Last year, I found a dusty pile of pool noodles in the garage, remnants of summer fun long gone.
As Halloween crept closer, an idea sparked: what if those floppy foam tubes could become part of something spooky? That night, I crafted a ghost with boots, and it stole the show on our porch.
Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the eerie magic of turning something so ordinary into festive Halloween art.
Pool noodles are lightweight, budget-friendly, and surprisingly versatile once you start looking at them differently.
In this post, you’ll discover 21 creative, fun, and spine-tingling Halloween DIYs that all start with a simple pool noodle.
See more: 23 Colorful Pool Noodle Crafts That Spark Kids Creativity
#1. DIY Pool Noodle Candle Tower
At first glance, you’d never guess these eerie, glowing candles were once bright pool noodles.
With a little creativity and spray paint magic, they transform into haunting towers that flicker like an ancient crypt.
Plus, the melted wax effect, created with hot glue, adds a realistic and spooky finish. Grouped together, they create a dramatic backdrop for haunted house scenes, porch displays, or indoor tables.
Materials Needed
- 15-18 pool noodles (cut into various heights)
- Black spray paint
- Hot glue gun
- Battery-operated tealight candles (1 per noodle)
- Round base
- Optional: metallic spray paint
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the pool noodles into varied lengths and hot glue them upright onto a sturdy round base.
Step 2: Use a hot glue gun to create dripping wax textures at the tops of each noodle. Let cool.
Step 3: Spray paint the entire structure black. Then add a layer of bronze or silver mist if desired for contrast.
Step 4: Insert tealight candles into the tops. Now, turn them on and enjoy the eerie ambiance.
#2. Bloody Frankenstein Candle Display
This eerie candle display looks straight out of a haunted mansion, but it’s actually made from humble pool noodles.
Plus, each piece is hollowed at the top to fit a flickering LED tea light, giving it that convincing wax-melted glow.
With layers of dripped hot glue, bloody red paint, and stitched-up wounds, these candles add a disturbingly realistic touch to your Halloween décor.
Materials Needed
- Pool noodles (cut into candle-sized sections)
- LED tea lights
- Craft knife or serrated knife
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Acrylic paint (white, red, dark brown)
- Small wooden boards
- Optional: faux stitches, staples, wire
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut your pool noodle into varying candle heights and carve a circular hollow in the center top for the LED tea light to sit snugly.
Step 2: Use a hot glue gun to drip faux wax along the edges. Then let the glue drip naturally for realism.
Step 3: Paint the entire noodle with a base coat of white or beige. Once dry, you brush the glue drips and base with deep reds and browns for a bloody effect.
Step 4: Add creepy stitch details using wire, staples, or marker. Then, glue the candle onto a wooden base for stability.
Step 5: Finally, insert LED lights and display them in clusters for the best creepy impact.
#3. Spooky Skull Candle Centerpiece
You can see this eerie candle centerpiece steals the show with its gothic charm and spooky elegance.
Tall faux candles painted in rich black with glossy purple drips rise from a circular base, glowing with battery tea lights on top.
Moreover, scattered skulls peek out from every angle, surrounded by dark florals, glitter pumpkins, and skeletal hands.
Materials Needed
- 4-8 black pool noodles (varying heights)
- Purple and black acrylic paint
- Battery-operated tea lights (8-10 pieces)
- Plastic skulls and skeleton hands
- Fake flowers and Halloween embellishments (spiders, mini pumpkins)
- Hot glue gun and round tray or charger plate
- Sharp knife
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut your pool noodles in various sizes, then paint them black and add purple drips with a glue gun or puff paint to mimic melted wax.
Step 2: Use a sharp knife to make a hole inside each pool noodle, then secure tea lights inside your pool noodle.
Step 3: Tuck plastic skulls and florals around the candles, layering in spooky extras like bones and spiders.
Step 4: Display it as a dramatic Halloween centerpiece your guests won’t forget.
#4. Giant Black Widow Spider for Your Yard
This jaw-dropping spider prop will send shivers down the spine of every trick-or-treater who dares to approach your porch.
