🍹 Poolside Drinking Games (8 Games)

These games are played at the edge of the pool or on the deck—perfect for when you want to stay dry but keep the party going. Check out our complete drinking games guide for more classics.

1. Pool Pong

Beer pong meets the pool! Set up inflatable pong tables or use the pool edge.

• Setup: Inflatable beer pong table or sturdy floating platform
• Rules: Standard beer pong rules, but misses go in the pool
• Twist: If the ball lands in the pool, opponent can splash to defend
• Drink: One gulp per cup sunk

2. Flip Cup Relay (Poolside Edition)

Classic flip cup with a summer twist.

• Setup: Teams line up along the pool edge
• Rules: Standard flip cup—drink and flip
• Twist: Losing team jumps in the pool
• Variation: Winners get to push losers in

3. Drunk Waiter

Balance is everything when you’ve been drinking in the sun.

• Setup: Tray with cups of water (or drinks), obstacle course around pool
• Rules: Navigate the course without spilling
• Drink: Finish whatever spills, plus a penalty drink
• Pro tip: Use plastic cups and don’t fill them too high

4. Categories: Summer Edition

The classic verbal game with a seasonal spin.

• Rules: Someone picks a summer category (sunscreen brands, beach movies, tropical drinks)
• Play: Go around naming items—no repeats, no hesitation
• Drink: When you can’t think of one or repeat
• Categories: Pool floats, summer songs, ice cream flavors, beach destinations

5. Kings Cup: Pool Party Rules

Our Kings Cup guide with special pool party rules.

• Special rules:
  • Ace = Waterfall (everyone drinks toward the pool)
  • 4 = Floor (last person in pool drinks)
  • 7 = Heaven (last person with hands up gets splashed)
  • Jack = Thumb Master (put thumb on pool edge)
  • King = Pour into center cup (loser drinks AND jumps in)

6. Sunscreen Slap

Part drinking game, part SPF reminder. You’re welcome.

• Rules: Every 30 minutes, someone yells “SUNSCREEN!”
• Action: Last person to apply sunscreen takes a drink
• Bonus: If someone’s already burned, they drink double
• Why: Keeps everyone safe AND buzzed

7. Cornhole Drinking Rules

Every backyard’s favorite game with boozy stakes.

• Hole = opponent drinks 3
• Board = opponent drinks 1
• Miss completely = you drink 2
• Skunked (21-0) = finish your drink AND jump in pool

8. Drink or Dive

Truth or dare meets pool party chaos.

• Rules: When it’s your turn, you’re asked a personal question
• Choice: Answer honestly OR take a drink AND dive in the pool
• Escalation: Questions get spicier as the game goes on
• See also: Truth or Dare questions for inspiration

🏊 In-Pool Games (7 Games)

Safety first: These games involve being IN the water, so keep alcohol minimal or opt for mocktails. The fun doesn’t require booze when you’re literally in a pool.

1. Chicken Fight Tournament

The classic pool game elevated to tournament status.

• Setup: Teams of 2 (one on shoulders, one as base)
• Rules: Knock the other team’s top person into the water
• Tournament: Bracket style, losers drink (ON THE DECK)
• Safety: No grabbing heads or necks, stay in shallow end

2. Marco Polo: Adult Edition

The childhood classic with adult stakes.

• Rules: Standard Marco Polo but…
• Twist: If Marco tags you, you take their place AND drink
• Time limit: 2 minutes as Marco or you drink
• Variation: Marco can ask yes/no questions between calls

3. Pool Volleyball

Spike, set, and serve your way to victory.

• Setup: Pool volleyball net (or rope across the pool)
• Rules: Standard volleyball, first to 15
• Drinking: Losers take a shot for every 5-point deficit
• Pro tip: Wet ball is slippery—embrace the chaos

4. Treasure Hunt

Dive for prizes (and dignity).

• Setup: Throw weighted items (pool toys, coins, dive sticks) into pool
• Rules: On “GO,” everyone dives to collect items
• Scoring: Different items = different points
• Loser: Person with fewest points drinks

5. Noodle Jousting

Medieval combat meets pool float.

