Swimming weather is here, and you don’t need a fancy pool or tons of toys to keep you and your family busy in the pool this summer. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite games that you can play all summer long- And the best part is, most of them only require you and your friends!
Categories: Categories is a pool game where one player is chosen to be “It”. They choose a category, and the other players silently think of an item in that category. The “It” player has his back turned to the other players, and begins to call out items in the category. The goal is for the players to swim to the opposite end of the pool when their chosen item is called out. When the “It” player hears movement, they can try to tag the other players once they’ve started moving. You can go for speed, or silence, depending on your strategy. If a player is tagged, they become “It”!
Submarine: In the game of Submarine, one player is chosen as “It” while everyone else becomes a submarine. The submarines have 30 seconds to choose a spot in the pool where they have to stay for the rest of the game. The goal of the game is for the submarines to avoid being tagged by the “It” player, who has his eyes closed and is trying to listen and feel for the submarines. Submarines can only move by going underwater, but they must come back up in the same spot. Once per game, they can yell out “submarine!” to change spots. If a submarine is tagged, they become the new “It” player.
Watermelon Ball: This game was originally started with a real watermelon, but we recommend purchasing the official watermelon ball!
Watermelon Ball is a team-based game where two teams compete to score points by getting the Watermelon Ball to the goal. Goals are usually marked by pool decks on opposite sides of the pool, but families can set their own goals.
The game is similar to rugby, but with a unique twist. In Watermelon Ball, all passes must be made underwater for them to count. The ball is specially designed for underwater play, but it can be carried out of the water. However, throwing the ball in the air will result in a turnover to the other team. Players can dunk, hold, pull, or body block opponents to gain possession of the ball. The first team to score five points wins the game. Winners get first dibs on real watermelon slices!
Sharks and Minnows: One person is designated as the “Shark” and stands in the middle of the pool while the other players start at one end. The aim of the game is for the “Minnows” to swim from one end of the pool to the other without getting tagged by the “Shark”. Any player who gets tagged becomes a “Shark” themselves, and the game continues until there’s only one Minnow left.
Pool Basketball: #WetLikeI’mBook 💦 Although a built-in basketball hoop is convenient, all you really need for this game is a pool noodle tied up at each end to make a circle, and some sort of ball of course! The moving pool noodle hoop can actually make pool basketball even more fun and challenging, as the circular noodle moves around the pool while you and your teammates try to score. First team to 11 wins!
Did we miss any fun games that you and your family and friends love to play? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to our next post about pool games!