Towering over the garden and clinging to faux webs strung across the house, this giant black widow is made from a massive, textured body with a bold red hourglass painted across the abdomen.
Also, the realistic legs, bent and positioned like it’s ready to pounce, are crafted from flexible conduit or thick foam tubing, giving them a spindly, lifelike shape.
Materials Needed
- 1 large black trash bag form (24″-30″)
- Expandable foam or spray insulation
- Black paint and red paint
- 8 foam pool noodles (4 feet each)
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Spider web decor netting (20 ft or more)
- Mini plastic spiders (at least 20)
- Heavy-duty stakes
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Form the spider’s body using a large balloon or ball, then coat with spray foam for texture. Let dry and paint black.
Step 2: Paint the signature red hourglass on the abdomen to mark it as a widow.
Step 3: Attach and bend the pool noodles for the legs, then secure them into the body using tape and zip ties. You now position them as if it’s crawling or climbing.
Step 4: Stretch the fake webbing between porch railings and nearby bushes. Then place the spider onto the web and secure legs with zip ties or stakes.
Step 5: Finally, stick mini spiders around the scene to complete the effect.
#5. Wicked Witch Legs in a Cauldron
Who knew pool noodles could meet such a hilarious end? These upside-down witch legs popping out of a cauldron make a show-stopping yard decoration that sparks laughs and Halloween chills.
You’ll love how easily they come together with just a few playful props as no spells needed!
Those striped socks give the illusion of motion, while the pointy heels complete the tale of a witch who flew straight into your lawn decor.
Materials Needed
- 2 black pool noodles (standard 52–55” length)
- 1 large plastic cauldron (18-20” diameter)
- 1 pair of striped knee-high socks (black and purple or black and orange)
- 1 pair of black heels
- Decorative moss (optional)
- Hot glue gun (optional,)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Insert one pool noodle into each striped sock, making sure the noodle reaches all the way to the toe.
Step 2: Slip a high heel onto the end of each noodle. If needed, you secure with hot glue.
Step 3: Place both legs into the plastic cauldron at an angle so they look like they crashed in.
Step 4: Finally, you just add moss or filler around the base of the legs to help them stand upright and cover gaps.
Tip: You can fill the cauldron with small rocks or sand before adding the legs for extra weight and wind resistance if placing outdoors.
#6. Easy Pool Noodle Pumpkins
How about turning leftover pool noodles into the cutest mini pumpkins you’ve ever seen?
These soft, chunky decorations are a safe and cheerful option for little hands to create and play with.
By cutting orange pool noodles into rings and adding silly jack-o’-lantern faces, you instantly get stackable, tossable, and giftable Halloween smiles.
Whether you use them as party favors, sensory bin fillers, or decorations for your kid’s table, they’re an affordable and mess-free win for the spooky season.
Materials Needed
- Orange pool noodle (1 noodle makes ~10 pumpkins)
- Black permanent marker
- Green pipe cleaners (cut in half)
- Serrated knife
- Pencil or chopstick
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Slice the pool noodle into 1.5-inch thick rings using a serrated knife.
Step 2: Draw jack-o’-lantern faces on each ring using a black marker or paint pen.
Step 3: Twist a green pipe cleaner around a pencil to form a curly stem, then poke it into the hole in the center of the noodle ring.
Step 4: Arrange them in stacks, scatter them around the house, or use them for a pumpkin toss game.
#7. DIY Standing Pool Noodle Ghost
Oh my God, this clever Halloween ghost isn’t just cute, it stands tall on its own, thanks to a hidden pool noodle frame inside!
With a pair of black boots, a lightweight fabric drape, and felt eyes, it creates the perfect spooky illusion for your porch or entryway.
Specially, the arch shape is made by bending a pool noodle and anchoring it securely. You can add a simple pumpkin or Halloween sign in front for a charming extra touch.
Materials Needed
- 1 long pool noodle (green or any color, approx. 55 inches)
- White sheet or fabric
- 2 black felt pieces (2×3 inches)
- Strong tape
- Pair of black boots
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Bend the pool noodle into a large upside-down “U” shape and tape the ends to a base or sturdy surface.
