Jennifer Durrant

Special to the Daily Herald

Summertime means pool time. And while kids can almost always have a blast simply splashing around and diving into a pool, it’s always fun to have some games and activities to make cooling off in the pool even more awesome. And, if you’re tired of hearing “Marco … Polo,” these swim time games are sure to keep your kids — and even some adults — entertained for hours.

So, if you’re heading to the pool this week and want to keep your kids entertained with some new swim ideas for when the oversized pool floats and games of Chicken get boring. Here are a few favorite ideas for everything from ball games ideas to variations on traditional games of tag to diving activities. For more ideas, visit our Cheap Summer Fun board on Pinterest.

Ball games

Pools are always a great venue for a water-filled game of volleyball, basketball and don’t forget waterpolo. There’s something about the resistance of the gallons of water, distractions of splashing and the need to keep moving at all times that makes any sort of ball game in the pool a little more challenging.

For a fun ballgame twist try a little greased watermelon fun. Simply smear a basketball-sized melon with shortening or petroleum jelly. Carefully drop the melon into the center of the pool. It will float. Then divide up the kids into two teams and identify goal zones. Let the game begin and watch the hilarious antics happen as everyone struggles to hang on to the melon.

Tag variations

Naturally, “Marco Polo” is the ultimate pool time game of tag, but there are tons of variations to mix up that traditional game — many that you can transfer from land to water, too. Sharks and Minnows is a popular tag game where you have one “Shark” in the middle of the pool and all the other “Minnows” on one side of the pool. The minnows must safely make it to the other side before being eaten by the “Shark.”

While not necessarily a game of tag, a great game to try is called Bobbing Head. Like “Whack-a-Mole,” use pool noodles to “whack” the heads bobbing in and out of the water. Pluck off the bobbing players when they pop up from under the water. Once they’re all plucked off, trade places and let the bobbing begin again.

Diving games

Diving contests are always a favorite thing to do in the pool, especially when there is a reward awaiting for the swimmer at the bottom of the pool. Coins at the bottom of the pool are always great incentives for practicing your diving moves. Other items you could dive for include toys, puzzle pieces and even glow sticks on a summer’s night.

Remove the label from a clear, 2-liter soda bottle and fill with water. Set up a goal on each end of the pool using a bucket or chair. Divide into two teams and ask them to stand on the outside edges of the pool, backs to the pool, eyes closed. Referee then tosses bottle in the water. When players hear the splash they can hit the pool and try to find the bottle and make it to the goal for a point.