Keeping the kids busy for hours without using a screen can be challenging at times. However, you can create an exciting outdoor obstacle course with a little imagination and about 15 minutes for crafting. Turn your backyard into a fun-filled green space without breaking the bank or needing complicated tools.
Pool noodles are the perfect DIY material you can use to make the whole course colorful and versatile—plus, they are easy to use! Learn how to make pool noodle obstacles for backyard games and more. Obstacle courses are fun for the whole family! Why not give it a go?
Why Pool Noodles Are Perfect for Backyard Games
Pool noodles are lightweight, budget-friendly, and super easy to use, making them ideal for backyard projects. Their soft, flexible structure means they’re safe for kids to play around, while their sturdiness provides enough support for building unique, interactive game setups.
Pool noodles also come in a variety of sizes and colors. A giant pool noodle is a great way to make your backyard games much more fun. However, regularly-sized pool noodles will work just fine if you already have a bunch of them lying around.
Supplies You’ll Need
You will only need a few supplies to begin this project. Some of the materials include duct tape (available in various colors), wood stakes or PVC pipes, scissors or a utility knife, zip ties or foam connectors, a glue gun, small sandbags, and pool noodles.
The pool noodles you use can be regular or jumbo size or a combination. They can be whatever colors you like, but they must be hollow-core versions to make it easy to stake them into the ground.
The glue gun and small sandbags are optional, and you can use them for added stability.
DIY Pool Noodle Obstacle Ideas and Easy Instructions
Now that you have your supplies, you can begin creating a pool noodle obstacle course with these easy instructions for each type of game.
1. Create a Weaving Maze
A weaving maze can be a great game for races or relay challenges. Use wooden stakes or PVC pipes to insert the pool noodles into the ground in a zigzag pattern. Slide pool noodles over the stakes to act as barriers, creating a weaving maze. Create varying heights for added difficulty for older children or keep them consistent for younger players.
2. Build a Ring Toss Game
Everyone knows how to play ring toss, and if not, it’s one of the easiest games to learn. Bend a pool noodle into a circle and secure the ends with duct tape to create rings. Create different-sized rings to make the game more challenging. Then, use wooden dowels or stakes as stands and place them in the ground at different distances. The goal is to toss the rings onto the stands, so consider making the game age- and size-appropriate for your kiddos.
3. Make a Mini Soccer Goal
Get the kids interested in soccer by building a mini-soccer goal. Attach two upright pool noodles to PVC pipes to form the side posts. Connect them with another pool noodle bent into a U-shape as the crossbar. Use duct tape to secure the ends. Now, you have a colorful and safe soccer goal that is perfect for kids to practice their aim.
4. Design a Limbo Station
Limbo is a crowd favorite and a great way to keep everyone laughing and active. For this, you need two tall stakes or PVC pipes to act as the side stands. Slip one pool noodle horizontally over the top to serve as the limbo bar. And remember, you can adjust the height with zip ties based on the players’ ages or skill levels.
5. Set Up a Hurdle Track
Setting up a track that includes hurdles is perfect for the kids who can’t stop running. Place pool noodles across two stakes to form hurdles. Adjust the height based on the age group or type of game.
Keep the hurdles low for younger kids. Raise the hurdles to ramp up the challenge for teens or adults. Multiple hurdles can turn a backyard into a mini track-and-field setup.
6. Build an Obstacle Tunnel
Everyone’s number one favorite pool noodle backyard game is the obstacle course tunnels. Bend several pool noodles into arches, then secure both ends into the ground using stakes. Place the arches in a row to create a crawl-through tunnel. This game is particularly exciting for races or scavenger hunts and adds an interactive element to outdoor playtime.
Tips for Pool Noodle Crafting
Consider incorporating team colors for competitive games by using different-colored duct tape. Add weights to larger obstacles, such as soccer goals or hurdles, to stabilize them during gameplay, especially if it’s windy. Ensure all edges are smooth and secure to prevent any safety hazards and avoid exposed stakes by fully covering them with foam.
Making pool noodle obstacles allows for endless creativity. These games will entertain kids and adults alike at any outdoor gathering, whether you’re planning a backyard birthday party, a summer barbecue, or just a casual day of fun.
The Benefits of Pool Noodle Obstacles
Aside from the hours of entertainment for your kids that aren’t screen-related, pool noodle obstacles also promote group activities, stimulate creativity, improve motor skills, encourage problem-solving, and keep kids physically active.
Make Your Backyard a Playground of Fun
With just a little creativity and a few pool noodles, you can turn your backyard into an adventure zone that excites your kids no matter their age.
Creating fun outdoor activities doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Learning how to make pool noodle obstacles for backyard games is a simple yet rewarding project that brings families and friends together. With just a few materials and group energy, you all can build unique, challenging games that everyone will enjoy.
Start crafting today and make your backyard the go-to spot for outdoor fun. Visit Foam Noodles to stock up on giant pool noodles and make unforgettable memories with these colorful and practical creations.
