Swimming is a vital skill, but practice shouldn’t stop when lessons do. Here are some fun games parents can play with their kids at home to reinforce swimming skills, even without a pool.
- Shark Attack (Dryland)
- Pretend to be sharks, with the “shark” chasing the “swimmers.” This game encourages quick, agile movements, simulating the feeling of moving through water.
- Bath Time Swim Practice
- Use bath time to practice floating or gentle kicking. Encourage your child to hold onto the side of the tub and kick their legs, or have them try to float on their back with your support.
- Swim Relay Race (Yard or Living Room)
- Set up a relay race where kids “swim” on their stomachs across the floor, moving their arms in a freestyle motion. This helps them practice their strokes in a fun, competitive way.
- Water Balloon Catch
- Fill water balloons and play catch in the yard. Kids can practice their hand-eye coordination and get used to the feel of water splashing on them.
- Scavenger Hunt
- Create a water-themed scavenger hunt where kids find items like goggles, swim caps, or pool toys. This reinforces the association with swimming gear and keeps their excitement for swimming high.
These simple, engaging activities help keep your child’s swimming skills sharp and make practice a fun, integral part of their daily routine.