If your family doesn’t have regular access to a pool, staying in a hotel with a swimming space can be an exciting adventure for everyone. Take advantage of the water with games for the entire family to enjoy. If you’re not familiar with popular water-based activities, use the following guide to gain some inspiration.

What Games Should You Play at the Hotel Pool?

1. Sharks & Minnows

Designate one of the kids as the “shark” and the rest of the family as the “minnows." Have the shark stand in the center of the pool while the minnows stand outside.

Once the shark says “go,” the minnows must jump in the water and try to pass their predator without getting tagged. The last minnow standing wins the game and becomes the new shark.

2. Underwater Racing

Encourage breath control and endurance with underwater racing games. Depending on the pool’s length, you might not want the kids to swim the entire way underwater, so use the middle point or a nonparticipating member as the finish line. Judge the race yourself or have your partner do it to make the races more competitive and exciting.

3. Whirlpool

If the pool has a round shape, have everyone walk or swim in the same direction to mimic a whirlpool. Even if the swimming space features a square or rectangular shape, you may be able to start a vortex in the shallow end. Once the water starts moving, everyone can float along with it.

4. Diving Contest

Oversee a diving contest where everyone has to do their funniest or most dramatic dive, such as making salmon impressions or causing the biggest splash. Create categories that allow everyone to win, such as “Most Graceful Dive,” “Silliest Pose,” “Highest Jump,” and “Longest Leap.”

5. Animal Marco Polo

Make the classic Marco Polo game extra enjoyable with animal sounds. The “Marco” player shouts a different animal name every time, such as lion, elephant, or pig. The “Polo” players must make the animal noises in response. As with the standard version of the game, whoever is tagged becomes the new Marco. 

Enjoy these fun games when you stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Clarksville, AR. Offering a pool and many other amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast bar and fitness center, this hotel has proudly served the Interstate area since 2008. Call (479) 705-7600 to make a reservation, or visit the hotel online for room and group rate information.