Keeping Kids Engaged Without Screens Creative Poolside Setups
Getting kids away from screens can be a daily struggle, especially during school holidays or long weekends. Phones, tablets, and TVs are an easy fix for boredom—but too much screen time isn’t great for their physical or mental wellbeing. Fortunately, if you have a pool in your backyard, you’re already halfway to a better solution. Pools are more than just a place to cool off—they’re natural magnets for active, social, and imaginative play. With a bit of thought, you can turn your poolside area into a screen-free zone where kids can stay busy, burn energy and have fun. Here are some practical, creative ways to set up your pool area to keep the kids engaged without relying on devices.
Designate a Dedicated Kid Zone
Start by creating a space near the pool that’s set up just for the kids. This could be as simple as a corner of the patio or a patch of lawn nearby. Lay down a waterproof outdoor rug or foam play mats, and add a few items like bean bags, foldable chairs, or a picnic blanket.
Having a defined area helps kids feel like they have their own space. You can store toys, towels, and snacks nearby so they don’t need to go back and forth inside constantly. Consider using a storage chest or weatherproof tub to keep things tidy and organised.
Stock Up on Pool-Friendly Toys and Games
One of the easiest ways to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors is to give them new things to do. That doesn’t mean you have to constantly buy the latest pool toys—just rotating what’s available every few days can keep things feeling fresh.
Popular screen-free poolside options include:
Pool noodles (which can become anything from boats to swords to limbo poles)
Inflatable rings, loungers, or novelty floaties
Dive sticks, rings, or treasure coins for underwater searches
Water balloons, sponge balls or soft water blasters
Floating basketball hoops or nets
Plastic cups and buckets for makeshift water challenges
Keep these items stored in a dry box or mesh bag so they can dry out properly between uses. By changing up what’s on offer, you help prevent the “I’ve got nothing to do” complaints.
Themed Pool Days to Keep Things Interesting
Instead of relying on the same pool routine day after day, mix things up with themed pool days. These can be simple to set up and don’t require expensive decorations—just a bit of imagination and a few household items.
Pirate Day:
Hide small treasures (like plastic coins or rubber ducks) around the pool and let kids dive for them. Make cardboard pirate hats, or use pool noodles as pretend swords. You can even turn a floating mat into a “pirate ship.”
Olympic Games:
Set up pool races, timed laps, diving contests, or floating relay challenges. Make medals from cardboard and string to hand out as prizes.
Island Luau:
Use beach towels as grass skirts, hand out flower leis, play tropical music, and serve pineapple on skewers or in cups. Add a few hula hoops or limbo challenges for dry land.
Underwater Zoo:
Drop in plastic animals and have kids rescue, sort or count them. You can turn it into a pretend marine rescue mission with goggles and floaties.
These themes add a new layer of excitement and can give each pool day a purpose beyond just swimming.
Create a Mini Outdoor Activity Station
A simple setup with art and craft supplies, building blocks or puzzle activities can give kids something to do outside the water too. You don’t need a full craft table—just a large tray or crate with a few well-chosen items that are water-resistant or easy to clean.
Options might include:
Chalk for drawing on tiles or pavement
Stickers and cardboard to make signs or menus for a pretend café
Nature-based crafts like rock painting or leaf rubbings
Kinetic sand or playdough for younger kids (just keep it shaded)
Board games designed for outdoor play
Having a dry-side activity zone means kids can come out of the water when they’re tired and still stay entertained without turning to a device.
Set Up Simple Challenges or Stations
Kids love a bit of competition—even if it’s just against themselves. You can set up stations or challenges to break up the day and keep the energy going.
How many toys can you collect underwater in 60 seconds?
Can you float for 30 seconds without moving?
Who can build the tallest tower using pool noodles?
How long can you balance a beach ball on one hand?
These little contests are fun and engaging, especially when friends or siblings are involved. You can offer small rewards like icy poles or first choice of music to keep the vibe positive.
Involve Kids in Set-up and Snack Prep
Letting kids help set up their play area—or even choose the day’s games—gives them a sense of control and responsibility. You can also get them involved in making simple poolside snacks like fruit skewers, sandwiches or icy drinks.
Having a few self-serve options in a cooler or esky means they’re less likely to go inside (and get distracted by the TV) when they’re hungry.
Encourage Independent and Imaginative Play
Sometimes the best entertainment is what kids invent on their own. Instead of directing every moment, give them a few tools or suggestions and let them run with it.
A few towels and chairs can become a cubby house or a ‘beach club’. Pool noodles become giant snakes or pretend fishing rods. A pair of goggles and a floaty mat can inspire a full afternoon of imaginary adventures.
By giving them the freedom to create, you’re helping them build confidence, independence and creativity.
Keep Safety Front of Mind
While screen-free pool play is great for kids, safety should always come first. Make sure there’s always a responsible adult supervising, even if your child is a strong swimmer. Use a pool fence and self-latching gate, and clearly set out rules: no running, no pushing, and no swimming without permission.
If your pool doesn’t have non-slip surfaces or shaded spots, consider adding shade sails, rubber mats or umbrellas to improve comfort and safety.
Screen-Free Fun That Lasts
Keeping kids engaged without screens isn’t about making every moment amazing. It’s about creating a space where they feel encouraged to play, explore and relax—without needing constant digital entertainment.
With a few low-effort changes and a stash of creative supplies, your poolside area can become their favourite place to spend time—and one they’ll remember fondly for years to come.
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