Get Excited with Pool Noodles! A Collection of Play Ideas for Fun in Childcare

cute pineapple toy

Here’s how to make a cute pineapple toy using a candy container! Use an empty cylindrical candy box that matches the size of a pool noodle.

Insert a yellow pool noodle inside, then cut it to the width that suits a pineapple shape.

It already looks pineapple-like at this point, but you can add the pineapple pattern by scoring it with a nail or a thin stick.

Finally, decorate the candy case to look like a tin can using fabric scraps or wrapping paper—and you’re done! It’s perfect for pretend play or playing shop.

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The Ferris wheel spinning round and round

Let me introduce a water-play friendly, spinning Ferris wheel craft.

Gather pool noodles, a milk carton, wooden chopsticks, plastic spoons, and a utility knife, and let’s make it.

First, cut the milk carton to create the base on which the Ferris wheel will rotate.

Next, take a piece of cut pool noodle and make six evenly spaced slits along its side.

Insert plastic spoons into the slits with the handles pointing inward.

Thread a chopstick through the center, set it onto the milk carton base, and it’s complete.

Attach gashapon capsules to the plastic spoons to transform it into a Ferris wheel.

By keeping the balance even, the Ferris wheel will spin smoothly.

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Pool cue headband holder

Here’s how to make a cute headband holder using a pool noodle.

First, attach double-sided tape in about five spots on the pool noodle, then wrap it with fabric scraps as if you’re covering it.

Put some double-sided tape at the starting point, leave about 3 cm unwrapped, and trim off any excess.

Thread a ribbon through the center, and you’ve got a hanging-style holder! You can also make a base out of cardboard to turn it into a stand.

It’s meant for hanging headbands, but it could also be used to seat dolls or as a stacking game to keep blocks from toppling.

Give it a try!

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Balance tree of pool cue sticks

Let me introduce an exciting, heart-pounding balance tree made from pool noodles.

Get your materials ready: a pool noodle, a utility knife, plastic bottle caps, stickers, tape, and a paper cup.

Cut the pool noodle in half and make slits where the branches will fit.

Since you’ll be cutting with a utility knife, it’s best to start with small cuts and gradually adjust to the size you need.

Take the remaining half of the pool noodle, slice it lengthwise to create the branches.

Fit the trunk into the paper cup, insert the branches, and you’re done.

Try placing a spinning top—made by stacking two plastic bottle caps together with their indented sides facing each other—on it and enjoy the wobbly balance tree!

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Pool stick fountain & shower

Here’s a fun water play idea for hot summer days using a pool noodle! Secure one end of the noodle tightly to a garden hose with tape, and poke several small holes in the other end.

When you turn on the water, it sprays out of the noodle like a fountain.

Kids will have a blast chasing the spray and running through it! They can also run around, try to catch the water with their hands, and enjoy the sensory experience.

Be sure an adult supervises at all times and that you play on a non-slip surface for safety.

It’s like a little shower—highly recommended as a super fun summer activity!

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Pool cue air cannon

Let me introduce an air cannon made from a pool noodle that you can complete in no time.

Prepare a pool noodle, a balloon, a pom-pom ball, and vinyl tape, and let’s get started.

Cut the pool noodle, tie a knot at the mouth of the balloon, and then cut the top part of the balloon horizontally with scissors, leaving more material on the bottom section.

Fit the cut balloon onto the end of the pool noodle and secure it firmly with vinyl tape so it won’t come off—now it’s ready.

To launch, place a pom-pom ball inside and pull back on the balloon section, then aim upward and release.

The steps are simple, so it’s also recommended for busy teachers.

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Let’s try stacking or arranging the pool cues!

Here are some ways toddlers can enjoy playing with pool noodles! It’s fun to have plenty of pool noodles cut into pieces that fit in a child’s hand.

First, prepare a long string or rope threaded with the cut pool noodles.

If you stretch it horizontally at the child’s height, they can enjoy sliding the noodles left and right.

You can also stick hook-and-loop fasteners to the wall and the pool noodles so kids can attach them to the wall, or try stacking the pool noodles to build.

Have fun exploring different ideas!

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