16 Games to Play In a Hot Tub – The Ultimate Player’s Guide

Looking for the best games to play in a hot tub? Discover 12 awesome games to play in a hot tub that will entertain and bring laughter to your soak. These games not only add entertainment value but also provide health benefits by promoting physical activity and social interaction.

Whether you're looking for a competitive challenge or a relaxing activity, there's something for everyone in our selection of hot tub games. So grab your swimsuit, get ready to dive in, and explore how these games can enhance your hot tub gatherings.

The Benefits of Games To Play In a Hot Tub

Dive into fun with games to play in a hot tub, a refreshing way to enhance your evening of fun while soaking in warm water. Not just a leisure activity, games to play in a hot tub can be both inclusive and therapeutic. They offer a playful form of mental exercise that can offset symptoms of dementia, making them perfect for all ages.

With waterproof board games and versatile games like Uno Splash, you ensure that everyone can join in the fun, from the kids to the grandparents. For large families and groups, consider reading about our largest hot tubs for sale to ensure everyone can join in on the fun!

Games To Play In a Hot Tub & Benefits

Choose your perfect match from these games to play in a hot tub and enjoy a splash of merriment and mental fitness!

Ping Pong Ball Fun

When choosing games to play in a hot tub, consider the endless excitement of Ping Pong Ball Fun. These simple and exhilarating games convert the relaxing hot tub environment into an arena for laughter and friendly competition. From the casual player to the sports enthusiast, these games offer something for everyone, ensuring an enjoyable experience as you bob around in warm, bubbly bliss. Embrace the jovial spirit as you put your coordination to the test and engage in some light-hearted rivalry. Below are two favorite ping pong ball activities that guarantee a splashing good time!

#1 Ping Pong Ball Races

Ping Pong Ball Races are the epitome of fun games to play in a hot tub. In this engaging game, participants face off to propel their ping pong balls from one side of the tub to the other, without the touch of their hands. Instead, players muster the force of the water jets, strategic splashes, and powerful breaths to usher their ping pong ball to victory. This game provides a burst of energy and cheers as each sphere skims the water’s surface toward the finish line. Here’s how you can initiate the excitement:

1. Player Positioning: Each player, or team, positions on their respective side of the hot tub.
2. Ball Release: On "Go," every player releases their ping pong ball into the water.
3. Propelling Techniques: Without using hands, players use the hot tub's jets, splashes, or blowing to move their balls.
4. Winner Declaration: The first ball to reach the opposite side declares the owner the winner.

Ping pong ball races can be a fast-paced game for both individual players and teams, creating an energetic atmosphere for your evening of fun. The straightforward rules make it a family-friendly choice among games to play in a hot tub keeping everyone engaged and entertained.

#2 Ping Pong Ball Basketball

Turn your hot tub into a lively basketball court with Ping Pong Ball Basketball. This dynamic game lets you channel your inner athlete as you try to sink ping pong balls into a mini hoop positioned at the edge of the hot tub. Here’s what you need to do for a round of aquatic basketball:

1. Setup: Place a mini hoop securely on one side of the hot tub.
2. Taking Turns: Players take turns trying to get their ping pong balls into the hoop.
3. Scoring Points: Each successful basket scores a point with the potential for various scoring rules.
4. Gameplay Variation: Introduce fun challenges, like requiring shots from different positions in the hot tub.

Waterproof Card Games

Dive into classic fun while lounging with Waterproof Card Games to play in a hot tub. Decked out to withstand splashes and spills, these durable card games invite players to engage in time-honored favorites without the fear of ruining their decks. From strategic shuffles to victorious flushes, waterproof playing cards make it possible to combine the comforts of a warm soak with the mental stimulation of card games.

Whether it's a peaceful evening or a vibrant hot tub party, these card games offer a versatile entertainment option that complements the relaxing ambiance of the warm water. Adapting beloved games like poker, gin rummy, go fish, and many more for aquatic play, waterproof card games are the perfect addition to any soak session, promoting quality time and lively engagement among friends and family.

