10 Fun Gear Picks for Kids Pool Games and Activities

Summer afternoons at the pool can quickly devolve into restless splashing if there is no way to channel the energy of a group of kids. Selecting the right gear transforms a standard backyard pool into an engaging aquatic playground that keeps children active and entertained for hours. Investing in durable, safety-minded pool toys ensures that the focus stays on high-energy fun rather than broken plastic and frustrated swimmers.

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Essential Safety Practices for Kids Pool Games

Active supervision is the cornerstone of any backyard pool activity, meaning an adult must be designated as the dedicated “water watcher” without distractions. When games get competitive, boundaries can blur, making it vital to establish clear rules about running on the deck, diving in shallow water, and holding breath. Ensuring that weak or non-swimmers wear properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets during games prevents accidents without halting the fun.

Clear the pool deck of any unused gear or clutter before starting high-energy games to eliminate tripping hazards. It is also wise to establish a mandatory “rest break” every hour, forcing kids to hydrate and reapply sunscreen. By keeping safety gear, like a reaching pole and a first aid kit, close at hand, any minor pool deck mishaps can be handled instantly.

Diving Toys – SwimWays Toypedo Bandits

Underwater diving games are the ultimate way to help kids build water confidence, improve breath control, and master submersion skills. Standard sinking sticks often drop straight down, offering little challenge or excitement. High-quality diving toys turn simple recovery drills into dynamic underwater chase games that keep kids swimming hard.

SwimWays Toypedo Bandits are the gold standard for underwater play because of their hydrodynamic design, which allows them to glide up to 30 feet through the water when thrown. This pack of four features bright, numbered graphics that make it easy to set up point-based retrieval challenges. Built from rugged, impact-resistant plastic, these toys easily withstand repeated impacts against pool floors and concrete steps.

• Length: 5 inches per toy
• Pack Size: 4 colorful bandits per pack
• Compatible Uses: Swimming pool diving practice, underwater retrieval games, swim training
• Target Age: Ages 5 and up

Before tossing these into the deep end, note that they glide incredibly fast and can easily slide under ladders, pool steps, or into filtration intakes. Swimmers need to be comfortable opening their eyes underwater and swimming to the bottom to retrieve them safely.

This set is ideal for confident young swimmers looking to push their underwater limits and practice their diving technique. It is not suitable for shallow wading pools or children who are still uncomfortable submerging their heads.

Pool Basketball Hoop – GoSports Splash Hoop 360

Pool basketball brings the high-energy excitement of the court into the refreshing environment of the water. A floating hoop allows players of all heights to participate without needing a fixed, deck-mounted system. It encourages cooperative team play and keeps kids moving constantly as they tread water, pass, and shoot.

The GoSports Splash Hoop 360 stands out because of its incredibly stable, zero-tip design that handles aggressive play without capsizing. Constructed from heavy-duty, UV-treated materials, this hoop resists the harsh combination of chlorine and direct sunlight. The package includes three water-grip basketballs and a handy air pump, ensuring the game never has to pause for lack of gear.

• Frame Material: UV-resistant polymer
• Base Diameter: 20 inches
• Included Accessories: 3 water basketballs, 1 ball pump with needle
• Compatible Uses: In-ground pools, above-ground pools, lake swimming areas

Keep in mind that this floating hoop is quite large, measuring roughly two feet wide, which means it will dominate smaller backyard pools. To prevent the exterior grip of the basketballs from degrading over time, rinse them with fresh water after use.

This hoop is a must-have for families with active preteens and teenagers who enjoy competitive, physical water sports. It is not the best fit for small splash pads or households looking for a low-profile, easily stored accessory.

Water Blaster – Stream Machine TL-750 Water Gun

Water blasters are essential for driving high-energy movement and tactical play around the pool deck and in the water. They allow kids to engage in active, competitive games of tag and mock battles that span the entire pool area. A good blaster needs to reload instantly from the pool water itself to keep the action flowing without interruptions.

The Stream Machine TL-750 Water Gun utilizes a highly efficient single-barrel syringe design that shoots a powerful stream of water up to 70 feet. Constructed from high-quality polymers, this blaster can survive drop tests on concrete decks without cracking or losing suction. Its simple, push-pull operation means there are no complex triggers, pumps, or batteries to fail mid-battle.

• Barrel Length: 17 inches (extends to 33 inches when filling)
• Maximum Range: Up to 70 feet
• Construction Material: High-strength polymer tubing
• Compatible Uses: Pool battles, beach games, backyard water fights

Because this blaster pulls water directly from the pool, users must ensure the water is free of debris like leaves or hair to avoid clogging the internal seals. The pressure generated is significant, so players must be coached never to aim directly at anyone’s face or eyes from close range.

This is the perfect pick for older kids and teens who want maximum range and rapid, high-volume soaking power. It is not recommended for toddlers, as pulling the plunger when fully submerged requires a decent amount of upper-body strength.

Pool Volleyball Set – Intex Pool Volleyball Game

Organized net sports structure pool time, giving kids a clear goal and encouraging teamwork and hand-eye coordination. A floating volleyball net divides the pool into two distinct courts, allowing larger groups of kids to play together simultaneously. It is an excellent way to turn a lazy swim day into a structured, competitive tournament.

