Throwing a pool party for kids doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With basic household items like pool noodles, sponges, and ping-pong balls, you can create fun games that keep kids entertained for hours. These activities are great for all ages and swimming skill levels, and many are reusable, making them budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Here’s a quick list of ideas:
- Ring Toss Games: Use inflatable rings or DIY pool noodle rings for tossing challenges.
- Sponge Ball Target Game: Toss wet sponge balls at numbered plates for points.
- Water Races: Propel beach balls using squirt guns or push a greased watermelon across the pool.
- Relay Games: Transfer water with sponges or collect floating balls in a team-based challenge.
- Balance Games: Try pool noodle jousting or move a beach ball without using hands.
Most supplies cost about $1.25 at dollar stores, and you can adjust the difficulty to suit kids of all ages. Add a dunk tank or water slide for extra fun, but always prioritize safety with adult supervision and plenty of sunscreen.
These games promise hours of laughter and splashes without breaking the bank.
10 DIY Pool Party Games for Kids with Materials and Cost
Ring Toss and Target Games
Ring toss and target games are a fantastic way to test accuracy while keeping kids of all ages entertained. You can easily tailor the difficulty by adjusting the distance or target size to match the players’ abilities. Here are two fun and creative games that use everyday items to create exciting challenges.
Inflatable Pool Ring Toss
For this game, you’ll need inflatable rings or pool tubes and a floating target, like an inflatable cone or base. If you don’t have inflatable rings, you can make your own by bending pool noodles into circles and securing them with duct tape. Simply float the target in the pool and have players toss rings, aiming to land them over the cone. Each successful toss earns points.
Want to make it more challenging? Move the target farther away or use smaller rings for older kids. For younger children, keep it easier by letting them toss from the shallow end or the pool’s edge.
DIY Sponge Ball Target Game
This budget-friendly game costs just $4.00 to $8.00 to create using items from your local dollar store. Here’s what you’ll need: four plastic plates, vinyl number stickers (with point values of 10, 20, 50, and 100), multi-colored dish sponges, and twine.
"Using vinyl number stickers, label four plastic plates with 10, 20, 50, and 100. Next, cut several different colored dish sponges into fourths lengthwise. Combine the colors to create distinct patterns in order to distinguish teams. Bind the dish sponge pieces tightly together with twine." – Cassidy Garcia
To set it up, cut the sponges into four equal strips and tie them together with twine to form sponge balls. Use different colors for each team to make their "ammo" easy to identify. Place the numbered plates on the pool deck or in shallow water. Players dunk their sponge balls in a bucket of water and toss them at the plates, scoring points based on where their sponge lands. Thanks to the waterproof vinyl stickers, the numbers stay visible no matter how wet things get.
Water-Propulsion and Racing Games
Let’s dive into some fast-paced, water-powered fun that turns your pool into an exciting racecourse. These water-propulsion games combine energy, laughter, and a great way to cool off while keeping everyone entertained.
Beach Ball Squirt Races
For this game, each player gets an inflatable beach ball and a squirt gun. The mission? Propel your beach ball from one side of the pool to the other using only the stream of water from your squirt gun – hands are strictly off-limits! Use markers to define the start and finish lines.
You can run this as a full-on race where everyone competes at the same time or spice it up with a team relay format. In the relay version, players take turns pushing the ball across the pool and back. For younger kids, make it easier by letting them start closer to their balls or using larger water blasters with a stronger spray.
Watermelon Push
This slippery and hilarious challenge only requires a whole watermelon. Want to raise the stakes? Coat the watermelon with vegetable oil or Vaseline before tossing it into the pool. The goal is for players to push the watermelon across the pool using just their heads – no hands allowed.
You can time individual players for a solo race or form teams of 3–5 for a relay-style competition. To make it even trickier, have players keep their feet off the pool floor, turning the game into a swimming challenge. The greased watermelon version is especially fun for older kids who are up for a slippery, laugh-out-loud adventure.
