From Relaxing to Racing: Fun Games You Can Play With Beach Floats
Pool days are already fun on their own - sunshine, splashing, and the laid-back vibe of lounging poolside. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, adding a few float-based games can turn a casual afternoon into a full-blown water adventure. Incorporating pool toys like floaties can enhance the overall pool experience. Whether you’re drifting lazily or racing competitively, pool floats offer endless ways to make a splash.
And bonus? These float games work just as well at the beach - whether you’re in a calm cove, lake, or shallow shoreline. All you need are a few inflatables, some energy, and a group ready to have fun.
Overview:
Chill & Relaxed Games (Low-Energy Fun)
Moderate Activity Games (Interactive & Social)
High-Energy & Competitive Games (For Active Groups)
Poolside or Beachside Float Games (Out of the Water Fun)
Chill & Relaxed Games (Low-Energy Fun)
Perfect for smaller groups, these laid-back float games are ideal when you want to keep things light and lazy without missing out on the fun of playing. These games can provide hours of enjoyment for everyone involved.
For an additional light and lazy game, try a floating ping pong ball race. Players use their breath to move ping pong balls across the water, racing to see who can get their ball to the other side of the pool first. This game is simple, fun, and perfect for all ages.
Another fun activity is a team-based game where players dive underwater or race in teams to collect various items from the pool. The goal is to see who can collect the designated items the fastest or in the greatest quantity, adding a competitive edge to the fun.
Another engaging game involves players listening for a splash to locate a hidden item in the pool. The sound they hear signals when they can turn around and begin searching for the almost invisible item, adding an auditory challenge to the game.
1. Float and Chat Circles
Gather your floats in the middle of the pool (or near the shoreline) to form a circle. It’s a great way to relax, chat, and catch up with friends and family while staying cool in the water. Ensure an adult is present to supervise and guarantee a safe and fun experience for everyone.
Pro Tip: Add waterproof speakers and a chilled playlist to set the mood.
2. Story Float Chain
Start a floating storytelling game: one person begins a tale, then each person adds the next part as you go around, making it a fun game played by everyone. Keep it funny, weird, or even themed! To add an extra layer of fun, players can use a sharpie to draw pictures or write activities on beach balls, incorporating these drawings into the storytelling game. This game is great for children and encourages creativity.
Best for: 4–8 floaters Great for pools, calm beach waters, or lake coves.
3. Float Charades
One player acts out a movie, animal, action, or even a boat—while staying balanced on a float, making it a fun game played by everyone. The rest of the group guesses. It’s floaty chaos at its best.
For an added challenge, players can throw soft sponge balls to the person acting out the charade, making it even more fun and competitive.
Great in: Pools and shallow beach areas with minimal waves
Moderate Activity Games (Interactive & Social)
Want something with a bit more movement but still manageable? These games are perfect for casual competition and group fun.
Try a game where players must fill containers with water using various methods, promoting teamwork and physical activity. Another option is a game where players must claim specific floats or areas in the pool and defend them from others. In some games, players must make contact with specific floats or areas in the pool.
4. Float Tag
In this twist on the classic game, the first player to be tagged becomes “it” and must tag others while staying on their float, starting from one side of the pool. Paddle with arms or legs - but no touching the ground! For an added challenge, players must freeze if tagged until freed by another player.
Where to play: Pools or shallow beach water -
5. King (or Queen) of the Float
Two players climb onto one float and try to knock each other off - gently. The goal is to win by knocking the other player off, making it all about balance and strategy, not strength. The player who remains on the float wins.
To pump up the excitement, use water blasters to add an extra layer of fun and engagement to the game.
Safety Tip: Keep the area clear of obstacles and play in calm water only.
6. Floatie Dodgeball
Use soft sponge balls and split into two teams. You can only float - no standing! Tag opponents with the ball while keeping your balance, and avoid getting tagged by other players.
Having more players can make playing the game more exciting and dynamic, adding to the overall fun and competition.
Fun twist: Works in both pools and calm beach zones with floating boundaries
High-Energy & Competitive Games (For Active Groups)
If you’re ready to raise the energy level, these float games will bring out everyone’s competitive side - perfect for summer pool parties, beach days, or backyard challenges. The versatility of the swimming pool as a location for fun activities allows for both classic and new games that enhance social gatherings. The excitement of determining a winner in these high-energy and competitive games adds an extra layer of fun. In some games, the winner is determined by the least amount of points obtained, emphasizing strategic gameplay.
7. Float Races
Set a start and finish line across the pool or shallow sea area. Players start at one end of the pool and race to the other on their floats, paddling with their hands or feet.
Variations:
- Relay race: Teams race one after another, and the first team to complete the race wins.
- Obstacle race: Add floatie “checkpoints” or spin tasks mid-race.
- Dive and retrieve race: Players dive underwater to retrieve items that sink to the bottom of the pool before continuing the race on their floats.
8. Float Tug of War
Two players sit on floats holding a rope. The goal? Pull the other off without falling yourself.
For a fun variation, players can push each other off the floats instead of pulling. Ensure that adults are present to supervise the game and ensure safety. Play it in a quiet pool corner or a still beach lagoon.
Tip: Use pool noodles for a gentler “tug.”
9. Capture the Flag (Float Edition)
Each team protects a floating item (like a rubber duck or beach ball) while trying to retrieve the other team’s “flag.” Stay on your float - or go to “jail.”
Ideal for: Pools, calm lakes, or shallow beach areas with some space.
Poolside or Beachside Float Games (Out of the Water Fun)
Floats aren’t limited to the water! These free, dry-ground games are great between swims or while taking a break.
For added fun, try a relay race where players must put on a T-shirt before running to the next station. Ensure that players keep their heads above water to maintain a steady supply of air.
10. Inflatable Ring Toss
Stand up vertical floats (like flamingos or donuts) from your collection and toss lightweight rings. Keep score and crown a champ! Check out Amazon for inflatable ring tosses!
For a different variation, try playing the game on a table. Set up the table with pockets or targets and toss the rings onto the table to score points.
11. Float Limbo
Use pool noodles anchored to the edge of the pool between two floats or chairs. Everyone takes a turn floating or bending underneath the pool noodle - lower it each round!
Appoint a leader to adjust the height of the pool noodles each round. Check out Wow Sports Pool Noodles!
12. Balance Challenge
Place a float on the sand or poolside and see who can balance the longest while standing or kneeling. Bonus points for tricks!
For an added challenge, players can try balancing objects on their head while standing on the float. Ensure that adults are present to supervise the game and ensure safety.
Bonus Tips for Float Games
Keep it safe: Always supervise kids, and use calm water for any high-energy games. Use durable floats: Not all inflatables are made for tug-of-war or jumping—choose sturdy ones for active play. Anchor your space: If you’re at the beach or lake, use rope, sandbags, or anchors to stop floats from drifting away. Stay eco-friendly: Use reusable drink cups and clean up all items when you’re done. Emphasize underwater safety: Ensure that all participants are aware of underwater safety rules, especially when games involve diving or swimming beneath the surface.
Whether you’re poolside or oceanside, pool floats are more than just loungers - they’re game-ready tools for laughter, connection, and creative fun. Check out our blog on Top Pool Float Brands for summer 2025! From storytelling circles to float tug-of-war, these games turn a regular swim into a splash-worthy memory. Stay tuned for more exciting float game ideas and updates.
So the next time you inflate your favorite float, remember - don’t just chill on it. Play with it. Whether at the pool or the beach, there’s a float game waiting to happen.
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