A swimming pool is good for a lot more than laps. With a bit of structure, it can turn into a playground, a sports court, or a stage for silly team contests. If you have been wondering what games can be played in the swimming pool for your next family afternoon, birthday party, or weekend get-together, this guide covers more than 30 options, organized by age group, group size, and how much equipment you need.
Every game below has been grouped by category so you can quickly find something that fits your pool, your guest list, and the amount of setup time you have. A safety section and answers to common questions are included at the end.
| Key Takeaways
• Classic games like Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and Cannonball Contests remain popular because they need little to no equipment. • Water sports such as volleyball, basketball, and water polo generally work best for teens and adults with some pool space to spare. • Quieter games like the Mirror Game, Categories, and Underwater Tea Party can suit younger children or shallow-end play. • Adult supervision and clear pool rules are generally recommended for any group game, regardless of age. |
Classic Swimming Pool Games Everyone Knows
These games have been played in pools for generations and remain a reliable starting point when you’re deciding what games can be played in the swimming pool, since most people already know the rules.
Marco Polo
One player closes their eyes and calls out “Marco,” while everyone else responds “Polo.” The player who is “it” then tries to tag someone using sound alone. Whoever gets tagged becomes the next “it.” This game generally works best in a pool where everyone can stand and is easiest with four or more players.
Sharks and Minnows
One player is the shark and stays in the middle of the pool, while the rest of the group (the minnows) line up at one end. When the shark calls out, the minnows try to swim to the other side without getting tagged. Anyone who is tagged becomes a shark for the next round, which keeps the game moving until only one minnow remains.
Cannonball or Belly Flop Contest
Each player takes a turn jumping into the deep end, aiming for the biggest splash or the loudest slap on the water. A judge (or the group, by applause) picks a winner each round. This works well as a low-effort activity near a diving board, though diving safety rules should always apply first.
Chicken Fight
Pairs form teams, with one person sitting on a partner’s shoulders. Two teams face off and try to knock the top player off balance without pulling hair or clothing. This game is typically better suited to older kids, teens, and adults and should only be played in water deep enough for the base person to stand safely.
Swimming Pool Games for Kids
Younger children generally do best with games that involve short bursts of activity, clear turns, and the shallow end of the pool.
Simon Says
One player calls out instructions such as “Simon says float on your back” or “Simon says do a handstand.” Players must only follow commands that start with “Simon says”; anyone who follows an instruction without that phrase is out. This is a gentle way to practice basic swimming skills.
The Mirror Game
Kids pair up and face each other. One player performs a movement, like splashing, spinning, or making a face, and their partner copies it exactly, as though looking in a mirror. Partners can swap roles every couple of minutes.
Categories
A leader stands on one side of the pool and calls out a category, such as animals or fruits. Everyone else picks a word from that category. The leader then calls out words one at a time, and whoever’s word gets called swims to the other side before getting tagged.
Pool Obstacle Course
Set up a simple sequence of tasks using pool noodles, floats, and hula hoops, for example: swim through a hoop, float on your back for five seconds, touch the pool wall, then swim backward to the start. Courses can be adjusted for different skill levels and timed for a bit of friendly competition.
Treasure or Coin Dive
Toss a handful of dive rings, weighted rings, or waterproof coins into the shallow end and have kids dive down to collect as many as they can. This game can double as gentle practice for underwater swimming and breath control.
Swimming Pool Games for Teens and Adults
Older groups often enjoy games with a competitive or sporty edge, and many double as a workout.
Water Volleyball
Using a floating net (or a rope stretched across the pool) and a beach ball or lightweight volleyball, two teams try to keep the ball from touching the water on their side. This is one of the most requested answers whenever people search for what games can be played in the swimming pool for adult gatherings.
Water Basketball or Water Polo
A floating hoop turns any pool into a mini basketball court, while water polo uses a lightweight ball and informal goals at each end. Both games can be played casually or with keeping score, depending on the group’s energy.
Watermelon Ball
Watermelon ball uses a buoyant, watermelon-shaped ball that players try to pass, carry, or push toward a goal while underwater, blending elements of rugby and water polo. It works best with six or more players and a bit of open pool space.
Whirlpool
A large group walks, then jogs, then swims in the same direction around the edge of the pool until a current forms. Once the current is strong, everyone stops and tries to move against it. This one is more about the laughs than winning, and it works best with a bigger group.
Pool Party Games for Groups
If you’re planning a birthday or backyard party, these games are built to keep several people involved at once.
Relay Races
Split into teams and race across the pool and back using different strokes, like backstroke on the way out and freestyle on the way back, or by pushing a ball with your nose. Relay races are flexible and scale well from small groups to larger parties.
