10 Creative Ways to Use Your (Pool) Noodle

Your pool noodle is your trusty summer sidekick, but it has far more uses than taking a dip in the pool, river, lake or ocean. Did you know it also makes a great hobbyhorse or bubble blower? We’ve rounded up some uber fun ways you can transform this dollar store classic into your tot’s favorite new toy. Keep reading to get your noodle craft on.






photo: Clumsy Crafters



Pool Noodle Monsters




Boo! These anything-but-scary monsters are the perfect way to use up that old pool noodle. Cut into small pieces, then unleash your inner artist using googly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers and whatever else you have stashed in your art kit. Get all the details over at Clumsy Crafter.










photo: Toddler Approved



Alphabet Knock Down




This activity is so fun, the littles won't even realizing their learning! Pool noodles are cut into C shapes, then a popsicle stick with a letter is added. Say the letter, roll a ball and see if you can knock it down! For all the details, be sure to head to Toddler Approved.










photo: Little Bins for Little Hands



STEM Building Structures




Summer STEM just got a whole lot more fun. This easy to pull off activity uses an inexpensive pool noodle and toothpicks––that's it! Let your little builder develop their building, design, math, fine motor and problem-solving skills with this simple activity from Little Bins for Little Hands.










photo: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails



Launch Pom-Poms




Go the distance with a pool noodle shooter. Get the need-to-know details to make your own from Jaime over at Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Then, set up a target shooting range in the backyard for hours of outdoor play. Take aim!










photo: Skip to My Lou



Blow Bubbles




Whether you upcycle your own star or flower-shaped noodles or buy them pre-cut from the craft store, your kidlet will love blowing bubbles through them. And the best part? That you can make wands for the whole neighborhood. Skip to My Lou is where you’ll find out how to make this cute summer supply.










photo: mama papa bubba



Make a Marble Run




The race is on down this simple marble run dreamed up by Jen over at Mama Papa Bubba. Set it up on a sunny day and kick back while your little ones play, play, play. Psst…cars race well on this track too.

 










photo: Casual Claire



Assemble a Water Wall




After sprinkler dashes and plenty of time wading in the kiddie pool, your mini-me can change it up but still keep cool on a sunny day playing at her pool noodle water wall. We love the idea of mounting one on a moveable pegboard like Claire from Casual Claire does. But, if you don’t have pegboard on hand a fence works just as well. Splash away, all!

 










photo: Ever Never Again



Shoot Some Hoops




Indoors or out, these quick-to-assemble basketball hoops are just the right size for your sidekick to practice lay-ups and three-pointers, or to play a quick game of H-O-R-S-E with a sibling. Ever Never Again is where you’ll get the tips you need to set them up at your place. She shoots, she scores!








photo: Molly Moon Craft



Ride a Hobbyhorse




Giddy-up, little pardner! Saddle up this cute hobbyhorse for hours of outdoor imaginative play. Find out how to make one yourself at Molly Moon Crafts. Trust us, it’s easier than you think! Hi ho, away!








photo: Mommy's Block Party



Run Through the Sprinkler




Turn your pool noodle into the best kiddie pool accessory in town, by converting it into an overhead sprinkler. Ondria at Mommy’s Block Party can walk you through the process. It’s like a trip to the splash pad, without leaving the house. Sounds like the perfect summer pace to us!

— Allison Sutcliffe

 

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