9 fun pool games for children

With these pool games, the whole family can enjoy a brilliant summer together, from little ones to confident water lovers. For toddlers who are still getting used to the water, children who want more action and parents who secretly join in just as enthusiastically. Most of the time, all you need is a ball, a cup, a landing net or a few floating toys. Want even more water fun outside the pool? Take a look at our ideas for water play toys for children.

Pool games for toddlers and preschoolers

Games for young children do not need to be complicated. Small tasks make the water feel familiar, cheerful and fun.

 

1. Scoop the ducks

Put a few floating toys, bath ducks or soft balls in the water. Let your child collect them with a landing net, bucket or plastic cup.

 

Make it even more fun with small tasks:

 

• pick up all the yellow toys first;

• collect five for mum or dad;

• bring the ducks back to their “home” at the edge of the pool.

 

Great for motor skills and ideal for children who still want to get used to the water at their own pace.

2. Copy me

You make a movement and your child copies you. Clap the water, turn in circles, stomp like an elephant or make gentle waves with your hands.

 

Keep it simple. Going underwater is not necessary. If your child wants to try it and it is safe, they can do so with direct supervision, but never force it.

3. Colour hunt

Place different coloured toys in the pool. Call out a colour and let your child find something in that colour as quickly as possible.

 

For preschoolers, you can make it a little harder:

 

• “Find something red and something blue.”

• “Bring two green toys to the edge.”

• “Find something that floats and something that sinks.”

 

It turns a simple game into a little discovery adventure.

Pool games for water lovers aged 6 to 10

Children who are already more confident in the water often want more action. These games add just enough challenge without needing much equipment.

 

4. Treasure hunt on the bottom

Throw diving rings, sinking discs or other safe water toys into the pool. The children try to collect the “treasures” one by one.

 

Important: only play this if children can swim well enough and the game suits the depth of the pool. In a shallow pool, children can also touch the treasures with their hands or feet instead of really diving.

 

Fun variation: give each colour a score. The red ring is worth 5 points, for example, and the blue one 2 points.

5. Marco Polo

A real classic. One child closes their eyes and calls “Marco”. The others answer “Polo”. The seeker tries to tag someone by following the sound.

 

Agree clear rules first:

 

• move calmly;

• do not hide underwater;

• keep one hand in front of you;

• only play if there is enough space.

 

6. Keep the water ball up

You do not need a volleyball net for a fun ball game. Take a light, soft ball and try to keep it in the air together for as long as possible.

 

Variations:

 

• count how many passes you can make;

• play parents against children;

• make an imaginary line in the middle of the pool;

• use only your hands, elbows or head.

It feels like water volleyball, but is much easier to play in a garden pool.

7. Statues in the water

One child is the game leader and turns around. Everyone moves, dances in silly ways or splashes gently. But when the leader says “stop!”, everyone freezes. Whoever still moves is out.

Pool games for the whole family

The best pool moments often happen when everyone joins in. These games are easy to adapt for young and old.

 

8. Bucket relay

Make two teams. Each team gets a cup or sponge and an empty bucket at the edge of the pool. Players take turns filling their cup or sponge with water and carrying it to the bucket. Which team has collected the most water after two minutes?

Important: do not run on wet tiles or grass. Make it a fast walking race instead. It is just as competitive and much safer.

9. Float race

Have enough space in the pool? A race on an airbed, swim ring or float is hilarious. The task: paddle from one side to the other without falling off.

 

Is your pool smaller? Turn it into a balance game:

 

• who can stay seated the longest?

• who can turn around without falling?

• who can take a toy to the other side?

 

This way, the game also works in a smaller above ground pool.

What do you need for these pool games?

The great thing about pool games is that you usually need very little. A few simple items go a long way:

 

• a light, soft ball;

• a landing net or cups;

• floating toys;

• diving rings or sinking discs;

• a bucket or sponge;

• an airbed, swim ring or float;

• towels, sun cream and something to drink.

 

Want to enjoy your pool for longer? Good pool accessories, such as a cover sheet, filter pump, skimmer or maintenance set, are useful. With the EXIT pool starter kit, you immediately have several handy maintenance products together. Want to know exactly how to keep the water fresh? Read our tips on how to keep your pool clean.

Playing safely in the pool

Water fun and safety go together. With a few clear agreements, everyone can relax.

 

• Always keep young children in sight without interruption.

• Stay close to toddlers and preschoolers, preferably within arm’s reach.

• Match games to the depth and size of your pool.

• Agree: no pushing, no pulling and no holding anyone underwater.

• Never dive headfirst into a shallow pool.

• Do not run around the pool, especially on wet tiles.

• Use soft balls and safe water toys.

• Reapply sun cream regularly and plan drink breaks.

• Cover the pool when it is not being used.

 

That way, the pool stays a place for fun, not stress.

Ready for a summer full of water fun?

With a few simple pool games, every sunny day feels like a holiday in your own garden. Sometimes all you need is a ball. Sometimes a cup, a bucket or a well-invented treasure hunt. Often, it is the combination of water, imagination and playing together that creates the best memories.

 

A good pool makes it even more fun. With a sturdy frame, enough play space and handy accessories, you get the most out of summer. Still unsure about the right size or model? Read which pool is right for your garden.

 

Discover the pools from EXIT Toys and turn your garden into the best play spot of the season. Go Play!