Fun And Simple Pool Games To Enjoy With Your Little Ones
- Written by Viw Magazine
A backyard pool can be a lifesaver for parents—literally cooling things down on hot days and offering a much-needed outlet for energetic kids. But keeping younger children engaged in the pool doesn’t always require fancy floats or elaborate setups.
Simple pool games can provide hours of entertainment, help build confidence in the water, and encourage parent-child bonding. Best of all, many of the best ones need nothing more than a few pool toys or even just your imagination.
Here are some fun, age-appropriate, and low-stress pool games to try with your little ones—perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are just getting comfortable in the water.
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Treasure Hunt (With Floating Toys)
This classic game is a favourite for a reason. Drop a few floating toys into the shallow end and have your child “hunt” for them one by one. The goal isn’t speed—it’s engagement.
What you need:
- Floating rubber ducks, foam letters, or bath toys
- A small bucket or floating basket to collect them in
Why it works:
It encourages basic swimming skills (reaching, kicking, holding breath), while being completely customisable depending on your child’s age and ability.
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Pour-and-Splash Play
Sometimes the simplest games are the most absorbing. Fill small plastic cups, watering cans or even old kitchen containers with pool water and let your child pour, scoop, and splash to their heart’s content.
What you need:
- Plastic containers in different sizes
- A shallow area or tanning ledge
Why it works:
It gives younger toddlers confidence in the water without needing to submerge, and it allows open-ended sensory play that supports early development.
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Ring Toss
Use floating rings or even DIY alternatives (like pool noodles bent into a circle) and take turns tossing them onto a target—like an inflatable animal, pool noodle post, or even just into a designated zone.
What you need:
- Floating rings or soft hoops
- A marker to toss toward
Why it works:
It helps improve motor coordination and provides a calm activity that doesn’t require constant movement, great for winding down after high-energy play.
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Follow The Leader
This water-based version of a playground classic is great for kids who are still learning pool safety and body control. The adult leads, and the child copies—clapping, splashing, jumping, blowing bubbles or floating.
What you need:
- No equipment needed—just energy and ideas!
Why it works:
It allows parents to model safe, fun water behaviour and lets kids imitate within their comfort zone.
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Red Light, Green Light (Pool Edition)
Use the classic game’s mechanics to teach water safety commands in a playful way. "Green light" means go (swim, splash, float), "red light" means freeze. It's both silly and surprisingly helpful for reinforcing pool rules.
What you need:
- No props—just voice commands
Why it works:
It builds listening skills and helps young swimmers learn to stop quickly—an important skill around water.
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Noodle Race
Give each child a pool noodle and have them race from one end of the shallow area to the other—kicking, floating, or paddling however they like. You can also turn it into a relay game if there are multiple kids.
What you need:
- Pool noodles (cut in half for smaller children if needed)
Why it works:
It keeps the focus on fun over skill, encourages movement, and gets them used to navigating water without needing deep-end confidence.
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Animal Walks
Pick a favourite animal and act it out in the water—frogs jumping, dolphins gliding, crabs scuttling sideways. Take turns and see how creative (and silly) you can get.
What you need:
- Just your imagination
Why it works:
It promotes physical play and keeps things playful and spontaneous, especially for kids who don’t enjoy traditional swim instruction.
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Catch The Bubble
Blow bubbles either just below the water’s surface or above the pool and have your little one try to “catch” them with their hands or pop them with their nose.
What you need:
- A bubble wand or just your breath
Why it works:
It introduces breath control and helps toddlers feel comfortable with water near their face in a light-hearted setting.
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Poolside Storytime
Turn the pools perth into the setting for a mini adventure. Tell a story while acting it out—pretend to swim through a jungle, escape a sea monster, or go on a mermaid treasure hunt. You can use toys or just rely on imagination.
What you need:
- Optional props like toy sea animals, pirate coins, etc.
Why it works:
Story-based play keeps little ones engaged longer and can help ease water anxiety by making the pool feel like a safe, familiar place.
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Water Balloon Toss (Gentle Version)
Fill small water balloons just halfway and play a gentle tossing game either in the water or standing on the edge. For very young kids, let them just explore how they float, bounce, or pop.
What you need:
- Water balloons (or reusable silicone versions)
Why it works:
It introduces cause and effect, is a fun way to cool down, and adds a little unexpected fun without needing a big setup.
Tips for Keeping Pool Play Safe and Fun
While pool games are a fantastic way to connect with your little ones, safety should always stay front of mind. Here are a few quick reminders to keep things worry-free:
- Always stay within arm’s reach of non-swimmers or young kids
- Use shaded areas or sun-protective swimwear to reduce UV exposure
- Choose pool toys without small parts or sharp edges
- Store all toys out of sight when not in use to avoid temptation when unsupervised
- Consider a swim vest or floatation aid for toddlers—not as a replacement for supervision, but as an added comfort
Encouraging Water Confidence Through Play
One of the best parts of these simple games is how naturally they build water confidence. For young children, feeling safe and in control is a crucial first step toward enjoying swimming. Games that involve splashing, floating, reaching, and laughing ease them into the idea that water is a place for fun—not fear.
Importantly, these moments of play also help parents relax and enjoy the pool too. You don’t need a huge space or expensive toys to create meaningful memories—just a bit of creativity and a willingness to get in the water with your child.
Final Thoughts
A backyard pool can be one of the most rewarding features of family life—but its real value comes from how it’s used. Simple pool games offer more than entertainment. They create quality time, build confidence, and encourage safe water habits from a young age.
Whether your little one is still getting their toes wet or ready to dive into imaginative play, these games keep things fun, low-pressure, and developmentally appropriate. Plus, they’re a great excuse to put down your phone, step away from the to-do list, and join in the joy.
After all, childhood is short—but cannonball memories last for years.
