5 Fun Water Games to Keep Kids Active During School Holidays
The school holidays are the perfect time for kids to dive into some water-based fun while staying active and learning essential swimming skills. Whether it’s in the backyard pool or at your local swimming facility, these water games provide the ideal mix of entertainment and education. Here are five exciting games your kids will love!
1. Marco Polo
A timeless pool game that encourages both teamwork and swimming agility.
How to Play:
- One player is chosen to be “It” and closes their eyes while counting to ten.
- They shout “Marco!” while the other players respond “Polo!”
- The “It” player tries to tag the others based on their voices.
- Once tagged, a new “It” is chosen for the next round.
Skill Boost: Marco Polo improves listening skills, navigation in water, and spatial awareness.
2. Underwater Treasure Hunt
Perfect for encouraging diving skills and breath control, this game is a hit!
How to Play:
- Toss objects like dive rings, coins, or small toys into the pool.
- Challenge kids to retrieve them from the bottom as quickly as possible.
- For added excitement, assign points to each item and see who collects the most.
Skill Boost: Builds underwater confidence and strengthens swimming technique.
3. Relay Races
Combine teamwork and swimming drills with a fun and energetic relay race.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Set up a course across the pool with fun challenges, such as swimming with a pool noodle, doing a backstroke lap, or balancing a ball while swimming.
- The first team to complete the course wins!
Skill Boost: Enhances teamwork, improves swimming strokes, and adds a healthy dose of competition.
4. Pool Noodle Jousting
A hilarious and engaging game for kids to enjoy!
How to Play:
- Pair up players, each armed with a pool noodle.
- Have them sit on large pool floats or kickboards and try to knock each other off balance using their noodle.
- The last one floating wins.
Skill Boost: Develops core strength, balance, and coordination in the water.
5. Water Balloon Toss
This poolside game keeps everyone entertained while practising hand-eye coordination.
How to Play:
- Fill water balloons and have players toss them back and forth over the pool.
- With each successful toss, take a step further apart.
- If the balloon bursts, the pair is out. The last pair standing wins!
Skill Boost: Encourages teamwork and coordination while staying cool on hot summer days.
Safety First!
Before jumping into these fun games, remember these water safety tips:
- Always supervise children in the water, regardless of their swimming ability.
- Ensure the pool is free of obstacles and that younger children wear appropriate floatation devices if necessary.
- Set clear rules for safe play, such as no roughhousing or running around the pool area.
Encourage Learning Through Play
Water games aren’t just fun—they’re also a great way to practise swimming techniques and build water confidence. Incorporate some of these activities into your child’s routine, and watch them develop skills while having a splashing good time.
Looking for more structured ways to keep your kids active this summer? Enrol them in one of AustGrade Swim School’s holiday programs! Contact us today to learn more.