10 Fun Pool Party Favors and Games for Tweens

Hosting a pool party for tweens means managing a high-energy crowd that has outgrown toddler splash toys but still needs structured entertainment to keep the peace. Success lies in balancing high-octane pool games and cool take-home favors with strict, non-negotiable safety standards. The right gear ensures the party stays active, safe, and memorable without putting unnecessary strain on the host or the pool’s filtration system.

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Crucial Water Safety Rules for a Tween Pool Party

Tweens often possess a false sense of security in the water because they can swim basic strokes, but high-energy group dynamics can quickly lead to exhaustion or risky behavior. Establish a strict designated water watcher system where at least one responsible adult has eyes on the pool at all times, completely free from distractions like phones or grilling duties. Rotate this duty every 30 minutes to prevent fatigue and ensure sharp supervision.

Set firm ground rules before anyone touches the water: no breath-holding contests, no running on wet concrete decking, and absolutely no diving in the shallow end. Ensure the pool depth is clearly marked, and make it clear that any violation of these rules results in an immediate 15-minute dry-land timeout. Keeping a throwable safety ring or reaching pole poolside is not optional; it must be visible and accessible instantly.

Pool Basketball Hoop – GoSports Splash Hoop PRO

A pool basketball hoop provides a natural focal point for high-energy pool games, channeling competitive tween energy into organized play rather than chaotic horseplay. The GoSports Splash Hoop PRO stands out because it eschews flimsy plastic designs for a robust, pool-deck-mounted structure that actually withstands aggressive splashing and shooting.

This hoop features a heavy-duty, water-filled base that prevents tipping even during intense poolside matches. The set includes two 7-inch water basketballs and a pump, meaning you have everything needed to start a game right out of the box. The rim is engineered from durable, UV-treated polymer to prevent cracking under the harsh summer sun.

• Base Weight: 50 lbs when filled with water
• Materials: UV-resistant polymer and rust-free net
• Includes: Hoop, two 7-inch balls, and inflation pump
• Best For: In-ground pools with flat concrete decks

Keep in mind that this unit requires a flat, stable pool deck surface directly adjacent to the water’s edge to sit securely. It is perfect for active, sports-loving tweens who want real game-play action, but it is not ideal for above-ground pools without a surrounding deck or very narrow coping.

Waterproof Cards – Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards

Every pool party needs a built-in decompression zone where tweens can cool off and socialize without constant swimming. Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards solve the problem of soggy, ruined paper decks by utilizing a durable, ultra-flexible plastic construction that shrugs off water entirely.

These cards feature a unique clear, matte plastic texture that provides a solid grip even when hands are wet and slippery from sunscreen. They slide smoothly, shuffle easily, and can be hand-washed with mild soap when they inevitably get covered in pool snacks or dirt.

• Material: 100% waterproof clear plastic
• Size: Standard poker size
• Care: Hand wash and air dry
• Best For: Pool steps, floating tables, and beachside decks

While they are incredibly durable, they are lightweight enough to drift if left unattended in a strong breeze. This deck is a must-have for the quieter, strategy-loving tweens who want to hang out on the shallow steps, but it won’t satisfy those looking for high-intensity, splash-heavy action.

Pool Volleyball Net – Intex Pool Volleyball Game

Volleyball is the ultimate cooperative pool game because it accommodates large groups of varying skill levels simultaneously. The Intex Pool Volleyball Game provides a budget-friendly, inflatable solution that stretches across the water, creating an instant court without requiring permanent deck hardware.

Constructed from heavy-duty 10-gauge vinyl, this set features inflatable anchor bags that you fill with rocks or weights to keep the net centered in the pool. It includes an inflatable volleyball, ensuring a soft impact that won’t injure players or damage surrounding property if a wild spike goes off course.

• Dimensions: 94″ x 25″ x 36″
• Material: Heavy-duty 10-gauge vinyl
• Includes: Inflatable net, pole bases, shelf box, and inflatable ball
• Anchoring: Dual water/weight bags included

Because it is entirely inflatable, this net is susceptible to drifting on windy days if the anchor bags are not fully weighted down. It is the perfect choice for hosts hosting casual, large-group matches on a budget, but serious players looking for high-tension, professional-style nets should look toward semi-permanent deck-mounted options instead.

