Nothing screams “summer vacation” like a full day spent by the swimming pool! In addition to the classic pool noodles and diving equipment, the pool presents endless possibilities for games that can entertain the kids and kids at heart for hours on end.

Here are just a few of our favorites at The Lodge while visiting Lake Chelan!

(Remember that safety is always first! Maintain good form for more physically demanding games, always check pool depth before diving, never run on the pool deck, and always ensure there is adult supervision, especially for the younger kiddos.)

Marco Polo

It’s a classic for a reason! Marco Polo is a fun and exhilarating way to keep cool all afternoon. 

The main objective of the game is for the “Marco” player to find and tag the other players (the “Polos”) with their eyes closed.

Setup:

1. Choose one player to be “Marco.” This player will be “it” and close their eyes during the game.
2. All other players will be “Polos.”

Rules:

1. Marco stands in the middle of the pool with their eyes closed and counts to a specific number (e.g., 10) out loud while the other players scatter around the pool.
2. While Marco is counting, the Polos swim or move around the pool quietly to find a spot to hide.
3. Once Marco finishes counting, they shout “Marco!” with their eyes still closed, and the other players must respond with “Polo!” in unison.
4. After shouting “Marco!” and hearing the “Polo!” response, Marco must use only their hearing to locate the other players.
5. The Polos can’t leave the pool during the game and must keep moving to avoid getting caught.
6. When Marco thinks they’ve located a Polo, they can swim toward the sound and attempt to tag them.
7. If Marco successfully tags a Polo, that Polo becomes the new Marco, and the game continues with a new round.
8. If a Polo is tagged, they must loudly say, “I’m Polo!” to confirm they were caught.
9. The game continues with players taking turns being Marco and trying to catch the other Polos.

Tips:

1. Polos can try to be sneaky and change their positions quietly to confuse Marco.
2. Marco can listen carefully to the sounds and try to deduce where the Polos might be based on the noise they make in the water.

Dive for a Dollar

“Dive for a Dollar” is a fun and competitive game that helps hone your diving skills! It involves players diving underwater to retrieve a submerged dollar bill or coin. 

Setup:

1. Place the dollar bill or coin at the bottom of the deep end of the pool. Ensure that it is visible but not easily reachable from the surface.
2. All participants should be competent swimmers and comfortable diving underwater.
3. Decide on the order of the players’ turns. You can use random selection methods, draw straws, or take turns clockwise or counterclockwise.

Rules:

1. The first player stands at the edge of the pool, ready to dive.
2. On the signal “Go!” or “Dive!” the player jumps or dives into the water and tries to retrieve the dollar bill or coin from the bottom of the pool.
3. The player must swim to the bottom of the pool, pick up the dollar bill or coin, and return to the surface while holding it in their hand.
4. If the player successfully retrieves the dollar bill or coin and surfaces with it in their hand, they get to keep it as their prize.
5. If the player cannot retrieve the dollar bill or coin during their turn, they do not win the prize for that round.
6. The next player in the predetermined order takes their turn, following the same steps.
7. Continue playing with each player having a turn until everyone can dive for the dollar.

Tips:

1. To add more excitement to the game, multiple players can reach for the dollar.
2. You can use multiple dollar bills or coins for each round, allowing more players to win prizes.

To keep the game safe, make sure all participants are strong swimmers and remember to be cautious of your surroundings while diving!

Headstand Competition

Having a headstand competition in a swimming pool is equal parts fun and challenging! Always prioritize safety when performing more physically strenuous activities and make sure all participants are strong swimmers.

Rules:

1. Safety First: Before starting the competition, emphasize the importance of safety. Participants should only attempt headstands if they feel comfortable and confident doing so in the water.
2. Headstand Techniques: Explain the two main types of headstands they can try:

a. Shallow End Headstand: Participants perform headstands with their feet touching the pool floor, and they use their hands and arms for support.

b. Underwater Headstand: For more advanced swimmers, they can attempt headstands in the deeper end of the pool, fully submerged.

