Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

6 entertaining swimming games for tweens

Tweens are at that difficult in-between age. While they’re not technically teens, tweens don’t fall into the kid category, either. Of course, that doesn’t mean tweens are above playing games — especially in a pool. It just means it’s harder to find ones they won’t roll their eyes at.

But, it’s not impossible. Here are six swimming games kids and tweens will still get a splash out of whether or not pool toys are required.

Related Videos
tweens having fun in the pool
New Africa/Shutterstock

Octopus tag

Playing this tag alternative can give you more than eight arms. Octopus tag starts with one person who is “It.” Once they tag someone, he or she joins hands with the original “It” and the pair become a tagging team. The tag team becomes an octopus as more and more players are tagged and join hands. The last person swimming who has avoided the tangle of octopus hands becomes the new “It.”

Green and orange pool noodles
Sophia Cole/Shutterstock

Noodle joust

Tweens love to chill on pool noodles while floating in the pool. Make sitting on those pool noodles more active with a game of noodle joust. This game is best played with at least four players. Each player sits on a pool noodle while using the other noodle to joust with a nearby player. Any player who loses his or her balance and falls off their noodle is out. The last jouster sitting is declared the winner.

Shark and bait

A variation of sharks and minnows, shark and bait is an ideal party game because it is more fun with multiple players. One person is designated as the shark and stands or treads water in the middle of the pool. All of the “bait” (aka each player) is lined up on one side and must try to wade or swim across to the opposite end of the pool without being tagged. Once tagged, bait becomes a shark. The last bait swimming is the new shark for the next round.

two tween boys playing water basketball
CroMary/Shutterstock

Water basketball or volleyball

Two games that are certain to get every tween in the water are water basketball or volleyball. Divide the players into two teams for either game. Set up a floating basketball net for water basketball or string a net across the pool for water volleyball and use a beach ball to play. To avoid conflict, have an adult keep score.

Rubber duckie races

Everyone loves a rubber duckie race, even adults. While tweens don’t want to admit they enjoy pool toys, they do — and who doesn’t like rubber duckies? For this fun party game, line tweens up in the shallow end of the pool along with their duckie. Blow a whistle or use a smartphone as a go signal. The first tween to set his or her rubber duck on the other side of the pool without touching it to help it across is the winner. Rubber ducks can be moved by waves, splashes, or breath, but they cannot be touched by any body part to make their way across.

Marco Polo

This pool game is an oldie but a goodie. It has definitely stood the test of countless summers and is still a winner with tweens. Up the stakes a little for tweens by blindfolding the person who is “It.” Once blindfolded, they call “Marco,” and the others answer with “Polo.” “It” must rely on their senses besides sight to tag another player. The player tagged becomes the new “It.”

Other fun swimming games for tweens

If the pool party is running out of steam or the kids seem bored, try these tried-and-true pool faves:

  • Water balloon toss
  • Belly flop or cannonball contest
  • Tug-of-war
  • Popsicle or freeze tag
  • Limbo

Tips for a successful swimming party for tweens

Sometimes, keeping tabs on a tween or teen swimming party can actually be more stressful than a party for little ones. While tweens think they are old enough to supervise themselves, the assumption is way off. Have adults on hand to supervise and be sure the fun doesn’t get out of hand. If you’re able to, hire a certified lifeguard to keep a watchful eye on the pool.

Games are a great way to ensure the pool party is flowing in a positive way. Not all the guests will want to participate in the swimming games, so it’s a good idea to have alternate activities. Have lawn games like cornhole, Frisbee, or badminton available, along with music for kids to dance to if they want. Snacks are a must, of course, and if the pool party is in the evening, you can even set up an outdoor movie or a video-game tournament.

Tweens may not exactly appreciate structure, but having planned activities and swimming games in mind is the best way to ensure a backyard pool get-together or party goes well. Swimming games really are fun — for kids of all ages and adults, too! That’s why a lot of swimming games like Marco Polo are still being played.

Editors' Recommendations

Indoor activities during the rain to keep kids busy and happy
Learning meets fun: What to do when it's raining and children are bored
Child and parents playing hide-and-seek in their living room

For children who like to play outside (and who doesn’t?!), a rainy day can hamper their plans. You might be wondering how to keep them occupied. And you might be frantically planning out activities for bored kids -- those that are limited indoors, at least. But don’t worry! Even inside, there are still lots of ways to have fun. Check out some of the following indoor activities during the rain, and adjust them to suit your family’s needs.

Sensory play that uses everyday items to boost brain development
Exploring the world through the senses is an important part of child development. There are numerous ways you can encourage sensory play in your household. The possibilities are endless when it comes to appropriate materials. From kneading dough to placing their hands in a bowl of uncooked rice to wafting scents of extracts, many foods are a great choice to explore with the senses. Sensory bins can be created (and later modified) according to a theme, such as desert ecology or animals on a farm. But whatever you choose to place in a sensory bin, be mindful of potential choking hazards.

Read more
Baby play mat ins and outs: What age you should get one and the benefits for baby’s development
Try a baby play mat for interactive bonding and skill development
Smiling baby on colorful play mat

If you have a little one and need a quick break, a baby play mat is a must-have item. A play mat gives your child a comfortable spot where they can play on their tummy and practice rolling over. It's also a nice place where baby's classic toys are within easy reach for your mini human. 

One benefit it offers is encouragement for your little one to interact with their surroundings. Plus, baby play mats give a fun opportunity for your little one to reach development milestones and build the muscles they need to sit up and crawl. If you haven't grabbed one for your tiny tot yet, you'll want to after we tell you all about these fun baby play mats. 

Read more
The best Halloween costumes for a family of 4 that are simple to find or create
Group-inspired Halloween costume ideas for the whole family
Family of four dressed in Halloween costumes

Dressing up for Halloween as a family is a bonding experience that your kids will remember forever. Whether you have little ones or older kids, there are a variety of group costume ideas that will get the whole family in the spooky spirit. Check out some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween with these fun costumes for your family of four.

Dress up as your favorite animated or movie family
One benefit to being a family of four is that there are so many animated families that feature four or more members. You can each pick your favorite character and bring your beloved animated show to life. Some iconic animated families that you can recreate include:

Read more