For those of you who love nothing more than to relax poolside when you are on holiday, topping up your tan and getting some much-needed rest away from the hustle and bustle of regular life, the only concerns you have once you’ve jetted off somewhere sunny is which cocktail to try first, and maybe what you are going to do to keep your mind occupied while your body relaxes because endlessly scrolling through social media on your phone does not always make for the most relaxing break, right?
That being the case, let’s take a look at some of the many fun things you can do poolside to keep calm, have fun, and keep those relaxing vibes flowing. Here’s 14 fun ways to pass time by the pool:
1. The Great Book Binge
There’s a reason why you see so many people poolside with their noses buried in a book—it’s a classic for a reason! Whether it’s that bestseller you’ve been meaning to get to or a cheesy beach read that’s more fluff than plot, diving into a good book is one of the best ways to escape reality (without leaving your sunbed).
Want to get a bit fancy? Try an audiobook instead. Plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and let someone else do the reading while you soak up the sun. Just make sure to avoid anything too emotionally intense. Tears don’t mix well with sunscreen.
2. Sudoku for the Win
If you’re a bit of a puzzle nerd (no shame—we love you), there’s nothing quite like a quick Sudoku challenge by the pool to get those brain cells ticking. Whether you’re a pencil-and-paper traditionalist or you’ve downloaded a Sudoku app to your phone, it’s the perfect activity for when you want to feel productive but also not too productive.
It’s low-key, mentally stimulating, and—most importantly—it’s portable. Just be warned: it’s way too easy to become obsessed with finishing one puzzle after another, so don’t let your ice-cold drink melt while you get lost in the numbers.
3. People-Watching
Let’s be honest: people-watching is a favourite poolside pastime. But instead of just casually spying on your fellow holidaymakers, why not turn it into a fun little game? Make up stories about the people around you—who’s here for a secret getaway, which couple just had a massive row over their sun lounger, and who’s trying (and failing) to look cool while applying sun cream.
You can play solo or with your travel companions. Bonus points if you can keep a straight face when they walk by while you’re imagining they’re international spies on the run. It’s creative, a bit mischievous, and a hilarious way to pass the time.
4. Pool Games
Now, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a good old-fashioned pool game. If you’ve got a few people with you, pool volleyball or a friendly game of Marco Polo is a great way to get moving without feeling like you’re actually doing exercise.
If you’re more in the mood for something relaxing, how about a simple game of floating catch with a beach ball? It’s chilled out, doesn’t require much effort, and you can still chat while you play. Just don’t accidentally splash the person who’s been napping for the past hour. No one likes the poolside splasher.
5. Create the Ultimate Poolside Playlist
Music is an absolute must for a perfect poolside atmosphere, so why not take this time to curate your ultimate holiday playlist? Whether you’re into chilled-out acoustic vibes, upbeat summer bangers, or a bit of classic 80s pop, now’s the perfect time to pull it all together.
Get your friends involved too and create a collaborative playlist so everyone can add their favourite tunes. Just try to avoid any tracks that are likely to start a poolside dance-off (unless that’s your plan, in which case, go wild).
6. Card Games
Who knew that a simple deck of cards could provide hours of entertainment? Whether you’re into classic games like Go Fish or a strategic round of Rummy, card games are the perfect low-maintenance way to keep yourself entertained by the pool.
If you’re feeling brave, throw in a bit of friendly competition with a game of Snap or Cheat. Just be prepared for things to get heated (and not just because of the sun). Or, if you’re in a more solitary mood, a quiet game of Solitaire could be just the thing you need to relax while still keeping your mind busy.
7. Try a Poolside Workout (Yes, Really)
Look, I get it—holidays are supposed to be for relaxation, but sometimes you need to stretch your legs and burn off those cocktails. If you’re feeling a bit restless, try out some light poolside exercises.
No, I’m not talking about a full-blown HIIT session (you’re on holiday, after all). Think more along the lines of a quick swim, some water aerobics, or even a gentle yoga session by the pool. Not only will you feel refreshed, but it’s also a sneaky way to justify that extra slice of pizza at dinner.
8. Get Artsy with Poolside Sketching or Journaling
Feeling creative? Why not use some of that downtime to sketch or journal by the pool? Whether you’re doodling palm trees or writing down your holiday thoughts, it’s a great way to unwind and express yourself. You don’t need to be the next Picasso—just grab a notebook and go with the flow.
Sketching what’s around you is a fun, mindful way to appreciate your surroundings. And if the poolside scene is too peaceful for creativity, start doodling random things like flamingos wearing sunglasses or sun loungers with legs. Go wild, it’s your sketchbook!
9. Spa Day Vibes
You don’t need to book an expensive spa day to treat yourself while you’re on holiday. Bring a few mini pampering essentials with you to the pool and enjoy some DIY relaxation. Think cooling face masks, cucumber eye patches, or a refreshing foot scrub.
Not only will you feel super fancy, but you’ll also emerge from your poolside retreat glowing and refreshed, ready to take on the rest of your holiday like the zen master you are.
10. Explore the Local Cuisine
Why not turn your poolside snack game up a notch and try out some local treats? Whether it’s indulging in the local pastries, trying out fresh fruit you’ve never heard of, or ordering that weird but intriguing item from the bar menu, make snacking by the pool part of your holiday experience.
You could even turn it into a mini food tour—try something new every day, and by the end of your trip, you’ll have taste-tested your way through the local cuisine without even leaving your sunbed. Now that’s multitasking.
11. Take a Nap
Let’s face it—holidays are as much about resting as they are about exploring. And is there a better nap spot than a sun lounger by the pool? I think not.
Embrace the holiday nap culture and let yourself drift off to the sound of gentle poolside chatter and splashing water. Just don’t forget to reapply your sun cream before you doze off—you don’t want to wake up looking like a lobster. Trust me, poolside sunburn is not a fun way to end the day.
12. Host a Poolside Quiz
Why not organise a fun quiz with your friends or family? It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and a little healthy competition. You can go classic with general knowledge or make it holiday-themed with questions about your destination, poolside cocktails, or random trivia about the local area. You can even download quiz apps if you can’t be bothered to come up with the questions yourself. Loser buys the next round of drinks, of course!
13. Photography Challenge
If you’ve got a camera or a smartphone (which let’s be honest, who doesn’t these days?), a poolside photography challenge can be a fun and creative way to pass the time. Challenge yourself or your family to take the most creative or unusual poolside snaps. Whether it’s capturing the reflection of palm trees on the water or that cheeky holiday selfie, you’ll end up with some brilliant (or hilariously bad) holiday photos to remember.
14. Learn Something New
Okay, so this will not be everyone’s idea of a good time when they are off on holiday and chilling by the pool, but if it isn’t your thing, no worries. If, however, you are the kind of person who’s brain is always working, and you love to learn new things, there is no reason why you cannot do exactly that while you’re sitting by the pool, right? Whether you download Duolingo to finally learn the local language, or you stream a podcast that will teach you everything you didn’t even know you wanted to know about loom weaving, downtime by the pool is the perfect time and place to learn a little something, something, so you can come back from your holiday not only rested, but smarter too.
Here’s to having an even better time by the pool because you deserve to have fun while you recharge those batteries, right?
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
