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Pools are a great way to cool off for summer fun, but not everyone has one.
Many people don’t have the time or money to invest in a pool, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the water.
Pool noodles are a great way to enjoy the water without all the work. Some people use them as floats, but there are so many genius hacks to use them in.
For example, you can use them to make a water slide or build a fort. This can be a great way to entertain kids or have fun yourself.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pool noodle hacks. With some imagination, you can turn a pool noodle into just about anything.
10 Easy and Fun Pool Noodle Hacks
Pool Noodle Paint Brush Hack
This pool noodle hack is the perfect solution to keep your paintbrushes organized and prevent them from getting damaged!
Cut a slit in one end of the pool noodle and insert it onto the lip of a shallow plastic container.
Then, cut additional slits on the top portion of the pool noodle (opposite from the first slit) to accommodate the handles of your paintbrushes.
Insert your paintbrushes into the slits, and you’re all set! This clever hack provides a convenient way to store and transport your paintbrushes and can be used as a watercolor container.
Pool Noodle Pom Pom Shooter
If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY project that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than the pool noodle pom pom shooter!
With just a few simple materials, you can create a fantastic game perfect for kids of all ages. To get started, cut some pool noodles to size and wrap them around a balloon.
Then, insert some pom poms into the balloon, and you’re ready to play! There are endless possibilities for games that can be played with the pom pom shooter.
For example, you can have a competition to see who can shoot the pom poms the furthest. Or, you can set targets and see who can hit the most often.
Pool Noodle Car Ramp
Why not try making a pool noodle car ramp? It’s easy to do and lots of fun. Here’s how: First, take a serrated knife and carefully cut down one side of a pool noodle ramp.
Repeat on the other side. Next, add masking tape behind the pool noodle car ramps, so they stick to your chosen surface.
We used stairs, but you could use a table or anything else suitable. Now it’s time to have some fun! Slide cars down the ramp and see how fast they go.
You can even tape two ramps together to make a super long ramp or bend a ramp to create a curve. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some other fun pool noodle crafts and ideas!
Pool noodle boat race
All you need for this is a pool noodle, some card stock, markers or stickers, and washi tape. First, use a knife to cut the pool noodle into two-inch slices. Next, cut a square piece of card stock diagonally in half to make two triangles. These are your sails.
Decorate your sails with markers or stickers, then cover them with packaging tape on both sides to make them water-resistant.
If you want to skip the tape, you could also use foam craft sheets instead of card stock. Poke two holes in your sail with the pointed end of a wooden skewer, then thread the wooden skewer through the sail and into the pool noodle slice.
If your boat tips from too top-heavy, trim the skewer to a shorter or trim your sails to make them smaller. Finally, finish the top with a washi tape flag. Now you’re ready to race!
Noodle snake obstacle course
The noodle snake obstacle course is a simple and easy way to set up an exciting and challenging course for your kids. All you need are some pool noodles and a little bit of space.
To set it up, start by placing the pool noodles on the ground, about 1-2 feet apart. Once you have determined where each noodle will go, put a pencil about 2″ into the ground.
Then, place the hole of one side of the pool noodle on top of the pencil to stand upright. Repeat this process until you have a run-through coral reef to your satisfaction.
We found that 7-8 pool noodles work well, but you can add more if you like.
Once the course is set up, your kids will have a blast weaving their way through the noodles and exploring the nooks and crannies.
Balance beam
Balance beams are a fun way to challenge yourself and your friends. All you need is a sharp knife and a steady hand, and you can transform a simple pool noodle into a balance beam.
This activity can be done indoors or outdoors, making it the perfect activity for those days when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise, then use the knife to make a slit down the middle of each half.
Next, insert one end of the pool noodle into the slit of the other half, then repeat until all the pieces are connected.
Once your balance beam is assembled, challenge yourself or your friends to see who can walk across it without falling off!
Noodle Javelins
Place four toothpicks into one end of a pool noodle, then fold a piece of cardstock almost in half and roll it tightly. Next, place the cardstock inside the pool noodle, then use duct tape to secure the pool noodle into a ring.
To create an agility course, lay out six rings and two straight pool noodles in the pattern you want and duct tape the pool noodles together.
This is an excellent activity for kids and adults, and it’s easy to set up and take down.
Noodle hockey
To set up the game, start by putting two-yard stakes in the ground about 2ft apart. Make sure to insert them deeply enough to stay in place, but leave enough of the stake visible so that several inches are protruding from the ground.
Next, take a pool noodle and arch it from one stake to the other. Finally, slip the ends of the noodle over the yard stakes to create a secure arch.
Repeat this process with another pool noodle 10-15 feet away. Now it’s time to prepare the pool noodles for playing. First, using a sharp knife, cut each noodle lengthwise down the middle.
This will create two thinner pieces that are easier to handle and hit balls. Once you have everything set up, invite some friends or family members over and start playing!
Noodle Ring Toss
Noodle ring toss is a fun and easy game that people of all ages can enjoy. All you need are some pool noodles, duct tape, and wooden dowels.
Put the pool noodles’ two ends together and use duct tape to attach them. You don’t need to trim the pool noodles; you want every ring to be the same size.
To play, make 2-4 pool noodles. Then, strike your wooden dowels into the ground with a hammer, spacing them 1-2 feet apart in a straight line.
Choose a location for the game where each child may stand and throw their ring. It’s now the turn of whoever is in front to handle the tossing ring.
Noodle piñata
A pool noodle piñata is a fun and easy way to add excitement to any party. To make one, simply tie a balloon to one end of a string and thread the other end through the center of the noodles.
Once the string is in place, fill the balloon with candy or other small treats.
When you’re finished, knot the end of the string and cut off the excess. Your pool noodle piñata is now ready to be enjoyed by all!
Best of all, this type of piñata is easy to set up and doesn’t require any special skills or materials. So make a pool noodle piñata for your next party!
Takeaway
You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy these ten amazing pool noodle hacks. With creativity, you can turn a simple pool noodle into various fun and functional objects.
So the next time you’re looking for a way to beat the heat or add some excitement to your party, consider one of these pool noodle hacks! You won’t be disappointed.
Plus, they are easy and inexpensive to make. So what are you waiting for? Get hacking! You might be surprised at what you can create.
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.