Looking for a fun way to keep your kids busy and creative? Pool noodles might be the answer!
One rainy afternoon, I found a few old noodles in the garage and thought why not turn them into something fun? My kids jumped in right away and soon we were making silly monsters, floating fish, and even colorful flowers.
These simple pool noodle crafts are exciting for little hands and big imaginations. Whether you’re planning a quiet afternoon or a birthday party project, these 23 colorful ideas will turn everyday foam into a world of playful fun for you and your kids.
#1. Pool Noodle Monster Buddies
Kids will love designing their own goofy, one-eyed creatures or multi-eyed wildlings. Each one comes out with its own personality, and no two monsters are ever alike.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle (cut into 4–5″ pieces)
- Googly eyes (any size)
- 1 pipe cleaner per mouth
- Pom-poms, feathers, foam sheets, craft paper
- Hot glue or tacky glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Slice your pool noodle into short cylinders, about 4 to 5 inches tall.
Step 2: Decorate with googly eyes, 1, 2, or 10, whatever feels right! Then add a pom-pom nose, foam feet, and feathers or paper crowns.
Step 3: Bend a pipe cleaner into a smile or goofy grin, and glue it in place. Optionally, you can add beads to the pipe cleaner for a toothy look.
#2. Pool Noodle Turkeys
These colorful birds are goofy, bright, and super easy to make with just a few basic supplies. Plus, they’re a great way to spark creativity and use up those random feathers and googly eyes from your craft stash.
Materials Needed:
- 1 orange pool noodle (cut into 6″ sections per turkey)
- 2 assorted-size googly eyes per turkey
- 5–6 assorted craft feathers per turkey
- Yellow foam sheet
- Red foam sheet
- Hot glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut your pool noodle into 6-inch tall sections, these are your turkey bodies.
Step 2: Glue two googly eyes to the top front area of the noodle.
Step 3: Cut a triangle from yellow foam for the beak, and a small squiggly piece from red foam for the wattle. Glue them just under the eyes.
Step 4: Tuck colorful feathers into the back of the noodle to create the turkey’s tail. You can secure with glue if needed.
#3. DIY Floating Pool Noodle Fish
Whether you’re hosting a backyard water day or just want something silly for bath time, this project turns pool noodles into colorful floating fish that bob and wiggle in the water.
They’re inexpensive, quick to make, and spark plenty of pretend play. You can let your kids mix and match colors for fins and tails and of course, no two fish will be alike!
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle (makes 5–6 fish)
- 2 pipe cleaners per fish
- 2 small googly eyes per fish
- Craft foam scraps
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Slice the pool noodle into 2-inch-thick rounds. Then, cut each piece in half to form a fish-body arch.
Step 2: Glue two googly eyes on each fish right above the curved opening.
Step 3: Cut small triangles or shapes from craft foam for the tail and side fins, then glue these to the back and sides of the noodle.
Step 4: Twist 2 pipe cleaners into a loop shape and stick them into the top of the noodle for “fins.” You can poke them directly into the foam or secure with glue.
#4. Halloween Pool Noodle Creatures
With just a few simple supplies, kids can create Frankenstein, bats, and spiders that are more cute than creepy. This is a fun way to reuse noodles after summer ends and adds a DIY flair to any Halloween party or classroom table.
Materials Needed:
- Pool noodle pieces (approx. 4–6″ tall or 2″ for the spider)
- 2 googly eyes per creature
- 8 pipe cleaners per spider
- Black and colored craft foam sheets
- Scissors
- Glue or hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut the pool noodle into smaller chunks depending on your chosen character. Taller pieces work well for Frankenstein and bats, while shorter ones are great for spiders.
Step 2: Glue on googly eyes and cut out facial features from craft foam, think fangs, eyebrows, silly smiles.
Step 3: Add pipe cleaner arms or legs. For the spider, bend pipe cleaners into 8 curved legs and stick them into the sides.
Step 4: Customize each character with paper accessories like bat wings, bow ties, or jagged Frankenstein hair.
