Backyard Pool Games to Boost Your Child's Swimming Skills!
- poolschoolswim
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
Updated: May 19
When the weather heats up, nothing beats the exhilaration of splashing around in the pool! Swimming is not just an essential life skill; it's also a fantastic way for kids to enjoy themselves, foster friendships, and create lasting memories.
For children aged 4 to 8, fun water games can greatly enhance their swimming abilities while building confidence and increasing safety in the pool. Here are five exciting games that promote learning in a playful atmosphere!
1. Red Light, Green Light
"Red Light, Green Light" is a classic game that blends fun with skill-building. It's an easy and fun way to practice kicking - while keeping your child entertained.
How to Play:
Number of Players: 1+
Level: Intermediate
One person acts as the "traffic light" and has their back to the pool. This typically works best if the traffic light is on the other end of the pool.
Call out "GREEN LIGHT" for swimmers to start kicking as fast as possible! (Tip: have your swimmer(s) use a kickboard)
The traffic light yells "RED LIGHT" - or blows a whistle - and everyone immediately stops. If anyone is still moving, they are eliminated.
The first swimmer to make it to the traffic light wins!
This game encourages kids to work on their kicking technique and endurance. Learn more about proper kicking techniques from our book: Learn to Swim Freestyle!
2. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is an adventure that excites kids and encourages them to dive deep.
How to Play:
Number of Players: 1+
Level: Beginner
Gather a selection of small, sinkable toys, such as plastic coins or sea creatures, and scatter them around the shallow end of the pool. (Tip: Only put the toys in a depth that is safe for your swimmer's abilities. You can start by putting the sinking toys in an extremely shallow area to start - for example on the pool steps)
Let the kids take turns diving for treasures within a specific time frame, aiming to collect as many as possible.
For an added challenge, provide goggles to enhance their underwater visibility.
Engaging in this game allows children to practice putting their face underwater. Plus, research shows that physical play can boost children's confidence by over 40%.
3. Categories
This easy game will keep your kids & their friends entertained for HOURS!
How to Play:
Number of Players: 3+
Level: Intermediate
One player is out of the pool and goes to the opposite side (can be other side of the full pool, or the opposite side of the shallow end, for example). The other players remain in the water, with a hand on the wall.
The player out of the water starts giving clues about an item/color/etc. they are thinking about. For example: Cereals. They keep shouting clues until a player thinks they know the answer. For example: Frosted Flakes
When they players in the water think they know the answer the swim as fast as they can to the other side where the announcer is. The first person to swim across and correctly guess wins - and becomes the next picker.
4. Balance the Cup
This game works on both swimming technique - and patience! There's many ways to play this game - depending on the number of kids participating, and how long you want it to take!
How to Play:
Number of Players: 2+
Level: Intermediate
Give each player a kickboard and a cup. Have the swimmers fill their cups with water, and place the full cup on the kickboard.
The goal is to get the cup to the other end and spilling at little water as possible.
If the cup falls off the kickboard - either have them return back to the wall and start from the beginning, or simply have them re-fill the cup where they are.
Ways to make this more challenging:
Place a bucket at the other end and have the swimmer pour the cup into the bucket, with the goal of filling the bucket to the top. This will take multiple trips.
If multiple kids are playing - make it a relay!
Use a sponge instead of a cup - and have them squeeze the wet sponge into the bucket rather than pouring out the cup.
With each race, kids practice their strokes and can get creative how to get the cup across the pool!
5. Horse Ride Relay
This relay is guaranteed fun for all ages!
How to Play:
Number of Players: 2+
Level: Beginner
Use a pool noodle as the horse and have the kids line up.
Players will sit on the noodle - like riding a horse - and have to gallup over to the other side of the pool.
Introduce variations like swimming backward or add obstacles such as large floats.
This engaging game not only enhances kids' swimming techniques but also lets them showcase their skills in a fun, competitive atmosphere.
Making a Splash with Skill-Building Fun
These five exciting water games offer much more than just fun; they play a crucial role in teaching essential swimming skills. Children will gain confidence, learn about pool safety, and refine their swimming techniques through enjoyable interactions with friends.
Next time you’re at the pool, remember these games! By incorporating these activities into your time together, you will create unforgettable experiences that boost your child's swimming skills. Dive into the fun this summer and watch their confidence and abilities thrive!
Comments