Make a big splash with these pool noodle activities and crafts for kids of all ages!
My boys and I love to have DIY frugal fun. I’ve gathered the best ideas and resources for enjoying crafts and activities using pool noodles. Plus, all of this pool noodle fun is perfect for recycling your water tools and more.
Get ready to easily boost your summer fun with kids with these creative crafts and amazing activities.
RELATED: These shark crafts are more fantastic ways to enjoy screen-free summer activities.
Simplify Summer Fun with Pool Noodles
If you’re looking for easy screen-free ways to keep kids busy this summer (and pretty much any time of the year), pool noodles are nifty little supplies to use.
These swimming tools are actually relatively affordable. My boys and I have found pool noodles for a dollar or so! And we love how them come in all different types of colors.
A few years ago, we took the plunge and got an above ground pool. Nothing fancy and not too big. But, it’s provided my boys with hours of summer fun.
We stocked up on frugal supplies and grabbed some pool noodles. Well, as we starting preparing our pool for summer weather, I noticed that some of our pool noodles weren’t fit for swimming. Instead of throwing them out, I decided that we’d have some pool noodle fun with craft and activities!
Recommended Materials for This Pool Noodle Fun
Of course, you’ll need some pool noodles for these crafts and activities. I highly encourage you to recycle older pool noodles if you have them.
Also, make sure you have these supplies available so you can jump right into craft and activity time:
- pool noodles
- foam sheets
- paper straws
- scissors
- glue sticks
- googly eyes
- pipe cleaners
- pom poms
- washable paint
- markers
- rubber bands
- foam letter stickers
- craft feathers
- shaving cream
Oodles of Noodles Deluxe Foam Pool Swim Noodles – 6 Pack AssortedHorizon Group USA Assorted Rainbow 30-Pack Foam Sheets, 8.5×5.5-Inch & 2mm, Value Pack of EVA Foam Sheets in 11 Colors for Crafts Projects, Classrooms, DIY Projects, Back to School Supplies, Art ClassWeemium Paper Straws Disposable 200 Pack – Striped Straws in 10 Colors – Biodegradable, Durable and Eco friendly – Non-soggy Paper Straws for Drinking and CraftsArts & Crafts Supplies Kits & Materials Set for Kids, Toddler – Carl & KayPaint Set with Art Supplies Included, Washable Paint With Paint Brushes and Cups for Kids And Toddler, Complete Painting SuppliesCrayola 588106 Washable Super Tips Markers, Assorted, 20/Set
When and Where to Use These DIY Activities
You can really use these pool noodles activities and crafts at any time of year (except maybe some of the outdoor stuff – like if it’s cold!).
A few ideas for where and how to use these frugal activities include:
The Best Pool Noodle Activities and Crafts for Kids
Pool noodles are one of those things that show up around summertime. Usually, they just hang around and fade in the sun until they get tossed. But, you can get creative and reuse those supplies. Put them to good use with these 14 pool noodle crafts and activities – and make some summer fun!
Pool Noodle Boats
The whole purpose of pool noodles is that they float, so why not make little boats out of them? Kids can have their own fleet or each make one and race it.
by The Best Ideas for Kids
Pool Noodle Monster Crafts
Turn pool noodles into monsters with this craft idea. Grab pipe cleaners, googly eyes, craft foam, or whatever is handy, and make them into cute little monsters. Be sure to check the post for tips and tricks to make them turn out great.
by Messy Little Monster
Pool Noodle Candy DIY Tutorial
One use most people don’t think of for pool noodles is turning them into candy. Not to eat, but rather giant decorative candy.
by Ann’s Entitled Life
Pool Noodle Art and More Ideas
Cut up pool noodles to use as art supplies! Kids can make unique pictures using these noodles, and several bonus suggestions are listed in the post as well.
by Fun-A-Day
Pool Noodle Games: Summer Fun for Kids!
One interesting use for pool noodles is as a giant backyard croquet set. This game only requires a few supplies besides the noodles.
by The Country Chic Cottage
Pool Noodle Ring Toss: Kids Backyard Game
Another great DIY backyard game is a giant ring toss. Make the pool noodles into rings, and pound some stakes into the ground as goals. It’s so easy!
by The Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Pool Noodle Art Bots: Simple Drawing Robots For STEM
Art bots are new, and kids will love them. You can turn them into a STEM activity by making small adjustments and seeing how they affect the art bot’s movements.
by Little Bins for Little Hands
Pool Noodle Word Search – Activities for Kids
This pool noodle activity does take a little prep work ahead of time, but it pays off. Kids will love trying to make as many words as possible with this pool noodle word search.
by Easy Peasy and Fun
DIY Pool Noodle Connectors For Fun Outdoor Play
Pool noodle connectors are such a fantastic idea. They are cheap, easy to make, and turn ordinary pool noodles into giant tinker toys.
by A Little Pinch of Perfect
Pool Noodle Baby Shark Craft
Making pool noodles into sharks might seem difficult, but it’s quite easy. And you could even get the right colors to make the whole shark family from the Baby Shark song.
by The Purple Pumpkin Blog
Turkey Pool Noodle Craft
And just when you thought sharks were the only things pool noodles could be turned into, here come these pool noodle turkeys! Kids will love making these cute, colorful friends to play with.
by Life With Darcy & Brian
Shaving Cream & Pool Noodle Sensory Play For Kids
Who knew that cut-up pool noodles and shaving cream could be all it took for kids to have a blast? Make sure to move this activity outside, as it will get messy.
by Simple Everyday Mom
Bubble Wand Flowers
Another great use for pool noodle sections is for bubble wands. Get the flower-shaped pool noodles to make these look even more amazing.
by Skip To My Lou
Easy STEM Activity Build a Boat Challenge
Use pool noodle sections and multiple other everyday items to make a boat. This STEM activity can challenge bored kids. Make sure to stop by the post for the printable activity card.
by Hands On Teaching Ideas
Pump Up Your Summer Fun with Pool Noodles!
I’m incredibly impressed by all of these awesome pool noodle activities and crafts. Such frugal and easy ways to enjoy summer time with your children!
My boys and I would love to know which of these activities and crafts you’ll be trying first. And what are some of your ideas for boosting the fun with pool noodles? Let us know in the comment area at the bottom of the post!