#5. Pool Noodle Stick Horses
These horses are perfect for pretend play, birthday parties, or just galloping around the living room on a rainy afternoon. Each one has its own personality and they’re a breeze to put together with basic supplies.
What I love most is that no two horses ever come out the same. Your little cowboys and cowgirls can name them, decorate them, and then ride off into an afternoon full of imagination and giggles.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle per horse (any color)
- 2 googly eyes per horse
- 1 foam triangle
- Yarn, ribbons, or curly gift bows
- Glittery cardstock
- Glue gun
- Decorative ribbon
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Fold down one end of the pool noodle into a horse head shape and secure it tightly with ribbon or tape around the nose area.
Step 2: Glue two googly eyes on either side of the head, just above the bend.
Step 3: Cut out two foam triangles or sparkly ear shapes and glue them near the top of the head.
Step 4: Add your mane using yarn, shredded ribbon, or curly bows, you can glue them across the top of the head and sides.
Step 5: Wrap a piece of ribbon or glitter tape around the nose and neck area for a halter, and add embellishments like flowers, gems, or stickers.
#6. Pool Noodle Ring Garland
Who knew pool noodles could turn into such vibrant, playful décor? This pool noodle ring garland is like summer in a strand with fun and full of color.
Bonus, it’s so lightweight you can hang it anywhere with tape or thumbtacks, and kids will have just as much fun making it as they will seeing it displayed.
Materials Needed:
- 3–4 multicolor pool noodles
- 1 bag of white pom-poms (1-inch size)
- 3 bamboo skewers
- Scissors
- Strong twine
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut each pool noodle into rings about 1–1.5 inches thick.
Step 2: Arrange the rings in a pattern you love, alternating with white pom-poms between each one.
Step 3: Thread the twine through the noodle centers using a bamboo skewer to help guide it.
Step 4: Continue until you reach your desired length, then tie a knot at each end to secure it in place.
#7. Pool Noodle Rocket Launcher
If your little astronauts are dreaming of space travel, this DIY rocket is a blast to make and to launch!
This one brought back memories of my brother and I racing “who could launch higher” with our makeshift noodle rockets. It’s not only exciting but encourages a love for STEM play using just a few basic materials.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle (cut to 10–12 inches)
- 3 foam sheets or cardstock
- 1 strip of duct tape
- 1 rubber band
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut a piece of pool noodle about 10–12 inches tall.
Step 2: Wrap one end with red duct tape to create a “nose cone” and punch a hole in the center for the rubber band loop.
Step 3: Cut triangle fins from foam sheets and glue three evenly spaced at the base.
Step 4: Let everything dry. Then loop the rubber band onto a launching stick, pull back, and let your rocket soar!
#8. Pool Noodle Popsicle Wreath
With the bold colors and sweet popsicle design, this pool noodle popsicle wreath feels like a cheerful invitation to come out and play.
Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also lightweight and super fun to make with kids or even as a quirky decor piece for an ice cream-themed celebration.
Materials Needed:
- 6 pool noodles in assorted colors
- 12 jumbo craft sticks
- 1 foam wreath base or sturdy cardboard ring
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut pool noodles into 4–5″ sections for popsicle shapes and 1″ slices for colorful rings.
Step 2: For each popsicle, glue two noodle sections together vertically and attach two craft sticks to the bottom as handles.
Step 3: Begin arranging your popsicles and donut slices around the wreath base, alternating for a balanced design.
Step 4: Once you’re happy with the layout, glue everything in place.
#9. Pool Noodle Lizard Craft
This pool noodle lizard is the kind of craft that instantly sparks imagination due to part toy, part puzzle, and totally fun.
he way the pieces link together like scales gives it an almost LEGO-like charm, and kids can design any creature they want just by playing with colors and shapes.
Materials Needed:
- 2-3 pool noodles (contrasting colors)
- 1 string or cord (around 3 feet long)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut both pool noodles into small, even slices, about 1 inch thick. You’ll need at least 30 slices total.