#3 Go Fish

Make a splash with the family friendly and all-time favorite card game, Go Fish, now perfectly poised for hot tub play thanks to waterproof playing cards. This accessible and engaging game is a popular choice for players who seek a blend of casual conversation and competitive charm. Suited for both kids and adults, it's the ideal selection for an inclusive hot tub game night.

The gameplay is simple: players ask others for specific cards to form pairs, while strategy and memory skills come into play, remember who holds which cards. Floating mats or trays serve as convenient platforms to hold your deck and captured pairs, so the game flows uninterrupted by the gently moving warm water. With the buoyancy of waterproof cards, Go Fish transforms into an aquatic adventure that is both entertaining and a delightful way to stay cool in the hot tub's friendly confines.

#4 Uno

Embrace the wild and colorful world of Uno, the legendary card game known for its easy-to-learn nature and fast-paced fun, now available in a worry-free waterproof format. Invented in 1971, Uno has cascaded across the globe, spreading joy and laughter in numerous languages and themed decks. In this ever-popular game, players strive to match the top card on the discard pile by color or number, harnessing action cards like Skip, Reverse, Draw 2, and Wild to outmaneuver opponents and empty their hand first.

Waterproof editions of Uno bring an extra layer of excitement to hot tub gatherings, ensuring that a drop or a splash won't dampen the spirits or the cards. Whether you dive into the classic version or explore the various exciting themes and editions, Uno promises a dynamic encounter that enhances your hot tub experience, filled with playful strategy and vibrant interactions.

Rubber Duck Races

Elevate your hot tub party to new heights of fun with Rubber Duck Races, a vibrant addition to your selection of games to play in a hot tub. This captivating game transforms your spa into a thrilling racetrack where participants pit their ducks in a playful battle of aquatic agility. Rubber Duck Races revolve around using the hot tub's jets, accompanied by strategic blowing and splashing, to skillfully propel these charming floaters towards victory.

The rules are simple: each player or team, positioned on opposite sides of the tub, must nudge their rubber duck across to the other side without hands—relying solely on the water's motion, jet propulsion, or breath of air. It's an exhilarating spectacle of friendly rivalry that's as versatile as it is accessible; any floating object can join the aquatic fray, but the cheerful rubber duck remains the game's quintessential icon.

Introducing this perfect game to the foaming waters of your hot tub offers a merry way to spark interaction and amp up the evening of fun. Engaging, entertaining, and suitable for both kids and adults, Rubber Duck Races is a great choice for those looking for the best games to play in a hot tub.

#5 Rubber Duck Relay Race

Turn your swim spa into a competitive arena with the Rubber Duck Relay Race, a game that assures teamwork and excitement are at the heart of your hot tub soirée. Players divide into teams, challenging each other to convey their spirit animal—the rubber duck—across the steamy waters as swiftly as possible. Creativity is key in this engaging relay: teams must harness the hot tub's jets, splash and glide their ducks using clever tactics, and blow their way to success, all without the aid of their hands.

This family-friendly game combines the joys of racing with the demands of strategy and cohesion, urging teammates to synchronize their efforts for the swiftest duck delivery. Whether it is a competitive head-to-head or a relaxed sequence of water-propelled launches, the Rubber Duck Relay Race is a great choice among games to play in a hot tub.

#6 Rubber Duck Hide and Seek

Warm waters and cheerful chuckles set the mood for Rubber Duck Hide and Seek, an ideal activity for an entertaining family evening in the hot tub. Taking turns, players become sly hiders or keen seekers, each wielding their ingenuity as they conceal or uncover the pocket-sized rubber ducks. The hot tub offers a cozy but tricky landscape, full of secret spots that provide challenging hideaways for these rubbery companions.

