15 Best Swimming Pool Games for 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

We've found kid-friendly toys and outdoor games, from floaties to water blasters.

As the weather heats up and summer approaches, there's no better way to beat the heat with friends than slipping on your swimsuits and dipping in the pool. And while swimming and lounging on beach chairs is always enjoyable, why not add extra excitement to your pool time with some fun outdoor games? Better yet, bring the fun into the water with pool games!

Ahead, you'll find the best pool games that both kids and adults love. From inflatable toys to ball games, waterproof card games to water blasters, each game on our list is highly rated and distinguished for its high quality. Some old classics simply can't be beaten, but we also include new gadgets kids are obsessed with.

Whether you're hosting a pool party or just looking to add some extra fun to your family pool time, these games are sure to keep everyone entertained. So grab your sunscreen, a cold drink, and sunglasses, and get ready to make a splash with these must-have pool games for all ages.

No hoop by the pool? No problem! This blow-up basketball hoop floats on the surface of the water as you shoot from below! Large bore valves allow for quick inflation and deflation, making this perfect for traveling.

If you've never played underwater ball, you're about to have your new favorite toy! While an air-filled ball simply floats on the surface, this ball is filled with water so it sinks. This lets you play, dribble, and pass the ball in all sorts of underwater games.

This waterproof set of Uno cards lets you hang out on the edge f the pool and play without ruining your set! A portable clip keeps them together and makes it perfect for travel, be it camping or vacation game nights.

You don't have to be a lax player to enjoy this mini-lacrosse set! Soft foam handles and the light weight makes these a good choice for all different ages. Scoop and shoot the included ball, and don't worry about dropping your racket—it floats!

Boy, is this version of cornhole fun. The foam "stonnes" are meant to skip over the water making the game good old-fashioned fun. "Spent hours around the pool with family and friends enjoying our new skipping stone game," wrote one reviewer. "A great combo of the nostalgic feeling of skipping stones as a kid mixed with the excitement of corn hole as an adult."

Kiddos will love this simple pool toy/game. Release the fishy sinkers and use the squeeze-and-grab tool to try to scoop them up before they hit bottom! The lobster is bright and easy to use, perfect for little ones.

You can play pool on the grass and the pool! This neat set has a floating patch of green onto which you putt from shore. Don't worry about hitting anyone in the head—these are lightweight practice balls! Just note that the set doesn't include a club,

This toy does it all! It can fit an adult or a couple of kids for lounging on the float. Flip it over, and you have a pong table (soda pong for kids!). The American flag design makes it perfect for the Fourth of July.

With 16 LED colors, this beach ball lights up the night to let you play games after dark. The remote controls brightness as well as shade and has a range of up to 100 feet.

Pool slides are surprisingly still super fun for adults, and this one is a great option. It has a built-in sprayer that ensures the slide is slick when you want to slip down, and it has a soft landing pad that extends into the water.

This volleyball net has a little something more than the others on the market. As it starts getting dark, you can turn on the LED lights that line the bottom and keep the game going! Weight bags are included to anchor the net in place so it doesn't float away.

This is a two-for-one game! Paddle around in a pirate ship and spray the water gun at a friend in the pace ship. While these are intended for little ones, reviewers have found that it brings out the kid in all of us. "They lasted longer than many other pool toys. Ended up being used as much by our older teens, turned them into little kids again!"

Grab a 6-pack of...water blasters! Sometimes a simple, old-school pool toy is the most fun. Dip the head of these underwater and pull back the handle to load the cannon with water. They look like regular pool noodles, but they have a competitive twist!

The expertly crafted design and tight stitching on these floating balls allows them to skip across the surface of the water like skipping stones. Play with them in the pool or out! The pack includes two balls and a skip disc.

While most pool ring toss games on the market are blow-up toys, this one is made from floating foam, making it far more durable and sturdy. It's true backyard fun for the whole family. "Husband and I love playing this in the pool," wrote one reviewer.

Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.

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