The Intex Pool Volleyball Game is a highly accessible option featuring a durable 10-gauge vinyl inflatable pole and net system. This set comes equipped with anchor bags that fill with sand or weights, keeping the net stable and centered even during intense rallies. It also includes an inflatable volleyball, meaning you have everything required to start playing right out of the box.

• Dimensions: 94 inches wide x 25 inches deep x 36 inches high
• Material: 10-gauge durable vinyl
• Included Accessories: Inflatable volleyball, anchor bags, shelf box
• Compatible Uses: Wide backyard pools, calm lake shores

Because this set is entirely inflatable, it is susceptible to drifting on windy days if the anchor bags are not fully weighted down. Users should take care not to over-inflate the chambers in the hot sun, as expanding air can stress the vinyl seams.

This set is perfect for families seeking a temporary, easy-to-store net game for casual weekend pool parties. It is not suitable for those looking for a permanent, commercial-grade deck-mounted volleyball system.

Ride-On Float – Intex Giant Gator Ride-On

Large ride-on floats provide an excellent platform for balance games, imaginative adventures, and casual relaxation in the water. Trying to climb onto and stay aboard a shifting float challenges a child’s core strength and coordination in a low-impact environment. These floats also double as comfortable lounging platforms when the high-energy games wind down.

The Intex Giant Gator Ride-On offers a massive, stable platform featuring heavy-duty grab handles that give kids a secure place to hold on. Constructed with durable 12-gauge vinyl, it easily withstands the rough-and-tumble play of multiple kids trying to board at once. The dual air chamber design provides an extra layer of safety, ensuring the float stays partially buoyant even if one chamber suffers a puncture.

• Dimensions: 80 inches long x 45 inches wide
• Material: 12-gauge vinyl
• Air Chambers: 2 independent chambers
• Compatible Uses: Balance contests, creative pool play, lake lounging

Due to its large footprint, inflating this gator manually is incredibly difficult, so a dedicated electric or hand pump is highly recommended. Users should also ensure there is plenty of clearance around the pool edge, as falling off the float near concrete coping can cause injury.

This float is a fantastic addition for kids aged three and up who enjoy balance challenges and creative water play. It is not ideal for crowded, small-scale pools where the giant footprint leaves no room for other swimmers.

Pool Game Ball – Watermelon Ball Original

Traditional inflatable balls stay on the surface, limiting pool games to basic throwing and catching. To truly utilize the three-dimensional space of a pool, you need a ball that can be passed, dribbled, and fought over underwater. This opens up entirely new styles of play, such as underwater rugby or mock water polo.

The Watermelon Ball Original is designed to mimic the buoyancy of a real watermelon, meaning it sinks slowly and can be passed up to 10 feet underwater. Constructed from an extremely tough, puncture-resistant membrane, this ball is built to handle being kicked, squeezed, and dragged across pool surfaces. Its realistic watermelon skin texture provides an excellent grip even when completely submerged.

• Material: Heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl membrane
• Diameter: 9 inches
• Weight (Filled): Approximately 14.5 pounds (underwater weight is near zero)
• Compatible Uses: Underwater passing, water rugby, water polo, diving games

Preparing this ball requires filling it with water using the included garden hose adapter, followed by a small injection of air to achieve perfect neutral buoyancy. Because it is filled with water, the ball is quite heavy when lifted out of the pool, so players must avoid throwing it on the pool deck.

This is the ultimate choice for older kids, teenagers, and strong swimmers who want a highly physical, rugby-style underwater game. It is not suitable for toddlers or weak swimmers who may struggle with the weight and underwater nature of the ball.

Floating Ring Toss – Swimline UFO Ring Toss

Floating target games provide a lower-impact, focused activity that helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. They offer a great change of pace from chaotic splashing games, giving kids a structured task they can play individually or in organized turns. Because these games float freely, they add a dynamic challenge as the target drifts with the pool’s currents.

The Swimline UFO Ring Toss features a colorful, cosmic design with multiple inflatable peg targets, each assigned a different point value for competitive scoring. Made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl, this floating platform is built to handle pool-side tumbles and prolonged sun exposure. The set includes several brightly colored rings that are easy to spot both on the water’s surface and at the bottom of the pool.

• Material: Heavy-duty vinyl
• Includes: 1 floating UFO base, 5 colorful throwing rings
• Compatible Uses: Precision throwing games, casual pool play, swim party games
• Target Age: Ages 4 and up

Because the entire set is lightweight and inflatable, wind and strong filtration currents can cause the target to drift rapidly across the pool. To keep the game fair, you may need to position it in a calm corner of the pool or anchor it using a small weighted line.

This game is fantastic for younger children and elementary-aged kids who are developing their throwing accuracy and love point-based games. It is not recommended for older teens seeking high-adrenaline action, as the gameplay is relatively calm and static.

