Nothing beats a sunny day in the backyard with the kids splashing around in the pool. But let’s be honest—kids get bored fast. If you don’t have some fun pool games lined up, they’ll be in and out in five minutes, asking what’s next. So, let’s go over some of the best pool games to keep them entertained for hours.
1. Marco Polo (The Classic That Never Gets Old)
This one’s been around forever, and for good reason—it’s simple and keeps the kids moving. One person closes their eyes and shouts “Marco!” while the others try to avoid them, responding with “Polo.” The goal is for the blindfolded player to tag someone. It’s basically hide-and-seek in the water. Just make sure to set pool boundaries so nobody sneaks off onto the lawn!
2. Treasure Hunt (Easy to Set Up, Big on Fun)
You don’t need fancy gear for this one. Just grab some pool toys, coins, or anything that sinks, toss them in the pool, and let the kids dive to find them. You can get affordable dive rings and toys from places like The Warehouse or Kmart NZ. For a challenge, time them to see who can collect the most in a minute.
3. Pool Noodle Races (Great for Active Kids)
If you’ve got pool noodles lying around (and let’s be real—you probably do), turn them into racing gear. Kids have to sit on them like a horse and “gallop” from one end of the pool to the other. First one to touch the wall wins. If you’re short on noodles, you can find them at Mitre 10 or most local department stores.
4. Sharks and Minnows (A Bit Like Tag, But in Water)
One person starts as the “shark” in the middle of the pool. The others—”minnows”—line up on one side. When the shark shouts “Go!” all the minnows try to swim across without getting tagged. If they get tagged, they turn into a shark for the next round. This one’s best played in a bigger pool where there’s plenty of space to swim away!
5. Volleyball (Turn Your Pool into a Mini Game Arena)
A simple floating volleyball net transforms your pool into a game zone. You can grab one from Rebel Sport or Noel Leeming. If you don’t have a net, just whack a beach ball back and forth and try to keep it from hitting the water—turns it into more of a challenge!
6. Underwater Obstacle Course (Gets Them Thinking & Moving)
Use hula hoops weighted down with small weights or buy underwater hoops that stay in place. Create a course where the kids have to swim through hoops, collect objects, and do specific moves before reaching the finish line. It’s like an underwater ninja course, and it’s a hit every time. You can find hula hoops at Briscoes or Kmart.
7. Freeze Tag (Yes, Even in Water)
You’ve played freeze tag on land—same idea, just wetter. If you get tagged, you freeze in place until another player swims past and “unfreezes” you. This game works best with at least four kids to keep things moving.
8. Duck Push (It’s Harder Than It Looks!)
Each kid gets a rubber duck and has to push it across the pool using just their nose. No hands allowed! This one’s hilarious to watch and surprisingly competitive. You can grab rubber ducks from Toyco or most department stores.
9. Whirlpool (For Larger Groups)
Got a bunch of kids in the pool? Have them all walk in a circle, making the water swirl. After a few minutes, tell them to lift their feet and float—they’ll get carried by the whirlpool they just made!
10. Swim Through the Legs (Works Best with Parents Playing Too)
Stand in the shallow end with your legs apart. The kids take turns swimming through. Make it harder by adding multiple adults forming a “legs tunnel.” Simple but fun, especially for younger ones just getting comfortable underwater.
Safety Reminder
Games are great, but safety comes first. Always have an eye on the kids, set rules (like no rough play), and keep flotation devices handy for younger swimmers. If you’re thinking about pool safety gear, sites like Pools & Spas NZ or Bunnings NZ have everything from pool fences to floating aids.
So, next time the kids start complaining they’re bored in the pool, pull out one of these games. A little creativity goes a long way, and you don’t need to spend a fortune—most of these games use stuff you probably already have. Now, grab a cold drink, enjoy the sun, and let the kids wear themselves out!
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