Pool noodles are a must-have when it comes to outdoor games with kids! They are so versatile and can be used to make so many DIY outdoor games and activities! Pool noodles are also very inexpensive to buy and can usually be found at your local dollar store for $1 each. These 10 outdoor pool noodle games will keep your kids moving and having fun during the spring and summer months and are some of the best pool noodle activities we’ve tried.
What are pool noodles and what are pool noodles made of?
You would be surprised how many times I get asked what pool noodles are, so here’s a brief explanation before we get started. Pool noodles are long cylindrical shaped pieces of foam (polyethelyne foam to be exact). They are usually hollow in the center and they are buoyant which means they float in the water. They are typically used in swimming pools as aids in helping people learn to swim but are also widely used for play in swimming pools as well. We love to use in unconventional ways in both the summer and winter months. We typically buy them in the summer to use outside and then cut them up in the fall and bring them inside for lots of building and learning activities. Now on to the activities!
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1. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course
This pool noodle obstacle course is so simple to set up! All you need are some pool noodles, duct tape and pencils! It can be set up in about 15 minutes and is guaranteed to entertain kids for hours. Get the full instructions here. Check out the below video of our pool noodle obstacle course in action:
2. Pool Noodle Painting
Pool noodles are fun to play with in the pool but did you know they can also make great paintbrushes? It’s true and in this activity you will use your pool noodle as a giant paintbrush! This fun process art activity is great for getting kids to think “outside the box” as they use unconventional objects for making art. Get the full instruction here. Check out the below video to see the boys painting with pool noodles:
3. Standing Pool Noodle Game
Have you ever tried to get a pool noodle to stand up straight? Pretty easy until you let go and it starts to fall. Well this game turns this activity into a challenge. Work with teammates to keep your pool noodle standing up the longest in this fun game! Get the full instructions here. Check out the below video of the standing pool noodle game in action:
4. Pool Noodle Frisbee Race
This fun activity uses pool noodles and frisbees in a race to get to the finish line while balancing a frisbee on a pool noodle. It’s great for family barbecues and requires no set up! Get the full instructions here. Check out the below video of the boys competing in a pool noodle frisbee race:
5. Noodle Knock Out
Noodle Knock Out is a SUPER fun game where two players try to get each other to lose balance and cause their Frisbee to fall from their pool noodle. It’s challenging because you can’t be too aggressive or your Frisbee will fall before you can get your opponent’s to fall. Get the full details here and check out the below video to see Noodle Knock Out in action!
6. Beach Ball Pool Noodle Game
This game is similar to field hockey but played with a beach ball and pool noodles. The set up is quick and it’s a great team activity when you have lots of people to entertain! It’s also great for kids as young as 2 years old up to adults as old as 99! Just beware, it can get very competitive! Get the full details here. Check out the below video to see the game in action:
7. Pool Noodle Ball Toss
For this fun activity, we used duct tape and pool noodles to make giant rings. Then the boys tried to throw the ball into the center ring and scored various points based on how close they got to the center. It was a fun math activity as they needed to keep track of their point totals by adding them together. Get the full details here. Check out the below video to see the boys playing Pool Noodle Ball Toss:
8. Pool Noodle Flip Challenge
We’ve all heard of the water bottle flip challenge, but did you know you can do a similar challenge with pool noodles! Yes! It is actually quite hard to flip a pool noodle and have it land in your hand using only one hand. Give it a try! It’s addicting! Get the full instructions here and check out the boys doing the pool noodle flip challenge in the below video:
9. Pool Noodle Balloon Game
Here’s a fun activity that’s great for ages young and old. We actually first saw this activity when visiting my grandmother in her retirement home. The object of the game is to keep the balloon in the air by hitting it with pool noodles (cut in half). Get the full details here. Checkout the boys playing the pool noodle game in the below video:
10. Pool Noodle Water Balloon Races
Racing and competing comes natural to many kids. Here’s a fun way to race water balloons using pool noodles taped together! The water balloons add an extra element of fun as there is always the chance they can break and spray water everywhere! Get the full instructions here. Check out the boys racing their water balloons in the below video:
More Pool Noodle Games for Kids
If you’re looking for fun swimming pool games to play with pool noodles, this fatherly article has some great ideas!
