15 Fun Games to Play Near the Pool Without Getting in the Water.

Warm weather and pool parties go hand in hand, and there’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around the pool for a day of fun in the sun. While swimming and splashing around are classic pool activities, having a variety of games to play near the pool can take your gatherings to the next level. Not only do these games provide extra fun, but they also offer a great opportunity for friendly competition and bonding.

When planning games to play near the pool, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone understands the rules and boundaries of the games. In this article, we’ll explore 15 best games to play near the pool. 

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Tips for Organizing Fun Games To Play Near the Pool

A. Ensure there’s adequate space for each game

• Before setting up any games, assess the available space around your pool
• Make sure there’s enough room for players to move around safely without risking falling into the pool
• Consider the size of the game equipment and the number of players when allocating space

B. Have the necessary equipment ready

• Make a list of all the equipment needed for each game you plan to play
• Gather the equipment ahead of time and ensure it’s in good condition
• Have extra supplies on hand, such as water balloons in case of any breakages or losses.

C. Establish clear rules and boundaries

• Before starting each game, clearly explain the rules to all participants
• Set boundaries for the game area, making sure players understand where they can and cannot go
• Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship throughout the games

D. Prioritize safety and supervision

• Assign responsible adults to supervise the games, especially when children are involved
• Ensure that players are aware of pool safety rules and that they stay a safe distance from the water’s edge
• Have a first-aid kit readily available and know how to respond in case of any emergencies

Classic Poolside Games

1.    Cornhole

It is a classic lawn game that’s perfect for playing near the pool without getting in the water. It appeals more to older kids and adults. The players take turns tossing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole. They keep track of score points by landing the bags on the platform or through the hole.

How to Play:

• Set up two Cornhole boards facing each other, about 27 feet apart
• 4 people will make two teams, with each team taking turns throwing four bean bags at the opposite board
• Scoring:
  • Landing a bag on the board: 1 point
  • Throwing a bag through the hole: 3 points
  • Cancellation scoring: The difference between the two teams’ scores for each round is awarded to the team with the higher score, and the play continues.

 

2.    Ladder Ball

Ladder ball also known as “Ladder Golf” or “Ladder Toss”, is a game where players toss bolas (two golf balls connected by a string) at a ladder-like structure. They keep track of points scored if they wrap the bolas around the ladder rungs.

How to Play:

• Set up the ladder ball targets about 15 feet apart
• Divide players into two teams, with each team taking turns tossing three bolas at the opposite target
• Scoring:
  • Wrapping a bola around the top rung: 3 points
  • Wrapping a bola around the middle rung: 2 points
  • Wrapping a bola around the bottom rung: 1 point
• The first team to reach 21 points wins

 

3.    Kanjam

It’s a flying disc game that’s great for two teams of two players each. The teams alternate throwing the disc, aiming to hit or land it in the opposing teams can. Points are awarded based on how the disc interacts with the can

How to Play:

• Set up the Kanjam cans about 50 feet apart
• Divide players into two teams of two, with each team taking turns throwing the disc
• Scoring:
  • Hitting the can: 1 point
  • Throwing the disc through the slot: 2 points
  • Partner deflects the disc into the can: 3 points
  • Throwing the disc into the can without touching the can: Instant win
• The first team to reach 21 points or achieve an instant win is victorious.

 

4.    Badminton

This classic racquet sport can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. It requires the players to hit a shuttlecock back and forth. The objective is to keep the shuttlecock from touching the ground on your side.

How to Play:

• Set up the badminton net and court in an open area
• Divide players into two teams (singles or doubles)
• Serve the shuttlecock diagonally across the court
• Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands on the opponent’s court or if the opponent fails to return it over the net
• The first team to reach 21 points (with a two-point lead) wins the game

 

5.    Croquet

Croquet is a timeless lawn game that’s easy to set up near the pool. it’s fun. In this game, the players use mallets to hit balls through a series of hoops embedded in the ground. The players want to navigate through all the hoops in the correct order.

How to Play:

• Set up the croquet course with wickets and stakes
• Each player chooses a mallet and ball color
• Players take turns hitting their ball through the wickets in a specific order
• If a player’s ball hits another player’s ball, they earn extra shots
• The first player to navigate their ball through all the wickets and hit the finishing stake wins

 

Water-Based Games

6.    Water Balloon Toss

A fun and refreshing game that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day. In this game the players form pairs and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The pair must make the most catches without breaking the balloon.

How to Play:

• Divide players into pairs, with each pair given a water balloon
• Pairs stand facing each other and toss the balloon back and forth
• After each successful catch, the pairs take a step back, increasing the distance between them
• If a balloon breaks, that pair is out
• The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins

 

7.    Pool Noodle Tag

A twist on the classic game of tag, using pool noodles as “tagging” devices. In this game, one player is designated as “it” and must tag the other players. Tagged players become “it” and the game continues aiming at the other players.

How to Play:

• One player is designated as “it” and given a pool noodle
• The other players scatter around the designated play area
• The “it” player wants to tag other players 
• When tagged, a player becomes “it” and takes the noodle
• The game continues until a predetermined time limit is reached or until all players have been tagged

 

8.    Water Relay Race

The water relay race is a team-based game that challenges players to transport water from one point to another. Each team forms a line and passes a cup of water down the line, trying not to spill. The teams want to fill a bucket at the end of the line.