Squirt Gun Cup Races
If anyone needs a break from swimming, this poolside game is the perfect choice. Start by attaching a plastic cup to a string stretched tightly between two fixed points to create a "track." Players stand at one end and use their squirt guns to push the cup along the string toward the finish line.
Set up multiple tracks for side-by-side races to add some friendly competition. For younger kids, you can shorten the distance or use larger cups that catch more water, making them easier to move. This game is simple to set up and budget-friendly, with most supplies easily found at a dollar store.
Team-Based Collection and Relay Games
Looking to encourage teamwork and cooperation among kids? These fun, easy-to-set-up games will have them working together while having a blast. Plus, you can grab most of the supplies at the dollar store.
Hungry Hippos Pool Game
This water-based twist on the classic board game gets kids moving and strategizing. Here’s what you’ll need: an inflatable raft, a plastic laundry basket for each team, and a pile of ball-pit balls. One player, the "hippo", lies on the raft holding the basket, while their teammate in the water pushes the raft.
When the game begins, the pusher propels the raft toward the center of the pool, allowing the hippo to grab as many balls as possible and toss them into the basket. The action is fast-paced, so set a time limit – 2 to 3 minutes works great. Have someone act as the referee to keep time, signal the start and end of each round, and count the balls in each basket to determine the winner. Afterward, keep the energy going with a sponge relay race.
Sponge Relay Race
This game is all about speed and precision. Each team needs two buckets (one filled with water, one empty) and a large sponge. Mark a "fill line" near the top of the empty bucket using a permanent marker or masking tape to make it clear when a team has won.
The goal? Transfer water from the full bucket to the empty one using only the sponge. Players can take turns running or swimming across the pool to squeeze out the water, making it a relay-style race. For an extra challenge, try the overhead passing version: teammates sit in a line and pass the soaked sponge from the back (where the full bucket is) to the front (where the empty bucket waits) without turning around.
Both versions are easy to organize with basic supplies like plastic buckets and sponges, making this a perfect activity for a sunny day.
Floating and Balance Games
Switching gears from high-energy races, these games focus on testing balance and coordination – perfect for kids who love a fun challenge in the water.
Beach Ball Relay Race
In this game, partners work together to move a beach ball across the pool without using their hands. They have to pin the ball between their bodies – either chest-to-chest or back-to-back – and shuffle or swim to the finish line. Use beach towels on the pool deck to mark the starting and ending points. The first team to cross the finish line with the ball still in place wins.
Pool Noodle Ring Toss
This is a floating twist on the classic ring toss game. Start by bending pool noodles into circles and securing them with duct tape. For extra stability, you can attach the noodle circles to hula hoops. Create targets by sticking wooden dowels upright in weighted containers at the pool’s edge or by tying noodle rings to plastic milk jugs with ropes of varying lengths. Players can throw the rings from the pool deck or while treading water. To make it more challenging, move the targets farther away. Pool noodles are easy to find at dollar stores, so you can quickly make multiple rings and targets for hours of fun.
Movement and Action Games
These energetic games bring a burst of excitement to the pool, turning it into a lively playground. With plenty of opportunities for racing and friendly competition, kids will love diving into these action-packed challenges.
Mermaid Race
In this whimsical race, kids swim from one end of the pool to the other while keeping their feet and ankles together, mimicking a mermaid tail. No special equipment is needed – just the swimmers and their imagination. For an extra layer of fun, scatter plastic coins or shells underwater as "treasures" to collect during the race. If you have strong swimmers, you can even let them use swimmable mermaid tails for a more immersive experience. Make sure all participants are comfortable with this swimming style before starting. Want to add another challenge? Try the "Mermaid Splash" version, where kids swim with ankles together, dive underwater, and leap upward to see who can make the biggest splash or jump the highest out of the water.