Participants must showcase their finest problem-solving skills and creative thinking, as both hiders and seekers play their part in this merry water-bound adventure. Rubber Duck Hide and Seek is an inclusive game, perfect for a variety of ages and an excellent addition to a fun-filled hot tub game night. Its simplicity gives birth to excitement and camaraderie, as all take pleasure in the innocent thrill of the search and the bursts of laughter that come with each amusing discovery.

Water Balloon Toss

Add a splash of excitement to your favorite games to play in a hot tub with the Water Balloon Toss game. This engaging activity focuses on accuracy and delicate handling as participants, either individually or in pairs, eagerly toss and catch water balloons. Suitable for all ages, this lively game turns your hot tub area into a fun-filled space filled with laughter and anticipation. Whether it's a special occasion or just a casual get-together, Water Balloon Toss is an excellent choice for families and friends looking to bring a thrill to their favorite games to play in a hot tub.

#7 Water Balloon Pop

Water Balloon Pop, makes a thrilling addition to your list of games to play in a hot tub. This lively game brings an extra layer of excitement to your aquatic gatherings, combining a playful challenge with the refreshing surprise of water balloons. Participants divide into teams, aiming to gently toss water balloons at opponents without stepping out of the hot tub. The rules are simple: avoid getting hit to stay in the game, but with a twist—every splash counts! It's a must-try for those looking to inject some dynamic fun into their hot tub leisure time, making it a standout choice for games to play in a hot tub.

#8 Water Balloon Dodgeball

Dive into a refreshing take on a classic game with Water Balloon Dodgeball, adding a splash of excitement to your hot tub game night. This lively adaptation turns the hot tub environment into a playful battlefield where agility and laughter float to the surface. As multiple water-filled projectiles zoom through the air, players must expertly dodge and launch their own balloons with the goal of delicately soaking their opponents while staying dry themselves.

The game is a test of reflexes and provides an entertaining and active way to enjoy the hot tub. Easily adaptable for any number of players, this exciting game suits both kids and adults, making it a versatile option for any gathering. Water Balloon Dodgeball provides a delightful blend of refreshing cool-offs and energetic play, ensuring a memorable time in the warm water for friends and family alike.

Musical Chairs in the Water

Enhance your games to play in a hot tub with an exciting twist on classic game – "Musical Chairs in the Water." Players gather in the hot tub, positioning themselves next to the water jets as music plays. When the music stops, everyone rushes to secure a water jet seat. The player without a seat is eliminated, and each round becomes more entertaining as a water jet is turned off. This hot tub version of the game is family-friendly and guarantees enjoyment for all, creating a perfect atmosphere for laughter and friendly competition in the cozy setting of the hot tub.

#9 Musical Floats

Ramp up the fun at your hot tub party with "Musical Floats,” a buoyant take on the classic musical chairs that is sure to float everyone's boat. Players bob on inflatable rafts drifting around to the rhythm of the music, once the music stops, it's a dash to find an empty float. The catch - with each pause of the music, one float drifts away, increasing the pressure and ensuring an exhilarating scramble for the remaining spots. Perfect for an evening of fun and suited for hot tub enthusiasts of all ages, "Musical Floats" blends energetic competition with light-hearted chaos, promising a fun addition to your favorite games to play in a hot tub.

#10 Freeze Dance

Dive into the heart of aquatic entertainment with "Freeze Dance," a game that brings a lively twist to the best games to play in a hot tub. As your favorite tunes fill the air, courtesy of waterproof speakers, dance away in the bubbling haven until the music comes to an abrupt stop. Suddenly, it's time to strike a pose and freeze! Any movements and you're out, leaving the most statue-like participants to continue the dance-off. As one of the standout games to play in a hot tub, "Freeze Dance" guarantees to elevate the atmosphere of any hot tub gathering, creating lasting memories with each pause of the music.

Board Games To Play In a Hot Tub

Transform your hot tub party into a battleground of wits and words with waterproof board games specially designed for aqua enjoyment. Ranging from brainy contests to strategic face-offs, these games infuse your leisure time with intriguing challenges and friendly competition, all while keeping comfortably afloat in soothing, warm waters. The board games to play in a hot tub are constructed with water-resistant materials, mean splashes and spills won't dampen the spirits of your game night.

