When you head to the pool with your kids, what entertainment do you have planned? You can only read a book on the sidelines for so long before your children demand that you join them in the water. Instead of swimming laps, play these three games together to stay in shape and have a blast doing so.

Your Family Can Enjoy These 3 Fun Pool Games

1. Dolphins & Sharks

If your kids are young, they’ll love playing this game that requires imagination. Have half your crew pretend to be dolphins while the others play sharks as you try to chase each other around the pool with your fins up. Which animal will win your family pool battle?

2. Treasure Hunt

Have your kids been working on their swimming and breath-holding skills? If so, set up an underwater treasure hunt. Equip everyone with goggles and snorkels and have them turn their backs to the water while you spread toys around the pool. Then, countdown to one and have everyone go scrambling to find the items you stashed while they weren’t looking. You can even include on-land elements by hiding toys behind pool chairs or hanging them from the fence. 

3. Marco Polo

Teach your kids how to use senses other than sight by playing Marco Polo at the pool. Tell one person they’re “it” and have them close their eyes while the others begin moving about in the water. The person will yell “Marco,” and everyone else replies, “Polo!” The person who is it will have to try to feel and hear for the others to tag them as this call-and-response repeats. When someone is tagged, they’re the new Marco, and the game begins again.

If you’re looking for a great place to hang out this summer near Dayton, OH, head to Greene Valley Recreation Club. Here, your family can enjoy swimming in a pool safeguarded by certified lifeguards as well as running around on the playground, picnicking, playing volleyball and digging into ice cream treats at the snack bar. To prepare your kids for summer swimming, sign them up for lessons by calling (937) 426-3273. Visit the website for information on their programming, pool hours and features, including a wading pool perfect for kids who are younger than five years.