Pool party games for kids are a great way to keep all of the little ones entertained. On hot Summer days, water based games are a great way to stay cool. These types of games also cost very little money to arrange. Games can be played with just a few kids or an entire crowd.

An alternative spin on the classic pinata game can be great fun during a pool party. Instead of blindfolding the kids and having them attempt to smack at the pinata blindly, incorporate the pool in to the process. Ditch the blindfold and have the children attempt a swing while jumping into the water. Inside, toys that would float easily can be hidden. This way, nothing sinks to the bottom and no candy gets wet and ruined.

Inexpensive items like swim goggles, water guns and other toys that can be played with while wet are all acceptable options. By throwing in some fun toys and some useful items, the prizes become more interesting. Candy is always a good choice, of course, but should be protectively wrapped so that water doesn't ruin it. A great place to find a variety of cheap items to use are those stores where everything is only $1.

The children themselves are a good resource for ideas. They will likely come up with items that could be put inside that adults wouldn't think of. Many children love the idea of the game itself so much that they could really care less if there were anything at all inside. In the end, the real fun in this game is the action of swinging to break the pinata while jumping into the water.

Another activity idea is filling the middle of the pool with prizes. All of the kids must stand at the edge and wait for every item to be tossed in. Once everything is in the water, it's time for the fun. The fun of watching them all dive in in an attempt to grab as many prizes as possible while still being able to get back to the edge is quite hilarious to see.

Relay based games can also be a lot of fun in the water. One option is to extend a couple of ropes from one side of the pool to the other. Divide the children into teams. One at a time, they must float across and back on a floating device, using the rope to pull themselves. Whichever team gets every member across and back first is the winner.

Life jackets could be used in place of inflatables for this activity. They will keep the swimmers from going under and increase their safety. With this option, smaller kids could also participate. As with any water game though, an adult should be close by to monitor for safety and be available for helping.

It doesn't matter which pool party games for kids that are played, safety is always the main priority. The games should be appropriate for the age of the children playing them. Everyone should have adequate safety gear while in the water as well. A close eye on them as they play is very important for preventing any accidents from occurring.