4 Ways to Make Your Swimming Pool Kid-Friendly

When it comes to swimming pools, there's nothing quite like them for fun, relaxation, and exercise. They also provide endless fun for kids, especially when there are plenty of water activities available. 

Not only will different activities provide hours of healthy entertainment, but they'll also ensure your kids get their energy out and enjoy their days to the fullest as well. And since there's nothing like a happy and tired kid at the end of the day, here are four tips and ideas for making your pool a kid-friendly place to be. 

1. First Things First 

If your goal is to have a kid-friendly pool, the first step will be getting your ducks in a row. While you might not think that kids need much more than water to have a good time, you might be surprised what a big difference a few special touches will make.

Whether you already have a pool at home or have been entering "pool builders near me" in your search engine, having a good, sturdy pool should be the biggest line item on your to-do list. If you have a pool already, give it a thorough check-up. Does it need any updating or repairs? Can you do anything to make it safer or more comfortable? If your plan is to purchase a pool, consulting with a professional will help you make the best decision to meet your family's needs.

Additionally, collecting toys such as pool noodles, hula hoops, floats, and diving sticks will ensure you're prepared for all kinds of fun. Investing in good quality storage will help keep everything well preserved and protected when not in use. 

This is also the time to brush everyone up on pool and water safety, hone your lifesaving skills and ensure everyone is aware of proper pool behavior. Check your gate locks or alarms to ensure they're in working order as well.

2. Underwater Obstacle Course or Scavenger Hunt

If you have confident swimmers or kids who are becoming acclimated to the water, an underwater obstacle course or scavenger hunt could be a huge hit. 

Hula hoops can be weighted down and used to swim through, while various diving sticks, water-filled plastic bottles, or shiny coins can be placed throughout the pool for gathering. This is a great activity because it's adventurous and fun for the stronger swimmers, yet also a great way to boost comfort and confidence in the water for newer swimmers. 

3. Old-School Pool Activities (No Toys Needed!)

Do you remember the days of playing simple games in the water with friends? Be sure to bring that back to your own pool this year.

Marco Polo is a classic pool game, and for good reason. Kids and adults alike will love the fun and excitement of this version of water tag. How about a good old-fashioned chicken fight, or getting the whole gang together to make the biggest, strongest whirlpool your pool has ever seen?

Don't forget about the sheer fun of simply jumping in the water. Try seeing who can make the biggest cannonball splash, or who can jump the highest if you have a diving board.  

4. Cardboard Boats

Chances are you have some cardboard boxes hanging around your home. Instead of breaking them down and recycling them, why not use them in the pool? 

Kids will love tapping into their creativity and turning regular boxes into floating creations. You can make this project as intricate or as simple as you'd like, encouraging the kids to let their imaginations run wild. Maybe one box becomes a pirate ship, while another becomes a military style vessel. The possibilities are endless.

Beef up the competition by setting a timer to see whose boat floats the longest, or try weighing boats down to see which one can hold the most without sinking.

Now that you have a few great ideas in mind, how will you go about making your pool the place to be this year? No matter what you choose, your kids are bound to have lots of healthy and wholesome fun.