Enjoy classics and modern matchups with buoyant chess and checkers, which offer beloved timeless games to play in a hot tub.Compact and floating boards, along with stable pieces, ensure that your strategic undertakings won't drift away with the current. Whether its a family friendly evening or a gathering with friends, board games to play in a hot tub are the perfect amusement for all ages and preferences!

#11 Waterproof Scrabble

Elevate your games to play in a hot tub with Waterproof Scrabble, a hot tub friendly twist on the classic word game. This version features water-resistant tiles and a buoyant board, ensuring that Scrabble enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite pastime amidst the bubbles without a second thought about the elements. Challenge friends or family to craft words while lounging in the soothing waters of a Wellis® Spa, making Waterproof Scrabble the highlight of your games to play in a hot tub. It offers the ideal blend of mental stimulation and playful enjoyment, seamlessly integrating thoughtful play with the serene relaxation of hot tub gatherings.

#12 Battleship

Plunge into tactical fun with Battleship: Hot Tub Edition, a splashy twist on the traditional board game that's perfect for games to play in a hot tub. Battleship in the hot tub stimulates laughter, strategy, and even a bit of stealth, as you aim to outwit your opponents in this quaint pond of battle. Suitable for children who revel in games and adults who enjoy good-natured competitiveness alike, this game promises energetic fun, making it an excellent pick for livening up any hot tub party or fostering connection during a family get-together. Submerge yourself in the challenge and the warmth of companionship with Battleship—one of the many hot games to play in a hot tub.

Cold Water Challenge

The Cold Water Challenge is the perfect game to elevate the excitement at your next hot tub party. This exhilarating game involves players sitting around the hot tub and passing a balloon filled with ice water from one person to another. The suspense builds as each participant handles the balloon, knowing it could burst at any moment, giving them an unexpectedly chilly surprise. As the balloon makes its way around the circle, you can expect outbursts of laughter and playful shrieks echoing off the walls— especially when the balloon bursts, and the icy contents drench the holder.

What makes the Cold Water Challenge a hit is the engaging contrast it brings to the typical hot tub experience. The sensation of the cold water splashing against one's skin while soaking in the steamy warmth of the tub is both thrilling and rejuvenating. Not only does it add a layer of unpredictable fun, but it also encourages interaction and cooperation among guests as they playfully anticipate who will be the next to get the cold shower.

The Cold Water Challenge is adaptable; whether you have a spacious swim spa or a more intimate hot tub setting, you can tailor the game to fit your space. It's a family-friendly game that's sure to become one of your favorite games to play in a hot tub for an evening of fun and giggles.

#13 Balloon with Ice Water Toss

Moving on to a slightly different yet equally exciting game, the Balloon with Ice Water Toss turns your hot tub into a chilly, thrill-filled arena. Players face the challenge of tossing a balloon full of ice-cold water back and forth without letting it burst. As hands become slippery from the warm water and the anticipation of a cold splash looms, the game gets more exciting and intense.

The Balloon with Ice Water Toss is about quick reactions and coordination, requiring players to work together seamlessly. Teamwork is essential as players team up and put their trust in each other to catch the balloon gently. Every successful toss and catch incites cheers and heightens the excitement, while a dropped balloon can mean a cold, wet surprise for everyone nearby.

This game is a splendid choice for fostering camaraderie during a hot tub game night or providing riotous entertainment at a hot tub party. Regardless of who ends up soaked, the Balloon with Ice Water Toss is certain to create lasting memories and ensure an evening of fun.

#14 Cold Water Dip Relay Race

Finally, the Cold Water Dip Relay Race is an amusing and invigorating game that introduces a competitive edge to your hot tub revelry. This game involves a little more structure than the others, with participants lined up around the edge of the hot tub each taking their turn. The objective is to hold a balloon filled with ice water above their head for five seconds before passing it on to the next brave contender.

