If you’ve got pool noodles lying around after summer fun, don’t toss them – craft with them.
These pool noodle craft ideas are bursting with color, creativity, and hands-on learning.
From silly monsters and flying airplanes to foam bumblebees and even brush holders, there’s a project for every mood, age, and season.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or DIY junkie, these crafts are a fun way to upcycle, spark imagination, and keep little hands busy year-round.
1. Floatable Noodle Boats That Actually Sail
Credit: thebestideasforkids.com
Here’s one of my absolute favorite pool noodle craft ideas – mini sailing boats made from pool noodles! Not only are they adorable, but they’re also shockingly easy to put together.
The magic lies in a simple combo of foam sails, paper straws, and colorful washi tape.
You slice the noodle into chunky rounds (adult supervision for this part is a must), punch in a straw mast, and watch these little vessels drift like pros across your tub or backyard kiddie pool.
It’s a genius way to repurpose noodles that are starting to rip or split – and if you’re anything like me, there’s always one lying around with a battle scar or two!
You can even toss in toy animals or action figures for an extra splash of fun.
This is one of those DIY pool noodle hacks that ticks all the boxes: budget-friendly, summer-friendly, and mess-free.
Want the full tutorial (plus a sail template!) and a step-by-step video? Snag the full scoop over at The Best Ideas for Kids.
2. The Lorax-Inspired Noodle Buddy
Credit: survivingateacherssalary.com
Whip up a whimsical desk buddy straight from the world of Dr. Seuss!
This Lorax pool noodle craft idea turns a humble orange noodle segment into a mustachioed eco-warrior with just foam, googly eyes, and a touch of imagination.
Perfect for classroom rewards or brightening up storytime corners – this eco-loving cutie brings the Truffula vibes! Ready to make this little tree hugger with your kiddos? Peek at the step-by-step guide on Surviving A Teacher’s Salary here.
3. Silly Monster Pool Noodles for Spooky-Safe Fun
Credit: messylittlemonster.com
Who says monsters have to be scary? Pool noodles become playful monster buddies with a sprinkle of craft magic – think pom-poms, googly eyes, and twisty stems.
This Halloween-themed craft hits all the right notes: sensory-rich, motor-skill boosting, and wildly creative.
Kids can mix colors, invent personalities, and even practice storytelling with their silly new friends. An epic way to recycle summer floaties into goofy indoor play!
Get the full tutorial over at Messy Little Monster.
4. DIY Pool Noodle Shark Chompers
Credit: thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk
Ready to make jaws drop – literally? This fierce little shark made from a humble pool noodle is the perfect DIY for Shark Week, or if you’re throwing a Baby Shark-themed bash.
With angled cuts, a bit of foam finesse, and crafty cardboard teeth, you’ll have a fin-tastic decoration or toy in under an hour.
Googly eyes and painted fangs add just the right bite of detail.
Dive into the full tutorial at The Purple Pumpkin Blog here.
5. Pete’s Dragon Fantasy Craft
Credit: desertchica.com
Bring Elliot the dragon to life with this quirky, glue-free noodle project!
Think green pool noodles, fuzzy pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and a little imagination – all transformed into a fire-breathing friend with craft foam wings and a wild mohawk.
It’s mess-free magic that even little ones can help build. If you’re hunting for pool noodle craft ideas that lean into fantasy and sensory play, this one’s a total winner.
Check out the full DIY over at Desert Chica.
6. Buzzing Pool Noodle Bumblebee
Credit: premeditatedleftovers.com
This chubby little bumblebee is made from – you guessed it – a sunny yellow pool noodle!
Chop it down, glue on the wings, stick those eyes, and top it off with a pom-pom sniffer!
It’s the perfect preschool summer craft that doubles as an adorable table topper for a bee-themed party.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly pool noodle craft ideas that spark creativity and keep tiny hands buzzing with joy, this one totally delivers.
Try the tutorial from Premeditated Leftovers.
7. Gobble-Worthy Pool Noodle Turkey
Credit: momdoesreviews.com
Gobble up the fun by transforming pool noodles into adorable turkey pals – just add feathers, eyes, and a foam waddle twist!
This Thanksgiving-inspired craft is more than just adorable – it’s a hands-on way to teach kids colors, shapes, and safe cutting skills.
A great upcycle project using Dollar Store finds, this quirky DIY brings the spirit of fall to your playroom anytime of year.
If you’re after seasonal pool noodle craft ideas with personality, this one’s got wings.