Step 2: Lay out the pieces to map out your lizard’s body: longer line for the tail, wider middle for the torso, and smaller lines for the legs.
Step 3: Thread the cord through the center holes of each piece, starting with the tail and working your way up to the head, then knot between sections to hold the body shape.
Step 4: Finally, add legs, arms, and eyes if desired.
#10. Pool Noodle Garden Caterpillar
Made from soft green pool noodle slices, this adorable caterpillar is a fun garden marker, a whimsical plant pot buddy, or just a cheerful visitor your kids will adore.
Materials Needed:
- 1 green pool noodle
- 2 googly eyes
- 1 gold pipe cleaner
- 2 craft sticks
- Hot glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Slice the pool noodle into 4 round discs, about 1–1.5 inches thick.
Step 2: Glue the discs in a curved line to mimic the caterpillar’s wiggly shape.
Step 3: Add googly eyes to the first disc and cut a small pipe cleaner to form two antenna, you can poke or glue them in.
Step 4: Glue 2 craft sticks underneath the body to make it stand easily in a flowerpot or garden bed.
#11. Pool Noodle Cactus Family
If you’re looking to brighten up your front porch or patio with a hilarious and creative twist, this project is for yours.
Dressed up in sunglasses, flowers, and even mustaches, these plants bring the desert to life with humor and color. The whole family can help make them and each cactus can have its own style.
Materials Needed:
- 3–6 pool noodles per cactus
- 1–2 additional noodles for arms
- Large planters or buckets filled with rocks
- Toothpicks
- Faux flowers
- Googly eyes, fake mustaches, and sunglasses
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut each pool noodle to your desired height for the cactus body. Use whole noodles for taller ones and trim shorter ones for variety.
Step 2: Bundle noodles together vertically to form the body. Secure with hot glue or tightly packed rocks inside the planter.
Step 3: Cut arm pieces at an angle and attach to the sides of the main body using skewers or glue.
Step 4: Add spines by inserting toothpicks randomly around the noodle surfaces.
Step 5: Top off with faux flowers and give them personality by adding sunglasses, googly eyes, or even lips and mustaches.
#12. Pool Noodle Jellyfish
These pool noodle jellyfish are an underwater dream come to life. They’re wiggly, whimsical, and perfect for any ocean-themed activity or pretend play setup.
I made a batch with my niece last summer, and she couldn’t stop dancing them through the air like they were gliding in the sea.
Materials Needed:
- Pool noodles (cut into 3-inch sections)
- 8–10 strands of curling ribbon
- 2 pieces of clear plastic per jellyfish
- Scissors
- Glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut your pool noodle into short circular segments, about 3 inches tall.
Step 2: Cut several lengths of curling ribbon and tape or glue them inside the hole of the pool noodle.
Step 3: Take two long pieces of clear plastic and crinkle them by hand to give that classic jellyfish floaty texture. Glue or tape these to the inside edge of the noodle along with the ribbon.
#13. Pool Noodle Shark Craft
This little blue shark is an ideal craft for ocean-themed birthday parties, summer camps, or just an afternoon of giggles.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle section (4–5 inches tall)
- 1 triangle-shaped piece
- 1 small googly eye
- White cardstock
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut a V-shaped notch into the front top side of the noodle piece to form the shark’s open mouth.
Step 2: Glue a googly eye onto one side, right above the mouth.
Step 3: Cut several tiny triangle teeth from white cardstock and glue them into the mouth opening.
Step 4: Slice a triangular piece from another pool noodle and glue it on the back for the dorsal fin.
#14. DIY Pool Noodle Sailboats
These mini pool noodle sailboats are simple, splashy, and sail-ready in minutes. Bonus, it’s super budget-friendly and perfect for birthday party activities or science day fun.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle (cut into 6″ sections)
- 1 pencil per boat
- 1 triangle-shaped piece of paper
- Craft knife
- Tape or glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Slice your pool noodle into 6″ pieces. Each section forms the boat’s floating base.
