Get Excited with Pool Noodles! A Collection of Play Ideas for Fun in Childcare
Want to make playtime in childcare even more fun? That’s where pool noodles really shine.
With this soft material, you can create all kinds of engaging play items like rings, monorails, and see-saws that kids will love.
Pool noodle play is safe and visually appealing with its bright colors.
How about crafting your own tools and getting active together with the children? Here are some pool noodle ideas that let kids get plenty of exercise and play even indoors.
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Get Excited with Pool Noodles! A Collection of Fun Childcare Play Ideas (11–20)
Ball fishing
https://www.tiktok.com/@yuka_asobi28/video/7460108169914764551Here’s a ball-fishing game that helps build both concentration and body awareness.
Wrap transparent tape around the tip of a pool noodle with the sticky side facing outward.
Use the sticky tip to pick up scattered colored balls one by one.
It can be fun to set a time limit and see who can collect the most balls the fastest.
If the pool noodle is too long, cut it to match the child’s height to make it easier to use.
Give it a try!
Raft play
You can make a raft by lining up pool noodles and tying them together.
How about using it as an indoor play item? All you need are pool noodles, jute twine, and stick-shaped wooden rods.
Line up the pool noodles, place the rods at both ends, and tie them securely with the twine.
You’ll have a fun toy that’s great for kids’ pretend play or territory games! Since throwing it or jumping onto it can be dangerous, it’s best for children around age 3 and up who can follow basic rules.
It’ll be exciting to see what kinds of play it leads to.
Pool stick crossing
Pool noodles, which are so useful during pool season, are also perfect for circuit play thanks to their lightweight, colorful look made from polyethylene foam.
They cut easily with a utility knife, which makes them very convenient to use.
If you slice one lengthwise and place the cut side down, kids can have fun and get excited walking along the rounded top, trying to keep their balance.
The soft texture feels pleasant on the soles of the feet, and they also make great markers—“Try going to the blue one,” or “Start from the red one,” and so on!
Ring game
If you turn pool noodles into loops and secure them with duct tape, you can make soft-material toys.
Kids can play however they like—by stepping into the loops or crawling through them like tunnels.
If you prepare several colors, they can pick their favorites or line them up, making them great for exploring colors too.
They’re safe even for infants, so why not try making them by hand? It’ll be fun to see how children react when they see the loops.
Before use, check that the duct tape isn’t torn to prevent accidental ingestion.
Balloon release
Try a balloon-toss game using pool noodles without cutting them—use the full stick as is.
Each person holds one pool noodle and taps the balloon to keep it from falling.
It takes some practice to track the balloon with your eyes and tap it with the noodle you’re holding.
With repeated play, it will become more enjoyable.
Recommended age: 3 and up.
Since kids will move a lot and chase the balloon, make sure to secure a spacious area and play with a small group.
air cannon
After cutting pool noodles and connecting pieces of different colors to make a colorful tube, cover one end with a balloon and your air cannon is ready! Put pom-poms into the hole of the pool noodle, pull the balloon, and release—the pom-poms will shoot out.
As long as the children are old enough not to put pom-poms in their mouths and there’s no risk of swallowing, everyone can play together.
It’s a good idea to make several air cannons so they can play a lot.
You can also prepare targets that topple with a light impact and enjoy it like a shooting game.
Get Excited with Pool Noodles! A Collection of Play Ideas for Early Childhood Care (21–30)
caterpillar fishing
This is a “caterpillar fishing” game you can make with pool noodles! First, cut the pool noodle into 8 cm-wide pieces.
A template makes it easier! Cut about 10 pieces, arrange them to balance your little “houses,” and glue them together.
Next, make a base out of cardboard.
Attach the pool noodle houses to the base, then make caterpillars using pom-poms and pipe cleaners.
Finally, put a magnet inside a pen cap.
Place the caterpillars inside the houses, and slowly bring the magnet in the cap close to the pipe cleaner—your caterpillar will get “caught”! You can also flip the setup and compete against each other, so get creative and have fun playing!
