If you’ve got a pool at home, you already know it’s great for cooling off in summer. But let’s be honest—just floating around can get a little boring. Whether you’ve got kids who need entertaining or adults who want something more exciting than just lounging on an inflatable, pool games make all the difference.
Here’s a list of the best pool games you can play, whether it’s for a lazy weekend with the family or a backyard pool party with mates. Plus, I’ll throw in a few places in New Zealand where you can grab pool toys and accessories to make these games even better.
Classic Games That Always Work
Marco Polo (For All Ages)
Old but still gold. One person (Marco) closes their eyes and tries to tag everyone else by calling “Marco!” while the others respond with “Polo!” If you’ve got kids, this one will keep them entertained for ages. Just make sure there’s no running around the pool edge!
Chicken Fights (For Adults & Older Kids)
One person sits on another’s shoulders, and they battle to knock the other team off into the water. This one gets intense, so it’s best for deeper pools and stronger swimmers.
Sharks and Minnows (Best for Groups)
One player (the “shark”) starts in the middle while the others (the “minnows”) line up on one end. When the shark says “Go,” the minnows have to swim across without getting tagged. If you’re tagged, you become a shark for the next round. Kiwi kids love this game—it’s like backyard rugby but in the water.
Games for Young Kids
Treasure Hunt
Toss a bunch of sinking pool toys (coins, rings, or pebbles) into the water and let the kids dive to find them. Mitre 10 and Rebel Sport sell underwater dive rings that are perfect for this.
Pool Noodle Races
Give each kid a pool noodle, and they have to race from one end of the pool to the other using only their arms. Super easy, and no diving required—good for younger swimmers.
Octopus Tag
Sort of like the land version, but in the water. One person is the “octopus” and tries to tag swimmers. When someone gets tagged, they hold hands with the octopus and help catch others. The last person left wins.
Games For Adults Who Want More Action
Beer Pong… But In the Pool
Yep, floating beer pong is a thing. You can buy an inflatable beer pong table from The Warehouse or Mighty Ape, or if you’re feeling crafty, just use a foam board with plastic cups. Fill them with water (or your drink of choice) and take turns throwing a ping pong ball. First one to sink all their opponent’s cups wins.
Water Volleyball
A solid workout disguised as fun. You can grab a floating volleyball net from places like Kmart or Toyco. If you don’t have one, just stretch a rope across the pool, and use a light beach ball instead.
Basketball Dunk-Off
An inflatable basketball hoop (which you can find at Noel Leeming or Bunnings) is a must-have for summer. Set up some friendly dunk competitions or see who can shoot the furthest from the water.
Fun with Pool Toys & Inflatables
Not every game has to be super competitive—sometimes, it’s just about having fun with cool pool gear. Briscoes and Farmers stock giant inflatables (think unicorns and flamingos), which make for great floating races or challenges. Inflatable loungers and tubes turn any pool into a relaxing hangout spot.
If you’re after waterproof cards or even floating chess sets, PB Tech and Mighty Ape have quirky pool-friendly games, too.
Safety First
No matter how fun the game is, safety always comes first. Keep an eye on kids, don’t dive into shallow water, and remember—alcohol and deep water don’t mix well. If you’ve got friends over who aren’t strong swimmers, throw in some life vests or pool noodles to keep things chill.
So, if you’re keen to make the most of your backyard pool this summer, try out some of these games. Whether it’s a full-on battle in the water or just a few rounds of poolside beer pong, there’s something for everyone. Now, go grab some pool toys and make a splash!
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