Step 2: Poke a small hole in the center of the noodle piece.
Step 3: Cut a triangle from patterned paper, then tape or glue it around the pencil to form the sail.
Step 4: Push the pencil into the hole, sail-side up. Adjust the balance so it floats evenly, and you’re ready to race!
#15. Pool Noodle Easter Bunny Decor
The oversized shape of is this cheerful bunny makes a playful statement, and the colorful bow brings it all together with a festive flair.
The best part is that it is super lightweight and weather-friendly, perfect for outdoor use. Even if you’ve never crafted before, this bunny will hop its way into your heart in no time.
Materials Needed:
- 3 blue pool noodles (2 full length for ears, 1 cut in half for body)
- 1 wooden stake (approx. 36″ long)
- Zip ties (6–8)
- Colorful ribbon (about 2 ft)
- Optional: Plastic Easter eggs
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Form two loops with the full pool noodles to create the bunny’s ears. Secure each loop with zip ties.
Step 2: Shape the other two noodle halves into circles and zip tie them together vertically to form the bunny’s body.
Step 3: Attach the ears to the top circle using wire or more zip ties.
Step 4: Slide the wooden stake through the bunny from bottom to top to help it stand upright outdoors.
Step 5: Add a cute bow where the ears meet the body. Scatter a few Easter eggs at the base for extra charm.
#16. DIY Pool Noodle Coral Reef Centerpiece
If your kids dream of diving into underwater worlds or you’re planning an ocean-themed party, this vibrant coral reef made from pool noodles is a must-try.
Materials Needed:
- 10-12 assorted pool noodles
- 1 large foam block
- Craft knife
- Wooden skewers or chopsticks (optional)
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut pool noodles into different lengths with some tall, some short. Use a knife to create spirals by carefully slicing down at an angle or carving curls and petals.
Step 2: Insert noodle pieces into a foam block inside your container. Twist a few to give them a wavy, seaweed look.
Step 3: To make more detailed shapes like the zigzag or ruffled pieces, snip notches along the edge or curl pieces tightly before inserting them upright.
#17. Giant Pool Noodle Flower Decor
These oversized pool noodle flowers are the kind of project that brings instant joy to any space like garden party, front yard, or classroom wall. Plus, they’re soft, safe, and easy to display, even for kids to help with.
Materials Needed:
- 1 green pool noodle
- 2 blue pool noodles (cut into five 12–14” sections per flower)
- 1 foam disc or plastic lid
- Zip ties
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Curve each blue noodle section into a petal shape and secure both ends together using hot glue or a zip tie. Repeat until you have 5 petals.
Step 2: Arrange the petals in a circle and glue them onto the foam disc to form the flower head.
Step 3: Attach the green noodle to the bottom of the flower center to act as the stem. You can reinforce with wire if needed.
#18. Giant Pool Noodle Dragonfly
This oversized dragonfly brings instant wonder to any indoor or garden space. Just with some simple materials, kids can be surprised and interesting whenever passing over.
Materials Needed:
- 1 teal pool noodle
- Black plastic wire
- 2 large pieces of silver foil insulation
- 2 black pom-poms
- 1 pipe cleaner
- Strong glue or hot glue gun
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Divide your pool noodle into 4–5 segments and attach black plastic wire in these.
Step 2: Cut out four wing shapes from the foil insulation. Two large for top wings, two smaller for the lower set.
Step 3: Attach the wings to the back of the noodle body using glue. Make sure they’re spaced evenly for a balanced look.
Step 4: Glue two pom-poms to the top end as the dragonfly’s eyes. Add a curled pipe cleaner between them for antennas if desired.
#19. Pool Noodle Rainbow Arches
This project is super simple to make and totally kid-friendly. It’s for a birthday party, classroom theme, Pride month, or just bringing extra joy into kids home or yard.