Step 2: Place the boots at the base with the noodle ends inserted into each boot to stabilize the ghost’s legs.
Step 3: Drape the white fabric evenly over the entire frame so it flows down naturally.
Step 4: Finally, attach black felt eyes near the top using double-sided tape or glue.
#8. Halloween Nutcracker Soldiers With Pumpkin Heads
Crafted from painted PVC pipes, foam pool noodles, and trick-or-treat pumpkin pails, each character has its own vibrant costume and personality.
Their bold, vintage-style outfits with striped trousers, crisscrossed corsets, and painted-on buttons feel both theatrical and nostalgic.
Moreover, the orange and black pumpkin heads add instant Halloween flair while doubling as candy holders if you leave the tops open.
Standing about 36 to 40 inches tall, these DIY soldiers are perfect for flanking a front door, lining a porch, or guarding your fireplace with eerie charm.
Materials Needed
- Two 4-inch wide PVC pipes, 24-30 inches long
- 2 plastic pumpkin pails (head size: approx. 8-9 inches diameter)
- 2 pool noodles, cut to about 12 inches each
- 2 mini pumpkin buckets
- Black, white, orange, and yellow acrylic or spray paints
- Foam balls or craft wood
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- 2 plastic pipes (30 inches long)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the PVC pipes with your base colors including white for the legs, black for the boots, and orange/black for outfit accents.
Step 2: Decorate each section with crisscross patterns, buttons, and waistlines using contrasting paint and a small detail brush.
Step 3: Attach foam balls to form shoulders and feet, painting them to match. Then glue in place securely.
Step 4: Cut two pool noodles into arms (about 12″ each) and hot glue them to the shoulders, then glue on the mini pumpkin pail hands.
Step 5: Insert the dowel rods or pipes into the hands like staffs. Finally, glue the pumpkin pails on top as heads, leaving the handles intact.
Tip: You should add LED lights inside the pumpkin heads to make them glow at night.
#9. Pool Noodle Halloween Friends
Why not not turn ordinary pool noodles into spooktacular Halloween buddies that’ll make any kid grin?
This cheerful trio including Frankenstein, a vampire bat, and a wiggly spider, brings charm instead of chills.
Also, these cuties are lightweight, safe, and perfect for young hands to craft and play with.
Materials Needed
- Colored pool noodles (black, green, purple)
- Googly eyes (1-inch size)
- Felt or construction paper (black, orange, purple, green)
- Pipe cleaners (various colors)
- Scissors and glue gun
- Small embellishments like mini bows (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the pool noodles into short segments, one for each creature.
Step 2: Decorate each one: add wings and fangs to the bat, a flat top and bolts for Frankenstein, and bend pipe cleaners into legs for the spider.
Step 3: Glue on googly eyes and facial expressions using cut felt or foam.
Step 4: Let everything dry, then line them up for an adorable Halloween display and you are done!
#10. DIY Foam Chains with a Haunted Rusty Look
If you’re going for spooky dungeon vibes this Halloween, these DIY foam chains deliver all the creepy drama without the heavy lifting.
Crafted from lightweight black pipe insulation or pool noodles, each link is shaped and painted to mimic the aged, metallic look of rusted iron.
Specially, a mix of acrylic paints like gray, white, and black adds texture and realism.
These chains are easy to drape over your porch, tombstones, or stair railings for a convincing eerie effect that’s surprisingly light and safe for kids.
Materials Needed
- Black foam pipe insulation (1.5″ diameter, cut into 6-inch segments)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Black, gray, and white acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
- Craft knife
- Protective gloves and cardboard work surface
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut pipe insulation into 6-inch sections and slice a slit lengthwise to open each tube.
Step 2: Curl one piece into a ring and hot glue the ends together. You should repeat, looping each new ring through the last to form a chain.
Step 3: Once you have your desired length, start dry-brushing black paint for the base.
Step 4: Add streaks of gray and dab white sparingly for a weathered metal look. Let it dry thoroughly.
