Pool Games

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We came up with our favorite pool games and had lots of fun in the sun with Banana Boat as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #BestSummerEver

It’s pool season and the kids want to swim all. the. time. right? They’re pretty good at coming up with things to keep them busy but what if mom or dad want to play? What if they come to you for ideas? You’ve got Marco Polo and maybe Sharks and Minnows, but what other games can you play in the pool as a family? We’ve got some ideas for you!

Inflatable pool rings are good for more than just relaxing on! They make a great “basket” for all different versions of basketball. My boys will start challenges with different sized balls and stand at different parts of the yard (and in the pool) and see if they can make and match each other’s baskets. Sort of the pool version of H.O.R.S.E if you’ve ever played that!

The little balls that hold water, inflatable balls and the big bouncy balls you can pick up at any store are all great to use!

The rings also make great “targets” to throw through! We’ll do this and hold it higher or farther away.

We can’t forget the good old jump through the ring.

My boys have been into the game “colors” when the whole family and/or friends are playing with them as well. If you’ve never played – one person is “it” and stands outside the pool. The other players stand near the person who’s it (who is facing the opposite direction) and pick out a color. The play who is it calls out colors and if they call out yours you have to swim to the other end of the pool without the person who is “it” catching you. You can also play where the other players start at the opposite end of the pool.

You can play with any subject you want! Animals, characters etc.

You can also play:

Capture the flag
Make a whirlpool or wave pool (also a favorite where you take turns riding on the “boat” (any raft) during the storm.
Play tea party (or pizza party underwater)
Keep the ball from hitting the water
Duck races – where you get your duck, or other floating device, to the other end of the pool without touching it.
Target practice with frisbees floating on the water and any sponge ball.

My boys love especially when my husband gets out to play with them during the day so I’ve been on a mission to find a sunscreen he doesn’t mind wearing. So far we’ve really been loving Banana Boat Dry Oil Clear UltraMist Sunscreen with Argan Oil. It comes in SPF 4, 8, 15, 25 which is perfect for him. Best part about it is that it’s a dry oil and non greasy but still keeps your skin from drying out. It’s hard to get him in sunscreen so if this is what he likes, it’s what I’ll keep around for sure!

Having a sunscreen he’ll wear means he’ll be outside with the boys more in the full sun which is a win/win!

Since we’re outside I’m always ready to give all the boys new snack ideas and I love that Banana Boat has been sharing fun ideas on their Facebook page like their latest yummy watermelon drink!