Get the how-to on Mom Does Reviews.
8. Pool Noodle Brush Holder Hack
Credit: instructables.com
Who says pool noodles are just for playtime? This clever hack turns chunky foam insulation (yep, the same stuff as pool noodles) into a functional brush holder that keeps bristles wet or drying upright – perfect for artists and DIYers alike.
Ideal for water-based paints, it’s a frugal organizer that sits right on your rinse bucket. For pool noodle craft ideas that cross over into real utility, this is a genius-level move.
See the full build on Instructables.
9. DIY Pool Noodle Hobby Horse Ride
Credit: thecraftyblogstalker.com
No hard sticks, no tears – just bouncy, bendy fun! This adorable pool noodle horse gallops straight out of a child’s imagination and into their playroom.
With a simple fold, some curled ribbon, felt ears, and googly eyes, you’ve got a hobby horse that’s soft, safe, and downright charming.
It’s one of the most delightful pool noodle craft ideas for birthday races, playdates, or imaginative adventures.
Wrangle the full how-to on The Crafty Blog Stalker.
10. Colorful Pool Noodle Fish Craft
Credit: happytoddlerplaytime.com
We made a whole school of fish and it turned into a full-on underwater adventure!
Whip up these squishy fish in minutes – just snip a pool noodle, twist on some pipe cleaner fins, stick googly eyes, and ta-da! Your DIY aquarium is ready.
My toddler even “fished” them out of our kiddie pool using a magnet wand! Perfect for fine motor play and water table STEM time.
Catch the step-by-step on Happy Toddler Playtime.
11. Pool Noodle Pompom Poppers
Credit: creativecynchronicity.com
Okay, this one was an instant hit in our house! Pool noodles became our pompom cannons with just some balloons and duct tape.
Load one up, pull back, and unleash the fun! Instant giggles and a mini-launch party in your living room.
It’s ridiculously fun – and honestly? Great for fine motor skills and some sneaky STEM learning.
Full DIY here: Creative Cynchronicity.
12. Marble Run Water Slide
Credit: mamapapabubba.com
This one’s a total summer hit! I sliced a pool noodle lengthwise, propped it up on a couple of crates, and turned it into a DIY marble water slide.
A bin of sparkly water at the bottom added that perfect “splash zone” drama.
My little one couldn’t get enough – she raced marbles, experimented with sizes, even tried Nerfuls (remember those?).
It’s great solo or with a buddy, and honestly… I kind of enjoyed it too.
Get inspired by the original: Mama Papa Bubba
13. DIY Pool Noodle Garland for Parties
Credit: sugarandcloth.com
Who knew noodles could be this cute? I whipped up this colorful garland by slicing pool noodles into chunky discs and stringing them like beads on twine. It instantly brightened up my backyard patio for a summer BBQ.
You can customize it with any color combo, match it to your party theme, or just go full rainbow! No pool needed – this decor works anywhere fun is on the agenda.
Try the full tutorial from Sugar & Cloth.
14. DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers
Credit: kidsactivitiesblog.com
May the foam be with you! We turned basic pool noodles into epic lightsabers using duct tape, black electrical tape, and a serrated knife.
My son and his friends had a full-on Jedi battle in the yard – and the best part? No bruises! You can even level up by inserting a small flashlight inside for a glowing effect (just be sure to tape it securely for safety).
It’s a quick, budget-friendly craft with maximum fun! Full tutorial via Kids Activities Blog
15. STEM Pool Noodle Airplanes
Credit: frugalfun4boys.com
This one was a huge hit in our backyard! We built gliding airplanes using just a chunk of pool noodle, craft foam, cereal box cardboard, and a few nickels for weight.
My son loved the trial-and-error part – he tested tail sizes, wing placements, and how many coins gave the smoothest flight.
It’s not just a fun outdoor toy – it’s a sneaky STEM lesson in aerodynamics. Bonus: they fly surprisingly far with a gentle toss.
Full tutorial via Frugal Fun 4 Boys
Final Thoughts
Before you snip your next noodle, here’s a tip: always save the scraps! They make great mini accessories – think fish fins, monster teeth, or party garland spacers.
Also, consider color-coding your noodles for themed events or learning activities (yellow for counting, red for sorting, etc.).
And don’t forget – the real magic is in letting kids lead.
These crafts aren’t just about results, they’re about the stories, giggles, and little lessons that happen along the way.
Who knew a simple pool noodle could teach so much?