Step 5: Finally, drape your spooky chain around doorways, props, or fences for instant haunted atmosphere.
#11. Spooky Pool Noodle Tree Ghost
This terrifying yet hilarious ghost tree is built entirely from pool noodles and it steals the show in any yard!
Painted white with black facial features and a jagged grin, it looks like it crawled straight out of a Halloween cartoon.
Plus, the pointed ends give the illusion of creepy roots and ragged arms, while the layered circular shape adds wild texture. It’s big, bold, and super light, making it easy to move and store.
You can also customize the face and posture to dial up the spooky or keep it kid-friendly. Either way, it’s a showstopper!
Materials Needed
- 12-16 white pool noodles
- Black acrylic paint or spray paint
- White spray paint
- Hot glue or zip ties
- Foam board or cardboard (optional)
- Box cutter or heavy-duty scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut one end of each pool noodle at an angle to mimic tree roots or ghostly tendrils.
Step 2: Begin forming a standing ring by hot gluing or tying the noodles together vertically around a lightweight frame or base.
Step 3: Spray the entire form with white paint, allowing some areas to remain slightly darker for shadowy texture.
Step 4: Paint a spooky face with black paint, be creative with the eyes and mouth!
Step 5: Now, you just add extra cut pieces to the sides for arms and to the bottom for roots or dramatic flare.
#12. Rustic Pool Noodle Pumpkins
Who knew pool noodles could make such charming fall decor? These rustic pumpkin bundles are created by cutting bright orange pool noodles and grouping them into various heights.
Twine wraps around each cluster to give it a farmhouse vibe, while cinnamon stick stems and faux fall leaves add that perfect autumn touch.
Furthermore, arranged together in corners or entryways, these upcycled pumpkins make your space feel festive without spending a fortune.
Materials Needed
- Orange pool noodles (cut into varying lengths: 8″, 12″, 18″)
- Hot glue gun
- Twine or jute string
- Cinnamon sticks
- Artificial fall leaves
- Optional: brown or rust spray paint
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut each pool noodle into sections of different heights to resemble pumpkin stacks.
Step 2: Glue 4-6 pieces together side-by-side in a circular bundle to form each pumpkin.
Step 3: Wrap twine around the cluster and tie securely to give that natural cinched look. Then hot glue a cinnamon stick into the center as a stem.
Step 4: Finish with faux leaves and rustic embellishments on top.
Tip: You can use darker shading on the top noodle edges with craft paint to give your pumpkins more depth and dimension.
#13. Silly Pool Noodle Monsters That Spark Imagination
These goofy pool noodle monsters are equal parts adorable and wacky, perfect for creative kids who love color and characters.
There’s no wrong way to build your monster, which makes this craft great for imaginative playdates or quirky Halloween fun.
You can even turn them into puppets or game pieces. And the best part is that the soft foam means no sharp edges, just safe, squishy fun!
Materials Needed
- Bright-colored pool noodles (cut into 3-4 inch pieces)
- Assorted googly eyes (various sizes)
- Colorful pom-poms (small to medium)
- Pipe cleaners in assorted colors
- Glue gun
- Black marker (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the pool noodles into 3-4 inch tall pieces. Then let kids glue on googly eyes and pom-poms for noses or cheeks.
Step 2: Bend pipe cleaners into arms, antennae, wings, or crazy hair and poke or glue them into the sides or top of the noodle.
Step 3: Use markers to add smiles, fangs, or zany expressions.
#14. Giant Halloween Lollipop Decorations
If you’re dreaming of a candy-coated Halloween that makes your front porch feel like a scene from a spooky candy land, these giant pool noodle lollipops are just the ticket.
Bright, playful, and wrapped with care, they’re eye-catching enough to stop trick-or-treaters in their tracks.
You swirl the noodle into a perfect spiral, tuck it inside clear cellophane, and suddenly it transforms into a sweet treat that’s all about charm, not sugar.
Materials Needed
- 1 pool noodle per lollipop (choose bright Halloween colors)
- Hot glue or strong craft adhesive
- Clear cellophane wrap
- Colorful Halloween ribbon (3 ft per lollipop)
- Wooden dowel or PVC pipe (24-36″)
- Optional: glitter
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Coil your pool noodle into a tight spiral and glue each layer in place as you go.
