August is one of the hottest months of the year, which is why preparing to spend most of your time in the pool can be very important. However, just splashing around in the pool can get a little boring if kids are doing it day in and day out. If you’re trying to spice things up during pool time, then your first response might be to spend money on the issue. However, there are several pool games you can try out if you hope to have some fun during the hot season. These games will cost you next to nothing to try out, so you can easily find the perfect combination to suit your entire family. This will definitely save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Dodge Ball
Dodge ball is a timeless game that can entertain for hours on end. However, when it comes to playing dodge in the pool, you have to be careful what kind of items you use for the game. Some balls, for instance, might hurt more in the water, which will leave the game causing more frustration than its worth. If you can find foam balls that don’t absorb water, then you’re on your way to a good start. However, one of the cheapest ways to play this game while having lots of fun is to use sponge balls. These can be made with strips of sponge fastened together with a rubber band or other item. The balls will soak up water so kids will get even more soaked as they play. Plus, the shape of the sponge will make it easier to grip for younger children.
2. Rafting
If you have a larger pool or you plan on visiting a lake, then making a raft might be a fun way to pass the time. There are numerous ways to build your own raft too, which will definitely keep things easier. One of the easiest ways to make a raft is to use pool noodles and string. However, if your children are older then they can easily come up with their own way to make a raft to add to the challenge. Then, you can compete in several ways. First, you can see which raft floats the best, then you can enjoy an old-fashioned raft race. Of course, you can also use the raft just to kick back and relax when you do grow tired of swimming.
3. Sail Boat Racing
Another fun way to race is via sailboats. The whole family can make sailboats out of a wide variety of supplies, which will make this activity frugal and will teach children just how to upcycle the items they find in the home. One of the easiest routes to take is using a cork, toothpick, and paper. However, you can go all out with bottles, wood and so much more. Once everyone has built their own sailboat, you can let everyone hit the water to see which boat is fastest, most durable and so on. This will add hours of fun and will help children learn a touch of engineering without them even realizing it.
4. Water Scrabble
It’s easy for spelling and vocabulary skills to slip through the cracks during summer break. That is why water scrabble is the perfect way to keep things going. Simply cut up a pool noodle, use old wood, buy bulk sponges and so on to work with. When you choose your material, merely write letters on it and flip it over. Kids can choose letters, spell out words and swim at the same time. Younger children can simply use the letter to find the alphabet. Of course, you can also follow this method for dominoes, memory and many other games that you’d typically play inside the home.
5. Pool Hoops
Hoops are a fairly simple way to enjoy many games in one. These hoops are easy to make too as all you really need is some pool noodles and something to fasten them down with. Once the hoops are made, kids can do all sorts of things with them. For starters, they can use them for relay races or simply jump through them. The hoops can also be used for basketball and other sports that might be played in the pool. You may even use them for synchronized swim routines. These hoops can be easily stored or dismantled too, which will add to the appeal.
6. Pool Tennis
There are a lot of great sports that you can bring to the pool. However, pool tennis can really add to the fun. All you need for this amazing game is a net, some string, pool noodles, and a ball. You can transform the pool noodles and string into a tennis racquet that is easy for all ages to enjoy. You can even set up your own rules for kids, which should help maintain interest in the game. Of course, tennis isn’t the only game you can enjoy with your pool noodle racquets. You can also play a game of badminton in the pool. Since you’ll have a net to work with, you can also add volleyball to the mix. However, if you choose not to use a net, you can still easily set up boundaries in the pool which might make the game even more challenging.
7. Marco Polo
Marco Polo is probably one of the most timeless pool games. Thus, you might introduce your kids to the game in order to kill some time. Obviously, a game like this might not be fun for hours on end every day, which is why you might throw in your own rules to mix things up. For instance, you might make the rule that everyone has to use cartoon voices whenever they speak. Another fun idea is to have the person answer back in bubbles, which will require even keener listening skills. If you’re looking to build logic skills, kids can also give directions to their location using special codes that the players will have to figure out with their eyes closed. The game can be totally based on ages, interest and more. It can also be a great way to kill a few minutes before starting another game. Best of all, this game won’t cost a cent, so you can save lots of money playing it.
8. Ball Balance
If your kids love a bit of a physical challenge, then you can easily bring in the balance game. You can use an average-sized ball or other inflatable material for the task. All you have to do is push the ball under the water, then hold it down as someone sits on it. When the person is ready, let the ball go and watch as they try to stay afloat. If your children love rodeos, then you might refer to the game as bull riding or use as an item that resembles a bull or horse. You might also do this activity in the center of the pool for safety. The challenge will truly intrigue children, which will keep them busy for hours on end.
9. Coin Toss
Another classic way to keep kids busy is to toss some items in the pool and have them retrieve them. One of the most common items to use is coins, but if you don’t keep change around then there are many other things you can try out. One option is to visit a craft or pet shop and pick up colorful stones for fish tanks. You can even come up with a point system for a variety of colors, which will allow kids to compete. If you don’t want to spend money on the game, then use some of the kids heavier toys. This is especially great if the kids have die-cast figures, as they will sink straight to the bottom. If you want to get really tricky, then fill a plastic bottle with no labels with water. The item will be hard to spot, which will make it a great item for higher points.
10. Noodle Jousting
Another fun way to keep kids busy is to bring in the jousting. This game is best performed with multiple adults present so that you can monitor the safety of the situation. The game is a lot like chicken, only you use pool noodles to defeat the opponent. The children will need to get on the shoulders of an adult with a pool noodle in hand. Then, they will try to knock over their opponent with the noodle. The game isn’t great for younger children but can be a lot of fun for everyone else as long as safety is monitored. If younger children want to join in on the fun, then you might consider turning the game into a tug of war using the pool noodle.
Pool games can be one of the best ways to make summer days bearable. These ten ideas won’t cost you a fortune and can easily be customized to suit your family’s interests. With any luck, you’ll find that the games will keep you going throughout summer break and into the cooler days of autumn. This should help slash your entertainment budget while keeping the whole family active.
