🏖️ 10 Fun Pool Party Games for Kids (That Won’t Break the Bank)
Is there anything better than a sunny day, splashing water, and the sound of kids laughing at a pool party? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, the end of the school year, or just want an excuse to invite friends over, pool parties are the ultimate mix of fun and easy entertainment.
But here’s the secret: the real magic happens when you add games. Not only do they keep kids engaged (and prevent the “I’m bored” blues), but they also create the kind of memories kids will talk about all summer long. And you don’t need expensive pool toys or elaborate setups — just a little creativity and a willingness to get splashed!
At Party Parrots, we believe in making celebrations fun and stress-free, so we’ve rounded up 10 tried-and-true pool party games that kids love, parents can actually manage, and your wallet will thank you for.
🏊 1. Marco Polo (The Classic)
Let’s start with the ultimate pool game: Marco Polo. One player closes their eyes and calls “Marco!” while the others shout back “Polo!” The goal is for the seeker to tag another swimmer by following their voices.
💡 Twist for fun: Instead of saying “Polo,” kids can answer with silly sea animal sounds (like “ribbit” for frog or “splash” for dolphin).
🦈 2. Sharks and Minnows
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser! One child is the “shark” in the middle of the pool, and the rest are “minnows” on one side. When the shark shouts “Minnows, swim!” everyone tries to get to the other side without being tagged. Tagged players become sharks, until only one minnow is left.
Budget-friendly, high-energy, and so much giggling.
🐠 3. Treasure Dive
Throw a handful of sinkable toys, coins, or even plastic gems into the water. Kids dive to retrieve as many as they can within a time limit.
✨ Party hack: Use Dollar Store glow sticks if your party runs into the evening — glowing treasure hunt!
🐢 4. Pool Noodle Jousting
Grab two pool noodles and have kids balance on inflatable rafts (or just stand in the shallow end). The goal: gently “joust” until someone loses balance.
⚠️ Safety tip: Keep it playful, soft, and supervised. The fun is in the splashing, not the pushing.
🎯 5. Sponge Toss
Who needs water balloons when you’ve got sponges? Soak colorful sponges in buckets of water and let kids toss them back and forth like a water balloon toss. Less mess, reusable, and just as fun.
🐠 6. Mermaid (or Merman) Races
Give kids pillowcases, floats, or pool noodles and have them race across the pool pretending they’re mermaids. Add a twist by making them hold hands in pairs like “twin tails.”
🏖️ 7. Musical Pool Rings
Throw a few floating rings into the water. Play music while kids swim around, and when the music stops, everyone grabs a ring. Remove one each round until there’s a winner (just like musical chairs).
🏊 8. Poolside Relay Race
Set up stations around the pool with silly challenges:
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Do five jumping jacks
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Run around a cone
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Belly flop into the water
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Swim to the other side
Split kids into teams and let the chaos (and giggles) unfold.
🍉 9. Watermelon Push Relay
This one’s a summertime classic. Drop a greased watermelon (rub a little cooking oil or petroleum jelly on it) into the pool. Kids have to push it to the other side without lifting it out of the water. It’s harder (and sillier) than it sounds!
🐡 10. Floatie Race
Give each child an inflatable pool float (the sillier the shape, the better — flamingos, unicorns, pizza slices). Line them up and let them race across the pool using only their hands.
🎉 Bonus: This makes for hilarious photos.
Safety First!
As much fun as pool parties are, safety is everything. Make sure to:
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Have at least one adult watching at all times (no phones, no distractions).
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Clearly mark shallow and deep ends.
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Provide floaties for younger swimmers.
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Take breaks for hydration and sunscreen.
Kids play harder (and safer) when the grown-ups are relaxed and attentive.
🎉 Wrapping It Up
A pool party is already a hit on its own, but with a few creative games, you’ll take it from fun to legendary. Best of all, these games cost little to nothing and can be customized for any age group.
And if you’re looking to add some extra sparkle, Party Parrots has printable pool party invitations, activity placemats, and word games that keep kids busy between splashes. Instant downloads = instant party upgrade.
So blow up those floaties, fill up the snack bowls, and get ready for the best pool party of the season. The only problem? Your kids will beg you to do it again next weekend. 😉