3. Time Limit: Set a time limit for each participant’s headstand attempt. For example, 10-20 seconds per turn.
4. Judges and Scoring (Optional): If you want to add a competitive element, designate a few judges to score the participants based on their form, balance, and creativity. Or, you can take the pressure off and just make it a friendly competition without formal scoring!

Competition:

1. Each participant takes turns attempting a headstand in the shallow end or underwater, depending on their skill level and comfort.
2. As each person takes their turn, the others can cheer them on and encourage their efforts.
3. If you have judges, they can provide feedback and scores after each participant’s turn.
4. Continue the competition until everyone has had a chance to show off their headstand skills.

Tips:

1. Encourage participants to maintain proper form during headstands to prevent any accidental injuries.
2. Remind them to come out of the headstand position gently and safely.

Chicken Fight

Chicken Fight is a popular pool game that involves two teams of players. It’s typically played in the shallow end of the pool and requires two “fighters” on each team.  

The objective is for one team’s rider to knock the other team’s rider off their base’s shoulders. The team whose rider remains on their base’s shoulders wins the round. Safety tip: always be aware of your surroundings to ensure you don’t knock one another into the edge of the pool.

Setup:

1. Divide the players into two teams, each consisting of two participants. One participant will be the “base,” and the other will be the “rider.”
2. The base should be a strong swimmer or someone with good balance and stability.

Rules:

1. Team Formation: Each team stands in the pool with their bases facing each other and the riders on their bases’ shoulders. The bases should clasp their hands together to provide a stable seat for the rider.
2. Starting the Game: The game begins with the referee or a designated person shouting “Go!” or “Start!”
3. Playing the Game: The riders attempt to knock each other off their base’s shoulders by pushing, pulling, or wrestling. They can use their hands to unbalance the opponent’s rider but remember to keep it fun and not use any harmful or dangerous moves.
4. Elimination: The rider who falls or is knocked off their base’s shoulders is considered eliminated for that round.
5. Winning the Round: The round ends when one team’s rider is knocked off, and the other team’s rider remains on their base’s shoulders. The team with the rider still on their base’s shoulders wins the round.
6. Winning the Game: The game continues with multiple rounds, and the team that wins the most rounds is declared the overall winner.

Red Light Green Light

Playing Red Light Green Light in a swimming pool is a fun variation of the classic children’s game. It adds an extra element of excitement and challenge being submerged in the water!

Setup:

1. Designate one player as the “Traffic Light.” This player will be responsible for calling out “Red Light” and “Green Light.”

Rules:

1. All participants start in the water at one end of the pool while the Traffic Light stands at the opposite end, facing away from the other players.
2. When the Traffic Light calls out “Green Light,” the other players can start swimming or moving toward the Traffic Light.
3. While the players are moving, the Traffic Light can turn around at any point and shout, “Red Light!”
4. As soon as “Red Light” is called, all players must freeze and stop moving immediately. They are not allowed to take any more strokes or steps until the Traffic Light says “Green Light” again.
5. The Traffic Light will continue to call out “Green Light” and “Red Light” at random intervals to keep players on their toes.
6. If a player is caught moving after “Red Light” is called, they are out of the round and must exit the pool or wait on the side until the next round starts.
7. The game continues with the remaining players until only one player is left, who becomes the new Traffic Light for the next round.

Tips:

1. The Traffic Light can vary the time between calling out “Red Light” and “Green Light” to make the game more unpredictable.
2. Encourage players to swim safely and avoid collisions during the game.

There’s Fun For Everyone at The Lodge

We love to foster fun for our guests with an expansive list of pool and lawn amenities!

When you visit The Lodge, you get access to:

• Badminton
• Giant Jenga
• Giant Connect Four
• Volleyball
• Ladder Ball
• Cornhole
• Assortment of balls & bats
• Floaties (for purchase) and air pumps
• Pool Noodles
• Flip-flops, sunscreen, and other goodies in our retail shop for those who might have forgotten and want to add to their “fun kit”!

That’s the best part about staying at Mountain View Lodge & Resort — you don’t even have to leave the premises to have a great time!

Book online or give us a call today to reserve your summer vacation to the Lake Chelan Valley. We look forward to hosting you!