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15 Best Swimming Pool Games to Play This Summer

We've found kid-friendly toys and outdoor games, from floaties to water blasters.

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best pool games

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

As the weather heats up and summer approaches, there's no better way to beat the heat with friends than slipping on your swimsuits and dipping in the pool. And while swimming and lounging on beach chairs is always enjoyable, why not add extra excitement to your pool time with some fun outdoor games? Better yet, bring the fun into the water with pool games!

Ahead, you'll find the best pool games that both kids and adults love. From inflatable toys to ball games, waterproof card games to water blasters, each game on our list is highly rated and distinguished for its high quality. Some old classics simply can't be beaten, but we also include new gadgets kids are obsessed with.

Our Top Picks

Whether you're hosting a pool party or just looking to add some extra fun to your family pool time, these games are sure to keep everyone entertained. So grab your sunscreen, a cold drink, and sunglasses, and get ready to make a splash with these must-have pool games for all ages.

1
Group Fun

Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop Set

Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop Set
Credit: Amazon

No hoop by the pool? No problem! This blow-up basketball hoop floats on the surface of the water as you shoot from below! Large bore valves allow for quick inflation and deflation, making this perfect for traveling.

Dimensions:40 x 46 in.
Weight:3.11 lb.
2

Watermelon Ball

Amazon’s Choice
Watermelon Ball
Now 28% Off
Credit: Amazon

If you've never played underwater ball, you're about to have your new favorite toy! While an air-filled ball simply floats on the surface, this ball is filled with water so it sinks. This lets you play, dribble, and pass the ball in all sorts of underwater games.

Weight: 1 lb.
Recommended age:8+ years
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3
Pool Card Game

UNO Splash Card Game

UNO Splash Card Game
Credit: Amazon

This waterproof set of Uno cards lets you hang out on the edge f the pool and play without ruining your set! A portable clip keeps them together and makes it perfect for travel, be it camping or vacation game nights.

Recommended age:7+ years
4
Best Two-Person Game

COOP Hydro Lacrosse

COOP Hydro Lacrosse
Credit: Amazon

You don't have to be a lax player to enjoy this mini-lacrosse set! Soft foam handles and the light weight makes these a good choice for all different ages. Scoop and shoot the included ball, and don't worry about dropping your racket—it floats!

Dimensions:3.5 x 5.75 x 19.25 in.
Recommended age:5+
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5
Unique Find

Skip NN' Hole Game Set

Skip NN' Hole Game Set
Credit: Dicks Sporting Goods

Boy, is this version of cornhole fun. The foam "stonnes" are meant to skip over the water making the game good old-fashioned fun. "Spent hours around the pool with family and friends enjoying our new skipping stone game," wrote one reviewer. "A great combo of the nostalgic feeling of skipping stones as a kid mixed with the excitement of corn hole as an adult."

Number of players:1-4
Recommended age:6+
6
Best for Small Kids

Louie Lobster Claw Catcher Pool Toy

Louie Lobster Claw Catcher Pool Toy
Credit: Melissa and Doug

Kiddos will love this simple pool toy/game. Release the fishy sinkers and use the squeeze-and-grab tool to try to scoop them up before they hit bottom! The lobster is bright and easy to use, perfect for little ones.

Recommended age:5+ years
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7
Best for Dad

SwimWays Floating Golf Pool Game

SwimWays Floating Golf Pool Game
Credit: Amazon

You can play pool on the grass and the pool! This neat set has a floating patch of green onto which you putt from shore. Don't worry about hitting anyone in the head—these are lightweight practice balls! Just note that the set doesn't include a club,

Recommended age:15+ years
Weight:2.87 lb.
8
Float and Game

American Flag Pong Table Pool Float

American Flag Pong Table Pool Float
Credit: Amazon

This toy does it all! It can fit an adult or a couple of kids for lounging on the float. Flip it over, and you have a pong table (soda pong for kids!). The American flag design makes it perfect for the Fourth of July.

Dimensions:73 x 55 in.
Inlcudes:1 repair kit, 4 tabs for tethering, 4 ping pong balls
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9
Night Game

LED Beach Ball with Remote Control

LED Beach Ball with Remote Control
Now 29% Off
Credit: Amazon

With 16 LED colors, this beach ball lights up the night to let you play games after dark. The remote controls brightness as well as shade and has a range of up to 100 feet.

Dimensions:16 in.
Recommended age:6+ years
Height17.716536
10
Best Inflatable Slide

Kool Splash Inflatable Slide

Kool Splash Inflatable Slide
Credit: Amazon

Pool slides are surprisingly still super fun for adults, and this one is a great option. It has a built-in sprayer that ensures the slide is slick when you want to slip down, and it has a soft landing pad that extends into the water.

Dimensions:131 x 81 x 46 in.
Weight limit:176 lb.
Features:built-in inflatable stairs with handles, inflatable stepping mat
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11
Best Floating Volleyball Net

Illuminated Giant Floating LED Volleyball Set

Illuminated Giant Floating LED Volleyball Set
Credit: Pool Candy

This volleyball net has a little something more than the others on the market. As it starts getting dark, you can turn on the LED lights that line the bottom and keep the game going! Weight bags are included to anchor the net in place so it doesn't float away.

Dimensions:9 x 3 ft.
Included:weight bags, 12-in. inflatable volleyball
12
2-For-1

Pool Float with Water Gun

Pool Float with Water Gun
Credit: Amazon

This is a two-for-one game! Paddle around in a pirate ship and spray the water gun at a friend in the pace ship. While these are intended for little ones, reviewers have found that it brings out the kid in all of us. "They lasted longer than many other pool toys. Ended up being used as much by our older teens, turned them into little kids again!"

Dimensions:32 x 32 x 13
Recommended age: 3-8 years
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13
Old-School Fun

Max Liquidator Water Blaster Set

Max Liquidator Water Blaster Set
Credit: Amazon

Grab a 6-pack of...water blasters! Sometimes a simple, old-school pool toy is the most fun. Dip the head of these underwater and pull back the handle to load the cannon with water. They look like regular pool noodles, but they have a competitive twist!

Dimensions:2 x 2 x 12.5 in.
Recommended age:6+ years
14
Editors Choice

Activ Life The Ultimate Skip Ball

Activ Life The Ultimate Skip Ball
Now 27% Off
Credit: Amazon

The expertly crafted design and tight stitching on these floating balls allows them to skip across the surface of the water like skipping stones. Play with them in the pool or out! The pack includes two balls and a skip disc.

Dimensions:‎4.72 x 2.95 x 2.95 in.
Recommended age:7+ years
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15
Durable

Pool Mate Floating Ring Toss Game

Pool Mate Floating Ring Toss Game
Credit: Amazon

While most pool ring toss games on the market are blow-up toys, this one is made from floating foam, making it far more durable and sturdy. It's true backyard fun for the whole family. "Husband and I love playing this in the pool," wrote one reviewer.

Dimensions:23 x 23 x 3 in.
Included:large red target base, 4 rings
Headshot of Micaela Bahn

Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.

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