Pool Noodle Jousting
Players sit or kneel on a pool float and use a pool noodle to try to knock their opponent off balance. This works best in open water away from the pool edge and steps.
Frozen T-Shirt Race
Freeze a folded, wet T-shirt for each team a day ahead of time. Teams then race to thaw their shirt using pool water, a hose, or warm hands, and the first team to get the shirt on wins.
Scavenger or Treasure Hunt
Scatter sinkable dive toys, rings, or waterproof items around the pool and give players a list to find within a time limit, or simply have them collect as many items as possible. Teams or the buddy system can help keep younger or less confident swimmers safe during play.
Quiet and Low-Key Pool Games
Not every pool session needs to be high energy. These options work well for smaller groups, hot afternoons, or mixed-age families.
Underwater Tea Party
Players sit cross-legged at the bottom of the shallow end (goggles help) and try to “have a tea party” underwater for as long as they can hold their breath comfortably. It’s a favorite for kids who enjoy underwater play.
Floating and Trick Contests
Challenge players to hold a specific float position, like a starfish or a back float, for as long as possible or to invent their own simple pool tricks, such as handstands or spins, for others to rate.
Underwater Message Game
Two players go underwater at the same time. One mouthes a short word, and the other has to guess it once they resurface. Picking a theme, like animals or colors, makes guessing easier.
Pool Games That Need Little or No Equipment
- Marco Polo
- Sharks and Minnows
- Simon Says
- Categories
- The Mirror Game
- Whirlpool
- Swimming races and lap challenges
- Breath-holding or underwater massage games
- Cannonball contests
Pool Games That Use Simple Equipment
If you don’t mind picking up a few inexpensive items, these games add more variety to your pool afternoons. The table below summarizes what you’ll need and who each game suits best.
| Game | Equipment Needed | Minimum Players | Best For |
| Beach Ball Volleyball | Beach ball, rope/net (optional) | 4+ | Teens & adults |
| Watermelon Ball | Buoyant watermelon-style ball | 6+ | Teens & adults |
| Pool Basketball | Floating hoop | 2+ | Kids & teens |
| Dive Sticks / Treasure Dive | Weighted dive toys or coins | 2+ | Kids |
| Pool Noodle Jousting | Pool noodles, floats/rafts | 2+ | Teens & adults |
| Frozen T-Shirt Race | Frozen T-shirts (teams) | 4+ | All ages |
| Bottle Flip Search | Water-filled plastic bottle | 2+ | Kids & teens |
| Beach Ball Nose Race | Beach ball | 2+ | Kids |
Safety Tips for Playing Games in the Pool
Games are more fun and safer when a few basic precautions are in place before everyone jumps in.
- Adult supervision is generally recommended any time children are playing in or around water.
- Check water depth before diving, jumping, or attempting cannonballs, and only allow these in areas marked deep enough.
- Keep tag-style games such as Sharks and Minnows or Chicken Fight in areas where players can stand or are strong swimmers.
- Avoid running on wet pool decks, and keep toys and floats out of walkways when not in use.
- Take breaks between high-energy games, especially in hot weather, and encourage players to stay hydrated.
- Anyone who is a weak swimmer should wear a life vest or use flotation support during group games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games can be played in the swimming pool without any equipment?
Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, Simon Says, the Mirror Game, Categories, breath-holding contests, and simple swimming races generally require no equipment at all, just enough space in the water to move around safely.
What are good pool games for a large group or pool party?
Sharks and Minnows, water volleyball, relay races, Whirlpool, and scavenger or treasure hunts tend to work well for larger groups because they allow many people to participate at once and typically scale easily as more players join.
Are pool games safe for young children?
Many pool games can be adapted for young children, but adult supervision is generally recommended at all times, and games should typically be played in the shallow end where children can stand comfortably.
What equipment is commonly used for swimming pool games?
Common items include beach balls, pool noodles, floating hoops, dive rings or weighted toys, watermelon balls, and inflatable floats. Many popular pool games, however, use little to no equipment.
Can pool games help improve swimming skills?
Yes, many pool games, such as obstacle courses, relay races, and underwater retrieval games, can help build comfort in the water and may support the development of basic swimming and breath-control skills, particularly in children. These activities can also help beginners Learn Swimming by improving water confidence, breathing control, floating ability, and basic movement in a fun and low-pressure environment.
Final Thoughts
There’s rarely a shortage of answers to the question of what games can be played in the swimming pool, whether you’re working with a small backyard pool or a large community one. Classic games like Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows require nothing but a bit of space, while water volleyball, basketball, and relay races add a sportier element for older kids and adults. Pairing the right game with your group’s age range, pool size, and available equipment is usually the simplest way to turn an ordinary swim into a memorable afternoon, so long as basic safety habits stay part of the plan.