As the balloon goes around, spectators can't help but watch with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Who will it be? Who will the balloon choose to give a cold shower to? These are the moments where friendly competition shines, and the true spirit of game night comes alive.

The thrill comes from not only passing the balloon but also knowing that at any moment, the race could take a splashy turn. The inevitable pop and subsequent cold downpour results in laughter and a spirited race to avoid being the next in line for the icy cascade. It's this blend of warm and cold, comfort and surprise, that makes the Cold Water Dip Relay Race a favorite for an unforgettable hot tub party experience.

Games to Play In a Hot Tub For The Whole Family

Indulging in a variety games to play in a hot tub is an exceptional way to bring families closer, fostering quality time and shared laughter in the comforting embrace of warm water. The soothing atmosphere of a hot tub gathering provides an ideal setting for relaxation, stress relief, and the natural promotion of happiness through delightful activities. Not only do these interactive games serve as a source of amusement, but they also present cognitive perks, enhancing memory, social aptitude, and sharpening reflexes through the thrill of friendly competition.

The gentle warmth of a hot tub creates a cozy environment suitable for family members of all ages to unwind and engage with one another, escaping the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Taking part in games while soaking in a hot tub creates a delightful blend of mental agility and relaxed physical activity, offering a complete experience that nourishes both the mind and body.

Beyond mere relaxation, games to play in a hot tub carve out a realm of exuberant family-friendly fun. Laughter echoes, splashes resound, and memories form as these games become a familial tradition, cherished by adults and children alike. The lasting impressions made during these warm water escapades are the threads that weave together the tapestry of family bonding.

#15 Family Friendly Game Night

Hot tub game nights emerge as a radiant centerpiece in the array of family activities, where the allure of quality time and entertainment converge under the stars. An assortment of waterproof games to play in a hot tub creatively adapts classics like Checkers, Uno, and even Chess for aquatic play, ensuring no one's left on the sidelines. These nights are a fusion of comfort and playfulness, providing a welcoming atmosphere for engaging conversation and lighthearted competition.

The versatility of hot tub game nights means they can be customized for various family dynamics and age ranges, making every member an enthusiastic participant. Games that are splash-worthy hits include the suspenseful Outbreak, a water-drenched variant of musical chairs, and floating board games designed especially for aquatic environments. Such variety guarantees an evening of fun that harmonizes the need for relaxation with the spirit of interactive enjoyment, resulting in uniquely memorable nights for families.

#16 Swim Spa Games

For those seeking an even more dynamic aquatic gaming experience, swim spa games offer an excellent blend of playfulness and exercise within the innovative setting of a swim spa. Unlike traditional hot tubs, swim spas provide ample space and currents conducive to a wide range of activities, from spirited water basketball contests to captivating floating board games. The adjustable currents cater to an engaging gaming environment while delivering a consistent, low-impact workout.

Incorporating games into the swim spa can transform exercise routines into a joyous social affair, suitable for all levels of fitness. The resistance provided by the water elevates the physical challenge, turning a simple swim into an entertaining yet beneficial workout. Swim spa games thus strike a wonderful balance, enhancing cardiovascular health and strength while emboldening bonds between friends and family through shared active play. Whether it's a fast-paced relay race or a leisurely game of waterproof cards, a swim spa elevates any gathering into an exciting and healthful social event.

Final Word: Games to Play In a Hot Tub

Immerse yourself in our collection of games to play in a hot tub for a shared experience of joy and entertainment, transforming each soak into a memorable adventure. From water balloon toss to aquatic twists on musical chairs, there are choices that cater to all age groups. By integrating these enjoyable games into your hot tub or swim spa, you enhance the experience and establish a lively and interactive ambiance for everyone involved. These hot tub games are an essential element of any hot tub outing, ensuring lasting memories filled with laughter and lively interactions.

If you are ready to join the fun, Wellis® Spa has a range of premium hot tubs for sale to meet every need. Contact us today or call us at  844-4-WELLIS!