• Setup: Each player gets a pool noodle and sits on a float
• Rules: Knock your opponent off their float
• Tournament: Single elimination bracket
• Losers: Drink on deck, champions stay dry

6. Sharks and Minnows

The elementary school favorite, grown up.

• Setup: One shark, everyone else are minnows
• Rules: Minnows try to swim across without getting tagged
• Tagged: You become a shark too
• Last minnow: Wins! Others drink

7. Float Race

Speed paddling for glory.

• Setup: Everyone gets a pool float (the more ridiculous, the better)
• Rules: Race from one end to the other—hands only, no kicking
• Losers: Last place drinks, first place assigns drinks
• Bonus round: Backwards racing

🎈 Water Balloon Challenges (6 Games)

Nothing says summer like water balloons. Fill them up the night before and keep them in coolers with ice for extra refreshing impact.

1. Water Balloon Toss

The classic with drinking consequences.

• Setup: Pairs face each other, 3 feet apart
• Rules: Toss balloon back and forth, step back after each successful catch
• Pop: If it breaks, both partners drink
• Winners: Last pair standing assigns drinks to everyone

2. Water Balloon Dodgeball

All the fun of dodgeball, maximum wetness.

• Setup: Two teams, bucket of balloons in the middle
• Rules: Hit an opponent to eliminate them
• Catch: If you catch a balloon without it popping, thrower is out
• Losers: Eliminated team drinks

3. Balloon Russian Roulette

Tension builds with every pass.

• Setup: One water balloon, group sits in circle
• Rules: Pass the balloon while music plays (squeeze gently each pass)
• Pop: Whoever is holding it when it pops drinks AND gets soaked
• Variation: Fill some balloons with colored water for extra stakes

4. Target Practice

Test your aim with squishy ammunition.

• Setup: Targets at various distances (buckets, hula hoops, a willing volunteer)
• Rules: 3 balloons per person, points for accuracy
• Scoring: Closest target = 1 point, farthest = 5 points
• Losers: Bottom half of scores drink

5. Balloon Hot Potato

Musical chairs meets water warfare.

• Rules: Pass balloon quickly while music plays
• Music stops: Person holding balloon gets it smashed on their head
• Drink: The victim drinks, everyone else cheers
• Strategy: Don’t be TOO eager to pass—looks suspicious

6. Blindfolded Balloon Smash

Like a piñata, but wetter.

• Setup: Hang water balloons from a tree or pole
• Rules: Blindfolded player gets 3 swings with a bat/stick
• Hit: Smash a balloon, assign a drink
• Miss all: You drink 3

🎯 Deck & Patio Games (6 Games)

Not everyone wants to be in the water all day. These games work perfectly on the deck, patio, or anywhere with flat ground. Many are great for large groups too.

1. Giant Jenga (Drinking Edition)

Write drinking challenges on the blocks for extra stakes.

• Setup: Giant Jenga set with instructions written on some blocks
• Rules: Pull a block, do what it says
• Challenges: “Drink 2,” “Give out 3,” “Waterfall,” “Truth or dare,” “Jump in pool”
• Tower falls: Person who knocked it finishes their drink

2. Ladder Toss

Bolas and beverages—a classic combo.

• Scoring: Top rung = 3 points, middle = 2, bottom = 1
• Drinking: Give out points scored as drinks
• Bonus: All three bolas on same rung = opponent drinks 5
• First to 21: Losers do a poolside waterfall

3. KanJam

Frisbee golf meets trash can.

• Rules: Throw frisbee at can, partner deflects it in
• Instant win: Direct slot entry = losers chug and jump in pool
• Drinking: Points scored = drinks given out
• Miss completely: You drink 1

4. Bocce Ball

The Italian classic, perfect for day drinking.

• Rules: Get your balls closest to the pallino (target ball)
• Drinking: Closest ball each round gives out drinks equal to points scored
• Knocked out: If opponent knocks your ball away, drink 1
• First to 12: Losers finish their drinks

5. Spikeball

The trendy lawn game with liquid stakes.

• Rules: Standard Spikeball (bounce off net, 3 touches max)
• Ace: Direct point = opponent drinks 2
• Miss: Completely whiff = you drink 2
• Game ends: Losers take a shot

6. Horseshoes

Old school backyard vibes.