Dive Toy – SwimWays Toypedo Bandits Water Glide

Dive toys encourage kids to practice underwater swimming and breath control while turning skill-building into a competitive game. The SwimWays Toypedo Bandits are designed with a hydrodynamic shape that allows them to glide up to 30 feet underwater when thrown correctly, offering a much more dynamic challenge than standard sinkers.

Sold in a pack of four, these toys feature bright, high-visibility graphics and numbers, which are perfect for creating custom point-based diving games. Their compact size makes them easy for tweens to grab underwater, while the durable rubber construction ensures they won’t crack or chip if they hit the pool floor hard.

• Length: 5 inches per bandit
• Material: Impact-resistant rubberized polymer
• Quantity: 4-pack with distinct colors and numbers
• Max Glide Distance: Up to 30 feet underwater

These toys require a pool with a minimum depth of four feet to glide properly without scraping the bottom immediately. They are perfect for confident swimmers who love underwater agility games, but they should be kept out of the hands of non-swimmers who cannot comfortably reach the pool floor.

Pool Ring Toss Game – Swimline Floating UFO Toss

Ring toss games offer a low-impact, skill-focused alternative to high-energy team sports, allowing tweens to play at their own pace. The Swimline Floating UFO Toss features a unique, heavy-duty vinyl design that floats flat on the water’s surface, offering a stable and challenging target system.

The UFO theme appeals to tweens with its retro-futuristic styling, and the multiple color-coded scoring zones allow for complex point-accumulation games. The set comes with several flexible toss rings designed to float, ensuring you won’t lose game pieces to the bottom of the deep end.

• Material: Heavy-duty, inflation-molded vinyl
• Dimensions: 36-inch diameter target base
• Includes: UFO target and 5 assorted tossing rings
• Compatibility: All pool types (in-ground and above-ground)

Because the target floats freely, active swimming or heavy surface ripples will cause it to drift, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the game. This set is excellent for casual backyard play where kids want to test their accuracy, but it isn’t designed to withstand rough physical horseplay or being sat on like a traditional float.

Waterproof Phone Pouch – JOTO Universal Case

Tweens are inseparable from their devices, and providing a reliable way to protect their tech is the ultimate way to win host of the year. The JOTO Universal Case serves as an indispensable party favor, allowing kids to capture underwater photos and videos without risking expensive water damage to their phones.

This pouch features a simple snap-and-lock seal that keeps out water, snow, dust, and sand, while the clear windows on both sides allow for full touchscreen functionality. The included neck lanyard keeps the phone secure and prevents it from sinking to the bottom of the pool during active play.

• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 certified up to 100 feet
• Compatibility: Fits smartphones up to 7.0 inches diagonally
• Closure: Dual-swivel lock and sealable clip
• Included: Lanyard for hands-free carrying

Note that while touchscreens work perfectly on the surface, water pressure can interfere with touch sensitivity deep underwater; instruct tweens to use their phone’s physical volume buttons to snap photos submerged. This is a must-have favor for any modern tween party, but parents should enforce a quick dry tissue test at home before submerging high-end phones.

Turkish Beach Towel – Wetcat Original Towel

Standard terrycloth towels become heavy, soggy, and musty quickly during a long day of swimming, making them a hassle to pack home. The Wetcat Original Towel makes an excellent premium party favor because it is incredibly lightweight, dries twice as fast as cotton terry, and takes up minimal space in a backpack.

Crafted from 100% natural Turkish cotton, these towels feature long-fiber weaves that become softer and more absorbent with every wash. They come in dozens of vibrant, fade-resistant striped patterns, allowing you to assign a unique color to each guest to prevent towel mix-ups.

• Material: 100% premium Turkish cotton
• Dimensions: 38 x 71 inches (pre-washed)
• Weight: Extremely lightweight and compact
• Care: Machine washable, tumble dry low

It is important to know that these towels require a pre-wash before their first use to fully open up the cotton fibers and unlock their maximum absorbency. They are perfect for active tweens who appreciate a stylish, fast-drying wrap, but they may disappoint anyone expecting a thick, heavy, plush blanket feel.

