Outdoor games are a fantastic way to keep children active and engaged while encouraging creativity and teamwork. During the summertime or even for special events, pool noodles offer parents and caregivers an affordable option for many activities. These versatile foam tubes can spark hours of imagination and excitement, prompting kids to get outdoors and stay active.
In today’s screen-driven world, it’s more important than ever to get kids off devices and onto their feet. Pool noodle games provide the perfect balance of physical activity and mental stimulation. Try these ten outdoor pool noodle games your kids will love and watch them embrace fun, real-world adventures.
Pool Noodle Croquet
Turn your backyard into a playful croquet course using about four to six pool noodles. Cut the noodles in half to form arches, then secure the ends into the ground using wooden stakes or metal rods. Place the arches at various points in your play area to create a pathway, and let kids use soft balls and lightweight plastic mallets (or even just their hands and feet) to play through the course. Add to the challenge by spacing the arches farther apart or arranging them in curves.
Floating Ring Toss
Craft rings out of pool noodles for a simple yet engaging game. You’ll need about two to three pool noodles to create the rings with each forming two to three rings. Secure the ends of the noodle sections together using duct tape or waterproof adhesive to form circular rings. Place stakes into the ground or opt for small cones as targets, and challenge kids to accurately toss the rings.
Turn the game into a poolside activity and make it even more exciting by letting the rings float on the water. Doing so adds an extra layer of difficulty, as kids must be more precise with their throws. The Floating Ring Toss game is sure to keep kids entertained while honing their coordination skills, whether on land or in the water.
Pool Noodle Javelin Throw
Channel Olympic-style fun by creating foam javelins using pool noodles. For this game, you’ll need roughly two to four pool noodles, depending on how many “javelins” you want to create. Each uncut pool noodle can be a javelin, or you can cut them into sections for smaller versions or to multiply your count.
Then, set up scoring zones using hula hoops, drawn circles on the ground, or other marked areas. Kids throw the noodles to land them in the scoring zones, refining their aim and adding an energizing competitive edge to the game.
DIY Obstacle Course
Unleash your kids’ creativity by building a thrilling obstacle course with four to six pool noodles to create arches, hoops, tunnels, hurdles, and more. Secure the noodles in different shapes to challenge kids to climb, crawl, and run through the course. This activity combines physical exercise with problem-solving, making it fun and educational. Add timers or team challenges for a competitive edge, encouraging kids to race and build teamwork skills while having fun.
Pool Noodle Sword Fights
No summer day is complete without a dose of imaginative fun. Use one to two pool noodles to create foam swords, trimming them to the desired length and decorating the handles with silver duct tape for a “metallic” effect. Establish simple rules for safety during the kids’ “battles” and watch as they channel their inner knights or superheroes while engaging in active playtime. This game provides endless opportunities for creativity, physical activity, and friendly competition, all while keeping kids entertained for hours.
Target Practice
Set a fun and challenging target practice game using just two to three pool noodles, cutting them into smaller segments to serve as throwing tools. Attach balloons or lightweight objects to fences or large boards using string and assign points to each target. Players take turns aiming and knocking targets loose, earning points based on accuracy. Vary the target sizes and point values, ensuring that each round presents a fresh challenge to keep the game exciting.
Limbo Contest
Pool noodle limbo is a simple yet hilarious game that guarantees nonstop fun. Using one to two pool noodles to create a limbo bar, with two children holding each side while others take turns bending backward to pass underneath. Lower the noodle each round to increase the challenge and excitement, keeping kids on their toes. Only one limbo champion will remain standing as the game progresses, making for a laughter-filled competition.
Pool Noodle Hockey
Turn any space into a fast-paced rink with two to three pool noodles. Use them to create makeshift hockey sticks by adding duct tape handles to the straight sections. Pair the sticks with lightweight balls to promote friendly floor or ground hockey. Set up miniature goals using hula hoops or storage containers, and watch as kids run, laugh, and score goals in this action-packed activity! Pool noodle hockey guarantees endless fun, whether for one-on-one or team play!
Pool Noodle Maze
Create a colorful and engaging maze using four to six full-length pool noodles to form the walls. Design winding pathways that lead to a finish line, with small treasures or themed prizes waiting at the end to reward kids for their efforts. Use the noodles on soft grass or sand, creating a fun challenge that will keep kids engaged as they navigate the maze. This pool noodle maze promises hours of entertainment as children solve the puzzle step by step, whether it’s simple or complex!
Water Fun Challenge
Combine water play with pool noodle fun for an unforgettable experience. Use two to four pool noodles, cutting them into sections to create water cannons by cutting out small holes on the side. Submerge them in water and cover one end to create a temporary seal. Quickly release the seal and watch the water spray out, delighting kids on hot summer days. Create team activities, such as filling buckets with water using only the noodles or hosting water balloon competitions with launchers made from sliced noodles.
Explore Creativity With Endless Pool Noodle Projects
These ten outdoor pool noodle games your kids will love offer endless customization options that can suit any space, group size, or age. Perfect for spring and summer fun or special entertainment at an event, pool noodles turn ordinary play into extraordinary adventures. You can unlock hours of creative and engaging play for kids of all ages by reimagining the pool noodle’s use beyond the pool.
Consider sourcing wholesale pool noodles for high-quality, affordable pool noodles to fuel your next creative project. Honor Trading Company offers durable, versatile options to kickstart your pool noodle fun. Check out their selection today and start planning the next way you’re going to get those kids off those screens!
