As the temperature rises and summer makes its grand entrance, teens and tweens start gravitating towards the refreshing waters of the pool. Whether it’s during birthday parties, casual hangouts, or just a sunny day, pool games are the ultimate way for them to have fun while staying cool. But what if you could take those pool games to the next level? That’s exactly what we’re here to do!
This guide is packed with exciting pool games tailored specifically for teens and tweens, ensuring the perfect balance between fun and competition. Whether you’re hosting a pool party or just looking for something new to try with friends, these games will bring endless enjoyment. So, grab those pool floaties and let’s dive in!
Fun Pool Games for Teens & Tweens
- Bottom Dwellers (Improved Version)
Objective: A test of speed, coordination and the ability to dive!
How to Play: Scatter a variety of pool items, like poker chips or coins, across the bottom of the pool. Assign different point values to each item (e.g., blue chips = 1 point, red chips = 5 points). Players or teams race against each other to collect as many items as possible within a set time. The player or team with the most points wins.
Pro Tip: To add more complexity, introduce rounds where players can only use one hand to collect items or have to do it with their eyes closed (using goggles for safety). This version ups the ante, making it a more strategic game that keeps teens engaged. - Pool Joust (Expanded with Variations)
Objective: Battle it out gladiator-style in the water!
How to Play: One player sits on the shoulders of another, forming a “knight on horseback” duo. Using pool noodles as jousting sticks, pairs face off against each other to knock their opponent into the water. The team that manages to unseat their competitor wins the round.
Enhanced Version: Spice up the joust by adding multiple rounds with different challenges. For example, one round could require “horses” to hop on one leg, making balance even harder. Or, introduce inflatable pool animals as mounts for an extra level of difficulty.
Safety Note: Always ensure that players know the rules and avoid rough play to prevent injuries. - Marco Polo (Added Layer for Fun)
Objective: A timeless classic with a twist!
How to Play: One person is designated as “Marco” and closes their eyes while trying to tag the other players by calling out “Marco,” to which others must respond “Polo.”
Game Upgrade: To make this game more exciting for teens, introduce water toys or inflatable rafts that the players can use as hiding spots, giving “Marco” a tougher challenge. You can also implement a “freeze” rule, where tagged players freeze in place and can only be unfrozen by another player who hasn’t been tagged yet. This increases the intensity and teamwork aspect of the game.
Pool Party Games for Teenagers
- Slippery Watermelon (Enhanced Instructions & Safety Tips)
Objective: A hilarious game that’s as fun to watch as it is to play!
How to Play: Split players into two teams and have each team line up on opposite sides of the pool. Toss a greased-up watermelon into the center. Players must then swim to the middle, grab the watermelon and bring it back to their side of the pool to score a point. The first team to reach a set number of points (e.g., 10) wins.
Safety Considerations: To ensure safety, limit the number of players in the pool at a time and avoid overly aggressive play. Use pool-friendly, non-toxic petroleum jelly to grease the watermelon and make it safe for all participants.
Bonus Variation: If you want to increase the challenge, add a rule that the player holding the watermelon can’t swim but must be pushed or pulled by their teammates! - Grape Toss (Expanded Version)
Objective: A test of accuracy, timing and teamwork!
How to Play: Divide the pool into sections using flags or markers spaced about four feet apart, ranging from the shallow end to the deep end. Split players into pairs—one player is the tosser, the other is the catcher. The tosser stands at the shallow end, while the catcher begins at the first marker. Tossers aim to throw grapes into their partner’s mouth, advancing to the next marker once successful.
Improved Instructions: Provide players with a large bag of seedless grapes and challenge them to catch as many as possible within a time limit. Each successful catch earns points, with catches made further from the tosser earning more points. The pair with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Alternative Version: For more excitement, replace grapes with small, soft, pool-friendly balls for a less messy and more hygienic alternative! - Grape Toss (With Extra Challenge)
Objective: A team relay race with a funny twist!
How to Play: Split the group into two teams. Each team must race to the other side of the pool, grab an oversized t-shirt, put it on, swim back and pass the shirt to the next teammate. The team that gets all its players across the pool and back wins.