• Ringer: 3 points + opponent drinks 3
• Leaner: 2 points + opponent drinks 2
• Closest: 1 point + opponent drinks 1
• First to 21: Losers jump in pool (or finish their drink)

🏖️ Beach Party Games (6 Games)

Taking the party to the beach? These games work perfectly on sand. Just remember: public beaches may have alcohol restrictions, so adjust accordingly (or find a private spot).

1. Beach Volleyball Tournament

The quintessential beach activity.

• Setup: Net or rope between poles, teams of 2-6
• Drinking: Losing team drinks after each game
• Aces: Server scores direct point = opponent takes a sip
• Championship: Losers do a polar plunge

2. Sandcastle Competition

Art meets drinking games.

• Time limit: 30 minutes to build the best castle
• Judging: Categories include creativity, height, detail
• Losers: Bottom-ranked builders drink
• Sabotage rule: If you mess with someone’s castle, THEY assign you drinks

3. Beach Frisbee Golf

Create a course using beach landmarks.

• Setup: 9 “holes” (targets like coolers, umbrellas, towels)
• Rules: Fewest throws to hit all targets wins
• Drinking: Each throw over par = 1 drink
• Hole in one: Give out 3 drinks

4. Relay Races

Sprint through the sand with various challenges.

• Classic: Run to water, fill bucket, run back, fill larger container
• Crab walk: Race sideways like crabs
• Three-legged: Partners tied at ankle
• Losers: Losing team does a group drink

5. Beach Limbo

How low can you go after a few drinks?

• Setup: Two people hold a pole (or pool noodle)
• Rules: Lean back and go under—no touching the bar or sand with hands
• Eliminated: Touch the bar or fall = drink and out
• Winner: Assigns drinks to everyone

6. Bury the Friend

Competitive sand burial (consensual, obviously).

• Rules: Teams race to bury a willing teammate up to neck
• Time limit: 5 minutes
• Judging: Best burial (coverage, decoration, creativity)
• Losers: Team drinks while buried person gets dug out

🏆 Team Competitions (6 Games)

Divide your party into teams for some competitive fun. These work great with large groups of 10+ people.

1. Pool Party Olympics

Multiple events, one champion team.

• Events: Pool relay, float race, diving contest, breath holding, cannonball competition
• Scoring: 3 points for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd
• Drinking: Last place each event drinks
• Grand prize: Losing team serves winning team drinks all day

2. Slip ‘N Slide Relay

The ultimate summer relay race.

• Setup: Long slip ‘n slide or tarp with soap/water
• Rules: Team members take turns sliding and running back
• Penalty: If you don’t make it all the way, team drinks
• Winning team: Assigns “slip ‘n slide of shame” to one loser

3. Watermelon Relay

Greased watermelon + pool = chaos.

• Setup: Coat a watermelon in petroleum jelly
• Rules: Teams try to get the watermelon to their side of the pool
• Time: 5-minute rounds
• Losers: Drink while winners eat watermelon

4. Synchronized Swimming Contest

It’s harder (and funnier) than it looks.

• Rules: Teams have 10 minutes to create a routine
• Performance: 1-2 minute routine with at least 3 moves
• Judging: Creativity, synchronization, splash factor
• Losers: Drink and perform a “bonus routine”

5. Cannonball Contest

Judged on splash, style, and execution.

• Scoring: 1-10 for splash size, 1-10 for style
• Categories: Classic cannonball, creative dives, belly flops (brave souls only)
• Low scores: Bottom 3 drink
• Winner: Gets the champion’s inflatable crown

6. Tug of War (Pool Edition)

Classic strength test with a wet ending.

• Setup: Rope across the pool, teams on opposite sides
• Rules: Pull the other team INTO the pool
• Drinking: Losers (the wet ones) do a group waterfall
• Safety: Make sure pool is deep enough, no diving in

🛟 Chill Floating Games (5 Games)

For when you want to stay in the pool but keep the energy mellow. Perfect for the afternoon lull or when everyone’s a bit too tipsy for high-energy activities.

1. Float & Chat: Would You Rather

Philosophical debates from your inflatable flamingo.

• Rules: Everyone floats, one person asks “Would you rather…”
• Drinking: Minority answer drinks
• Topics: Keep them summery—”Would you rather have AC everywhere or never sweat?”
• See also: Would You Rather questions

2. Pool Float Musical Chairs

Grab a float when the music stops.