How to Play:

• Divide players into equal teams
• Each team lines up at the starting point with a full bucket of water and an empty bucket at the finish line
• The first player on each team fills a cup with water from their bucket, runs to the finish line, and empties the cup into their team’s empty bucket
• They then run back and pass the cup to the next player in line
• The relay continues until one team fills their empty bucket to a designated line or until a predetermined time limit is reached
• The team with the most water in their bucket at the end wins

 

9.    Water Balloon Piñata

This is a water-filled variation of the classic piñata game. In this game, fill water balloons and hang them from a string or pole. The players will take turns trying to burst the balloons with a bat or stick. It’s fan seeing folks getting wet in the process.

How to Play:

• Fill several water balloons and hang them from a string or pole
• Blindfold the first player and give them a bat or stick
• Spin the player around a few times to disorient them
• The player attempts to hit and burst the water balloons
• Each player takes a turn until all the balloons are burst
• The player who bursts the most balloons wins

 

10. Sponge Tag

This game is similar to pool tag but uses water-soaked sponges instead. The players try to tag each other with the sponges, transferring the “it” status to the tagged player. The game continues until everyone has been tagged.

How to Play:

• One player is designated as “it” and given a wet sponge
• The other players scatter around the designated play area
• The “it” player tries to tag the other players by throwing the sponge at them
• If a player is hit with the sponge, they become “it” and take the sponge
• The game continues until a predetermined time limit is reached or until all players have been tagged

Lawn Games and Activities

11. Frisbee

It is a versatile and easy-to-play game that’s perfect for the lawn near your pool. Although the rules vary from region to region, because there are many ways to play, the main idea is that players toss a flying disc to each other, working on their throwing and catching skills.

. Each team starts in their end zone.

. The game begins with a “pull” (a long throw) from one team to the other.

. The team receiving the pull must catch the Frisbee and establish possession.

. The team with possession of the Frisbee attempts to pass it to their teammates, moving it down the field toward the opposing team’s end zone.

. Players cannot run with the Frisbee. They must establish a pivot foot and pass the Frisbee within 10 seconds of catching it.

. Defenders try to intercept passes or block throws without making physical contact with the offensive players.

. If a pass is incomplete, intercepted, or knocked down by the defending team, possession changes to the other team at the spot of the turnover.

. A point is scored when a player catches the Frisbee in the opposing team’s end zone.

. After a point is scored, the scoring team stays in that end zone, and the other team takes possession of the Frisbee in the opposite end zone.

12. Giant Jenga

This game tests the steadiness of one’s hands. It is a supersized version of the classic block-stacking game. The players take turns removing blocks from the tower and placing them on top. The goal is not to cause the tower to fall.

How to Play:

• Set up the giant Jenga tower on a flat surface
• Players take turns removing one block at a time from any level below the highest completed level
• The removed block is then placed on top of the tower, perpendicular to the blocks below it
• The game ends when the tower falls
• The last player to successfully remove and place a block without causing the tower to fall wins

 

13. Volleyball

This game is good for light cardio. It starts by setting up volleyball net on the lawn near the pool. You then divide players into two teams and have them hit the ball back and forth over the net.

How to Play:

• Set up the volleyball net and court in a large area
• Divide players into two equal teams
• The teams take turns serving the ball over the net
• Points are scored when the ball touches the ground on the opponent’s side or if the opponent fails to return the ball over the net
• The team that reaches 25 points (with a two-point lead) wins the set
• The first team to win two out of three sets wins the match

 

14. Hula Hoop Contest

The Hula hoop is a simple and entertaining game that challenges players’ hula-hooping skills. In this game, each participant is given a hula hoop to spin around their waist. You can add variety by having players pass the hoop to different parts of their body up and down.

How to Play:

• Give each player a hula hoop
• On the count of three, all players begin hula hooping
• The objective is to keep the hula hoop spinning around the waist for as long as possible
• Players are eliminated if their hula hoop falls to the ground
• The last player still hula-hooping wins

 

15. Ring Toss

This is a carnival-style game that’s easy to set up near the pool. In this game, the players toss rings onto a target, typically a peg or stake in the ground. They are assigned point values for different areas of the target to make the game more challenging.

How to Play:

• Set up the ring toss target (e.g., a peg board or bottles)
• Assign point values to different areas of the target
• Players take turns tossing rings at the target from a designated distance
• Points are awarded based on where the rings land
• The player with the highest total score after a predetermined number of rounds wins

Conclusion

Poolside games not only provide entertainment but also encourage physical activity, social interaction, and friendly competition. They allow guests to take a break from classic swimming pool games and engage in fun activities that cater to different interests and skill levels.

So, the next time you’re planning a pool party or simply enjoying a day by the pool with loved ones, consider incorporating some of these exciting games into your activities. You’ll be amazed at how much fun everyone will have, and the laughter and joy these games bring will make your poolside experience even more memorable.

Take Away:

The key to a successful pool party or gathering is a combination of fun activities, safe games to play, and great company. With these 15 games in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to hosting an incredible poolside event that your guests will be talking about for years to come. So, grab your sunscreen, gather your friends and family, and dive into the exciting world of poolside games!