Step 2: Once set, attach the wooden dowel to the bottom using glue and tape for stability.
Step 3: Wrap the entire lollipop in clear cellophane and tie it off with a ribbon bow at the base.
Step 4: Finally, display in planters, line your walkway, or add to porch decor for a candy-inspired setup.
#15. Creepy Carnivorous Plant Pot
This monstrous masterpiece looks like it’s straight out of a spooky stage show, think Little Shop of Horrors meets Halloween yard decor.
You can turn a plain pool noodle and planter into a terrifyingly fun carnivorous plant with a bite big enough to scare trick-or-treaters into next week.
If you’re aiming for a showstopper piece that balances humor and horror, this is your golden ticket.
Materials Needed
- 1 green pool noodle (52-55″)
- Large faux flower head (mouth detail painted in)
- Thick wire or PVC pipe
- Large flowerpot (14″)
- Expanding foam, faux soil, or black mulch
- Hot glue, paint (green, pink, white, black), scissors or craft knife
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Insert the wire or PVC pipe into the pool noodle to create a flexible but sturdy stem. Then bend it into a curved shape.
Step 2: Paint the noodle green if it’s not already, then attach your scary plant head to the top with glue or screws.
Step 3: Place the stem into a flowerpot filled with expanding foam or weighted filler. You now cover the surface with fake soil or mulch for realism.
Step 4: Add finishing touches like painted-on teeth, veiny leaves, or even drool for a truly menacing vibe.
#16. Fuzzy Spider Wreath With Googly Eyes
What about giving your front door a playful fright with this fuzzy spider wreath? It’s cute, quirky, and just the right amount of creepy for Halloween.
The wreath form is wrapped in black burlap ribbon, giving it texture and depth. Eight fuzzy legs made from chunky black pipe cleaners curl outward, creating a dimensional and lifelike silhouette.
Bonus, the oversized googly eyes give this spider a charming personality that’s more fun than fearsome.
Materials Needed
- 1 foam wreath form (12-inch diameter)
- Black burlap or mesh ribbon (5 yards)
- 8 jumbo black chenille stems (12 inches long each)
- 2 large plastic googly eyes (approx. 3 inches wide)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Ribbon (16-20 inches)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wrap the entire foam wreath in black burlap ribbon, securing the ends with hot glue.
Step 2: Bend and shape the pipe cleaners into spider legs with angular joints. Then hot glue four on each side of the wreath, spacing evenly.
Step 3: Glue the large googly eyes at the bottom center of the wreath for a fun and expressive touch.
Step 4: Now tie a ribbon loop at the top and hang it on your front door or window.
#17. Black Flameless Candle Line-Up
Simple, haunting, and oddly elegant, this row of faux black candles instantly transforms any shelf or mantel into a gothic dreamscape.
The uniform dark tone contrasts beautifully with the soft, flickering LED flames, casting just enough light to make your Halloween decor feel alive.
I believe it’s the kind of setup that feels cinematic, almost like you’re waiting for the shadows to move. You can also line them up along a TV stand or window ledge for a minimal yet dramatic effect.
Materials Needed
- Pool noodles (cut into different heights)
- Hot glue gun
- Matte black spray paint
- Battery-operated LED tealights
- Utility knife
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut pool noodles into sections of varying heights to create a visual rhythm.
Step 2: Hot glue around the top edges in long drips to mimic melted wax. Then let dry.
Step 3: Paint each piece black, ensuring full coverage.
Step 4: Finally, carve a shallow circle at the top to fit a tealight. Then insert the LED light and display.
#18. Pumpkin Witch Post for a Welcoming Yard
This cheerful yard post turns a basic Halloween display into a charming, festive welcome. A smiling jack-o’-lantern sits proudly atop a striped orange-and-black pole, complete with a glittery witch hat and bow for extra flair.
Moreover, it’s the perfect blend of playful and seasonal, just spooky enough to delight trick-or-treaters, but friendly enough to charm passing neighbors.
