull them as they float in the middle. It’s both calming and exciting at the same time.
This game encourages teamwork, as the whirlpool only happens if everyone moves together. It’s a great way to teach cause and effect while having fun.
Game 6: Simon Says – Pool Edition
How to Play
Simon Says in the pool works just like the classic game. One player is “Simon” and gives commands to the group. Commands might be things like “Simon says splash your feet” or “Simon says swim in place.”
Players should only follow commands that start with “Simon says.” If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” players must stay still and not follow it.
Anyone who follows a command without hearing “Simon says” is out or has to do a fun penalty, like treading water for 10 seconds.
The game continues until one player remains or for a set time, then a new Simon is chosen.
Why It’s Fun
This game is perfect for younger kids. It helps improve listening skills and quick thinking.
It also encourages kids to pay close attention and react quickly, which are great skills in and out of the pool.
Simon Says is simple, easy to set up, and keeps kids engaged with plenty of laughs.
Game 7: Treasure Hunt (with Body Movements)
How to Play
In this version of Treasure Hunt, there are no real objects to find. Instead, one player is the leader and “hides” invisible treasures around the pool by pointing to different spots.
The leader then gives clues or asks players to swim or move to these spots as if they are searching for something special. Players mime picking up treasures or digging underwater.
Everyone takes turns guessing where the treasures might be or acting out finding them. The leader can change the spots to keep the game fresh and fun.
Players can pretend to dive deep, swim fast, or even crawl underwater to explore different parts of the pool.
Why It’s Fun
This game encourages kids to use their imagination and creativity. They don’t need any toys—just their minds and bodies.
It also helps kids practice swimming movements and explore the pool in new ways.
Because it’s open-ended, players can come up with their own ideas for treasures and adventures. It’s a great way to keep pool time playful and active.
Game 8: Water Statues
How to Play
Water Statues is simple and fun. Players swim, float, or move around the pool while someone acts as the caller. The caller can be a player or an adult.
At any moment, the caller shouts “Freeze!” Everyone must stop moving immediately and hold their position like a statue.
The last player to freeze or anyone who moves after the freeze is called is either out or becomes the next caller.
The game continues with players moving and freezing over and over, trying to hold still in funny or tricky poses.
Why It’s Fun
Water Statues challenges kids to control their bodies and balance in the water. Holding a pose while floating or swimming takes focus.
It often leads to silly and creative positions, which makes everyone laugh.
This game helps improve concentration and teaches kids how to stay calm in the pool.
Because it’s low pressure and playful, Water Statues works well for kids of all ages and skill levels.
Game 9: Copycat Swimming
How to Play
Copycat Swimming is easy and fun for any group size. One player starts by showing a swimming move or trick. This could be a splash, a flip, a dive, or a special stroke.
The other players watch carefully and then try to copy exactly what the leader did. Once everyone has tried, a new player takes a turn showing their move.
The game continues with players taking turns leading and copying.
Encourage players to be creative with their moves, but also to keep them safe and doable in the pool.
Why It’s Fun
This game lets kids be creative and try new things in the water.
It also helps players learn from each other by watching and imitating.
Copycat Swimming builds confidence and encourages players to experiment with their swimming skills.
The friendly, low-pressure setting makes it a great way for kids to practice and have fun together.
Game 10: Pool Limbo
How to Play
Pool Limbo is a fun twist on the classic party game. Instead of a real limbo bar, players use an imaginary line or hold their arms out as the bar.
Players take turns swimming or floating underwater, trying to glide under the “bar” without touching it. Each round, the bar can be lowered by moving arms closer to the water or pretending it’s lower.
If a player touches the bar or can’t swim under it, they’re out or skip a turn. The game continues until only one player can limbo the lowest.
Make sure everyone stays safe and doesn’t push themselves too far under the water.
Why It’s Fun
Pool Limbo challenges kids to be flexible and control their bodies in the water.
It’s a playful way to practice coordination and balance while swimming.
Because it uses imagination, players don’t need any equipment, and it can be played anywhere.
This game adds a fun challenge that keeps kids moving and laughing together.