Pool Noodle Jousting
Transform the pool into a medieval arena with this jousting game. Each player gets a foam pool noodle as their lance and sits on an inflatable raft or inner tube. The objective? Knock your opponent off their raft using only the noodle. To keep things safe, play in waist-deep water so kids can easily stand up after falling. Players must stay seated on their rafts – no standing or kneeling allowed. Adult spotters should supervise to ensure everyone stays away from the pool’s edges. No rafts? No problem! Kids can balance on one pool noodle while using another as their lance for a budget-friendly alternative. To make it even more thrilling, divide the group into teams, like "Black Knights" versus "White Knights", and host a tournament-style competition. Let the jousting begin!
Conclusion
Who says you need fancy equipment to throw a memorable pool party? These DIY pool games – like ring toss challenges, squirt gun races, mermaid competitions, and pool noodle jousting – prove that a little creativity and some everyday or dollar store items can go a long way. What’s even better? You can tweak the difficulty of these games to match the ages and swimming skills of your guests.
Want to take it up a notch? Mix and match games to fit your party’s theme. You could mark ping pong balls with fun designs, scatter underwater treasures like gems or shells for a scavenger hunt, or even laminate game instructions to keep them splash-proof. These small touches can add a whole new layer of fun.
For an extra wow factor, consider pairing your DIY games with rentals like water slides or dunk tanks from Bouncy Rentals USA. Picture a sponge relay race ending at the foot of a giant water slide or a dunk tank where kids can test their aim in between rounds of pool noodle jousting. These additions can seamlessly complement your homemade activities and elevate the excitement.
Of course, no party is complete without a focus on safety. As Pool Central reminds us, "Safety in the water is a pool owner’s first priority". Make sure there’s constant adult supervision, leave plenty of space around pool equipment, and set up a sunscreen station to keep everyone protected from the sun.
With these affordable DIY games – and the option to add professional water attractions – you’ll create a pool party that guests will be talking about long after the last splash.
FAQs
What are some tips to keep kids safe during pool party games?
Ensuring kids stay safe during pool party games comes down to smart preparation and active supervision. An adult should always be present and paying close attention to children in or near the pool. This hands-on approach is key to preventing accidents and acting quickly if something goes wrong.
Establish clear pool rules ahead of time. For example, no running near the pool, no diving in shallow water, and no swimming without permission. Keep the pool area tidy by removing unused toys or inflatables to avoid tripping hazards. Also, double-check the water depth before starting any games to ensure the activities are suitable for kids of all ages and swimming abilities.
By creating a safe and organized environment, you can let the kids enjoy themselves while keeping potential risks under control!
What affordable supplies can I use to make DIY pool party games for kids?
You can easily put together exciting pool party games without spending a fortune by using everyday items or affordable finds from dollar stores. For example, ping-pong balls can be marked with numbers or letters to create fun challenges, while pool noodles can be transformed into props like mini boats or obstacles. Sponges and plastic plates are perfect for toss games or relay races, adding variety to the activities. To make things extra special, try decorating your game pieces with waterproof labels or vinyl stickers for a personal touch. With these simple and inexpensive materials, you can set up entertaining pool games that everyone will enjoy.
How can I make pool party games fun for kids of all ages?
To ensure pool party games are fun for kids of all ages, tailor the activities to match their swimming abilities and energy levels. For younger kids or those still gaining confidence in the water, keep things simple and safe. Use life jackets, maintain close adult supervision, and stick to activities like water balloon tosses or easy noodle races. These games are lighthearted and don’t require advanced swimming skills.
For older kids and teens, you can crank up the excitement by adding more challenging elements. Think longer courses, obstacle setups, or competitive games like timed dives and relay races. These options let them burn off energy while having a great time.
Another way to keep everyone engaged is by offering different difficulty levels within the same game. For example, younger kids can race shorter distances with some help, while older participants tackle a more complex version of the activity. Throwing in team challenges or creative twists ensures everyone stays entertained and has a memorable day at the pool!