Polarized Sunglasses – Knockaround Premiums

Constant exposure to harsh glare bouncing off the pool surface can cause severe eye strain and headaches over the course of a party. Knockaround Premiums offer high-quality polarized protection in a classic, unisex frame shape that fits tween faces comfortably and looks immediately cool.

These sunglasses feature impact-resistant polarized lenses with full UV400 protection, shielding young eyes from harmful rays while improving underwater visibility. The frames are built from lightweight, durable polycarbonate with form-fitting arms that stay secure during poolside games.

• Lenses: Polarized, impact-resistant UV400 protection
• Frame Material: Durable polycarbonate
• Fit: Unisex, optimized for medium-sized faces
• Included: Protective microfiber pouch

Because these sunglasses do not float naturally, they can quickly sink to the bottom of the pool if knocked off during active play. They are an exceptional, practical favor for any sunny, outdoor water event, though they might be unnecessary if your party is scheduled for an indoor facility or late evening.

Waterproof Speaker – JBL GO 3 Portable Speaker

Music is essential for keeping the energy high and setting the vibe, but standard electronics and pool water are a disastrous mix. The JBL GO 3 Portable Speaker is the perfect poolside audio solution because it shrugs off heavy splashes and brief submersions without skipping a beat.

This compact speaker features an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, meaning it can sit directly on the wet pool coping safely. It delivers surprisingly rich audio and punchy bass for its ultra-portable size, and the integrated fabric loop allows you to hang it from fence posts, umbrellas, or backpacks.

• Waterproof Rating: IP67 waterproof and dustproof
• Battery Life: Up to 5 hours of playtime per charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
• Dimensions: 3.4″ x 2.7″ x 1.6″

Keep in mind that while it can survive falling into the pool, it does not float, so keep it anchored using its loop to prevent it sinking to the bottom. It is the ultimate personal speaker for backyard pool decks and beach trips, though you will need a larger, multi-speaker system if you need to blast music across a massive commercial-sized facility.

Inflatable Pool Float – Joyin Giant Donut Float

Inflatable floats are essential for lounging and serve as the perfect backdrop for tween group photos. The Joyin Giant Donut Float combines a playful, vibrant design with a durable build that can withstand the typical wear and tear of a backyard pool party.

Made from thick, heavy-duty vinyl material, this 39-inch tube features a fun frosted donut design with sprinkles and a “bite” taken out of the side. It inflates quickly via a standard air valve and features reinforced seams to prevent air leaks when tweens throw themselves onto it.

• Diameter: 39 inches (outer ring)
• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant vinyl
• Includes: Donut float and repair patch kit
• Inflation: Standard safety air valve

You will absolutely want an electric air pump on hand to inflate this float, as manual inflation will leave you exhausted before the party even starts. This float is perfect for relaxed lounging and photo opportunities, but it is not built to survive aggressive wrestling matches or being dragged across rough concrete.

How to Clean and Balance Your Pool After a Party

A pool party leaves behind a heavy load of organic contaminants, including sunscreen, sweat, hair products, and tracked-in dirt. Your first step after the last guest leaves should be running your pool filtration system continuously for 24 hours to cycle out suspended debris. Skim the surface for floating leaves or hair ties, and run an automatic pool vacuum to clear the floor before organic matter can stain your liner.

Next, you must address the chemical imbalance caused by the sudden heavy bather load, which rapidly depletes free chlorine levels. Test your water chemistry and perform a chlorine shock treatment to sanitize the pool and break down combined chloramines (the compounds responsible for that strong, unpleasant “pool smell”). Keep the pool cover off while shocking to allow the gasses to escape into the atmosphere.

Finally, check and balance your pH and total alkalinity levels, as heavy splashing and sweat can cause these parameters to drift. Maintain your pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to ensure your chlorine remains highly effective and to prevent eye irritation for future swimmers. Clean your filter cartridge or backwash your sand filter once the water clears to remove all the trapped oils and debris permanently.

With the right mix of active games, durable gear, and a solid post-party cleanup plan, hosting a tween pool party can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Investing in reliable, waterproof equipment ensures the fun keeps moving without interruptions or damaged gear. Keep safety at the forefront, let the kids burn off energy, and enjoy a successful day on the water.