Pool Lacrosse Set – Coop Hydro Lacrosse Game

Traditional lacrosse gear is too heavy and susceptible to water damage to be used safely in a swimming pool. A dedicated water lacrosse set allows kids to practice their scooping, cradling, and throwing skills while swimming or treading water. This adds a physical endurance element to a classic sport, keeping kids highly active.

The Coop Hydro Lacrosse Game features two sticks equipped with soft-mesh pockets and comfortable, non-slip neoprene handles that provide a solid grip even when soaking wet. The set comes with a soft, foam-core lacrosse ball that floats, ensuring players do not have to dive to the bottom of the pool after every missed catch. The bright, UV-resistant fabric construction ensures the sticks do not fade or degrade after long days in chlorinated water.

• Stick Construction: Neoprene-covered shafts with soft plastic heads
• Netting: Soft, fast-drying mesh pockets
• Included Accessories: 2 lacrosse sticks, 1 floating foam ball
• Compatible Uses: Pool catching games, beach lacrosse, backyard throwing practice

While the soft materials make this set much safer than traditional lacrosse gear, kids should still be instructed not to swing the sticks near other swimmers’ faces. The neoprene and mesh components will retain water, so they require thorough air-drying after use to prevent mold.

This set is an excellent match for sporty kids who want to practice their throwing and catching coordination in a fun, aquatic setting. It is not the right choice for toddlers who do not yet have the motor skills to catch a flying ball with a stick.

Dive Treasure Game – Toymendous Treasure Chest

Imaginative play turns routine swimming drills into exciting adventures that keep kids in the water longer. A dive treasure game challenges kids to scan the pool floor, dive down, and collect as many valuables as they can before running out of breath. It is a fantastic way to turn basic swim practice into an engaging, multi-player race.

The Toymendous Treasure Chest comes with a weighted chest that sinks directly to the pool floor, serving as the base for dozens of colorful coins, gems, and jewelry pieces. The chest features a latching lid that securely holds all the treasures when not in use, making storage incredibly simple. The sinking pieces are brightly colored and reflect pool light, making them easy to spot even from the surface.

• Chest Material: Heavy-duty, weighted plastic
• Contents: Over 30 assorted gems, coins, and pirate jewelry pieces
• Sinking Rate: Fast sinking to pool bottom
• Compatible Uses: Dive retrieval races, pool parties, imaginative pirate games

Because this set includes many small plastic pieces, it is easy to lose a few down drain covers or behind pool steps if you are not careful. It is best to count the treasure pieces before and after every game to ensure nothing is left behind to clog the pool vacuum.

This game is a home run for elementary-aged children who love imaginative roleplay and underwater diving challenges. It is not suitable for pools with dark, patterned vinyl liners where the small gems might blend into the background and become lost.

Floating Target Game – Coop Hydro Target Toss

Throwing accuracy games are a staple of backyard fun, but translating them to the pool requires gear that can withstand constant submersion. A floating target board offers a clear point system that allows kids to challenge themselves or compete against friends. It keeps kids moving as they swim to retrieve missed throws and reset the game.

The Coop Hydro Target Toss features a floating target board constructed from soft, durable neoprene that resists fading and waterlogging. The target is divided into distinct scoring zones, and the set includes three soft, water-absorbent throwing balls that stick to the target zones. Its lightweight, flexible design makes it easy to transport to community pools or the beach.

• Material: Water-resistant neoprene and foam
• Included Accessories: 1 floating target board, 3 soft throwing balls
• Compatible Uses: Target practice, accuracy contests, beach and pool games
• Target Age: Ages 5 and up

Because the throwing balls absorb water to gain throwing weight, they can become quite heavy and should not be thrown directly at other swimmers. The target itself will float with the wind and pool jets, so placing it in a corner or tethering it can help maintain a consistent throwing distance.

This is an ideal pick for kids of all ages who enjoy casual, skill-based throwing games and friendly point competitions. It is not suited for those looking for high-impact, fast-paced team sports.

How to Properly Clean and Store Your Pool Toys

Chlorine, saltwater, and constant UV exposure are incredibly harsh on plastics, vinyl, and neoprene, causing them to degrade and fade prematurely. To prevent this, always rinse pool toys thoroughly with fresh water from a garden hose immediately after use. This simple step removes corrosive chemicals, salt deposits, and organic matter that can break down materials over time.

Never store pool toys while they are still wet, as trapped moisture quickly leads to unsightly and unhealthy mold and mildew growth. Lay toys out in a shaded, well-ventilated area to dry completely before packing them away in storage bins. Avoid leaving toys on the hot concrete deck in direct sunlight all day, as extreme heat can warp plastics and cause inflatable seams to burst.

For seasonal storage, deflate all large inflatables and fold them loosely to prevent the vinyl from cracking along sharp creases. Store your clean, dry pool gear in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or basement, kept safe from pests and freezing temperatures. Using mesh storage bags is an excellent way to keep smaller dive toys organized while allowing any residual moisture to evaporate.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pool gear transforms a standard swim day into an active, organized adventure that keeps kids safe and entertained. By investing in durable, water-safe equipment and maintaining it properly, you ensure your backyard pool remains the ultimate summer destination for years to come.