Also, the striped pattern wraps the post like a candy cane of mischief, and that hat is pure whimsical magic.
Materials Needed
- Plastic jack-o’-lantern with flat bottom
- Pool noodle (4-5 ft tall)
- Orange and black ribbon
- Decorative witch hat (store-bought or DIY)
- Festive bow (1 large)
- Hot glue
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wrap your pool noodle with alternating stripes in orange and black.
Step 2: Attach the pumpkin to the top of the post securely with adhesive or by anchoring it with a small dowel inside.
Step 3: Add the witch hat to the pumpkin head and glue in place. Then tie or glue the bow just below the pumpkin for extra flair.
Step 4: Stake the post into your yard or a planter to stand tall and steady.
#19. Blackout Skeleton Candle Tower
Painted jet black with a wet-look sheen, each faux candle flickers with a warm LED flame that feels eerily lifelike.
Climbing from the base up to various heights, the candles are grouped tightly together for dramatic effect.
Bonus, two skeletal hands reaching up from the base give this centerpiece a haunted-house vibe that’s subtle yet chilling, perfect for an entryway, or even outside for trick-or-treat night.
Materials Needed
- Pool noodles cut into various sizes
- Glossy black paint and paintbrush
- Hot glue
- 10-12 battery tea lights
- 2 skeleton hand props
- Heavy base (cardboard or wood board)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut tubes into varying heights and hot glue them upright onto your base to form a tight candle cluster.
Step 2: Use hot glue to create dripping wax around the tops, then paint everything black, including the base for a seamless, dramatic look.
Step 3: Once dry, drop in LED tea lights on each candle. Then glue the skeleton hands to the sides to look like they’re clawing up the candle tower.
Step 4: Finally, place in a dim corner for maximum eerie glow.
#20. Giant Bush Monster With Pool Noodle Mouth
With a bright yellow pool noodle shaping a gaping mouth, a pair of giant googly eyes, and some old jeans sticking out, this clever creation looks like your bush just ate a trick-or-treater.
Bonus, it’s quirky, unexpected, and guaranteed to be the talk of the neighborhood.
You don’t need expensive props, just imagination, recycled clothes, and a good sense of humor.
Materials Needed
- 1 pool noodle
- 2 large googly eyes
- Old jeans and shoes
- Twine or wire
- Optional: glow sticks or LED lights
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Shape the pool noodle into a ring and secure the ends with duct tape or skewers.
Step 2: Tuck the ring into your bush or hedge to resemble an open monster mouth.
Step 3: You can also add the jeans so they hang out of the mouth, as if the bush just took a bite.
Step 4: Finally, attach your oversized googly eyes above for that cartoonish monster look.
Tip: For even more fun, you can place a motion sensor sound effect nearby, it’ll spook guests with a giggle!
#21. Haunted Tree Branch Archway
This towering arch made from twisted pool noodles and cling wrap looks like a haunted forest portal straight from a Tim Burton movie.
Moreover, the gnarled branches stretch and curl in every direction, evoking a wild, enchanted vibe.
Swirled with shades of red, green, and white, it creates an eye-catching backdrop for your yard or trick-or-treat entrance.
Specially, you can hang lanterns, cobwebs, or floating ghosts to turn it into the centerpiece of your haunted garden path.
Materials Needed
- 10-15 pool noodles (various colors)
- Plastic wrap
- Spray adhesive
- Wire or wooden dowels
- PVC pipes
- White and black spray paint (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Attach pool noodles vertically around the base of your arch using glue or tape. Then angle some to mimic twisted tree trunks.
Step 2: Cut and bend smaller noodles or use wire to create branching shapes, taping or gluing them into place.
Step 3: Wrap the entire structure in clear plastic wrap. This helps seal the noodles and gives the whole arch a cohesive, almost bark-like texture.
Step 4: Lightly spray over areas with white paint to give it an eerie, ghostly appearance. You can also add dark shadows for depth.
Step 5: Now, set it up as a walkway entrance or as part of a spooky photo booth spot.
