The Best Pool Games for Kids

Buying Guide for Pool Games

Why should you buy pool games?

Sure, a pool is entertainment enough. But to keep the kids interested day after day is another story. Give them a break from make-believe games or swimming drills and give them these toys to increase their activity levels, interest, and level of fun.

What should you consider when shopping for pool games?

• Age Group: One of the most significant factors in deciding which pool toys are best for the kids is their age range. Younger kids should have toys that couldn’t hurt them by accident or don’t demand a skill set that is too advanced for their swimming abilities.
• Swimming Skills: Certain pool games, although super fun, might demand that a swimmer has a lot of core strength to maneuver through the water without the most proficient use of their limbs to swim and still keep their head above the water. Other games, like diving toys, should be done under the supervision of an adult, especially if the child is new to this type of game or is tired.
• Occasion or Activity: If you’re looking for a pool game for something specific, say a party or get-together for a group of teenage boys, something that brings everyone together (like watermelon ball) or is similar to a classic game (like volleyball) might be a hit.

Is there a difference between above-ground pool toys and in-ground pool toys?

Thankfully, there is no difference in which toys can be used in either type of pool. The biggest consideration for some of the larger toys will be the size of your pool. Otherwise, take note of the dimensions, then look forward to endless hours of pool game fun.

Our Picks for the Best Pool Games for Kids

Pros: Add some splash to your game of catch this with these balls designed to skip and splash on the water’s surface instead of sink. Kids and tots of any age can enjoy this game without knowing how to dive in to retrieve the ball.  Durable stitching means these skip balls are durable and made to last in the pool. They’re also soft enough that they won’t hurt too badly if someone gets hit accidentally. The set comes in eight different colors, and each set comes with two balls, one disc, and a mesh travel bag.

Cons: These balls and the disc are all smaller than what you’d typically play with, which might take getting used to.

Bottom Line: The simple, old-school concept of throwing a ball is taken to new levels of excitement when combined with fun at the pool. Spice things up by skipping the ball around the water, challenging reflexes, and inducing laughter for all. All of the pieces in this set are easy for little hands to grasp, so everyone can participate.

 

Pros: Something somewhat complicated like neutral buoyancy allows the ball to do all the bounces, passes, and kicks underwater without completely sinking. After following the instructions to fill the ball, get ready to have fun for hours. This game can be played in smaller or larger groups, and the “goal” can simply be touching the watermelon ball on the other team’s pool deck. This makes other accessories like goals or hoops unnecessary. It can be used by any age but is especially fun for bigger kids, teens, and competitive adults.

Cons: It is a heavier ball outside of the water and could hurt a child if it hits them accidentally.

Bottom Line: This pool ball is unlike any other. It doesn’t sink, it doesn’t float, but it does provide hours upon hours of crazy fun. You can dribble, bounce, kick, and pass it underwater, basically like any other game you would play in the backyard.

 

Pros: Get straight to friendly competition with this inflatable ring toss game. It blows up quickly so you can have more fun playing. Made of high-quality PVC material, it has excellent buoyancy and durability for frequent use. Easily store it by deflating, or feel free to use it on the grass, too, for an outdoor game.

Cons: The rings are also inflatable, making them very hard to throw. It only comes with four rings, which makes it hard to play with many people.

Bottom Line: A simple game without too many rules, this pool version of the classic ring toss game can add friendly competition to any gathering. The entire set inflates quickly so you can get right to the fun.

 

Pros: This set is made from high-quality raft material to stand up to full-contact. Choose between the pool classics—-basketball or volleyball—and stay active while staying cool. The set includes a net with two anchor weights, a basketball hoop, a volleyball, and a basketball.

Cons: There’s a lot to inflate, so that an electric pump would be the best option.

Bottom Line: Even if you’re not one to play on the court, something about volleyball and basketball in the pool is a blast. Spend hours staying active in the pool with these classic games.

 

Pros: Whether you’re keeping your toddler busy in the kiddie pool or helping your child get better with swim training, this set of sinking toys is a favorite way to splash in the pool—the wide variety of this 28-pack suits several different activity interests as well as age groups. Everything is non-toxic and made from ABS material. The set comes with a mesh storage bag as well.

Cons: Some smaller items are less than two inches, making them great for older kids to hunt but potentially hazardous for younger ones.

Bottom Line: Diving for toys at the bottom of the pool is a fun past-time that kids still love to do. This value pack includes a diverse set of different diving toys for varying swimming skills and ages.

Final Thoughts

There’s hardly anything better than splashing in the pool in the super hot weather. Change things up with these awesome pool games that will entertain kids of all ages.