Summer Fun Continues: Transforming Leftover Pool Noodles into Kid-Friendly Crafts

Summer Fun Continues: Transforming Leftover Pool Noodles into Kid-Friendly Crafts

As summer draws to a close and the pool toys find their way into storage, don't let those leftover pool noodles go to waste! These colorful and versatile foam tubes can be transformed into exciting crafts that are sure to keep the fun going all year round. In this post, we'll explore four fantastic crafts you can create using your leftover pool noodles: a pool noodle stick horse, Pom Pom shooters, back-to-school photo props, and a pool noodle race track.

1. Pool Noodle Stick Horse: Giddy Up for Playtime!

Transform your pool noodles into adorable stick horses that are perfect for imaginative play. Here's how:

• Start by folding a piece of felt in half and in half again. Cut along the line and then continue to cut strips without fully cutting the felt. This will create the mane. 
• Cut a six inch slit down the pool noodle. This is where you will insert the mane.  
• Decorate the horse's face with googly eyes, and ears made of foam. 
• Fold the head of the horse back and use ribbon to hold it in place. 
• Your little ones will have a blast galloping around the house on their new pool noodle stick horses.

2. Pom Pom Shooters: Launch Colorful Fun!

Pool noodles can also become the launching pad for hours of Pom Pom-shooting entertainment. Here's what you need to do:

• Cut a pool noodle into smaller sections, about 12-18 inches in length.
• Tie a balloon and cut the tip off. 
• Stretch the balloon over the pool noodle piece. 
• Seal the balloon by gluing or taping it down. 
• Load small Pom Poms into the open end of the noodle.
• Hold the closed end and give the balloon a gentle pull to send the Pom Poms soaring through the air.

3. Back-to-School Photo Props: Capture Memories with Whimsy

Make going back to school a memorable experience with customized photo props made from pool noodles:

• Create oversized pencils by wrapping a pool noodle in yellow duct tape and attaching a pink eraser-shaped foam piece to one end. 
• Kids can hold these creative props while striking poses for those first-day-of-school photos.

4. Pool Noodle Race Track: Zoom into Excitement!

Turn your leftover pool noodles into an exciting race track for small toy cars:

• Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise.
• Line up the two halves side by side to create a straight track or curve them to form a fun raceway.
• Use additional pool noodles as barriers along the track to keep the cars on course.
• Let your kids race their toy cars down the track and enjoy hours of competitive play.

Who knew that a simple pool noodle could lead to such an array of entertaining crafts? From stick horses to photo props, Pom Pom shooters to race tracks, these projects offer endless possibilities for creativity and play. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover pool noodles from the summer, don't hesitate to dive into these imaginative crafts and keep the fun flowing all year long.