Get ready for a summer filled with laughter and excitement with these 10 DIY inflatable pool games! Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or simply looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, these games are sure to provide hours of endless fun in the sun. From obstacle courses to relay races, you’ll find a variety of games that can easily be set up using inflatable pool toys. So grab your floaties and dive into a summer full of unforgettable memories!
1. Water Balloon Volleyball
Materials Needed
- Inflatable volleyball net
- Water balloons
Instructions
- Set up the inflatable volleyball net in your pool.
- Fill water balloons with water and tie them securely.
- Divide into two teams and position yourselves on either side of the net.
- Start the game by tossing the water balloon over the net, trying to make the opposing team miss or drop it.
- Play until one team reaches a predetermined number of points or until the water balloons run out.
Game Rules
- Players must throw and catch the water balloons without popping them.
- Each team is allowed a specified number of hits before sending the balloon back over the net.
- Points are scored when the opposing team fails to catch the water balloon or it bursts on their side.
2. Floating Ring Toss
Materials Needed
- Inflatable pool rings
- Inflatable floating platform
- Scoring markers
Instructions
- Inflate the pool rings and floating platform.
- Scatter the rings on the water’s surface.
- Assign different point values to each ring using the scoring markers.
- Stand on the floating platform and take turns tossing the rings, aiming to land them on the scoring markers.
- Tally up the points and declare a winner.
Game Rules
- Participants must stay on the floating platform while throwing the rings.
- The rings must fully make contact with the scoring marker in order to count as a point.
- The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
3. Noodle Jousting
Materials Needed
- Inflatable pool noodles
- Pool floaties or inner tubes
Instructions
- Each player sits on their own pool floatie or inner tube.
- Hold the inflatable pool noodles and position yourself in the pool, facing each other.
- On the count of three, attempt to knock your opponent off their floatie using your noodle.
- The last person remaining on their floatie wins.
Game Rules
- Players can only use their noodles to push and knock opponents off their floaties.
- You must stay on your own floatie while attempting to joust.
- Be careful not to hit anyone in the face or head with the noodles.
4. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course
Materials Needed
- Inflatable pool noodles
- Pool floats
- Hoops or pool noodles cut in half
Instructions
- Arrange the pool noodles in an obstacle course shape throughout the pool.
- Use the pool floats to create challenging pathways.
- Hang hoops or half pool noodles from the edge of the pool for players to crawl through.
- Time each player as they navigate through the obstacle course.
- The player with the fastest time wins.
Game Rules
- Players must complete the obstacle course without touching any of the pool noodles or floats.
- In case of touching or knocking over an obstacle, players must start from the beginning of the course.
- Safety precautions should be taken to prevent slipping or falling in the pool.
5. Inflatable Limbo
Materials Needed
- Inflatable limbo stick
- Music player and speakers
Instructions
- Inflate the limbo stick and place it above the pool.
- Turn on some music to create a fun and lively atmosphere.
- Players line up and take turns attempting to pass under the limbo stick without touching it or falling into the water.
- Gradually lower the limbo stick after each successful round.
- The last player standing without touching or falling into the water wins.
Game Rules
- Players must not touch the limbo stick or fall into the pool while attempting to pass through.
- Each player gets only one chance to successfully pass under the limbo stick.
- If a player touches the limbo stick, they are out of the game.
6. DIY Pool Bowling
Materials Needed
- Inflatable bowling pins
- Inflatable bowling ball
Instructions
- Inflate the bowling pins and ball.
- Set up the pins at one end of the pool.
- Stand at the opposite end and take turns rolling the ball towards the pins, trying to knock as many down as possible.
- Add up the scores after each player has taken their turn.
- The player with the highest score wins.
Game Rules
- Players must stand at the designated starting point and be behind it when releasing the ball.
- When knocking down pins, they must fall completely into the water to count as a point.
- Each player gets a fixed number of rolls to knock down the pins.
7. Watermelon Relay Race
Materials Needed
- Watermelon
- Teams
Instructions
- Divide into teams and line up at one end of the pool.
- Each team has to swim to the opposite end of the pool while pushing a watermelon.
- Once they reach the other end, they must pass the watermelon to the next teammate.
- The relay continues until all team members have completed their swim.
- The first team to have all members complete the relay wins.
Game Rules
- The watermelon must remain in contact with the participants at all times.
- Swimmers should not use pool equipment or touch the pool edges to gain an advantage.
- Any team member spotted breaking the rules will result in a time penalty.
8. DIY Pool Basketball Hoop
Materials Needed
- Inflatable pool basketball hoop
- Inflatable basketball
Instructions
- Inflate the pool basketball hoop and basketball.
- Position the hoop on the edge of the pool, ensuring stability.
- Take turns shooting the basketball into the hoop from different spots in the pool.
- Keep track of each player’s successful shots.
- The player with the highest number of successful shots wins.
Game Rules
- Players must be in the water when shooting the basketball.
- Points are scored when the ball goes through the hoop without bouncing back out.
- Players cannot touch the hoop or interfere with other players’ shots.
9. Splash Tag
Materials Needed
- None
Instructions
- Select one person to be “it.”
- “It” must swim around the pool and tag other players by splashing water on them.
- Once tagged, the tagged person becomes “it” and the game continues.
- Play until everyone has had a turn being “it” or until a predetermined time limit is reached.
Game Rules
- Players must stay in the pool and avoid seeking refuge outside the water.
- “It” cannot directly touch or grab other players, but can only splash water on them.
- No rough play or intentionally hurting other players.
10. DIY Inflatable Pool Twister
Materials Needed
- Inflatable Twister mat
- Spinner
Instructions
- Inflate the Twister mat and place it in the pool.
- Assign each color on the mat a specific location around the pool.
- Take turns spinning the Twister spinner to determine which body part and color to place.
- Follow the spinner’s instructions and place the corresponding body part on the assigned color.
- Players continue taking turns spinning and following the instructions until someone falls or loses balance.
Game Rules
- Players must place the specified body part on the assigned color without falling or losing balance.
- If a player falls or loses balance, they are out of the game.
- The last player remaining in the game without falling wins.
In conclusion, these DIY inflatable pool games offer endless summer fun for you and your friends or family. From exciting water balloon volleyball to challenging pool noodle obstacle courses, there is a game for everyone. Get creative, have fun, and make the most of your pool time with these entertaining activities.