Courtney Wisecarver
Sep 12, 2025
With the right activities and a fun group, the pool quickly becomes the best vacation hangout spot for kids of all ages. From classic pool games to feats of aquatic strength, pool games can be simply fun or fiercely competitive. Get your game face on and jump in!
Mix and match these activities to keep the fun going all day long. Pair them with plenty of poolside snacks, and your crew will be set for the ultimate pool day. The little ones in your group can enjoy endless splashing in a kiddie pool designed just for them.
1. Marco Polo
The timeless game where one player, eyes closed, calls тАЬMarcoтАЭ while others respond тАЬPoloтАЭ until tagged.
2. Sharks and Minnows
One тАЬsharkтАЭ tries to tag the тАЬminnowsтАЭ as they swim from one side to the other.
3. Cannonball Contest
3тАж2тАж1тАжCANNONBALL! While not technically a тАЬgame,тАЭ judging who has the best cannonball is a fun activity that can keep the kids giggling and entertained for quite some time.
4. Freeze tag
Pick one person to be тАЬitтАЭ and chase all of the other players around. Once someone is tagged, they freeze in place until another player comes to tap and unfreeze them.
5. Ring Around the Rosie (water version)
Hold hands, sing тАЬRing Around the RosyтАЭ, and all go underwater together at the end.
6. Belly flop contest
This contest is sure to please everyone in your entire group. The biggest splash winner is entitled to vacation bragging rights.
7. Pool noodle race
Each member of the group puts a pool noodle across their chest and under their arms and swims from one end of the pool to the other. The fastest swimmer wins.
8. Obstacle Course
Use noodles, hoops, diving rings, and floats to create a course for swimming through or climbing over.
9. Pool Volleyball
Set up a floating net and divide into teams. Play a few rounds to see who can keep the ball alive the longest. ItтАЩs fast, fun, and perfect for groups.
10. Trick Shot Showdown
In this modified version of pool basketball, use a floating hoop and take turns trying to make trick shots. Bonus points for shooting while jumping off the pool edge (safely).
Kiddie Pools
For the little ones in your squad that are simply entertained by gentle splashes, choose a vacation home with a kiddie pool. A kiddie pool allows the smallest members of your family to play in a pool with a depth that caters to them. When choosing a home with a kiddie pool, take a look at the pictures to get an idea of where the kiddie pool is located in relation to the larger private pool.
Heavens to Betsy (ER011)
Sonrise Inn (J20970)
Labraduck (B508)
Outer Limits (J10917)
Great Expectations (BFS55)