Added Difficulty: To crank up the challenge, use extra-large t-shirts that are hard to swim in or make players wear the shirt backward or inside out before swimming back. Additionally, add a rule where players must swim using only one arm, making it harder to complete the relay.
Pro Tip: Keep extra towels and dry shirts nearby to avoid soggy discomfort during the rest of the event.
Fun Swimming Pool Relays for Teens
- Balloon Bomb Race (Improved for More Excitement)
Objective: A fast-paced relay involving slippery water balloons!
How to Play: Divide players into teams, with each team assigned a color. Provide each team with a bucket of 10 water balloons in their team color. The goal is for players to pass their balloons from one end of the pool to the other without letting them touch the water. Players must use only their bodies to move the balloons—no hands allowed! The first team to successfully get all their balloons across wins.
Game Upgrade: For added difficulty, grease the balloons with a small amount of baby oil, making them even harder to handle. Additionally, introduce penalties for any balloon that touches the water, such as a 10-second delay before the player can move again. - Tug of War Relay (New Game)
Objective: A classic tug-of-war, but with a pool twist!
How to Play: Using a thick rope, divide the group into two teams. Have them line up on opposite ends of the pool. The goal is to pull the other team into the water by pulling the rope over the middle marker. The team that pulls their opponents into the water first wins the round.
Pro Tip: To make the game even more fun, tie a floaty to the center of the rope. This will allow the floaty to hover in the pool, giving teams a clearer indication of who’s winning! - Human Chain Relay (New Game)
Objective: Build teamwork and cooperation in this relay!
How to Play: Divide players into teams and have them line up on opposite sides of the pool. The first player swims to the middle of the pool, stops and waits. The second player then swims out to link arms with the first and both players swim together to the other side. This continues until all team members have linked arms and crossed the pool. The first team to get all members to the other side wins.
Extra Challenge: For an added level of difficulty, impose a rule that each player in the chain must float on their back as they swim, making coordination and balance much harder.
Wrapping Up: More Pool Games You’ll Love
- Relay Races with a Twist (New Game)
Objective: A fun relay race with a twist to test balance and coordination!
How to Play: Split the group into teams. Set up a series of floating obstacles (like inflatable pool toys) along the pool’s surface. Players must swim to the other end of the pool while balancing a small ball or toy on a floating board or plate. If they drop the item, they must return to the starting point and try again. Once they successfully reach the other side, they pass the item to the next teammate. The first team to have all members complete the course wins!
Extra Challenge: Make the course more difficult by adding rules such as players only being allowed to use one hand or swim backward during their turn. - Floatie Race (Expanded Instructions)
Objective: A hilarious and fast-paced race across the pool using floaties!
How to Play: Provide each player with an inflatable pool float (like a unicorn or flamingo). Players must race from one side of the pool to the other while sitting or lying on their float. The twist? They’re not allowed to use their arms or legs to paddle—only blowing air into the water to propel themselves forward. The first player to reach the other side wins!
Pro Tip: For added hilarity, choose oversized or awkwardly shaped floats that make it harder to stay balanced. If you have a large pool, add multiple laps for a longer race. - Cannonball Contest (Added Details)
Objective: Show off your best splash in this classic pool game!
How to Play: Players take turns jumping off the pool’s edge, trying to create the biggest and most impressive splash. Judges (or spectators) can rate each jump on factors like splash size, style and creativity. The player with the highest score at the end of the round wins.
Bonus Variation: Introduce different jump styles—like the “tuck,” “starfish,” or “pencil dive”—and score players based on how well they perform each one. You can even have themed rounds, where players must perform a jump in character (e.g., a superhero or animal).
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s competitive relay races, high-energy chases, or hilarious floatie battles, pool games are the perfect way to entertain teens and tweens during the summer. These games not only keep them active but also help build teamwork and create unforgettable memories. By incorporating a mix of classics and new twists, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep the pool party going strong.
So, gather your friends, grab some pool gear and dive into these totally fun pool games for teens and tweens!
