Toddler Games to Play in the Pool

Never leave children alone near water.

With warmer temperatures comes swimming pool time. For toddlers, it is not necessary to go to a large community pool. They are often just as happy playing in a small backyard swimming pool and there are many fun games that you can play. Remember that children should always be supervised by an adult when there is water nearby since accidents can happen very quickly.

Sink or Float

This game will amuse both young toddlers and older children. Gather a variety of items from your house. Things that work well include feathers, pieces of foam, coins, buttons, balls or other objects. Bring them all out to the pool and put them in the water one at a time. Before throwing each item in, ask your child if he thinks the item will float or sink to the bottom of the pool. For older children, ask why and discuss what makes objects sink or float.

Catch

There are many variations on this game. You can use a small basketball net or bucket and have children try to throw a ball in. You can use a flying disk and have children try to land a ball on the disk. Encourage an older child to try throwing the ball from different distances, while floating on her back, and even while holding her breath underwater. For a variation on this game, put a heavy dish or bucket on the bottom of the pool and have your children try and drop a small stone or other object so that it lands in the bucket.

Funnels, Tubes, Cups

Funnels, tubes and cups make excellent pool toys. Toddlers can use large plastic cups and transfer water from one cup to another. Have them use a cup to fill up a bucket or large bowl. Strainers or colanders are also fun. Have children push them underwater and watch what happens as the water runs out the bottom. Try poking holes in the bottom of an empty lidded soda bottle and poke one hole near the top. Fill the bottle with water and watch what happens to the water when you plug and open the top hole.

Ice Cubes

Toddlers love to play with ice cubes in the pool, although preparing the cubes takes some time. For bigger ice cubes, freeze water in the bottom of plastic containers or paper milk cartons that can be peeled away. Have your child guess whether the ice will sink or float, try to catch ice cubes in a cup, or simply hold them and watch them melt away. For extra fun, add a few drops of food coloring to the water before you freeze it to make colored ice cubes.

References

• Family Fun: Water Works: Catherine Newman
• Wondertime: 3 Great Games for a Wading Pool: Nathaniel Reade

Resources

• Family Fun: Summer Water Games Gallery