Game Instructions: Motorboat

Motorboat

A fun, energetic kicking game that teaches bubble blowing, leg movement, and confidence disguised as a silly song!

Recommended for ages 1+

Game Overview

• Best played one-on-one or in a small group.
• Sit on a shallow ledge, step, or side of the pool where feet can touch the water.
• Great for toddlers learning to kick, blow bubbles, and enjoy pool time.
• Perfect for family play—siblings, parents, and cousins can all be motorboats together!

How to Play

1. Sit and Get Ready

Have your child sit on the pool edge or shallow step, with their legs in the water and toes touching the surface. You can join them, too!

2. Sing the Song Together

“Motorboat, motorboat, go so slow...
Motorboat, motorboat, go so fast!
Motorboat, motorboat, all out of gas!”

Encourage your child to kick throughout the song—slow kicks during “go so slow,” faster kicks during “go so fast,” and freeze at “all out of gas!”

3. Refuel the Motorboat

After the song, it’s time to get more gas! Turn around or hop in the pool and blow bubbles through the nose to “refuel.”

Model this skill and encourage humming if they’re not ready for nose bubbles yet.

4. Repeat 3 Times

Repetition builds rhythm, comfort, and muscle memory. Repeat the full song and refueling process up to 3 times or more if they’re loving it!

Skill Focus

This game supports:

• Straight leg kicking with pointed toes
• Bubble blowing and early breath control
• Movement rhythm and following instructions
• Positive, playful association with water

Teaching Tips

• For younger children (under age 3), focus on fun and movement—not perfect technique.
• Encourage kids to hum or blow out through their nose when “refueling.”
• Kick beside them and offer praise like “I love your long legs!” or “You’re going so fast!”
• Invite siblings, friends, or other family members to play motorboat together—it’s even more fun when everyone joins in!

Remember: The purpose of swim games is to help children LOVE the water while practicing real skills.

And swimming together as a family? That makes it even better. 💙 

 

Want more swim games and water confidence tools?
Check out the full flashcard set or the Swim Lesson in a Box for structured lessons that grow with your child.