• Setup: One fewer float than players, floats in center of pool
• Rules: Swim around until music stops, scramble for a float
• No float: You’re out and drink
• Winner: Last person floating assigns drinks

3. Two Truths and a Lie (Pool Edition)

Classic icebreaker game, poolside style.

• Rules: Share 3 statements—2 true, 1 false
• Guessing: Everyone else guesses which is the lie
• Wrong guess: Drink
• Theme: Keep statements summer/vacation related for bonus fun

4. Name That Tune: Summer Hits

Music trivia while floating.

• Setup: Someone plays 5-second clips of summer songs
• First to guess: Assigns a drink
• Wrong guess: Drink yourself
• Categories: Beach songs, road trip anthems, BBQ classics

5. Storytelling Round Robin

Collaborative storytelling gets weird fast.

• Rules: First person starts a story with one sentence
• Continue: Each person adds one sentence
• Drink when: You hesitate too long, contradict the story, or laugh
• Theme: Start with “It was the hottest summer on record when…”

🌙 After Dark Pool Party (6 Games)

When the sun goes down, the pool party evolves. These games work best with pool lights, glow sticks, and a slightly buzzed crowd.

1. Glow Stick Ring Toss

Neon pool party vibes.

• Setup: Floating bottles with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark rings
• Rules: Toss rings onto bottles from pool edge
• Scoring: 1 point per ring landed
• Drinking: Give out points scored as drinks

2. Glow Stick Treasure Hunt

Underwater scavenger hunt in the dark.

• Setup: Throw activated glow sticks into pool, turn off lights
• Rules: Dive to collect as many as possible
• Scoring: Different colors = different points
• Loser: Person with fewest drinks

3. Truth or Dare: Night Swim Edition

The classic gets spicier after dark. See our Truth or Dare guide for questions.

• Rules: Standard truth or dare but…
• Dares: Must involve the pool somehow
• Chicken out: Drink AND jump in
• Darkness bonus: More brave = more interesting dares

4. Never Have I Ever: Pool Float Edition

Never Have I Ever with a twist.

• Setup: Everyone on pool floats
• Rules: If you’ve done it, take a drink AND paddle to the center
• Last to center: Additional penalty drink
• Sink: Fall off your float = finish your drink

5. Most Likely To: Summer Edition

Who’s most likely to ruin the pool party?

• Rules: Someone asks “Who’s most likely to…”
• Point: Everyone points at who they think
• Drinking: Person with most points drinks that many
• Questions: “…get a sunburn,” “…fall asleep on a float,” “…do a drunk cannonball”

6. Night Swim: Sardines

Reverse hide and seek in the pool/yard.

• Setup: Pool area + yard, minimal lighting
• Rules: One person hides, everyone else seeks
• Found them: Quietly hide with them (like sardines in a can)
• Last seeker: Drinks and hides next round

⚠️ Pool Party Safety Tips

We’re here for a good time AND a safe time. Alcohol + water requires extra awareness.

The Golden Rules

• Designate a sober lifeguard: Rotate someone who stays sober and watches the pool
• Hydrate: One water for every alcoholic drink (sun + booze = dehydration)
• Sunscreen: Drunk sunburn is the worst hangover multiplier
• No diving while drinking: Shallow end only, feet first entries
• Know your limits: If you’re too drunk to swim straight, stay on the deck
• Buddy system: Nobody swims alone, especially at night

Environmental Safety

• Pool chemicals: Make sure the pool is properly treated before the party
• Electricity: Keep all electronics away from the water
• Glass: No glass near the pool—plastic cups only
• Slip hazards: Wipe up puddles on the deck

Weather Considerations

• Heat exhaustion: Provide shade and encourage breaks
• Lightning: Everyone out of the pool if you hear thunder
• Night swimming: Keep pool lights on, have flashlights ready

Emergency Prep

• First aid kit: Keep one poolside
• Rescue equipment: Life ring or shepherd’s hook nearby
• Phone: Fully charged, in a waterproof case
• Know CPR: If you’re hosting, consider getting certified

❓ Frequently Asked Questions