Materials Needed:
- 6 pool noodles in rainbow colors
- Zip ties
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Knife or heavy scissors
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Line up your noodles from largest arc (red) to smallest (purple), placing them in rainbow order.
Step 2: Gently bend each noodle into an arch.
Step 3: Once you’re happy with the shape, secure the ends of all noodles together using zip ties or tightly knotted yarn.
Step 4: For added stability, you can use hot glue between the layers to help them stick together as one unit.
#20. Pool Noodle Pencils
Whether you’re decorating a classroom, sprucing up a kid’s art room, or just having fun with DIY decor, these colorful pencils bring instant cheer and creativity.
The best part is that kids get to choose every color in their rainbow pencil bouquet.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle per pencil (any color)
- Tan or beige cardstock
- Black or brown marker, paint, or cardstock for the lead
- White paper or cardstock
- Pink foam sheet or cardstock
- Hot glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut one end of the noodle into a sharp point using a craft knife or serrated blade (kids need the adults help).
Step 2: Wrap tan paper into a cone and glue it to the pointed end of the noodle to mimic the wood part of the pencil.
Step 3: Add a small black triangle at the tip to create the lead.
Step 4: On the opposite end, wrap white paper around the noodle as the metal band.
Step 5: Finish with a pink eraser cap made of foam or cardstock, glued securely.
#21. 4th of July Pool Noodle Rockets
These patriotic pool noodle rockets are an explosive way to celebrate Independence Day.
Bursting with red, white, and blue flair, they’re a fantastic project for kids or an eye-catching centerpiece for your backyard barbecue.
Materials Needed:
- 1 red pool noodle (cut into 4–6″ segments)
- Blue cardstock
- Adhesive stars
- 1–2 decorative paper straws per rocket
- Patriotic ribbon, garland, or tinsel
- Hot glue
- A jar or base filled with dry beans or rice
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut the red pool noodle into sections about 4–6 inches tall.
Step 2: Cut blue cardstock into circles and form them into cone shapes, then glue one cone to the top of each noodle section.
Step 3: Decorate each rocket body with sticky stars or cut-out shapes in red, white, and blue.
Step 4: Insert or glue a couple of straws into the bottom of each rocket. Add curling ribbon, tinsel, or patriotic garland for a firework-style trail.
Step 5: Display your rockets in a mason jar filled with dried beans or sand to keep them upright.
#22 Rainbow Pool Noodle Foot Mat
If your feet are begging for something soft to land on after a long day of play, this DIY pool noodle mat might be your new favorite thing.
With bright, layered colors and squishy comfort, this project turns leftover noodles into something to cushion your kids steps in a playroom, bathroom, or reading nook.
Materials Needed:
- 5–7 pool noodles in assorted colors
- Zip ties or strong elastic cords (10–15 pieces)
- Serrated knife
- Measuring tape
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut each noodle to matching lengths, about 3 feet is a good standard for a child-sized mat.
Step 2: Layer the noodles concentrically, starting from the center and working your way outward to create a rainbow spiral.
Step 3: Once arranged, secure the entire structure using zip ties or elastic cords.
Step 4: Trim off the ends of the ties, flip it over, and step onto your brand-new cushy mat.
#23. Candy Corn Triangle Wreath
This candy corn–inspired wreath takes the humble pool noodle and turns it into a sweet autumn greeting with just the right pop of color. It’s cheerful, festive, and brings the perfect handmade warmth to Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pool noodle (cut to 3 pieces, approx. 12″–14″ each)
- White, orange, and yellow crepe paper or fabric strips
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Ribbon
- Faux flowers in orange, yellow, and white
- Duct tape
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut your pool noodle into three equal pieces and shape them into a triangle. Use duct tape to secure the corners tightly.
Step 2: Wrap each side in its designated color, white for the top, orange for the middle, and yellow for the bottom. Use hot glue to secure the ends.
Step 3: Add a bow to the top point of the triangle and glue a cluster of faux flowers at one corner to give it that handcrafted touch.
Step 4: Attach a loop of ribbon to the back for easy hanging.
