The best thing about getting an above ground pool are the games you get to play with friends and family. The possibilities are endless – so we’ve narrowed it down to a few we think everyone will love! Just remember safety first: A designated adult must always be present to supervise any children in the pool.
Duck, Duck, Push
This pool racing game also works with similar inflatable toys if you don’t have any available rubber ducks.
How to Play:
- Each player is given a rubber duck and must group together at one end of the pool.
- Once the game starts, each player must push their duck to the opposite end of the pool without using their hands.
- The duck who reaches the end of the pool without breaking the rules is the winner.
- Difficult Mode: Exclude touching the ducks with hands, elbows or feet so that players can only push with their noses or heads.
Photo by Rajvir Kaur on Unsplash
Sharks and Minnows
Kids love this easy-to-follow pool game that requires little preparation and zero props.
How to Play:
- One player is designated as the “shark” while the rest are the “minnows.”
- The shark must swim to the middle of the pool, and the minnows need to group together to one side.
- The shark starts the first round of the game by calling out: “Fishy, fishy, come out to play.”
- The shark must try to catch the minnows as they swim to the other side of the pool. If a minnow is tagged by the shark, they become a shark too.
- The game keeps going until the last minnow to be tagged wins.
Greasy Watermelon Grab
Slip and slide your way to victory with this hard-to-grip game!
How to Play:
- Buy a large watermelon from the store and coat it all over with Vaseline, Crisco or similar natural oil.
- Assemble “goal areas” at each end of the pool for two separate teams.
- Divide your group into two teams and get into the pool.
- Toss the watermelon into the middle of the pool.
- Designate someone outside the pool to start the game and referee.
- Players must try to grab hold of the watermelon and pass it to their teammates to score a goal.
- Whichever team scores three goals first without breaking the watermelon wins.
- Difficult Mode: The watermelon must stay underwater throughout the game.
Image credit: Salely
Crazy Categories
Tried and tested, this game is ideal for parties and barbecues, keeping kids entertained for hours.
How to Play:
- Person A is in charge of the Crazy Categories and must stay on one end of the pool while the rest of the group is on the opposite end.
- Person A selects the category (e.g. “movies”), and the group must choose their own movie without Person A overhearing.
- A group member calls out the movies chosen to Person A without revealing who chose them.
- Person A chooses a movie from the list and shouts it out to the group (e.g. Toy Story).
- Person B chose Toy Story and must now race Person A to the opposite end of the pool and back again.
- Whoever makes it back to their spot first is the winner. If Person A wins, they become part of the group, while Person B is now in charge of the Crazy Categories.
Along with these awesome games, sports like inflatable basketball or volleyball are great for competitive kids and adults. This list guarantees the most fun you can have with your crew – save it for next time the weather is perfect for a pool day.
